On That “Aging Gracefully” Train: My Top 2 Ride Or Die Skincare Products
I don’t really like the term “anti-aging”. Anti would mean that aging is a bad thing. And it’s not. So we should never treat it that way. Aging is beautiful. FUN-- if you ask me. Every age can be sexy. Every age is worth livin’. It. UP.
Growing old is a luxury! To deny aging is unfortunate! An unneeded stress. A missed opportunity to celebrate and explore new parts of life.
Growing old is a luxury! SO ex-nay on the “anti-aging” because that’s dumb and instead…. Well, I like the term aging gracefully. Keeping it vibrant. And on a regular basis. (Read more about this here and here)
As best as I can anyway.
So let’s talk aging gracefully- COOL if you love doing practices that age you more gracefully.
COOL if you don’t.
Personally I prioritize it. I have fun with it and it brings me joy!
ABOUT THE ARTICLE. I hate narrowing down skincare products to two things but I chose two just to keep it easy. Decision fatigue is a real thing that’s why I rarely like lists over five! Sometimes it’s like… cool there is SO MANY, how does one choose?! So this is an easy one. IF I HAD TO NARROW IT DOWN TO TWO. Even though I want to narrow it down to like, seven. lol.
QUICK AND IMPORTANT NOTE: Everyone’s skin and body chemistry are wildly different. I REALLY urge you to question everything you read and learn and ask yourself what it would mean for YOU. The things that I write on Violet Fog are not medical or professional advice, it’s just really what has worked for me. All I do is share with you guys what I learn and observe. I’m a nerd. I love studying and I love science! But yes, this is not profession advice.
My top 2 “aging gracefully” ride of dies:
***I’m not counting sunscreen in this
1. A POWERHOUSE OIL. Preferably one with a high level of Vitamin A.
I believe that oils are key to keeping glow-y and soft skin. THE KEY. They moisturize so well and beyond that– NOURISH. The nourishment is really the best part! It’s like food for your skin. Skin needs nourishment!! I do LOVE me an oil with high vitamin A. Especially for nighttime. One thing our skin needs Vitamin A but doesn’t produce it naturally. So I always have on hand a high vitamin A oil!
I think packaging is super important for oils too. You don’t want it to oxidize quickly or be susceptible to more outside bacteria!
A good place to start: Apricot Oil.
I tout Apricot Oil all day every day. It’s lighter weight, anti-inflammatory, soooo gentle and pure. I’ve used it on and off for 5 years now (I rotate my routines slightly every 3 months or so)
I also use it to take off my makeup.
it’s wonderful for overall skin health, versatile (many people use in on their body, some, in their hair), the texture is a lighter weight- so it soaks in fairly quick.
This brand/make has been my favorite for years. I’m sure there are other great ones out there too!
2. RETINOL or RETIN-A.
This shiz turns back the hands of time, chemically speaking ;) I like natural and clean products first, and science more-labby products second. So I don’t discount lab made products with skincare. I do trust science!
Retinoids are definitely a more labby kind of product. And for me, I am fine with that! I have such a healthy balance.
Retinoids constantly exfoliate you. Support collagen production. They are effective. For scarring, acne, softening fine lines, fading spots, lifting dead skin. It’s amazing. BUT. And this is a very important BUT— you *MUST* be on top of your SPF game when you use this product as it makes you VERY SENSITIVE to the sun.
My routine has been constant with this for over 10 years, I do not miss a beat. I use it 1-3X a week. It’s incredible. I use a prescription-strength - it’s 20X more potent than retinol– but retinol is still effective! It’s worth it. Either way. For me at least. Some people, after the adjustment period (8 weeks) are still just too sensitive for it. But I think most can tolerate it!
An article I love on Retinols/Retin-A is from this girl. She’s a cruelty-free skincare blogger. Breaks it down so beautifully and easy to read! This is my product I get from my Dermatologist.
OKAY THOSE ARE MY TWO! IF I had to narrow it down that much.
