My Skincare Routine + Favorite Products
I’ve been wearing wrinkle cream since I was 20 years old, but sometimes genetics and life weigh heavier than even the best products. Wrinkles still happened. I’m all for aging gracefully, but if I’m able to maintain my skin for as long as possible I’m here for it!
I’m 35 and I can say my skin looks better now than it did 4 years ago. I believe it’s been combination of using the right products, feeding my body well, working out regularly, no major fluctuations in weight, staying hydrated, and of course getting Botox and Dysport regularly. There is only so far natural products and self care can go when it comes to addressing the signs of aging, and genetics play a huge part. I take a well rounded approach to caring for my skin, but I do believe the Botox/Dysport injections make the biggest different. So with all that, here is how I care for my skin and my favorite products right now, as well as information on Botox/Dysport.
Daily Skincare
I have been using the Versed products I purchased at Target for about six months and I really like them. They are affordable, I’m a sucker for the packaging, and I love that they all clearly tell you what they are for and in what order to apply them. Apparently it matters what order your serums and moisturizers go on! The Versed products allow me to get some of the most sought out ingredients in the beauty product world, on a budget that is realistic for daily use.
AM Routine:
- Firming Serum
- Dew Point Moisturizer + Hydration Station Hyaluronic Acid (Mixed Together)
PM Routine:
- Baby Cheeks Hydrating Milk Toner and Cleanser
THEN
- Press Restart Retinol Serum
- Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream
OR
- The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel
Weekly Routine:
- Dermaplane
- Charcoal Mask
- Press Restart Retinol Serum
- Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream
Every 4-8 Months:
- Dysport – I get mine done by an experienced injector who is also a nurse who works at a family health clinic with a division for aesthetics. I recommend fully going to a licensed and experienced medical professional.
- Dysport is sort of the updated version of Botox. It was explained to me that it is the same neurotoxin but in smaller molecules that get injected a little deeper. In general it usually spreads more evenly, takes effect faster (I can see results in a few days versus a week or two with regular Botox), and can last longer. Cost-wise it’s usually a little less per unit, but you get more units compared to Botox so the cost is basically the same.
- If you are new to Botox or Dysport it’s usually recommended to get it done every 4 months the first year, then every 6 months after that. You will notice that your face and muscles start moving freely again once the neurotoxin has worn off. On that note, it’s not a permanent cure for wrinkles. Your face moving and creasing is what causes the wrinkles, so once the drug has worn off your muscles are moving again, your skin will begin creasing again. Regular injections keep he movement, and thus the wrinkles, to a minimum.
- Currently I get it in my forehead, my 11’s (the area between my brows), and my crows feet (this was a game changer!). Your injector should be able to recommend what areas you can benefit from, and how many units per area. Often injectors will start with a lower amount of units and increase once they assess how your muscles and skin react.
- As far as side effects, occasionally I will get a mild headache after the injections, but I’m very prone to headaches in general so that’s not a big surprise. I have also experienced very minimal bruising at an injection site, which cleared in a couple of days. The only other sort of unwanted effect I’ve experienced is when the Dysport has spread a little too far on one eye leaving me with uneven movement of my brows. That is easily corrected with a quick follow up appointment.
And because I know everyone loves a good before and after…
