Nighty Night
By Glinda
In a few short months, I will be hitting the big four-oh. I’m not particularly upset about it, as I’ve found that whole line about “getting better with age” thing to actually be true.
Up until this point, I have not done a whole lot with the skin on my face.
I don’t know why, because for decades, I abused the crap out of it by tanning relentlessly and not wearing sunscreen while out and about. About ten years ago, I stopped tanning purposely (but I tan easily, so I get color no matter what) and started wearing at least SPF 15 makeup and/or lotion during the day. Luckily, I’ve got some good genes and some oily skin, and up until now, I’ve been able to get away with my minimal effort. Contrast this with my college roommate, who at the tender age of twenty would assiduously apply cream every night before she went to bed. Because, she said, it was never too early to try and stop those wrinkles! We didn’t last long as roommates.
I made one attempt after the recent birth of my daughter to use a night cream, and I was unfortunate (some would say stupid, but to them I say shush) enough to choose a product made with retinol. I say unfortunate because I was breastfeeding at the time and it upset my daughter’s delicate tummy. I only used it for two days (the effect on her was that fast) and returned it.
But I’m a sucker for punishment, and back in the face cream game. I’ve got a Sephora gift card burning a hole in my wallet, and after much research, I’m torn between a couple of products.
The Caudalie Vinoperfect looks pretty good, but it’s expensive and might actually be too much for my already oily skin. I know many people, though, who swear by Caudalie products.
Yet Hope in Jar doesn’t seem like quite enough. Yet I also know many people who swear by HIAJ.
Anybody got any tips for me? What is your favorite night cream?
December 29th, 2010 at 7:43 am
I have used HIAJ for several years. I too, am a minimalist in the face care department. I tried a test sized jar for 3 weeks and my husband noticed a significant difference in my skin. So I figure why not. 20 seconds a day and making me feel even slightly better about myself is worth the cost.
December 29th, 2010 at 8:02 am
Like you, I have the benefit of good genes and fairly oily skin. I’ve been using Target’s Up & Up Night Cream for about three weeks. It’s a knock-off of the Olay product and a bit less expensive (around $12-13). It sinks right into my skin without leaving any residue. I’ve noticed an improvement in my skin – it’s less shiny during the day and I don’t have that tight feeling you sometimes get with “oily skin” products.
December 29th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I’ve been using Boots No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum (which is seriously awesome. Seriously). In the winter, when my skin gets extra-dry, I then follow up 5 minutes later with Olay Definity night cream.
December 29th, 2010 at 9:32 am
Well I have a few years on you (44) and also have pretty forgiving skin. I’ve been through all sorts of nightcreams and don’t stick with any of them EXCEPT for the AHAs. My skin definitely gets duller if I go without it for a couple weeks. I use the AHA 12% souffle; it’s cheap. Then layer on any old moisturizer to keep from feeling ‘tight’. Maybe you can give it another try down the road.
December 29th, 2010 at 10:14 am
I try all kinds of creams for my skin and basically have a favourite I turn to when the others disappoint. But I’m not convinced moisture has anything to do with wrinkles. I just like my skin to feel comfortable–not dry and tight, or flaky, or itchy. To quote that cosmetics genius Paula Begoun once again, if anti-wrinkle creams worked at all, none of us would ever have wrinkles.
That said, when I can find Boots No 7 anything, I try it out. I love their creams and their make-up products (lipsticks especially) and I have since I was in my teens (and I’m a long way from that, now). They’re hard to find, though–usually what I love is either sold out (because others love it just as much as I do) or the store I expect to carry the product no longer does in all its locations. I stock up when I am lucky and stumble across some–the Protect and Perfect line is great and reasonably priced, too–but otherwise I am relying on my diet (a daily dose of silica tissue salts and coconut oil in my food!) and my genetic inheritance to keep my skin looking good.
December 29th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Since everyone’s skin is different, I’d say take advantage of Sephora’s generous sample policy and try a few different creams before dropping a lotta money. Dermos generally recommend a peptide (like kinerase) if you can’t use a retinol for wrinkles and sun damage.
December 29th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
This past year, I’ve used Alba Botanica’s Aloe & Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer and I thought it was very good at keeping my skin soft and smooth. You can buy it at Target and Whole Foods.
December 30th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Lancome’s Benefit line… I am a skin care minimalist also and I have combo skin and I LOVE IT!!! It is more expensive but you use less. And it has a sun screen in it. I have fair skin and need the protection.
Cheers,
C
December 31st, 2010 at 2:11 am
I’m really loving MAC’s MoistureLush Eye cream. I too have slightly oily skin, and for me, the amount of moisture is just perfect (I’ve heard from friends with drier skin that its not enough).
I happen to love it. It doesn’t make you look 10 years younger or anything, but I feel that it does its job fairly well…
January 1st, 2011 at 12:21 pm
I really like Korres Honey/Thyme moisturizer and the Oak Quercitin anti-aging primer. I have a decade on you, and they did wonders for my skin.
January 3rd, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Olay’s ProX Wrinkle Smoothing Creme. It’s as effective as the retinols. I’ve been using it for the last 5 months and love it. I also use sunscreen every morning.
January 4th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
I use Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream and love it, but I agree with Klee — try a few samples of different products before deciding on one. What works for my skin may not work for yours.
January 9th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
I am 40 and use HIAJ faithfully, every day… been using it for about 5 years. It is very light weight, but it definitely does the job. I use philosophy’s Purity Made Simple to cleanse every day, and also use philosophy’s Vitamin C peel once every 2-3 weeks. And that is the extent of my facial routine.