6.11.10 Skin Alive

Lcs 790 xxx
photo by george billard
A friend sent in a request for me to write something about my skincare regimen, so here goes. I've never denied that vanity has often been the impetus for me seeking out healthier alternatives in all things—the fact that they are actually more effective and make you feel better turns out to be a real bonus. I've posted a picture of myself so you can see that I have my fair share of wrinkles. (Full disclosure: It's been 9 months since I stopped getting the Botox injections that were first offered to me 10 years ago at my dermatologist's office in Los Angeles. Doctor: You have a little crease between your eyes. Have you thought about Botox? Me: Never heard of it—give it to me!! ) I'm pushing 50 and I have the usual issues with my face: sagging upper eyelids, enlarging pores, loss of elasticity and those little brown spots that seem to crop up overnight. This is what the cosmetics industry refers to as "mature skin." I have wrestled with the idea of getting my eyes done, and I still maintain that if I ever get a big turkey wattle, I will have it removed, but I don't want to struggle to look young. I want to be my truest, most authentic self, and feel good about it. (I'm even experimenting with letting my hair go grey, after coloring it every 3 weeks for years and years. It's going to be a rough transition, so wish me luck!)
Claudia colombo 790 xxx
All things considered, I feel pretty good about my skin, and I owe most of it to this gorgeous creature. Claudia Colombo is a walking advertisement for her own services. Not only does she have the most beautiful skin on the planet, but she is the best facialist ever. I have been seeing her every 6 weeks or so for the last 5 years. I first visited her in a state of crisis over my perimenopausal cystic acne. She has a holistic approach to skincare (which means she'll ask what you eat, how you deal with stress, etc.), and she uses and sells wonderful, natural products that still contain very "active" ingredients. The great news is, even if you're not in New York, you can visit her website and order products there. Claudia will even consult with you over email. I am totally addicted to the CosMedix line she sells. Their products are based on the theory that inflammation is the core cause of all skin conditions, and they use chiral technology to purify their ingredients, which are free of artificial additives, paraben, glycolic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate and benzoyl peroxide. The bottom line is, they really work! Everyone I have ever sent to Claudia (men and women alike) agrees. There is no denying that my skin is clearer, smoother and more radiant than I would have thought possible at this age.My other recommendations are:Always wear sunscreen! UVA rays penetrate glass! Melanoma is on the rise in this country.Eat a well-balanced diet of whole, unprocessed foods. Don't skimp on fats, you need them for good health. Cut way back on sugars. They cause inflammation and you can see the effects of it in your skin.Drink plenty of water. Duh.And most importantly: Be happy and love yourself. Radiance derives from this.
 
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7 Comments

Thanks Laura, I think you look great! I feel like I have the grand canyon between my eyes but at this point (50) will Botox even put a dent into it? I'm so tempted to try it even tho I am happy and at peace with my looks (except for this one thing, Oh & Jowls... if I get them they are going! Does CosMedix address the deep wrinkle between the ojos?
Suzinn on June 11, 2010 at 7:03 pm —
You're welcome! Botox would probably help, but maybe you should a) wear sunglasses so you don't squint or b) meditate daily so you frown less...? In truth, no lotion or potion can really eradicate a deep wrinkle. Let's just think of our wrinkles as bestowing character--that seems to work for men, right? xo
laura on June 11, 2010 at 7:32 pm —
Bravo, you look fab and at a peace with your authentic self! Thanks for the plug, beauty!! 100% sugar is a huge culprit in aging and so are depression and stress, so everyone should follow your most important step. luv to u!!
cyc on June 12, 2010 at 3:27 am —
Hmmm, I may just have to consult w/la Claudia, because your skin does look radiant--better than ever. I have never had skin problems and have taken scrupulously good care of my skin since practicamente before U were in utero (ja ja), but I am always up to try something new, especially if it is natural (and works). I have some eye "issues," and my skin is less firm than I'd like, on lower half. The jurado's out on surgery--but the "Juez," aka Pierre, my partner, is adamantly against it!-- and I'm terrified of mistakes and anesthesia and have never used Botox. My regime: Retin-A, which I've used religiously since my mid 30's, has prevented many "mature skin" issues my friends have (age spots, deep wrinkles, flaccidity); SPF 30-50, w/anti-oxidants, daily, no matter the weather. I haven't sunned since my mid-20's. Basically a vampire. People tell me I do not look my age, but I am hyper self-critical and always up for improvements/suggestions. Claudia: U do look lovely and your skin is gorgeous. Suzinn: I'd watch out w/Botox, esp. if U have headaches, etc. Just my 2 centavos. Rock on, niñas!
Hambrienta on June 13, 2010 at 11:05 am —
Claudia is not an advocate of retin-A, preferring L-retinol A, the chirally corrected version. And although Botox is a toxin, it actually does have a medical application for treating headaches...
laura on June 13, 2010 at 2:14 pm —
you look stunning and you dont look like you have 'mature skin'. i think it also has a lot to do with genes (with all due respect to Claudia). your mum must look beautiful and must be ageing gracefully. thanks for sharing your photo with us. x shayma
shayma on June 14, 2010 at 6:25 am —
Thanks, Shayma. My mother did have lovely skin (she passed away almost 7 years ago), although it was a bit more olive than mine.
laura on June 14, 2010 at 6:32 am —