esther's editorial
UNLOCKING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: A GUIDE TO TIMELESS AGING
By: Esther Manso
Getting older is a beautiful thing, a privilege that some do not get to experience, but let's be serious: as much of a blessing as it is, we certainly don't want to appear older. Signs of aging can emerge earlier than we may expect, and we want to make every effort to address them proactively. Now, to prevent aging, is it best to start as early as possible? Ideally, between the early to mid-20s is optimal, but if you haven't started yet, that's perfectly fine! There's no need to immediately delve into Botox or contemplate facelifts; here's what I call "Anti-Aging Course 101: The Dos and Don'ts of Aging.
DON'T start flat out with just retinol
Regarding the world of anti-aging, the first product usually mentioned is retinol. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is known for boosting collagen production, reducing wrinkles, and smoothing skin texture. Now, I know that all sounds great, but there are precautions. Retinol is a very powerful ingredient, but it can cause skin irritation and burning, and for my eczema girlies, it can make their skin ten times worse. Now, you’ll wonder why I would recommend such a product. The deal is that it works; but it should not be the first item you grab. A more gentle option would be peptides and amino acids that are the building blocks of specific proteins the skin needs, like collagen and elastin. This is a less abrasive option and still does the job well, and once you build a tolerance to these products, it becomes a lot easier to transition to retinol. Now for that fun part! I recommend the Good Molecules Gentle Rentiol which was sold out for a while but I heard multiple good things about it, but make sure only to use it once or twice a week. Now for Peptides products Cerave Renewing Night Cream and The Ordinary Multi-Peptide +HA Serum, both are great starts to an introduction to the art of retinol.
DO use sunscreen
When I say sunscreen is the holy grail, I'm not exaggerating. While the sun is enjoyable, and we all love a good time at the beach, unfortunately, it's one of the primary contributors to premature aging. According to Yale Medicine, The sun is responsible for over 90% of the physical changes to our skin, and even an excess amount of radiation can cause skin cancer. On a serious note, of course, we do not want anything harmful to happen, so I ask you to please wear your sunscreen, because who doesn’t want to look youthful? This is the easiest way possible!
One suggestion I have is Bondi Sands sunscreen, which is suitable for most skin types. For more oily skin I would go with Eucerin Oil-Control sunscreen and, luckily, they are both cost-effective!
DON'T overuse products
I get it, you see a sign of a wrinkle you want to fix automatically, BUT just wait. First, you must determine what is best for your skin. Don’t waste your money! A good start is to have a basic skincare routine. For instance, cleanser, (toners remove dirt and grime) moisturizer, and a good sunscreen. Then, you can ease your way into serums. I suggest using vitamin C and Vitamin E oil together. These two are a powerful but gentle combination to start with because of the antioxidants of vitamin E. Once you ease your way in, it will become a lot easier. Just remember less is always more.
Do take care of those eyes
One of the first signs of aging, aside from forehead lines, is eye aging. Therefore, people recommend using eye cream as a preventive measure. This is indeed true; you want to take care of your eyes and the surrounding area not only as a precaution but also to maintain a youthful appearance. For this purpose, I recommend using ice. Ice has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce puffiness under the eyes. Now for some recommendations! I say the Good Molecules Yeba Wake Me Up gel is excellent for reducing the appearance of tiredness. It's a small but effective fix, and it's always a good idea to start with something gentle. For those with more mature skin, I've heard many positive reviews about Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Cream, although it is a bit more expensive. However, the brand is known for providing noticeable results.
Do watch what you eat
At the end of the day, our diet will always play a crucial role in how we look physically. It's essential to take care of ourselves not only for our physical appearance, but also for our mental well-being. Stress can accelerate the aging process significantly. Therefore, it's essential to incorporate plenty of greens and fruits into our diet. Some recommended foods include pineapples, kale, avocados, dark chocolate, and salmon. These items are rich in either Vitamin C, Vitamin A, or anti-inflammatory ingredients that support our overall health and enhance our appearance. Here's my favorite kale salad recipe, Lemon Garlic Kale Salad.
But remember, aging isn't the end of the world; it simply signifies that a long life has been lived. While we can delay signs of aging, we should always embrace ourselves both internally and externally. Aging can be a beautiful journey, and it is important to treat skin care regimes as a tool to gracefully glide into this transformation process. There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look fabulous! We just want you to feel fabulous too!
KEEPING UP WITH E: SKINCARE EDITION
By: Esther Manso
Taking care of your skin can be quite a journey; from identifying your problems to figuring out things like your skin type, the process can be pretty intimidating. Trust me, I would know! Over the years, I have tried many products and learned much about skincare and what works for me; it is all about trial and error! But eventually, you will find products that you adore. With that said, keep up with me as I list my top favorite products suitable for all skin types, curated for different problem areas, and most importantly, won't put a dent in the pockets.
Toners can be intimidating, that’s for sure; I’ve tried several ones, but nothing has worked like Good Molecules Niacinamide brightening toner. To start, I have not only sensitive skin but hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is an issue where parts of my skin are slightly darker than others. As a dark skin girl, this is a recurring issue, and it can be challenging to find products that work, but luckily, this product was the key. Besides those factors, I like that it is suitable for all skin types and leaves you feeling hydrated and refreshed all day. While it also works great for evening out dark spots as well. Plus, for only $14 dollars, you get a decent size compared to other brands.
Bondi Sands sunscreen SPF 50 $7
One thing about me is that I always preach that sunscreen is a MUST. Whether it is rain, snow, or shine, even if it's 30 degrees outside, you best believe that sunscreen is on my face. Now, the problem? Finding a sunscreen that doesn’t make me look like one of the Ghostbusters. Again, darker-skinned people know the struggle all too well; although there are some gel sunscreens, some have too much fragrance or are way too expensive. This is why I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered Bondi Sands sunscreen on a whim. Honestly, what first drew me was the price because, as we know, college and life in general are already costly. Next, I loved how smoothly the application was. I barely had to rub it in before it dissolved into my skin, and the after-feeling wasn’t sticky at all. Lastly, it gives off the glass skin effect we love; I shone bright like a diamond. Cue Rihanna! Overall, anyone honestly can’t go wrong with this one.
One thing about me: I will always recommend Good Molecules; I can’t help it! Good Molecules, if you’re ever reading this, please sponsor me! The discoloration serum is the first product that drew me to the brand in the first place. Once again, hyperpigmentation was one of my most significant issues. I wanted a solution, and this serum was the answer! The serum has Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid, two excellent ingredients that help with evening skin tones, reducing dullness and promoting clear skin, Which I'm all for! Besides, I love the formula; it’s lightweight, smooth, and isn’t sticky, Which I love! Multiple serums have left me with a sticky feeling, which made me feel gross. Next, I love how it is curated for all skin types and is not just for hyperpigmentation. Acne scars and sunspots can be fixed as well! Lastly, you can’t beat the price for how much it does.
Regarding Cerave, we are locked in for life. Although it took some time to figure out which was best for me, I recently purchased and loved the hydrating version. There are two versions, one that is foam and the original one. Personally, I prefer the original. Regarding the product, I have no criticisms, I just love it. It leaves me nice and hydrated throughout the day, like a nice cold cup of freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning. Out of all the cleansers I have tried, it will always be my go-to, precisely what I need. The price point for the size is okay. This is definitely my recommendation if you have dry or dull skin because the feeling of freshness is unmatched.
Last but not least, Vaseline. Honestly, this is a childhood staple as I remember my mom slugging my face before school started. Ironically, Slugging is a common practice where cream is smeared all over the face to help lock in moisture. This is wonderful in the winter after a full routine, because the weather can catalyze dry skin, especially if you have really dry skin. Even with other skin types, it works well because the skin will always need some form of moisturizing.
Now, this is not a skincare product per se, but if I'm going to recommend anything, it will be microfiber cloths! Once I switched from regular towels to these cloths; it left my face so smooth and feeling super clean and I love how I didn’t need to wipe my face multiple times to get dry. This is because microfiber is a soft material that absorbs quickly, which equals less friction on the skin. The less friction, the smoother things are, and with skin, you want to be as gentle as possible. On Amazon a pack of 12 for 15 dollars they are definitely a skin care must-have for everyone and I mean EVERYONE.
Overall skincare is a journey, and a personal one at that. This means some of these products might not work for you and that is okay! Skin is unique, and the more trial and error the better your relationship with your skin. Ultimately, it will be all worth it to have glowy skin. With that being said, thanks for keeping up with me!
