When we reach a certain age — or discover that first wrinkle or even that first pimple — we have a tendency to freak out and fall prey to the first marketing tactic that promises, basically, a brand new face. But is there such a thing as a miracle in a jar? Writer Tracy Teel shares her experience and what really will make a difference in our skin.
If you’re in your 20s, you probably haven’t noticed this, but there’s a strange mythology regarding skincare products designed for “women of a certain age” (by which I mean 50+). I don’t know if it’s tied to actual aging, our fear of hitting the half century mark, or something deep within us that suddenly believes we’re not the same as we were at 49, but marketing takes on a whole new meaning — and we’re oddly drawn to it like middle-age moths to a young(er) flame.
It seems many of us buy into the hype that we now need a rich, heavy, firming cream simply because of our age. Even if you’re younger than me, read on because what I learned late in life will affirm what many of you may already know.
Ever refining my choices
Shortly before celebrating the golden anniversary of my birth, my beloved Sulwhasoo released their Everefine line. When I spotted the pretty jar with the promising new name and targeted tagline, it grabbed my attention — and my wallet. Call it a delayed reaction to the AARP card I received (thanks to my loving husband), but I bought the hype quite literally.
After a week’s worth of use, I was angry to say the very least and, frankly, insulted. Why? Because that “nutrient-rich lifting line for women in their 50s and 60s” was too freaking heavy for my face and too damn expensive to use on my ass feet.
The Everefine epiphany
We’ve all made skincare mistakes; it’s just part of the process, but this one taught me something huge about marketing to human vanity. At the time, I was vulnerable to the age thing, so much so that I skipped over my normal analytical process. You know, the one that relies on reviews and a thorough ingredient analysis before shelling out hard-earned cash. While Everefine contains promising ingredients, my skin just couldn’t handle it.
Ever since then, whenever a friend asks me to recommend a “heavy cream,” my first question is, “Why do you think you need one?” Once we get the “’cuz I’m old as dirt” BS out of the way, we can address what matters most: ingredients that do the thing. (Confession: I was never about the ingredients before K-beauty.)
Nurturing those nighttime needs
Despite differences in our ages, our skin goes into repair mode at night, so if we want to make the most of that beauty sleep, we need to concentrate on using products that repair damage while kicking our cellular regeneration into gear. Finding the perfect nighttime cream that hydrates, improves elasticity, and makes skin more resilient (my priorities) may be too much to ask or come at too high a price. So on to Plan B.
If your skin has lost that lovin’ bouncy feeling, asking your cream to restore it is a long shot at best. OTC retinol products can help, but prescription tretinoin does a far better job of reawakening underproductive collagen and getting those cells generating again. I use this right after cleansing in the evening and then do the rest of my routine, which includes a peptide serum.
Now, if ingredients have feelings, then peptides must be happy campers. Our skin loves them so much that when we apply them topically, our brain gets happy too and throws a collagen party. In the simplest terms, when the collagen in your skin starts to break down, it forms peptides, which nag the skin and tell it to get back to work and produce more. This natural skin function works great until you reach your 30s, then it gets kinda lazy.
Since peptides can be less effective when combined with other ingredients (often in creams), I opt for The Ordinary’s Matrixyl 10% + HA. It’s dirt cheap and ensures my skin gets ample peptides as well as hyaluronic acid. Together, they sink in deep, and I can top it off with whatever cream I’m currently crushing on plus a good sleeping pack.
Embracing myself, not the marketing
While I’m not immune to marketing tactics, I have to credit them for helping me see the big picture. Miracles do not come in jars, and just because a company says something is perfect for you doesn’t make it so. Know your needs and do your homework. Your skin and your wallet will thank you.
Have you ever fallen for marketing hype and regretted it? Share your experience!
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