These columns are so helpful every year as I am just a few months behind you in age, and also can’t be arsed with the faff of tweakments and injectables! Last year’s post is one of very few “saved” posts I go back to on Substack. I have a question about your SPF use. Do you top up with anything in the day? I apply mine before the school run and know that by the time I pop out at lunchtime its protection will be all but gone. I find the over make-up sprays can sting the eyes though (I have to wear mineral SOF because of this too) Are there any “top up” SPFs you have tested and really got on with? Or do you just use a massive hat and be done with it? I’m thinking it might be the easier option 😂
I’m thinking about getting the current body multi light LED mask because at 49, I’ve been suffering from sudden constant breakouts that my derm says is from perimenopause. I also suddenly have a few dark sun spots. The multi light is supposed to address all these? Although I’m reading conflicting information about whether blue light addresses only bacterial/clogged pore acne and not hormonal causes acne. Any thoughts or experiences from anyone here?
Thank you Ruth. We are the same age and I hang on every word you say. Even though I live at the tip of Africa in a very different climate. I am saving for the Current Body LED mask to help with hyper (and hypo) pigmentation from childhood sun exposure and hormonal acne scarring. I am also fastidious about SPF (thankfully) on my face, neck and chest. Thank you for all the recommendations, my Mom is Caring in the UK and I am making lists x
On the grounds that the best products are the ones you actually use, I do love the Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance mask. You spread a thin layer over your face and it dries to a rubbery finish that is peeled off - I find it so satisfying! It does make your skin look good too, but I’m not sure it has much long-term effect. Another product I really rate is the Inkey List Exosome Serum, I must be on my 10th bottle of it.
Love that serum! Also agree on the best products being the ones you use but also… ones that bring you joy? I mean it has all become so very serious. Sometimes I just love standing there sniffing a rose face cream.
At the grand age of 65 I have finally decided it’s time to start taking care of my skin, along with attempting to reduce my neck wattle (which I even consulted a surgeon about as it disturbed me so much). I’ve always been of the opinion that creams and potions don’t do a lot although this has changed - not least I think because the creams and potions themselves have come on a very long way since the 70’s! I started using the ROC stick for my neck and was impressed but had a bit of a reaction to it so was looking around for something else and came across Elevate from Trinny. I am seriously amazed at the results. I’ve been using it for a month now and can see a huge difference in the ‘wobble’ and wrinkles. I’ve just bought a first pot of their eye cream too in the hope it gives similar results - only a couple of days in and it feels lovely going on (and doesn’t sting when it gets in my eyes) so we’ll see. The pot is so annoying though - no applicator as such and it’s so tricky getting the inner lid off I waste an (expensive) dollop every time!
It seems to be very good and I am the world’s biggest cynic about these things! The instructions say use three pumps but I find two is enough for neck and upper chest area, twice a day, and after a month I’m still on my first bottle although at the moment have no idea how long it will last - I’m hoping two months at least to keep the cost down a bit! Also it feels SO lovely going on - can’t describe it but you can almost immediately feel a tightening and smoothing.
Thanks for this - it's very useful! I've also just realised I am also supposed to take care of my neck! May I ask, other than the roller you mention above, what else do you apply to your neck and decollette? Do you use any specific moisturiser/cream?
Having ‘known’ your face/body since I was pre-teen (wow, that sounds creepy but Magazines were my best pals) & been along for the Online ride I really trust you, Ruth.
There’s a contemporary (41 now) & elder, wiser cohort of women who have basically raised me like a virtual Sisterhood. Thank you. You’ve collectively persuaded me to invest in CurrentBody & the funds are building.
Have you tried the Emma Lewisham Sunceutical Mineral SPF50? It’s the most I’ve ever spent on a facial sunscreen but it’s like having a FACIAL with every application. I’m currently trialling the Cream Cleanser & it’s early days but the EL products & sustainable creds are pushing other stalwarts off my Top Shelf!
Thank you, this really means so much. I am screenshotting this comment and will read it back on grim days!
Re the Emma Lewisham, I have JUST been sent a new sunscreen they've launched to test out! Will have to try the mineral too. Can't wait now - a facial in a sunscreen sounds right up my street!
That means a lot to me☺️ Oooh, get STUCK IN💜 It’s heavenly & healing & IMHO the best SPF ever🫶🏼 My visage needs 2 pumps; the (refillable) pot itself is a joy 💗 Happy Friday & hope the literal & metaphorical clouds do one ☔️!
I’m So chuffed to have a ‘real person review’ of an Emma Lewisham product - cos I’ve Never tried them ; Thanks ! I am 55 and while I Love the idea of the LED mask idea, I don’t think I have the attention span/ Organisation Level required to manage to do it regularly enough !! (Remembering to do HRT, blood pressure pills, and SPF and Mascara, every morning- AND get the kids to school on time, is My daily challenge!!) I am really Loving the Beauty Pie ceramides eye gel, at the moment though, and am convincing myself that it’s taking Years off me !!
I’m VERY fussy (& frugal) with what I spend on. I also try really hard to seek out brands that truly care about the Environment & can smell Greenwashing BS a mile off. Emma Lewisham as a brand & human has genuinely changed the Beauty landscape for good. Have a read up, don’t take my word but it’s impressive stuff.
If at all possible then I’d suggest either visiting a SpaceNK or Liberty to speak to knowledgeable advisors that aren’t loyal to one brand. I’m a busy Mum too & totally get that time itself is a luxury😅 I treated myself to some solo time for investigating before investing🕵️! I’m a couple months in to using but my skin has never looked/felt better.
These columns are so helpful every year as I am just a few months behind you in age, and also can’t be arsed with the faff of tweakments and injectables! Last year’s post is one of very few “saved” posts I go back to on Substack. I have a question about your SPF use. Do you top up with anything in the day? I apply mine before the school run and know that by the time I pop out at lunchtime its protection will be all but gone. I find the over make-up sprays can sting the eyes though (I have to wear mineral SOF because of this too) Are there any “top up” SPFs you have tested and really got on with? Or do you just use a massive hat and be done with it? I’m thinking it might be the easier option 😂
Speaking of hats, there's nothing better than a parasol with sun protection!
I’m thinking about getting the current body multi light LED mask because at 49, I’ve been suffering from sudden constant breakouts that my derm says is from perimenopause. I also suddenly have a few dark sun spots. The multi light is supposed to address all these? Although I’m reading conflicting information about whether blue light addresses only bacterial/clogged pore acne and not hormonal causes acne. Any thoughts or experiences from anyone here?
Thank you Ruth. We are the same age and I hang on every word you say. Even though I live at the tip of Africa in a very different climate. I am saving for the Current Body LED mask to help with hyper (and hypo) pigmentation from childhood sun exposure and hormonal acne scarring. I am also fastidious about SPF (thankfully) on my face, neck and chest. Thank you for all the recommendations, my Mom is Caring in the UK and I am making lists x
On the grounds that the best products are the ones you actually use, I do love the Byoma Bio-Collagen Radiance mask. You spread a thin layer over your face and it dries to a rubbery finish that is peeled off - I find it so satisfying! It does make your skin look good too, but I’m not sure it has much long-term effect. Another product I really rate is the Inkey List Exosome Serum, I must be on my 10th bottle of it.
Love that serum! Also agree on the best products being the ones you use but also… ones that bring you joy? I mean it has all become so very serious. Sometimes I just love standing there sniffing a rose face cream.
Skin
At the grand age of 65 I have finally decided it’s time to start taking care of my skin, along with attempting to reduce my neck wattle (which I even consulted a surgeon about as it disturbed me so much). I’ve always been of the opinion that creams and potions don’t do a lot although this has changed - not least I think because the creams and potions themselves have come on a very long way since the 70’s! I started using the ROC stick for my neck and was impressed but had a bit of a reaction to it so was looking around for something else and came across Elevate from Trinny. I am seriously amazed at the results. I’ve been using it for a month now and can see a huge difference in the ‘wobble’ and wrinkles. I’ve just bought a first pot of their eye cream too in the hope it gives similar results - only a couple of days in and it feels lovely going on (and doesn’t sting when it gets in my eyes) so we’ll see. The pot is so annoying though - no applicator as such and it’s so tricky getting the inner lid off I waste an (expensive) dollop every time!
Oh this is INTERESTING!!!!! I am now going to have to try it immediately! Thank you
It seems to be very good and I am the world’s biggest cynic about these things! The instructions say use three pumps but I find two is enough for neck and upper chest area, twice a day, and after a month I’m still on my first bottle although at the moment have no idea how long it will last - I’m hoping two months at least to keep the cost down a bit! Also it feels SO lovely going on - can’t describe it but you can almost immediately feel a tightening and smoothing.
Thanks for this - it's very useful! I've also just realised I am also supposed to take care of my neck! May I ask, other than the roller you mention above, what else do you apply to your neck and decollette? Do you use any specific moisturiser/cream?
No, just the same products but try to take all the way down to my chest. X
Having ‘known’ your face/body since I was pre-teen (wow, that sounds creepy but Magazines were my best pals) & been along for the Online ride I really trust you, Ruth.
There’s a contemporary (41 now) & elder, wiser cohort of women who have basically raised me like a virtual Sisterhood. Thank you. You’ve collectively persuaded me to invest in CurrentBody & the funds are building.
Have you tried the Emma Lewisham Sunceutical Mineral SPF50? It’s the most I’ve ever spent on a facial sunscreen but it’s like having a FACIAL with every application. I’m currently trialling the Cream Cleanser & it’s early days but the EL products & sustainable creds are pushing other stalwarts off my Top Shelf!
Thank you, this really means so much. I am screenshotting this comment and will read it back on grim days!
Re the Emma Lewisham, I have JUST been sent a new sunscreen they've launched to test out! Will have to try the mineral too. Can't wait now - a facial in a sunscreen sounds right up my street!
That means a lot to me☺️ Oooh, get STUCK IN💜 It’s heavenly & healing & IMHO the best SPF ever🫶🏼 My visage needs 2 pumps; the (refillable) pot itself is a joy 💗 Happy Friday & hope the literal & metaphorical clouds do one ☔️!
I’m So chuffed to have a ‘real person review’ of an Emma Lewisham product - cos I’ve Never tried them ; Thanks ! I am 55 and while I Love the idea of the LED mask idea, I don’t think I have the attention span/ Organisation Level required to manage to do it regularly enough !! (Remembering to do HRT, blood pressure pills, and SPF and Mascara, every morning- AND get the kids to school on time, is My daily challenge!!) I am really Loving the Beauty Pie ceramides eye gel, at the moment though, and am convincing myself that it’s taking Years off me !!
I’m VERY fussy (& frugal) with what I spend on. I also try really hard to seek out brands that truly care about the Environment & can smell Greenwashing BS a mile off. Emma Lewisham as a brand & human has genuinely changed the Beauty landscape for good. Have a read up, don’t take my word but it’s impressive stuff.
If at all possible then I’d suggest either visiting a SpaceNK or Liberty to speak to knowledgeable advisors that aren’t loyal to one brand. I’m a busy Mum too & totally get that time itself is a luxury😅 I treated myself to some solo time for investigating before investing🕵️! I’m a couple months in to using but my skin has never looked/felt better.
Good luck! X
Yes, I've never seen much on this brand online before but have tried a couple of products that have been lovely. They are on my list to write about!
It’s easy to do too much to one’s facial skin. You’ve got the perfect balance imho! Good read, thanks.🤩
Thank you and yes, agreed!