5 Step Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine [Part 2]

The importance of a consistent skin care routine can’t be underestimated, especially if you want to look great and age well.  In Part 1, I talked about the basics of skin care. In this post, I want to delve into advanced techniques, particularly for women over 40. Here is my 5 step anti-aging skin care routine for mature skin.

Anti Aging Skin Care Routine For Mature Skin

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Advanced skin care is not for the faint of heart. It takes a fair amount of commitment because the results are cumulative. The pay out, however is definitely worth the time and effort. Here are 5 skin care techniques worth incorporating into your daily routine:

1. Acne Treatments

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There’s no doubt, acne is a frustrating and miserable condition that affects the self-esteem of those suffering from it. It’s also persistent and chronic. It’s difficult to determine whether acne stems from hormonal imbalances, diet, or stress. Food sensitivities, and stress may aggravate acne, but the truth is, many cases stem from genetic and hormonal components.

Teenage acne occurs when overactive sebaceous glands, from an overabundance of androgens, clog hair follicles. This is why acne is more common during these years. Adults, however are not immune to acne, although it’s not as prevalent.  Adult acne can be unnerving and feel quite intractable.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, with no cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of my links.

Products For Acne

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Most acne treatments, including soaps, lotions and gels, contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tretinoin. Salicylic acid prevents clogged pores, benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, and tretinoin retards oil secretion. These ingredients are effective, but may be too drying for certain skin types.

Here’s an acne cream that is formulated with tea tree oil, which is both antibacterial and anti-fungal. It also has salicylic acid to keep pores from getting clogged, along with Shea butter, rosehip seed oil, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, four of my favorite skin care ingredients These anti-acne ingredients are good for all skin types.

2. Anti Aging Serums

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I’m a huge fan of anti-aging serums that contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. I combine both in my serum. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and superstar ingredient in anti-aging potions, serums, and creams. It has been show to brighten the complexion, reduce damage caused by the sun, and even out skin tone.

Where vitamin C really shines is in its ability to stimulate collagen, the main structural protein in the skin responsible for maintaining elasticity, leading to wrinkle-free, radiant, plump skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free-radical damage, which is known to cause dullness, dryness, wrinkling, and a rugged, weathered look. It also augments the effect of various skin care procedures, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

[Read More: How To Age Gracefully With Vitamin C Serum]

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

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Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a gooey substance that the body naturally produces. It is found abundantly in the skin, eyes, and connective tissue.  Like other naturally-produced substances, it declines with age. Hyaluronic acid binds water in the skin, retaining moisture to keep it supple. It also draws moisture from the air. This is significant because skin that is well-hydrated is less prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.

This is why HA is a prominent ingredient in the skin care industry. It is used topically and as injections. Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together are an incredible combination to increase collagen, and protect against sun damage, leading to a firmer and younger-looking complexion.

3. Firming Eye Creams

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Eye creams add an additional layer of moisture to the delicate eye area that is most prone to wrinkling. Moisturizing eye creams are used at night to hold in moisture and hydrate your sensitive eye-area while you sleep. They are a vital addition to any anti-aging skin care regimen, and can help prevent premature aging, particularly if you start using them before any visible signs of aging appear.

Eye creams typically contain ingredients that are thicker than traditional creams and lotions. Active ingredients include retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, squalane, peptides, and even caffeine to reduce under-eye puffiness. Eye creams, supercharged with these ingredients, prevent wrinkles, and also reduce their visibility.

[Read More: Squalane [A Natural Remedy For Beautiful Skin]

Some eye creams are formulated with sunscreens if you want to add an additional layer of sun protection throughout the day, while also reducing dark circles. You’ll pay more for high-quality eye creams, but remember a little dab is all you need, so they’ll last a long time. If eye bags are your nemesis, keep your cream in the fridge because the cold is good for puffiness. Lock in long-lasting moisture with this awesome eye bomb.

4. Red Light Therapy

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I adore red light therapy and have been using it for years. It’s a 100% natural, non-invasive and chemical-free therapy you can do at home. It’s painless, with absolutely no side effects, and requires no downtime. Red light reduces pain so is great to use on other parts of your body besides your face.

The infrared light stimulates collagen, and repairs UV damage from the sun.  And if you have acne, a red lamp is simply a must. Other beneficial reasons to use red light include evening out skin tone, minimizing scars, moisturizing the skin, and decreasing inflammation. Red light therapy has been extensively studied and is FDA approved.

I consider red light therapy a home-remedy hack because it’s inexpensive, effective, and you can do it whenever, and how often, you want. Red light increases circulation, which will give your skin a stunning glow because better blood flow means more nutrition for the skin. And the heat feels so soothing on your face.

Red Light For Scar Tissue

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Red light is purported to heal damaged tissue. This is why it’s effective for scarring and acne, and conditions such as rosacea, which is inflammatory. There are expensive red light devices you can buy, which are amazing, but you can also take advantage of the healing properties of red light by buying a red bulb, along with a protective covering.

Shine the light on your face for ten minutes a day, and see if you don’t fall in love! All this for under 20 bucks. That right there is my definition of a DIY hack. You can also buy full body red light therapy devices.

[Read More: Red Light Therapy Benefits [5 Therapeutic Effects]

5. Dermarolling

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Dermarolling, also called microneedling, is something I do at least four times a week. It adds three or four minutes to my routine, but is worth the time investment. Who would have thought that a little roller, with hundreds of tiny needles, would be anti-aging? You’ll see why it is when you understand the science behind it.

Though it sounds slightly terrifying, dermarolling is actually minimally invasive. When the skin sustains micro-injuries, it produces collagen. This is how the body repairs itself. More collagen means more elasticity, which leads to a younger-looking complexion.

Dermarolling also regenerates cells, accelerating healing, while reducing sagging and eye bags. It may even work on stretch marks. I’ve never had acne so I can’t testify to the effectiveness of dermarolling for scarring, but I have read testimonials where people swear by it. Check this one out.

Benefits Of Dermarolling

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Dermarolling is great for minor skin discoloration, but you wouldn’t want to use it if you have psoriasis, eczema, a sunburn, or active skin infections. And it won’t break the bank because it’s super inexpensive. In fact, you can buy a dermaroller for around $25.00, whereas, getting a treatment at a spa might put you back anywhere from $50.00 – $100.00.

Another great advantage of dermarolling is to enhance product absorption. This is due to the tiny punctures created by the roller, allowing your serums and eye creams to absorb deeper into the skin, boosting their effectiveness. I consider dermarolling another DIY remedy because it doesn’t cost a lot, and you can do it at home.

[Read More: How To Use A Dermaroller For Younger Looking Skin]

Key Points

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Skin ages. It’s an unfortunate fact of life, fortunately there are strategies we can take to slow down the process. Anti-aging serums, eye creams, red light therapy, and dermarolling are all advanced skin care techniques that are worth the time and effort.

What are your favorite skin care remedies? Please leave a comment or question below.