All about...skin

Hi, my name is Mary and I'm a web developer/actress in her late 40s from Quincy, MA. And I love skincare!

[skincareobsessionmary]

Skin changes with the 'times

Hey everyone!

 So I don’t know about you but my skin was not good to go through a lot of this Winter. Dry, red and irritated.  Maybe from anti-aging products I was using, like Vitamin E and collagen cream.  So I stopped those and would put on Cerave (which has nice non-irritating anti-aging ingredients like Niacinamide,[a form of Vitamin B3] and Hyaluronic Acid) right out of the shower.  Seemed to really help.  

Our skin will change as we get older so some products we adore may give us issues.   Be aware Vitamin E alone can be allergenic for many people, like I think it is for me now.

Be in tune with your skin and make changes to your routine as needed.

Btw, in case anyone was interested, I have a pinterest for my favorite products (I suggest looking them up though to see if there are any ingredients that your skin may not like).

https://www.pinterest.com/ferrara4797/fave-skin-care-items/

Btw, image is from a newspaper written by Boston teens, cool skin care advice (though if you do choose a serum definitely look at ingredients since many can be drying).

Yours in good skin health!

-Mary

[skincareobsessionmary]

Don’t spend a lot!

So I have mentioned some pricey items in this blog but I’ve also tried to talk about less pricey items.  Please don’t go broke on good skincare!  You can get great products for much less.  A lot of time you are paying for the name.  If you go to places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Ocean State Job Lot (for those in states where there aren’t any of these stores just look for discount places that sell skin care items) I have found great discounted/discontinued skincare products, some that have even sold at places like Macy’s.  You can really find some great moisturizers and great collagen, coconut oil, etc.. serums.  And some for prices as low as $5!  There is a line called “The Ordinary” (available on web sites like Beautylish) that is crazy inexpensive, from $4 to $30 on average.  I have tried some of their products and they are really good.

Yours in saving money,

-Mary

[skincareobsessionmary]

Yes, you can repair skin damage!

So I learned something, or maybe I knew it and forgot, that there are products that can actually reverse skin damage from the sun as well as loss of plumpness from general aging.  Without you necessarily having to go to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, a quote from skincancer.org:

A moisturizer with AHA or facial serum with hyaluronic acid can plump up dry skin around the eyes, making skin instantly appear less wrinkled. Continued use may help stimulate the production of new collagen, a protein that helps give skin its texture and appearance.

“Stimulate the production of new collagen”

If you are someone who has stayed out of the sun but notice you are looking a bit older than you like, it is, alas, because we lose collagen in our skin as we age.  But using products with certain ingredients doesn’t just “mask” lines, they actually produce things that can add what we’ve lost.    

Not to say that they can do as much as a doctor can, but it’s a step in the right direction, right?  

So along with using sunscreen, and staying out of the sun for prolonged periods of time (as well as a healthier lifestyle), here are things you should do to look younger:

Use products with exfoliating acids, like glycolic and fruit acids. These will reveal more youthful skin and then collagen boosting products can absorb better. Also exfoliating twice a week is good too.

Have regular facials, whether a weekly one at home or a monthly one in a salon (yes I know, those can be pricey that’s why I opt for more in-home ones).  They promote cellular turnover which reveals more youthful skin because they remove dead skin and open up pores (which is good so products can absorb better).

Use products with collagen, vitamin C, retinol, and hydraluronic acids (or hyaluronic acids).   To be honest, you can forget the collagen if you are using either Vitamin C or Hydraluronic acid, since they boost collagen production.  

I’ve just started using a Vitamin C brightener and a couple of people recently said I look way younger than 46.  Now I’ve heard this sort of thing before but I’ve noticed in pictures a bit of a difference.  Along with retinol on my forehead at night (I have the dynamic lines), it does make a difference.  

Yours in skincare.

xoxo

-Mary

[skincareobsessionmary]

Winter skin and good morning habits

Hey everyone!

Happy Winter, well almost, starting to feel that way.  Anyways, this is the time of year that our skin gets dry.  So we need to switch things up a bit from what we did during the summer.  More oil and water based cleansers, heavy serums (like maybe use a little less of that one that has fruit-acid exfoliators but more of ones that are more moisturizing, with things like olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil, etc..), and heavier moisturizers. You know the drill.  Now...if you are one that is middle aged and older with acne issues, well then maybe heavier moisturizers and serums are not the thing for you. But neither is a harsh product like Proactiv, which can age from its drying effects.  Definitely try more water-based cleansers and moisturizers.  Clean your pillow cases more frequently as they can harbor bacteria and oil, and dry your face with tissues (in general I’m not a fan of towels to dry your face because of bacteria that can accumulate, not bad to dry hands with tissues too).  

Btw, I came across this great article from Oprah.com (subscribe to their newsletters, so informative!).  It’s about six things you are doing in the morning that may be aging you:  http://www.oprah.com/health_wellness/jessica-migala-morning-habits-that-make-you-look-older

Yours in good skincare!

-Mary

PS - If you are just one of those devoted bar soap users, then it is extra important in the winter to use ones heavy in moisturizing oils like avocado, olive oil, etc.. Might i suggest Skyline’s all natural soaps :-) ?  https://www.etsy.com/shop/SkylineSoapworks?ref=l2-shopheader-name

[skincareobsessionmary]

Top sunscreen products!

Did you know some sunscreen products are more effective than others?  Consumer Reports rates several sunscreens, recommending only 15 (full list out in July).

http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20170518/consumer-reports-sunscreen-rankings-2017?ecd=wnl_skin_052417&ctr=wnl-skin-052417_nsl-ld-stry_1&mb=wn927Xp%2fbYVLsQcO2jEb%2fw%3d%3d

Remember, protecting your skin from the damaging rays of the sun is uber important, should be done not just in summer but 365 days a year!

[skincareobsessionmary]

Quick Anti-Aging Products

So I just tested three things that are supposed to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. Now mind you I know I don’t have a lot of those, just some lines on my forehead and to the sides of my eyes. But I wanted to try them and do a before and after to see if they work or not. 

Product 1:  The Fine Tip Crow's Feet Reducer

You can find this on Hammacher Schlemmer’s site:

http://www.hammacher.com/Product/88545?promo=search

Here is a before and after, the right is one week later after using this once, sometimes twice, a day.  I apologize for the difference in lighting, but I think I did see a bit of a difference after a week.

You are supposed to use the pen in circular motions around the area you are targeting. It’s supposed to make product absorb better (and you put that on after you have used the pen).  I targeted under my eyes and forehead.  Maybe a little bit of a difference.

Product 2:

Miracle 24 Face Mask: All-in-One Anti Aging Facial Treatment 

Buy here: http://bioxideausa.com/miracle-24-face-mask#sthash.cLyq8swJ.dpuf

This is apparently what John Stamos uses to look young.  You’re supposed to keep the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes (which I found clunky, hard to have it firmly down on the face, a bit too big for me) then rub the serum in, apparently the next day you will truly see results. So here is me the next day after using it (before on left and after on right).

So the jury is out on this one, I will say I had a really nice glow on my skin after rubbing the serum in.

Product 3: 

InstantEffect 90 second wrinkle reducer

Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Hydroxatone-Instant-Wrinkle-Reducer-Packettes/dp/B00BMUWH6M

So I noticed the most results with this, I don’t think the photo does it justice. 

I probably put too much of it on, didn’t read directions at first where one pump (though I have packets) is enough for both eyes.  So basically a pea size may be enough for both eyes, and in my case I used on forehead too.  You do feel a tightening effect, and in my case, probably because i used too much, it feels like glue drying on my face and a little bit of white buildup.  So less is more!

No before and after pictures on this, but if you are one to have lines on your forehead (and even around your eyes) here are two products that I’ve used (one I’m currently because it’s less costly) that work really well in softening lines, just give it a month to see best results:

Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione Deep Crease Serum, $185

To buy: Currently out of stock where I used to see it at Sephora, I would google it.

ROC Deep wrinkle filler, currently $14.84 on Amazon

To buy: https://www.amazon.com/RoC-Deep-Wrinkle-Filler-Ounce/dp/B00387F42Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421267907&sr=8-1&keywords=roc%2Bdeep%2Bwrinkle%2Bfiller&pebp=1421267911621&peasin=B00387F42Q&th=1

Btw, I came across this article about makeup for older women which I think is an important read (despite it plugging a certain cosmetic line in the end, which could be interesting to try):

https://www.boombycindyjoseph.com/pages/5-makeup-tips-for-older-women?gclid=CIORhYjp6tMCFUpNfgodZhULEw

So here’s the latest on anti aging products, for you actors out there may be good stuff to do ahead of getting new headshots.  

if I come across more good ones I will let you know.  

Yours in skincare,

-Mary

[skincareobsessionmary]

Aging issue: Glycation

 So I’m trying to take my time in writing this blog, to steer it away from a simple “products you must try” blog to rather talking about issues and things/products that will help.  Lately I have been hearing about “glycation,” which is (to quote futurederm.com): 

In glycation, excess simple carbohydrates turn into sugar in your bloodstream. These excess sugars have been linked to diabetes, adrenal fatigue, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and autoimmune disorders.

In the skin, glycation causes sugars to attach to proteins. As you can imagine, when proteins are linked to sugars instead of to one another, the skin appears less firm and smooth.

Oof, enough to lay off sugar, right? And carb foods with sugar, like pasta?   I myself love sugary stuff and pasta, so yes, this is hard. But if you want to age better you have to cut down sugars.   Cut down on any “diet” products too, even if they say they are “sugar free” that substitute stuff is not really that great for you.  Besides dietary, there are skincare products that can help counter some of the effects, more about it on futurederm.com:

https://www.futurederm.com/dhc-pqq-skincare-review-all-about-coenzyme-pqq/

This article does talk about DHC products, a Japanese line.  I have tried a few of their products and find they are very good (esp. their uber popular olive oil deep cleanser!).    I’m fascinated about Asian skincare and hope to talk more about it in the future.  I am going to be trying some of the products mentioned in this article and will report what I find.   Thanks for reading.  Coming up soon: some “quick fix” anti aging products!

[skincareobsessionmary]

Natural Product Spotlight: Skyline Soapworks

My friend Jenn told me about her friend Jennifer Anderson’s soap line.  Jenn said she loved the soaps so much that she really didn’t have to use moisturizer anymore! And seeing ingredients like Heavy Cream, shea butter, kaolin clay, Castor Oil, colloidal oatmeal, Coconut Oil, Tussah Silk, Buttermilk Powder, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, and Goat Milk I can see why!

Here’s Jennifer Anderson’s story:

Skyline Soapworks is actually the reincarnation of a business that I started back in 2002 while living in Central NY.  I think soap making originally intrigued me because it was the perfect combination of two things that I love, science and art.  I fell in love with the craft immediately and went all in!  Once I moved to Virginia (in the days before Etsy!), I picked up and continued to find local business's interested in carrying my product.  During this time, I started a new career and my family, and felt that I needed to take a break from my craft.   Fast forward to 2013.  I had been battling sensitive skin issues pretty much since moving to VA and noticed my oldest son begin to develop the same problems.  This inspired me to break out the oils and lye and pick up my craft again.   I tend to formulate my soaps to be mild and creamy using oils such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. Most bars contain real cream, goat milk, and/or buttermilk as well as luxurious silk.  They're made from scratch in small batches, ensuring that each bar is unique.Besides bar soaps, I make liquid soap and lotion.  I've made bath bombs and lip balms in the past, and hopefully will pick those up again.  I'm also hoping to expand my product line to include nail polish later this year.

You can check out Skyline Soapworks products at https://www.etsy.com/shop/SkylineSoapworks?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Also they now have an Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=hnd_pdp_byline?_encoding=UTF8&node=11260432011&lo=image&me=AE01L7XZVX7SU

[skincareobsessionmary]

Some basic things for good skin

As we age, and esp. if we are actors, we think more about how we look.  Hopefully all of us have been good with sunscreen, otherwise leathery/saggy skin as we age may be inevitable.  But if you, for the most part have been good, then please, don’t spend a fortune on skincare products. There are so many products out there that are $$$$$. You know what? You’re paying for a name, and these cockamamie things like “Q10″ they say are going to revolutionize looking younger.  I learned the hard way that if you get suckered into claims like this your cabinet/dresser/etc.. is going to look like a skin care product tester’s office.    Do your research on what is actually in these products (and believe me, there are some chemicals you don’t want on your skin, more on that in another post), do you know there are all natural stuff out there that has so much punch to it?  I recently skyped my 42-year old friend who says she just used argan oil and sunscreen, and she looks amazing.   I recently went to Scotland where a British lady with amazing skin swears by coconut oil, she uses on her skin and hair.  I actually bought some for $3 at Bed, Bath and Beyond: 

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/coconut-oil-face/

As the article will tell you, coconut oil gives you the fatty acids and antioxidants your skin needs. Even you men, wear some before you go to bed, you’ll thank me.

So I’m doing a skin care blog and I could end on coconut oil, but if you are willing to spend more and/or get products for more isolated things you want to tackle on your face, well I will post what I find, and there are things I like but I will reserve that for a later post.  But here are some things I know that help you have the best skin you can have:

1) Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.  The number one cause of looking older is from too much sun.  Please use sunscreen everyday. All over your face, neck and ears, and yes your hands too. In the summer make sure to use a body lotion with spf, at least spf 30.  If you are out for extended periods of time, reapply!  If having goopy cream is a pain, they make body sprays and nice little sticks for the face.

2) Wash your face before you go to bed!  I personally need to remember this.  Makeup will settle into pores and your lines will look deeper because of it.  The skin around your eyes will retain water.  Please. Wash your face.

3) Sleep on your back.  Whatever side you sleep on will get more wrinkles, just the way it is.

4) If you may need reading glasses, GET THEM! I think I waited too long and now I have squinty lines on my forehead (I will address ways to minimize this in a future post).

5) Drink lots of water. Happy, plump, smooth skin is hydrated skin.

6) Keep your hands to themselves.  Touching your face during the day aggravates it, causing pimples and dermatitis to arise.

7) Wash your hair a few times a week at least.  Oil and debris from hair filter onto skin, causing itch and eruptions.

8) Use toner.  Balances your skin so skin care products can absorb better, and removes soap and any remaining dirt residue.

9) Eat better.  The usual: more veggies, less junk food.

10) Don’t use towels to dry your face.  Unless they are clean.  Towels that are sitting around breed bacteria after a few days.  Use a nice clean tissue instead.

11) Use a moisturizer appropriate to the time of year.  Richer and heavier for winter, lighter for summer.

12) Sleep on satin sheets. Not only are they better for your hair but better for your skin (other materials can tug at skin).

[skincareobsessionmary]

Skin

January 2017, Inauguration of this blog :-)

So I’ve been mulling on doing a blog about skincare. Because.....since I was 10 (and I’m now 45).   I’ve been wearing moisturizer every day and been obsessed over skincare products. You know the feeling on Christmas morning you had as a kid? That’s me when I learn about a new skincare product, something “revolutionary”, something that’s going to make me look like an untouched Franklin Mint porcelain doll.....

**OK, break fantasy***

Seriously though, people have been telling me to start a blog since I’ve learned a bit and tried a lot over the years.  Nothing is going to be magical :repeat after me: nothing is going to be magical.  We age, we’ve earned those wisdom lines, stress lines, etc..and do we still want to like look like the person that knew so much less about life?  Not me.  BUT we can look the best we can at least.  In thinking about this blog I didn’t want it to be a “my fave product of the week” only for me to change my mind one week later.  I would like to share tidbits, and even have contributors.  And  yes, SOME fave products....  But I def. want contributors to share what works for them, based on their skin type, which just may be yours too.  So bear with me as I move forward, put on my thinking cap and enlighten everyone on the beauty of ...nice skin.