My Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

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Up until a few months ago, my skincare routine was basic: Cleanse, tone, and moisturize. But I noticed that my skin was beginning to look dull and flat, and my previously oily skin was becoming combination skin - oily in the T-zone with dry patches elsewhere. As I researched the situation (I was determined to get fresh, glowing skin again!) I realized that my skincare regimen was going to have to change. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize wasn't going to cut it any longer.

Through my research, I learned that there were a few new elements I needed to incorporate into my skincare regimen:

Hyaluronic Acid: This is a natural substance (a polysaccharide) found in skin that attracts and retains an insane amount of moisture. Our skin loses its ability to hold moisture as we age, and hyaluronic acid is the perfect skincare choice to help replenish that moisture.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C has numerous skincare benefits, among them stimulating collagen production, neutralizing free radials, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firming, and brightening dark spots. But Vitamin C is not produced by the body, so we need to apply it topically (and regularly) to the skin.

Ceramides: These are lipid molecules that hold skin cells together and form a protective layer that plumps the skin and promotes moisture. Ceramides are found naturally in skin, but as we age our ceramide levels drop - which probably at least partially explains my newfound dry patches. Incorporating ceramides into our skincare regimen helps replenish skin's moisture.

Retinol: Although I don't have many fine lines and wrinkles yet, it was time to start incorporating retinol into my regimen. When used regularly, retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and I wanted to start combatting the small amount of lines and wrinkles I have.

Sunscreen: I've been pretty good about using sunscreen in the past, but not as good as I should have been. Daily sunscreen is the #1 most important thing you can do for your skin, anti-aging wise.

So how have I incorporated all these into my skincare regimen?

My Morning Skincare Routine:

1. Cleanse - I start by cleansing my skin with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides and is soft and silky to the touch. It's my favorite cleanser and leaves my skin thoroughly cleansed but not tight and dry.
2. Tone - Next, I tone with either Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner or Sisley Floral Toning Lotion, depending on my mood. I love them both - each is alcohol-free and gentle to the skin.
3. Serums - At this point, I layer three serums: Skin Inc Vitamin C Serum, Skin Inc Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and Skin Inc Ceramide Serum. 
4. Moisturize - Next, I use a daily facial moisturizer. The one I'm currently using is Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream, which is a wonderful and fragrant cream that is intensely moisturizing but not greasy.
5. Sunscreen - My last step is sunscreen. I use my go-to facial sunscreen, Jan Marini's Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant. It is non-greasy and offers SPF 33 and water-resistant broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

In the evening, I change things up a bit by using fewer serums and adding in an exfoilation and Retinol step on alternating days.

My Evening Skincare Routine:

1. Cleanse - I cleanse with Sisley Lyslat Makeup Remover, which is my second-favorite facial cleanser - it is milky smooth and leaves my skin cleansed yet soft.
2. Tone - Just as in the morning, I use either Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner or Sisley Floral Toning Lotion.
3. Exfoliate or Retinol Serum - At this point, I do one of two things. I use the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads to chemically exfoliate my skin, or I use Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. It is important not to exfoliate and use retinol on the same occasion, so I alternate the peel pads and the retinol serum between days.
4. Hyaluronic Acid Serum - To gently boost my skin's moisture for the evening, I use the Skin Inc Hyaluronic Acid Serum (same one I use in the mornings).
5. Night Cream - I use a more intense moisturizer than during the day. Currently, I'm using CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream. For my full review of this product, see this post.

It looks like a lot on paper, but it is a relatively quick routine and it has made a significant difference in my skin. My previously dull skin now glows and looks much more radiant than before. Plus, my dry patches are gone and my T-zone is not overly oily.

What is your skincare routine like? How have you incorporated antiaging elements into your routine?

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