Sheila Hansen, Guest Blogger
I’m a retired makeup artist and green beauty expert who’s turning 70 on my next birthday. I’ve witnessed my skin change over the years (Haven’t we all?) and am not oblivious to the fine (or not so fine) lines, the loss of elasticity, the brown spots, and all the other changes that mark the aging process.
However, there are some simple remedies that can help keep your skin looking its best at any age. I’ve found that a basic, consistent evening skincare routine is one of the best things you can do at this stage of the game.
Many of the women I know, or who have been clients, do not have such a routine in place. Whatever their reasons, I can attest to the benefits of an evening skincare routine – a routine that also serves as a self-care ritual. Taking 10-15 minutes to unwind and focus on yourself benefits not only your face but your whole being. Think of your bathroom as a sanctuary. Slow down and enjoy the process. Here are the basic steps:
Step 1. Remove sunscreen and makeup. You can do this with makeup remover wipes, micellar water on a cotton pad or oil, followed by a warm washcloth.
Step 2. Cleanse. Wet your face with warm water and work up a creamy lather with your favorite cleanser. Massage gently for 20-30 seconds, rinse well, and pat your face dry. Your face should feel clean but not tight or dry.
Step 3. Tone. Follow cleansing with an alcohol-free toner on a cotton pad or use a spray toner. This calms the skin, helps balance pH levels, and prepares the skin to better absorb face creams or oils.
Step 4. Treatment. (Opitional) Apply a serum such as a retinol, hyaluronic acid, or a brightening product.
Step 5. Eye Cream. Hydrates the thin, delicate skin around the eyes. Use your ring finger to gently tap the cream around the eye area, careful to not get too close to your eyes.
Step 6. Moisturize. Massage a rich face cream, lotion, or oil into your face, throat, and chest. Make sure to use enough product.
Step 7. Lip Balm. Provides instant moisture to dry lips.
They call it “beauty sleep” for a reason. Our body signals repair and regeneration of skin cells as well as detoxification while we sleep. The right products on cleansed skin can help this process along beautifully.
A few of my favorite products:
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Farmacy Clean Bee Facial Cleanser
Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Serum
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Eye Cream
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm
Check out my FB page:
Asheville Green Beauty
More skincare articles, makeup tips, and information about healthy aging. Consultations available.