I admit it. I’m a product junkie.
I keep buying the hype in articles and social media posts promising that THIS one (they always say “this ONE…”) lotion, cream, peel, scrub that will reduce fine lines on the face (mine are not fine), wrinkles, dry, crepey, saggy skin. I apply layers of creams and lotions, sometimes the same ones for a while, then switch them around. (And the same with hair products!)
None of the products I’ve tried over the years live up to outrageous promises, but even if they offer guarantees I never return anything, because sales pitches and hype have convinced my brain that something is happening. I occasionally try expensive products, sometimes mid price, and mostly low priced stuff, online, at a drugstore, or even Costco. What’s up with this compulsion and misguided belief that anythiing I slather on my face will make me look younger, and why do I care?
Do you have a skincare “regimen” or routine? Are you loyal to products? Are you susceptible to skincare claims? Let’s share.
Almost all skin care advertising hype is aimed at women with emphasis on looking younger, which has led us to believe that looking young should always be a goal (albeit unattainable). It’s become the lifetime desire for millions of women and we’re fueling a bajillion dollar industry.
The global skin care market is projected to increase from 143.5 billion dollars in 2022 to over 186 billion by 2028. As of 2022, the world’s most lucrative skin care market is the U.S. market, with a revenue of nearly 20 billion U.S. dollars.
About 10 years ago, I remember getting up in the morning, looking in the mirror and thinking yikes, woman, you look old.
I replaced the word old in my mind because I needed to be nicer to myself – I decided I looked tired, which is something I could possibly fix. Limit wine in the evening, get more sleep, and try some more products.
The condition of our skin is a result of sun protection, or lack thereof (I have a history of basking in the sun, which I am finally breaking free of at this ripe old age)
CeraVe mineral sunscreen is white-ish, but it sinks in, and it works. DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46. Universal Tint. All-In-One Light Sheer Coverage Tinted Face Sunscreen is great for face protection, and of course they market is as “anti-aging”. Genetics, nutrition, and even exercise, specifically strength training play a significant role in good looking skin.
Here are a few things I’ve used, run out of, replaced or maybe not…(no paid affiliations). All of them seem to be similarly “effective”, some expensive and some not.
Some of the products feel nice, smell good, or are just at the top of the pile of jars and tubes in the basket, and I grab some…
Rodan and Fields exfoliating scrub which my friend sells, is a luxury, and I use it sparingly because it’s expensive. I use it with the Olay facial scrub brush that hasn’t run out of batteries in about 5 years. Here’s the much more reasonably priced Olay exfoliating facial scrub.
Any of my assortment of partially used containers of moisturizers are applied after cleansing – showering, or swiping with affordable Klorane Micellar makeup remover which I’ve used daily as a cleanser/toner for maybe 20 years, recommended by a friend with lovely skin. It’s not expensive, it’s a good cleanser, and the bottle lasts a long time.
I’m sure you know that a moisturizer doesn’t add moisture to your skin, but it keeps it in.
This wildly hyped Clarins “Multi-Active Day Moisturizer with Niacinamide Smooth Fine Lines Visibly Tighten Pores Even Tone and Texture Boost Glow Strengthen Moisture Barrier Skin” isn’t cheap but its one of the more “luxury” brands I tried in a weak moment.
These two products are light and slippery and feel like they make a foundation go on smoothly: AGE REVERSE Total Correct + Sculpt Serum –but does it reverse age? LAWLESS Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Moisturizer + Makeup Primer.Plumping and filler – nah.
Merit Great Skin INSTANT GLOW SERUM on their website says that it “instantly hydrates and plumps skin for a healthy glow.” I’m down with it because it’s not $$ and feels nice. As Jennifer Coolidge said, hawking E.L.F. cosmetics I like to look like I just walked up a flight of stairs.
Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is reasonably priced and honestly feels like it works just as well as La Mer, which I admit I used a few times
L’Oreal makes the wrinkle promise: Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, Hydrate & Reduce Wrinkles
A little dab of this Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask has lasted months: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask
These DERMORA Golden Glow Under Eye Patches were swag in our hotel room recently, and they actually do seem to reduce under eye crinkles – or is it my imagination? They seem to be a good deal: 50 pairs of patches for $25.99.
I love Aquaphor for everything face, lips, hands, ever since reading somewhere that Billie Eilish claimed that it’s her go-to for lip gloss. What is WRONG with me that I let a teenage singer dictate the products I buy?? But I Do like it a lot…
I’ve used emu oil, coconut oil, and most recently this lovely Moringa Oil which is made by my friend, smells and feels wonderful on skin and even on hair, so I’m giving her some love with this image.
Let me know what you use, whether you’re loyal or not, how we’re all contributing to the industry.
x
Polli
