Be aware that sunscreen chemical agents (oxybenzone, avobenzone, etc.) degrade in the process of blocking UV rays. That is why there is the “reapply frequently” recommendation. Physical agents (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) do not degrade under UV rays, but can be washed off. Some sunscreen agents are controversial in terms of how they may affect skin health in other aspects.
Also, third party testing (EWG, CR) suggests that some sunscreens are significantly less protective than their SPF indicates. Note also that SPF only applies to UV-B rays. For UV-A rays, you just have to hope that either physical agents or specific UV-A chemical agents like avobenzone or ecamsule are present in sufficient quantities.
My neck went at 57 and it totally depressed me because it absolutely dated a person. My face was fine and never got crows feet or wrinkles. One day I looked in the mirror and though OMG what happened to my neck! Now at 60 my face has a million little wrinkles too but I have no thoughts of fixing I guess.
A dermatologist told me years ago to wear sunscreen, SPF at least 40, on my face year-round. She also said that all women over 40 should be on retinoids. I have been religious about sunscreen use, but recently I’ve completely stopped using chemical sunscreens and I now use only all-physical formulas. Chemical sunscreens are ravaging coral beds, and only a tiny amount of these chemicals can have a devastating effect.
The chemicals are probably not good for us, either. I’m using Australian Gold SPF 50 now. There are two versions, tinted for the face and untinted for the body. Both seem to be the same formula, but the facial version is more expensive. I can use either on my face - no white cast from the untinted version and the tinted version doesn’t show on my very fair skin. The only issue is that it is hard to remove. I don’t wear any makeup other than eye makeup, so I have not had to worry about removing anything until now. I’ve just gone to a two-step cleaning procedure, starting with an oil.
I’ve been using retin-A for years and it is supposed to be effective against wrinkles. I can’t use it on my neck, though. There are some less harsh retinoids that can be used on the neck but I haven’t looked into this.
The product that has had the most dramatic effect for me is vitamin C serum. (Retin-A is probably effective, too, but since I’ve been using it for so long I can’t see what it’s doing.) I use one by Timeless than also has vitamin E and ferulic acid. I keep it in the frig because these products oxidize and turn yellow and then orange, and they are no longer effective. Obagi was mentioned here; they make several versions at different strengths. It’s a good idea to start with a less concentrated solution. I used Obagi for a while, but then I received a bottle that had started to oxidize. I returned it and now order directly from Timeless. I believe that they ship the serum quickly after making it, unlike other brands, which can sit in stores or warehouses for weeks.
A good dermatologist could probably advice you about treatments for your chest, Classof2015. I know that there are different kinds of laser treatments but I don’t know anything about them.
I use what @NYMomof2 uses: Timeless vitamin C and E serum and Australian gold sunscreen on my face, neck and chest , on my face and neck every morning and retinol each night. I use lotion some nights but not all. I’ve been using the vitamin C serum (used to use the much more expensive Skinceuticals version before finding Timeless which, essentially, is the same formula but a fraction of the price) and sunscreen (again, used to use skinceuticals before switching to Australian gold) for about 15 years. My skin looks pretty good but, of course, I can’t know what it would look like had I not been using these products. I’ve been using retinol for close to 2 years but not as consistently. I’m not sure I’m seeing the benefits yet but intend to be more consistent with it.
I have been taking a low dose antibiotic (minocycline) for years to treat rosacea.It keeps my skin clear. If I stop taking it, after about 10 days my nose in particular has a multitude of red bumps. I have been somewhat jokingly saying for the last few years, that I want a facelift for my 60 th birthday. That milestone is fast approaching, but I will probably chicken out. I saw some intra and post operative photos in a magazine article, and they scared me!
@VeryHappy, I am 68, and very happy (pun not intended!) with my skin. I had some very bad sunburns as a child and young adult (burn easily) so there had to have been sun damage, but I have no age spots or other blemishes and not much wrinkling given my age. I have never worn foundation or tinted moisturizer, or anything like that, and I regularly receive compliments on my skin. People usually express surprise when I say how old I am.
Like @collage1, I started with the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum, which was recommended by my dermatologist. It made a noticeable difference in about a week. It is very expensive, though, and it oxidizes quickly so it is impossible to use it up before it goes bad. For a while, I bought samples from Ebay or Amazon, small vials that can be used before they go bad. But there is a huge problem with fakes on those sites, and I don’t believe that I always received the true product. I used Obagi for a while; it seemed to be fresher and took longer before it went bad. But it is also horrendously expensive. I use Timeless now and it works as well as the more expensive options.
As far as the timeless products, I did what Angie from Hot and Flashy said to do. I purchased some extra small vials with droppers. When I receive the Vitamin C, I fill the smaller vial and put the rest in the refrigerator. It lasted a complete 5 months. It’s ok if it turns color just a little, it’s still mostly effective. I also started using the Paula’s Choice 12% AHA and the Timeless Matrixly 3000. Since the Vitamin C is preventative, I can’t measure what it is doing, but my Dermatologist uses it and highly recommends it.
However, I can tell with the other two products. The way I can tell is not only do my minor wrinkles look much better, but the small lines that were starting to form above my upper lip are gone after 4 months. I think it’s due to both of the products used. I use the AHA and Matrixly each night. My skin also just looks like it has a bit more glow. I’m sold.
I spent the better part of yesterday watching Angie of Hot and Flashy - love her!! I then ordered the Timeless produces before heading off to Bed, Bath and Beyond, coupons in hand, and purchasing her other suggested creams, lotions and potions. Looking forward to results ;
My dermatologist friend recommended ROC (brand name, available at drug stores, made in France) products for OTC Retinol creams. I’ve also seen them at Costco.
I recently did IPL to help with some slight rosacea and am very pleased with the decreased redness. It was $500 for one session.
My grandmother had the smoothest, softest skin of any woman I ever met, right up until she died at 90. Her beauty secret? A tub of Vaseline which she put over her face, neck, hands and elbows every night of her life - she said she started when she started modeling at 14 - 1933.
@dwhite I ordered the Timeless CEF (from Amazon) per the advice here. I received it yesterday so we will see if I notice improvement. I’ve used Obagi in the past and I’ve been pleased with the results. Currently, I’m using retin-a 3-4 times a week. Appreciate all the comments.
