Anti-aging Without Injectables: What I Use

I often wonder if I’m just being stubborn or stupid by not using injectables for anti-aging purposes. Almost every woman I know in Dallas uses Botox or filler if she’s over the age of 24. Why am I resisting? Honestly, it’s partly because I’m too lazy to go get it done, and partly because I’m too frugal. Plus, I’m just curious what will happen if I don’t inject anything in my face. Will all my friends look 10+ years younger than me for the rest of my life because they were smart enough to take the cosmetic procedures route? Probably. I AM, however, a lover of laser treatments and facials, so I’m not opposed to doing some preventative and maintenance work on my skin. And who knows? Maybe I’ll change my mind in another year or two and start Botoxing the heck out of my face. But for now, here’s what I’m currently using and the new items I’m trying out for 2020:

Currently using:

1. Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin ($10.95) This is one of the most AMAZING products for the price out there! It has incredible reviews on Amazon and I’ve had a noticeable difference in the texture of my skin since I started using it four months ago. When I began using it, my nose was constantly dry and peeling, and within the first 30 days, all the dryness and peeling stopped. My tip is to apply it both morning and night after cleansing to damp/wet skin and rub it in, and then spritz with a moisturizing spray afterwards. I call it the Hyaluronic sandwich.
2. The Ordinary “Buffet” ($14.80) This is a peptide serum that I put on after cleansing in the morning and and night after the hyaluronic acid. You can read about all the great things this serum does on the Ordinary website, or they sell it at Sephora, too. I’ve been using it for two months and so far, I love it. My skin has been brighter and my skin tone is more even since adding this to the routine.
3. Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance ($44) This is my absolute favorite moisturizer because it will eliminate dry skin ASAP. It’s what I’ve used as my morning and night moisturizer for almost a year now, and I can’t say enough great things about it. Don’t let the price scare you; it lasts forrrrrrreva. I use it immediately after the Tree of Life and Ordinary Buffet have sunken into my skin.
4. Origins Drink Up Intensive Hydrating Mask ($19) The description says it all: “This ultra-moisturizing sleeping mask instantly floods skin with moisture & keeps skin soft, smooth & happily hydrated for 72 hours.” I use this about three times per month or when I feel especially tight, dry skin.

Now, here’s what I’m starting off 2020 with to shake things up:

1. Garnier Water Rose 24 Hour Moisture Cream and Garnier Water Rose 24 Moisture Gel ($12) : Both of these products are made with rose water and hyaluronic acid, and the formulas are vegan. (Hooray!) It smells good, it keeps skin smooth and hydrated, and they are budget-friendly. I’m pumped about these! I’ll report back after 30 days of use to let you know the longer-term effects.
2. Derma E Blue Light Shield Concentrated Serum ($22.50) : This is a brand new product that I’m excited to try. It has activated charcoal and red algae, which are good for detoxing skin and softening it. Lutein is another ingredient that is supposed to protect skin from blue light exposure, like your cell or computer.
3. Derma E Blue Light Shield Spray ($16.95): “Enriched with Frankincense to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, signs of premature aging, and environmental stressors.” Um, yes, please! I use my cell WAY too much, so I want to see how using blue light shield spray works with my skin.
4. Clean It Zero ($16): This is a Korean beauty fav and was recommended by Skinny Confidential. This balm is a hypoallergenic cleanser that “transforms from sherbet-like texture into smooth oil when applied onto your skin.” It removes even the toughest waterproof makeup. So far, I’m super into it and plan on ordering more!

So, that’s it! I do occasionally use Retin-A, but maybe twice a month. It’s very harsh on my skin, so I use it sparingly. My goal is to get hydrafacials every other month and use my Tria Face Laser at home several times a week in addition to the beauty products above. Here’s to a needle-free existence in 2020!

Photography: S. Jackson

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