Skincare – The Anti-Aging Holy Grail

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been exposed to holistic health alternatives and anti-aging products. My parents have always been huge advocates for maintaining their youth, and my father eventually went on become a certified Naturopathic doctor (although he never ended up pursuing it). The amount of vitamins alone that those two take could supply an entire town😂

I was lucky enough to be raised in a health conscious environment, where my parents shared what knowledge they knew. As I got older (for reference I am 28), I began my own quest for the best products I could find on the market. After countless hours of research, notes, and being my own guinea pig, these are the products I have come up with.

Collagen Creams vs. Collagen Supplements/Powders

I was a little late to the party on this one, I will admit. For the past 2 years I have been using the Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream, which is a Korean skincare product. I have seen a major difference in the overall quality of my skin on my face and neck since I began using this product. Unfortunately, collagen creams do not actually penetrate the surface of your skin. The best that it can do is be an ultra hydrating moisturizer, which is still great for your skin.

But what about collagen supplements? If you ingest collagen will that result in better skin?

Well according to a study done by the University of Kiel in Germany, skin showed a significant improvement in elasticity after 4 and 8 weeks. A study was conducted on a group of people who were taking the collagen supplement, and others who were taking a placebo, and found that the skin elasticity of those who took the real supplement had improved after 4 weeks.

Another study conducted by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology determined that collagen supplements increased the hydration and thickness of the collagen.

So the answer is yes. Collagen supplements have been shown to increase collagen, resulting in more youthful skin.

– Below I have linked a popular supplement and powder –

Multi Collagen Supplement

Collagen Peptides Powder

 

 

Micellar Cleansing Water

Ladies, STOP USING MAKEUP WIPES! As much as I love makeup remover wipes (and have used them for many years), they actually promote wrinkles. This is simply due to the nature of how they are used – you are literally rubbing and pulling on your skin to remove your makeup. This is especially harmful to the skin around your eyes. I’ve switched over to using a micellar cleansing water, which removes makeup. You can literally see the makeup coming off your face as you gently massage the micellar water onto your skin. If you still feel like you have residual makeup left over, gently take a makeup wipe and go over your face.

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Face Wash

It is crucial that you choose a cleanser that won’t strip your skin barrier, like many harsh alkaline cleansers do. The Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser by Krave Beauty is hands down a must try. I stumbled upon this product recently while researching various Korean skincare brands, and honestly I cannot live without it. What makes this product so great for your skin is that it won’t disrupt your skin barrier, meaning it will only remove what your skin doesn’t want, while leaving behind what it needs. In other words, keeping a healthy pH balance and leaving your skin hydrated and fortified with antioxidants. I use it morning and night, and do not experience any irritation, dryness or sensitivity.

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Exfoliating

Not all exfoliants have to be harsh! Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a leave-on formula that is gentle enough to be used twice a day, after cleansing and toning. It gently exfoliates away the dead skin cells and clears pores, leaving your skin more radiant. It also helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and has an optimal pH range of 3.2-3.8. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) otherwise known as silicylic acid, actually mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin. This helps the skin to shed extra layers and unclog pores. Gently blot onto your face with a cotton pad. Do not rub! as I said previously, that will promote wrinkles.

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Toner

When purchasing a toner, be sure you are avoid any that contain alcohol. Alcohol is extremely drying on the skin, and will make your skin dull. My go to toner is rose water toner. Why? It only has one ingredient: rose water, so you know you’re avoiding all the BS. Rose water works for a plethora of different skin types, tackling all types of problems. It balances pH levels, helps to clear acne, fade dark spots, and helps reduce inflammation and redness. Plus it’s very well priced. Look for brands that have a spray top so you can skip out on the cotton pads.

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Vitamin C Serum

If I had to pick only one thing from this list, it would be vitamin C serum. I use this once a day in the morning after cleansing my skin. Applying an antioxidant to your face is so important for your skin because it helps fight free radicals, thus slowing down the aging process. Free radicals are damaging molecules which attack our bodies. They come in the form of everyday pollution we are exposed to, people smoking cigarettes or hookah around us, internal processes of the body, and the foods we eat. If you eat a lot of processed foods, you will receive free radicals from that.

You can purchase vitamin C serums almost anywhere, as most skin lines carry them. My personal favorite is the Viola Skin brand, but I will also link a more reasonably priced option below. You must make sure your vitamin C serum has not oxidized. You will know if it has if the liquid comes out with a brownish tint (it should be clear). Like many serums, they are fragile and can lose potency if they become oxidized. So make sure you are storing your bottle away from the sun, and that the bottle or tube does not allow sunlight penetration. Although the container above looks clear, the actual product glass bottle is dark brown.

SHOP HERE: VIOLA SKIN

SHOP HERE: MORE AFFORDABLE 

 

 

The Inky List Q10 Serum

Q10 (also known as Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10) is a powerhouse antioxidant, which is an enzyme found in the body. It works in the upper layers of the skin to help repair and prevent damage. As we age, the levels of Q10 enzymes in our bodies diminish, so it is important to supplement this loss. Like vitamin C, Q10 also helps prevent damage from pollutants and other environmental stressors. In addition, it also has a dual peptide called Syn Tacks, which helps promote the boost of collagen, and contains hyaluranic acid to hydrate the skin. I apply this twice a day, after my vitamin C serum or hyaluronic serum.

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Hyaluronic Acid with B5

Hyaluronic acid is found in the skin naturally, and it’s main function is to keep your tissues lubricated. HA can attract up to 1,000 times it’s weight in water, which is what makes it so great for hydrating. It assists in the reduction of wrinkles, redness, and dermatitis. I typically apply this at night after cleaning my face.

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Retinol & Retin A

Topical Vitamin C is the most used and most studied anti-aging compound. Retinol and Retin A are both derived from Vitamin A, and promote faster skin cell turnover as well as reduce the signs of aging. As you get older, your skin cells turn over much slower, which causes dull, aged skin. Tretinoid (or Retin A) is the strongest form, and must be prescribed by a physician. Retinol is weaker than prescription retiniods, so make sure that Vitamin A is listed in the top 5 ingredients on the back, and that the packaging is air tight and the bottle is opaque. Otherwise the product may not be effective.

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Eye Cream

So far in my skincare journey, this has been my favorite eye cream I’ve come across. The Glossier Bubblewrap eye cream smooths, hydrates and plumps the under eyes and lips – both immediately and over time. It is infused with hyaluronic acid, sqaulane, and avocado oil. All great for hydration and youthful skin. I use this twice a day after cleansing my skin and applying my serums.

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Moisturizer

I know I mentioned in the beginning that collagen creams only sit on the surface of the skin, but they are still extremely efficient in moisturizing. If you have dry to combination skin, a hydrating moisturizer like this one would be great for you. It also doesn’t cause me to breakout, which a lot of thicker moisturizers can do. Remember, hydrated skin is healthy skin!

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SPF

If you are like me, than you might often forget to apply SPF. I recently discovered this SPF primer by Milani, and it has been a life saver. I always prime my face before doing my makeup, so a primer that contains SPF is the perfect solution. I love how lightweight this formula is. Even if I use this alone with no foundation, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily or sticky. It’s also super affordable.

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Bio-Peels

Whenever my skin is looking particularly dull, I like to do a bio-peel. I use the Neogen Wine Gauze Peeling pads once every week or two weeks, depending on how my skin looks. The chemical peel effect of the wine serum helps remove dead skin cells, while cleansing and purifying. It aids in smoother and firmer skin, and also helps to control and maintain balanced oil and sebum production. The pad is double sided, one has a rougher side for exfoliation, and the other side is more gentle. Once you’ve finished, you can simply rinse off the residual product. One thing I want to mention is that it does have a strong red wine sent to it.

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Face Masks

In the past I’ve always used the Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask. However, I generally prefer Korean skincare brands, and this one is much more reasonably priced. Pink clay is great for acne prone skin, and helps unclog and tighten pores, as well as detoxify your skin from pollutants. I do a face mask about once a week, or as needed depending on the condition of my skin.

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Most important of all, stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet! Products can only do so much for you, you must nourish your body from the inside out 🙂

Comment down below if you’ve tried any of these products before, or if you have any suggestions on things I’ve missed!

Xx Alya