Video at the bottom!
Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the world of better aging—because let’s face it, aging isn’t something we can avoid, but we can certainly embrace it better. While most people focus on essentials like sunscreen, retinol, and retinoids, I want to explore some additional daily practices you can adopt to keep your skin looking its best at any age.
First off, let’s talk about exfoliation. It’s key to maintaining healthy skin, and I personally advocate for using polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) over alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs). PHAs are gentler, making them perfect for sensitive skin since they penetrate the skin more slowly, reducing the risk of irritation.
Exfoliating regularly helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, which reveals a fresher complexion—essential for diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. They also have humectant properties that keep your skin hydrated, which is vital for maintaining elasticity and firmness. PHAs can help protect your skin from environmental stressors too, like UV rays and pollution, which are notorious for accelerating the aging process.
Another aspect that often gets overlooked in the anti-aging discussion is chronic low-grade inflammation, or “inflammaging.” This process contributes to sagging skin and wrinkles as it breaks down collagen and elastin. It generates free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress, further promoting signs of aging. To combat this, focusing on ingredients that reduce inflammation is key.
I lean towards the gentle ingredients found in K-beauty, such as Centella Asiatica and green tea, known for their soothing and antioxidant properties. Yes, hyaluronic acid has received its share of criticism, but it remains a powerful humectant that can help heal and calm the skin.
Speaking of hydration, let’s not forget about urea. Often underestimated, this ingredient is a natural moisturizing factor that penetrates the skin to retain moisture, keeping it plump and elastic. Urea can also help exfoliate gently and improve skin texture, making it great for hand creams, especially since our hands often show the first signs of aging.
Now, let’s touch on red light therapy. This treatment has received mixed reviews but is consistently praised for its anti-aging benefits. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, accelerating skin healing. Consistency is crucial here; regular usage over time is necessary for noticeable results. Look for quality devices, as their effectiveness can vary widely based on the strength of the light used.
Over time, you’ll appreciate the results of adding these practices to your routine. But remember, skincare is a journey, and finding what works for you may take some experimentation. Don’t hesitate to share your favorite products, especially those containing urea, in the comments below! For more tips, feel free to check out my previous product reviews, and I’ll see you in the next video!
38 Comments
I think oral Hyaluronic acid is better than topical.
My youngest daughter (recently 6) struggled with KP. She's had it off and on on her cheeks and arms since infancy really, as well as somewhat sensitive skin (family history of eczema). We used to have good results with a colloidal oatmeal baby lotion, but as she got older it stopped helping with the KP bumps. Since she was so young and has sensitivities, I was against using typical SA treatments like you normally see for KP. I read up and saw urea was a helpful KP treatment, as well as glycerin which i already knew was a skin loving ingredient. In comes Eucerine Intensive Repair Lotion. With both urea and glycerin high up on the ingredients list I decided to try it. Overnight we saw a noticeable difference and within a couple days her KP was gone 🎉🎉
beekman claims that cream is “4x more potent than retinol” …would have loved to hear what you think about that because it’s an interesting statement. possibly the way they worded it makes it okay for them to say because i can’t imagine it actually affects the skin the same way retinol does.
$66 dollars id rather be wrinkled! Sorry 😂
LaRoche Posay & Cerave came out with body products with urea and they're great. The LRP one is great for chicken skin 🎉🎉🎉
If Urea is at least 10% in a product then it can be a keratolytic which helps gently exfoliate in sloughing off the dead skin layer.
PHAs don't necessarily penetrate the skin slower more actually doesn't penetrate as deep which is why it is better for sensitive skin or also people with rosacea like yourself.
I like the term well-aging as opposed to anti-aging.
BHAs are better for oily skin since it is oil loving and can break up sebum better than even PHA. I don't have oily skin though. I use glycolic acid because I can tolerate it. I use 10% glycolic acid three times a week, M W F.
I need a review on FOREO faq led mask I don’t get why I can’t find any reviews
Thanks James. I recently entered my 50s and I’m in the market for a new moisturizer. I’m so sensitive, I simply can’t tolerate retinoids so these suggestions are just perfect timing for me. Thanks again lovely.
Eucerin Urea Repair and Kerasal ointment are both excellent products with urea.
I love my red light panel! I got it for my skin and it ended up helping manage my long term neck pain! I wouldn’t bother with a red light mask- get a panel. More multipurpose!
@JamesWelsh unfortunately your discount code doesn’t seem to work on the Beekman 1802 UK website – the website in general seems to have a lot of problems, I get error messages literally on any other product pages. I’d love to try the Age RX cream and thanks for the very useful info on the red light masks, love your content!
My urea rec is from Dr Gray actually the Hada Labo Perfect Gel Cream. Great as a layer before my moisturizer.
Exosomes seem to be the newest regenerative ingredient, intriguing, and love beekman 1802. I’m using Eucerin’s UreaRepair Plus 5% cleanser and 10% lotion head to toe for the urea benefits!
Love this urea cream by Shiseido. Saves my hands every time. I use it after the shower
kerasal for exfoliation and urea treatement 💋💋💋
I actually like the Altruist 10% Urea dry skin repair cream
youre helping those of us who are allergic to retinol
BE CAREFUL putting 10% urea products for your feet/hands on your face!!
I say this as someone who has made this error myself 😂
I like to try things what can I say!
I don’t even have particular sensitive skin but – oh my god – the burning. I had to wash it off within 5 minutes.
There are urea products with lower, more appropriate percentages of urea (including from shiseido) that are safer and much less irritating if you want to use it on your face.
It’s also a great product for KP and ingrown hairs because it helps breaks down keratin – it’s great. Be careful if you’re going to use 10% on your face! Or just don’t do it haha ❤
I mostly see urea in heel balms and other foot products that target dryness in the feet. It's a great adjunct to the acids found in many of these products.
Good one Robert! Over 50 🤗🤗
Could you give us some info on stem cell serums and growth factor serums. There are so many on the market now and there are a lot of claims about them. Thank you!
Hmm I wonder were the red light designers get there red light from:THE SUN!
OMG! Not for me, ever!
Hyaluronic acid make my skin dry.
Urea is fantastic, it’s also shown to be effective at fighting typical bacterial acne AND fungal acne or malassezia folliculitis. Malezia has a urea cream that’s an FA-safe option if anyone has it like me ^_^
My next big purchase will be a red light unit, they are definitely an investment. Thank you for this video!
Die Totes-Meersalz-Creme von Bio Allgäu ist ein echter Feuchtigkeitsspender für meine Haut, ich bin begeistert.
Love you I really take a lot of advice from your skin care. Thank you for all you do.❤
The new proactiv commercial is using a line very similar to the one you always open your videos with about progression over perfection
Isdin has ureadin body lotion and ita great
Transparent lab urea serum is great, and not pricey
I love urea! I see some people using 15-20% urea hand and foot creams on their face I and worry a little for their skin lol. If your skin can tolerate products with higher urea then go for it, but the sweet spot for most people is generally 5-10% urea.
I noticed in Germany the drugstores have a lot of lotions and showergels with urea
Hyaluronic acid (for all adult ages), Collagen (muture skin), squalane (all adult ages). That is what I would say. I certainly would not recommend (Pro) Retinol because it is very agressive and can cause rash aespecially on the eyes. P.s if people have to guess my age they guess me 10 years younger than I really am.
I just wanted to thank you. I have been watching you and using products you have recommended. Today, a lady stopped me and said, "you have beautiful skin!" I almost melted in 5he middle of the store. So thanks fie all your knowledge and recommendations. ❤❤❤❤