How is it Earth Day? Where did New Year’s go?  I’ve been playing catch-up, it seems, for the past few years….a story for another day.  But, slowly, I’m getting back the organized, goal-oriented, happy person back I once was.  A big part of my journey has been putting myself first and, to be blunt, getting rid of the people and things that make me feel like shit.

I don’t know about you, but as my life fell into chaos a few years ago (didn’t the pandemic do that to all of us?), so did my hair, my nails, my skin, my weight.  I seemed to have aged rapidly.  Turning 60 didn’t help!  Last year, I started to take my life back, started to put the brakes on the bad habits and now, good habits, are becoming my daily routine.  It’s certainly harder to bring your skin back into vibrancy after 60.  I’ve done a lot of med spa treatments in the past 12 months or so.  They are great for getting the quick results I can’t get on my own.

This year….I don’t know…I want a more frugal approach to skin care.  So, my at-home regimen is the focus.  This is more in alignment with my more frugal, more minimalistic, less cluttered up life.   Don’t get me wrong, I’ll return to the med spa too.  Just not so soon.  I’m gonna see how much bang for my buck I can get at home.

 

My 2024 goals (May – December):

1. Reduce age spots on my face, hands, forearms.
2. Minimize wrinkles around my eyes (don’t you hate when you smile and the crow’s feet go nuts?)
3. Minimize dark under eyes
4. Improve condition of lips
5. Improve overall dryness/flaking of skin (my extremities seem to be the driest)
6. Decrease puffiness to my face
7. Decrease double chin/jowls and create a more defined jaw line
8. Work on growing thicker/fuller/healthier hair
9. Improve nail quality
10. Get improved sleep, diet and hydration

The REGIMEN:

Daily  (or 5-7 days/week, dependent on peeling associated with tretinoin reaction): 

I use an on-line prescription skin treatments from Agency SkinCare (on-line NP directed analysis of skin and prescription specific to you) can be found at:  https://withagency.com/.

FYI, My formula is a follows –

– tretinoin 0.14% (improves fine lines, texture, firmness, hyperpigmentation; evens tone and unclogs pores)
– dexpanthenol 1% (a form of ProVitamin B5 that helps to soothe, hydrate and restore skin)
– tranexamic acid 5% (fights hyperpigmentation and redness)
– niacinamide 4% (a form of vitamin B3 that fights inflammation and hyperpigmentation)

SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN:  https://amzn.to/3xHrzHQ – This one is my current favorite because it’s 100% mineral sunscreen with an spf of 50, has Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide + Ceramides (Can’t beat that!)

I use a combination of mineral and other types, with a liberal application, but one fav is linked above.  I have sunscreen in every purse, bag, backyard, on my counters, in my medicine cabinets, cars, etc….Access means you will use it.  The more you use it the more you use it.  I cover up a lot, weather-dependent, wear hats, but any areas of sun exposure (especially the face, hands, forearms, neck, ears, etc…get frequent daily applications.  Skin cancer funs in my family and, frankly, I don’t want it, or the aging effects sun can create.  If I want a tan, I use an home tanners for that “feel like I’m summer ready” look.  Once you start religiously applying it, combined with other items listed below, the age spots DO start to disappear!

WHAT GOES IN/ON MY BODY:

Eating more plant based, practicing intermittent fasting to promote weight loss, taking melatonin nightly for sleep (5-10 mg.), drinking less caffeine products, more water (including lemon water), applying organic coconut oil daily to any area of body that is dry (sometimes I use a sugar scrub to exfoliate beforehand to increase absorption of product), staying away from nail polish/away from getting mani/pedis in salons (too expensive and too risky re: fungal infections), eat water rich fruits like watermelon to hydrate and fill me up (one of my current favs is to make a watermelon salad with heirloom tomatoes, organic cucumbers, red onion with my own vinaigrette – simple and delicious!)  And, ya know what, with this regimen and the associated weight loss, I feel like I’m releasing bad juju, bad experiences that aged me.  My cheek bones are reappearing.  My neck and jaw line are getting more and more snatched.  This is an area that perhaps most ages us.  I didn’t know if I could bring it back with weight loss, but am happy to report, IT’S WORKING, THANK GOD!

Cleansing/Mask Products That Are Leveling up my Skin:

To be honest, I think anything with Turmeric & Kojic Acid is a true game changer.  For years, I’ve tried everything to lighten my sun spots, including various expensive med spa laser treatments.  Nothing seemed to work.  I think the combination of my Agency Formula, Suncreen and these products below are kinda, sorta MIRACLES!  I highly recommend these for the “Most bang for your buck award!!!!”

https://amzn.to/3W5xGA0:  Turmeric and Kojic Cleansing Pads (miracle for age spots).  Warning keep away from eyes because it stings!  I found using these + my Agency Formula have reduced my age spots by 50-75%.  If your age spots drive you crazy, try these!

https://amzn.to/4aKCf7k: Kojie San Skincare Bundle – Facial Brightening Set with 2 Bars of Kojic Acid Soap, Face Cream & Exfoliating Face Brush

https://amzn.to/3xJOMJr:  ANAI RUI Turmeric Vitamin C Clay Mask -Rose Facial Mask –Avocado Green Tea Mud Mask,Facial Mask Skincare for Deep Cleansing,Purify Pores SPA Mask Set 2.5 oz each

(I just started using these and they feel nice, remind me that I can have a spa day at home anytime I want.  Plus, I can drink my coffee while it dries. Pretty easy removal too, not too pulling/drying on my aging skin.)

https://amzn.to/4b2PShS: (Helpful HINT)

Wide Headbands For Women Knotted Headband African Womens Head Wraps Stretchy Hair Accessories Bands Tie Dye 4 Pack.  (I find if I have lots of hair wraps around the house, especially bathroom cabinet drawers, it puts me in the mood to do my skin care.  These are comfortable and DIRT CHEAP!)

Four-Five Times a Week:

• Use of Omnilux Contour Face Mask https://amzn.to/44cwPzF.  This is a comfortable/Wearable mask that can be used while doing other things.  It runs for about 10 minutes.  Has a chargeable cord/battery pack.   It’s pretty expensive, as you can see from the link, so I didn’t buy their other mask for my neck.  I just use the face mask over my neck wrinkles.  It’s less comfortable/have to lay down to do it, but it works.

Use of my NuFACE Trinity https://amzn.to/3JzF8M4.  I find this one harder to remember to use, but consistent use really matters.  I don’t own the red light attachment, because I have the Omnilux Face Mask.  I do use the Aqua Gel.  Some people use ultrasound gel or aloe, but I thick this formula gets better results.  I realize both this, the Agency Formula and the Omnilux price-wise do add up.  I avoided buying them for years.  But, at some point, I felt the wrinkles I was seeing warranted it.  If you find it hard to afford, buying on time is an option, from sites like Klarna, etc…  If you are 60+, this investment in yourself is a lot cheaper than the med spa route and the devices will last you years and years.  So yes the initial investment is a lot, but saves you $ in the long run.

HAIR MASKS, HAIR MASKS, HAIR MASKS!

Okay, so I’m taking a break from lightening my hair.  I was overdoing it!  My hair has become quite straw like and too blond (unnatural looking).   Plus it’s too expensive!  I was spending $300-400 every 8-10 weeks.  I’m letting my hair grow out (other reason to pick up some wide head bands), finding out where my grey hairs are, using the occasional purple shampoo, or toning it at home.  But the real game changer for me are my hair masks.  I use a variety of ones, alternating them with argan oils for application before brushing or after I shower.  This is a new habit for me, but I can already see some improvement, along with gentler brushing.  I think as my hair grows up, the texture and health of my new hair will be something I haven’t seen in years.  I don’t know if I’ll let my hair go natural or not.  I reserve the right to change my mind.  But, for now, healing my hair is the priority.

The pricier (i.e., $60 one) is: KÉRASTASEResistance Strengthening Hair Mask for Damaged Hair from Heat Styling https://amzn.to/4aHMJV9.

The cheaper ones are:  Single use packs you find in the hair aisle at CVS.   I don’t think it matters that much which ones you buy, just get the protein back in your hair.  Here’s the ones I’m currently using lately:

While there are a few other products in my rotation as I’m always open to trying new, less expensive at home products, above is my basic regimen for 60+ skin/hair/nail care.  I know I can’t stop the hands of time from marching on.  But, with these products, I know I can slow those F-ers down and look my best.  We’ll see what I look like December 31st!!!!

Please, please, please, comment below if you are also on an at-home, see what you can do journey to look younger.  What do YOU do that makes a difference in what you see in the mirror (inquiring minds wanna know.)

Love yourself, love your life,

Mrs. Sassy Pants