The time has come… I’m turning 40 soon. Time changes tomorrow and I’m contemplating is there a way to turn back the clock on aging? (Side note: I would be a vampire if I could. You know around the age of 25, then I could stay youthful and beautiful forever! Don’t worry! I would not hurt anyone. I would link up with a blood bank or hospital as a 25 year old vampire… these ideas linger in my brain from one of my favorite shows. Shout out to Vampire Diaries!)
Okay, so back to turning 40 soon. I’ve been on my skincare journey about a year and half now. I wanted to get ahead of the game and learn how to prevent and/ or correct fine lines, wrinkles, and age marks because pregnancy and getting older changes your skin, along with everything else on your body. I made an appointment with my dermatologist for my annual skin screening and possible Botox consultation. (This is your reminder to schedule YOUR skin screening! Skin cancer is real and deadly. This appointment is part of your self-care routine and staying healthy!)
I was young and semi trendy in the early 2000’s so, yes! I went to the tanning bed often, don’t come for me! Times were different! Your friends, pop culture icons, basically everyone was super tan from tanning beds. So naturally, I was tan too. Not to mention, moving from Georgia to Florida.. everyone is tan in the Sunshine State. Making the dermatologist appointment a year and a half ago was very scary but, I could not ignore the random “suspicious” spots any longer. I needed answers!
The dermatologist completed the skin screening and listened as I told him my areas of concern. I did end up getting biopsies for a few spots (luckily all benign!) I asked about Botox and he didn’t think I needed it, YET! He suggested retinol, specifically Tretinoin 0.1. He said “use a small amount at first, once a week then work yourself up to using more frequently. Make sure to moisturize as it can be drying.” I took the script and it stayed under the seat of my car for a few days. Then while deep into a skincare TikTok spiral, I remembered to get the script filled.
I drove to my local pharmacy and picked up my first tube of Tretinoin. I get home and use my favorite cleanser from Dermalogica, add my generic moisturizer, then I applied about a pea sized amount of retinol all over my face and neck.
If you have ever used retinol products, you know where this is headed. The “retinol uglies” and “skin purging” are in fact very real.
I 100% did not do my research on retinol prior to using and I quickly had regrets.
About 2 weeks into using retinol, the skin purging began. The Tretinoin 0.1 I was prescribed is the strongest dose. (I probably could have started on the lowest dose and maybe my skin purging would not have been as intense.) After hours of searching on websites and social media outlets, I learned about the process of using retinol. Here’s a quick overview:
Skin cell production is increased when you use retinol (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
When the skin cells turn over so quickly, your skin will more than likely peel. Which is why moisturizing is key! I use the Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick around my nose and mouth for extra skin hydration. Also, when you start using a retinol, start by using a low dose once or twice a week.
Be ready for possibly having some acne, peeling, and patchy dry areas because it will most likely happen. Get mentally prepared and stay focused on the results you are seeking. I’m telling you again, retinols can cause clogged pores, redness, peeling, and some breakouts. This is called the retinol skin purging. This is the unfortunate stage where your skin may get worse before it gets better.
My skin purge lasted about 6 months and there were days it was really severe, there were tears, and I thought about not using it anymore. Luckily, I work remotely so I was able to hide my face most days. It was brutal, I’m not going to lie. The end game is to have gorgeous, clear skin and I am beyond happy that I stuck out the hard times and continued this journey. My skin is healthy, hydrated, and the appearance of my skin is the best it has ever looked!
I have tried a lot of different products and finally feel confident with my skincare routine. Here are my favorite skincare essentials that I have found to work for me (please note, I am not a doctor and this is based solely on my research and experimenting on my skin):
- Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (daily, double cleanse each time)
- Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (daily)
- La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream (daily)
- Tretnoin 0.1/ Retinol (2-3 times a week) – prescription needed
- Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (2-3 times a week, not on same day at retinol)
- e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Eye Cream (daily)
- L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum (daily)
- Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick (as needed for dry areas)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 70 (as needed)
- La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water (as needed, first step to removing makeup then cleanser, etc.. )
- Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover & Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes (as needed, for eye makeup removal)
Remember, everyone’s skin is different therefore, different products will work for different people.
I have settled in with the above products for my skincare routine. Let me know what works for you and your skin! I’m still on my makeup testing journey. Once I am confident with my makeup choices, I will post what I discover. Stay tuned!
Cheers! T.
Milk Cartons and Wine Bottles 