Trying to Look Younger is a Full Time Job. Maybe It's Time to Quit!

I came across a quote the other day (that I cannot find now, of course) that said in so many words that you shouldn't try to look younger, but your best. (It was attributed to Bette Davis but I don't think that's correct, as when I looked up Bette Davis quotes this particular one didn't come up.)

But I digress...now that I'm in my 50s I tend to agree with this. And it's not because I wouldn't mind looking a bit younger, but because trying to do a comprehensive skin care routine aimed at making yourself look 35 sounds exhausting...and time consuming. 

Case in point...have you ever seen Liv Tyler's mind-boggling skin care routine that surfaced a few years ago??? I'm posting it below. Yes, she is a stunning woman and I'm sure that this will keep her skin looking radiant into her later years. However, a lot of what she does is just not realistic for those of us who don't have that amount of extra time each day. 

OK, the second half of the video is actually her makeup routine but still, there are a lot of products she uses. I'm not knocking her, but I don't have an actress' work schedule with downtime to enjoy in between making films. 

I work full-time and live on my own, so my free time is precious. I simply don't have the time nor the motivation to get into my bathroom a half hour earlier to work on my skin before going to bed (I will admit, though—that facial roller thing-ah-mah-jig she uses looks really intriguing.)

When It Comes to Skin Care, Less is More

And she's not the only one. I've watched a few influencers post their beauty routines as well, and I quickly lost track of how many products they were using. Serums, moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliators...it's all too much and I can't help but think that using too many products in quick succession isn't really all that necessary and doesn't give the skin enough time to absorb each one on its own and soak up the ingredients. 

Not to mention investing in these products is a lot of extra money that I just don't have at the moment. Some of these fancy schmancy anti-aging serums and creams can cost around $100 for a small bottle—that doesn't fit my budget and I'd be surprised if you couldn't find an alternative product that is cheaper. 

My KISS Philosophy When It Comes to a Skin Care Routine

When it comes to my own skin care routine, I keep it simple: I use DHC Deep Cleansing Oil followed by a foaming cleanser. After patting some of the water off my skin, I apply a vitamin C/collagen facial cream made in Italy that I've been buying at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx for years now that only costs $4.99 to my face and neck.

And that's it. 

Once in a while I'll switch to a retinol serum or use an exfoliator or a facial mask. I have tried to do micro needling and gua sha stone massage, but these require consistency and I will admit (because, like I said - lack of time or maybe just plain laziness) I haven't been consistent with either. 

This doesn't mean I'm not willing to try new products and share them with you. But this is my boring every day routine and as it seems to have worked well, I probably won't be switching it up anytime soon. 

A Great Skin Care Routine Begins on the Inside

Also, I believe that the following habits contribute to younger looking skin and none of these have anything to do with applying products to the face:

• Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential to looking (and feeling!) your best. Unfortunately, in our overworked, stressed out society sleep is underrated—that's a topic I intend to cover in a future post.
• Exercise: it gets your circulation moving.
• Water: hydration helps keep your skin looking supple.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen is important, but so is wearing a hat to help shield your face and chest and trying to avoid a lot of sun exposure. 
• Being a non-smoker: I don't smoke. Tried a cigarette once when I was 15 and that was enough for me. 
• Healthy, Balanced Diet: Fruits and veggies that are packed with antioxidants are a regular part of my daily diet. 

I mean, a skin care routine is important. I never go to bed without cleaning my skin and removing makeup. But the above factors play a huge role in how our skin appears because you're helping to fuel its health from the inside. 

When It Comes to Looking Younger, Pick Your Battles

When it comes to looking younger (or looking my best) I have found that I really only have time to focus on improving one or two things at once. For me right now, that's lessening the appearance of the "eleven lines" or furrows between my brows. 

Maybe in a few months, I'll gravitate towards streamlining my jawline and trying things to make it look less "jowly". But to try to address several things at once is too time consuming.

At the end of the day, all we can really do is our best and focus on what we can control. Maybe that's drinking a bit more water, or going to bed a half hour earlier, or walking daily to help burn some extra calories. Or maybe splurging on botox or another anti-aging treatment (I won't judge.) 

How a Positive Attitude Keeps You Young

It sounds so cliche, I know. But how you think about yourself and aging can help you feeling and looking younger. Because I believe that what you focus on becomes more noticeable and prominent, I try not to fixate on things in the mirror I'd like to change. 

Doing the things you love to do—hobbies and activities that fill you with joy—help you look and feel younger. 

But I for one am letting go of stressing over trying to look younger. I'll just focus on trying to look good for someone in their 50s. 

What do you think? Do you keep your skin care routine simple as well? I'd love to know your tips in the comments. 

Stay flashy, my friends!