Month: January 2025

Retinol is often hailed as a skincare powerhouse, but understanding how it fits into your skincare routine after 50 requires a bit of insight. As our skin ages, its needs evolve, and retinol can play a key role in maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. Here’s everything you need to know about using retinol effectively and safely in your 50s and beyond.

1. SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex .25 – This product offers a gentle introduction to retinol, which is suitable for beginners
2. Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream – Ideal for sensitive skin, this cream combines retinaldehyde with soothing thermal spring water.
3. Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum – For those seeking a retinol alternative, this serum utilizes bakuchiol.

Keep reading to discover more about retinol, natural alternatives, and our recommended products.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for skin health. It is one of the most researched and recommended ingredients for addressing various signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of elasticity. Retinol works by stimulating cell turnover and collagen production, helping your skin renew itself more effectively.

Why Use Retinol After 50?

As we age, our skin’s natural cell turnover slows down, and collagen production decreases. This can lead to:

• Fine lines and wrinkles becoming more pronounced.
• Hyperpigmentation or age spots.
• Dullness and uneven texture.
• Loss of firmness in the skin.

Retinol helps combat these issues by encouraging new cell growth and improving collagen synthesis, making it an ideal ingredient for mature skin.

How to Introduce Retinol to Your Routine

Using retinol for the first time can be daunting, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Here are some tips to help you integrate it into your routine:

• Start Slowly: Begin with a low concentration of retinol (0.1% or less) and use it once or twice a week.
• Apply at Night: Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s best applied in the evening.
• Moisturize: Use a gentle moisturizer to minimize dryness and irritation.
• Don’t Overdo It: A pea-sized amount is enough for your entire face.
• Use Sunscreen: Always use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage, as retinol can increase photosensitivity.

Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Some common side effects of retinol include:

• Dryness and flaking: Use a hydrating serum or moisturizer to counteract dryness.
• Redness and irritation: Reduce the frequency of application or switch to a lower concentration.
• Increased sensitivity: Be gentle with your skin and avoid combining retinol with other products like exfoliants.

Choosing the Right Retinol Product

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a retinol product:

• Concentration: Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.
• Formulation: Look for products labeled “time-release” or “encapsulated retinol” to minimize irritation.
• Hydrating Ingredients: Products with added hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin can help offset dryness.

Read 10 Best Cleansing Towelettes for Women Over 60.

Different Concentrations of Retinol

Retinol products come in various concentrations, and understanding these can help you choose the best option for your skin type and needs:

• Low Concentration (0.01% to 0.03%): Ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin, these concentrations provide mild exfoliation and help with early signs of aging.
• Moderate Concentration (0.04% to 0.1%): Suitable for users with some retinol experience, these products offer noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and fine lines.
• High Concentration (0.5% to 1%): Recommended for advanced users or those with significant sun damage and deep wrinkles. These concentrations deliver powerful results but can also cause more irritation, so they should be used with caution.

Read A Clinical Anti-Ageing Comparative Study of 0.3 and 0.5% Retinol Serums: A Clinically Controlled Trial for more information regarding concentrations and results. 

The Controlled Use of Retinol in the USA

In the United States, the use of retinol is regulated depending on its concentration and formulation. Over-the-counter (OTC) retinol products typically contain lower concentrations, ranging from 0.01% to 1%. These products are widely available and do not require a prescription, making them accessible for general use.

Prescription-strength retinoids, such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene in higher concentrations, are more potent and effective for treating severe skin concerns like deep wrinkles, acne, or significant sun damage. These formulations can only be obtained through a dermatologist’s prescription due to their potential for increased irritation and the need for professional monitoring.

If you are new to retinol or have sensitive skin, starting with OTC products is recommended. However, for more advanced concerns or if OTC products are not providing the desired results, consulting a dermatologist for prescription options may be beneficial. Always follow usage instructions carefully to avoid adverse effects and maximize benefits.

Alternatives to Retinol

If your skin doesn’t tolerate retinol well, consider these gentler alternatives:

• Bakuchiol: A plant-based retinol alternative with similar benefits but less irritation.
• Peptides: Help stimulate collagen production without causing dryness.
• Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and improves skin texture.

Read 10 Best Facial Cleansers for Women Over 60.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

If you’re unsure about introducing retinol into your skincare routine or if you experience severe irritation, consult a dermatologist. They can recommend prescription-strength retinoids or tailor a skincare plan suited to your needs.

Retinol can be a game-changer for your skin after 50, but it’s important to use it wisely. With the right approach and a bit of patience, retinol can help you achieve smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. Remember, consistency is key, and always prioritize hydration and sun protection to maximize the benefits of this powerful ingredient.

Read Facial Peels: The Best Options for Women over 70.

Products with Retinol 

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex .25

This product offers a gentle introduction to retinol, which is suitable for beginners. It contains antioxidants and soothing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide to minimize irritation. 

Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

Ideal for sensitive skin, this cream combines retinaldehyde (a retinol derivative) with soothing thermal spring water to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. 

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

An affordable option that targets deep wrinkles, this night cream is non-comedogenic and suitable for daily use. 

Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

This treatment combines retinol with bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative, to enhance efficacy while minimizing potential irritation. 

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

For those seeking a retinol alternative, this serum utilizes bakuchiol to promote youthful skin without the irritation sometimes associated with retinol. 

When selecting a product, consider your skin type and any sensitivities. It’s advisable to perform a patch test before full application and consult with a dermatologist to tailor the best skincare regimen for your needs.

Read A Budget-Friendly At-Home Spa Day: 9 Relaxing Activities.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever used retinol products? What is your experience with retinol? Do you have any tips for our Sixty & Me readers? Do you have a favorite product that contains retinol? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

The actress debuted her baby bump in an out-of-this-world Instagram post.

Do you find yourself caught up in to-do lists that never end? Do you see problems all the time? Stress over little details and find drama in every situation?

Life can be one complicated hurdle, frustration and riddle. And then the refrigerator breaks down on a Saturday afternoon! There is an easier way to live and your creativity will improve, too.

Mars or Bust

Some time ago, I read a book about Elon Musk’s quest to build a rocket ship for return trips from Mars. One of his motivations is avoiding the extinction of the human race by building a Mars colony. Mmmm.

No doubt Musk’s achievements so far have been impressive. His show is the best in town and will likely continue to improve with time. But colonise Mars?

Would it not be simpler to ‘colonise’ inhospitable places on Earth? For instance, look at Las Vegas, or any of the world’s deserts. We have a lot of water on this planet although most of it is salty. Why not invest in mega-desalination projects?

Then we could turn dry bits of California into a garden. Or the Namib desert. There is plenty of room and oxygen too. I am not an expert on these topics, but is there not a simpler way to improve things now?

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

The problem with us humans is we mess up. Put us on Mars, and someone is going to drop a spanner in the works. Inevitably, the result will be dire if you need oxygen. Which you do.

What a struggle we have coping with Ocean travel. Now we must think about possible move to Mars? We need to make our present home more hospitable. That is simpler to do. I’m sure it will be profitable, too, so there is an incentive for someone to get started.

The Romans Understood Simplicity, until They Didn’t

Have you read Seneca’s works? He was a Roman philosopher and follower of stoicism. Read a few compilations of his letters, and he will amaze you with his ideas.

Much of his thinking is still relevant today. You may think that Seneca wrote these letters last week – if you ignore the bits about gladiators and slaves, that is. For example:

“Until we have begun to go without them, we fail to realize how unnecessary many things are. We’ve been using them not because we needed them but because we had them.”

The stoics understood simplicity. Even then, they said, the complications of wealth, fame and leadership were a torment. And that was before the Internet and email. Health is more important than wealth. One good friend is more important than hundreds of ‘likes’ from strangers.

But the Romans chose the path of complication instead. They overextended themselves and became weak in ideas, leadership and morals. The result was no surprise as now we have Italy – still the most complicated political system in the world. But I digress.

Moving House Mayhem

Many of you have moved house at least once in your life. Perhaps you have recently downscaled to something smaller? No doubt you have blocked the memory of house moving. I have recently experienced this trauma, and I apologise if I have rekindled any unpleasant memories.

It is in house moving that we face the consequences of failing to keep life simple. Often I had to wonder why I had kept something or why I had purchased it to begin with? If you lack awareness you will waste money and produce clutter. Throw out the junk or better yet – avoid purchasing it.

Mental Clutter

Do you suffer from auto generated problems? You know, those bits of drama and trouble that your mind throws at you every waking moment? Maybe you have more free time after retirement, but now there is more drama to fill the time?

That’s all too common. You must learn to change your mental station from drama to calm. Keeping busy works for me. I also avoid people who drag me into their web of gossip and drama – energy vampires, the lot of them.

Simple Wealth

Simplicity in all things does not mean being a scrooge or killjoy. It also does not mean living uncomfortably. Instead, simplicity is a powerful concept that brings peace of mind. In turn, this leads to effective living and achievement of many goals.

“Philosophy calls for simple living, not for doing penance, and the simple way of life need not be a crude one,” says Seneca, I think it’s true.

Create Excellent Art the Simple Way

How can you translate simplicity into your art? I love the example of children’s art. We all know that a child does not agonise over making art. Children create some of the most beautiful art in early grade school. Free from ambition, envy and fear. They go for it and their art is a joy to behold. Simple.

Things change later on. Ego and self-esteem issues can derail your art if you let them. Always be aware of these mental traps.

When you are in front of the easel, remember that it is the simple statement that has the greatest impact. That one brushstroke that suggests so much. The effect of light or the mystery of shadow communicated with a few deft strokes of a brush. That is the essence of simplicity.

Writing the Simple Way

Few authors can make a complex sentence read beautifully. Shakespeare did it. In modern times, Cormac McCarthy is a master at it. But he will juxtapose the complex with a short, sharp statement that knocks you over.

Great orators know the power of the simple statement. Compare this: “The other day I was thinking, wouldn’t it be, like, really nice if we all just got along?” to the momentous speech called I have a dream.

How to Simplify?

Many authors write books on the topic of simplification. Does this suggest that some authors are making the subject too complex? Maybe. As an artist, the most important quality is to take time to observe. Then, when the eye and mind have seen, take action.

Apply this to most things so that your actions are not impulsive. Ask yourself how you can simplify the circumstances or decision you are facing. Let the answer arrive with time.

I will let Seneca have the last word:

“It is not the man who has too little that is poor, but the one who hankers after more.”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How can your life benefit from more simplicity? Do you any simple ideas to share? Please join the conversation below.

The actress debuted her baby bump in an out-of-this-world Instagram post.

Do you feel like you’re drifting through life, caught up in the daily grind with no clear direction, no real purpose, and no true meaning?

Maybe you’re feeling stuck, questioning whether this is the life you truly want. You might even find yourself asking, What am I doing? Why am I doing this? Where am I going?

Such was the case with a friend of mine. A highly successful business owner, she seemed to have it all, but when she reached out to me for coffee, I knew something must be wrong.

When she arrived, I barely recognized her. She looked exhausted, depleted, and overwhelmed. She mentioned that she had been watching my videos on living a simpler, more intentional life and wanted to know how to declutter her own life.

Her business was thriving, but she had no personal life beyond the office. Having just turned 60, she realized life was quickly passing her by. She was overwhelmed, stressed, unhappy, and desperate for work-life balance.

In her own words, her priorities were cluttered. She spent many years focused solely on growing her business, leaving little room for living her life.

In a moment of levity, I reminded her of a famous line from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!”

My friend was lucky. She had a wake-up call. She realized she had a choice to intentionally create new priorities that would result in meaningful and lasting change… a new life filled with meaning, purpose, joy, and fun!

The Power of a Life Audit

Whether it’s a milestone birthday like my friend’s, the beginning of a new year, a sudden “life quake,” or a moment of quiet realization, we all face a time when we question if we’re truly living the life we want.

If this resonates with you, a life audit could be the answer. It’s not just about identifying what’s wrong in your life, but also about acknowledging that you have the power to choose and the power to change.

A life audit helps you:

1. Reflect on where you are and where you want to go.
2. Reevaluate your priorities, goals, and habits.
3. Refocus on what matters and take action to align your life with your values, passions, and purpose.

What Is a Life Audit and Why Does It Matter?

A life audit is about you – who you are, what you want, and what you need to live life to the fullest. It will help you uncover the hidden clutter that’s preventing you from living the life you really want.

• It is a deep dive into your dreams, aspirations, goals, priorities, and habits.
• It helps you discover your passion and purpose so you can move forward with clarity, focus, and intention.
• It explores all areas of your life: career, relationships, finances, health, personal growth, spirituality, and fun.
• It is like a GPS because it shows you where you are, where you want to go, and what’s holding you back.

Each step of the life audit works together like pieces of a puzzle. If you skip one, the picture remains incomplete. By taking time to complete all three essential steps, you’ll gain clarity and confidence to design a life filled with purpose, meaning, balance, and joy.

The 3 Steps of a Life Audit

A life audit consists of three essential steps:

1. Vision Board: Where do you want to go?
2. Life Wheel: Where are you now?
3. Self-Reflection: What matters most?

Each step builds on the others. Skipping one is like trying to navigate without a map – you’ll never reach your desired destination.

Step 1: Vision Board

See the future you want.

A vision board isn’t just any old art project. It’s a tool that helps you bring your goals to life. By visually presenting what you aspire to, you create a reminder of the life you want to build. A vision board should excite you because it helps you dream boldly while clarifying your passion and purpose and setting goals that truly matter to you.

Whether it’s images of a peaceful home, a fulfilling career, or creating special moments with your loved ones, your vision board acts as a guiding light to help you stay focused on what matters most to you.

How to Create a Vision Board

• Gather magazines, clip photos, sketches, and words or phrases that represent your dreams and goals.
• Create a collage that inspires you and reflects the life you want to build.
• Place it somewhere visible to keep you motivated.

My Reflection on My Own Vision Board
When I created my first vision board, I realized how much energy I was wasting on things that didn’t matter. Seeing my dreams visually represented gave me the clarity to focus on what truly matters.

Step 2: Life Wheel

Assess your present life.

Before you can map a route to your destination, you need to know your starting point.

The life wheel is a simple yet powerful tool that helps you evaluate key areas of your life: career, relationships, health, finances, spirituality, and more.

By ranking these areas, you can pinpoint where you feel fulfilled and where you need to grow. This clarity helps you prioritize your time, energy, and resources more effectively.

How to Create a Life Wheel

• Draw a circle or download a life wheel divided into sections representing different areas of your life.
• Color in each section to identify different areas.
• Rank each area on a scale from 1 to 10.
• Use the results to pinpoint where you’re thriving and where you need to grow.

My Reflection on My Life Wheel
When I used the life wheel, I quickly identified areas where I was out of balance and could more effectively focus my time and energy.

Step 3: Self-Reflection

Uncover what truly matters.

This is like your personal GPS. It helps uncover what drives you – your core values, your passions, and your purpose.

By reflecting on and clearly articulating what lights you up, fills you up, and makes you truly happy and satisfied, life gets so much easier!

Reflection Questions:

1. What do you truly want from life, and are you moving in a direction that aligns with your passions and purpose?
2. What brings you the most joy and fulfillment, and how much time do you currently devote to it?
3. What are you most proud of, and what lessons have you learned from both successes and failures?
4. Who are the most important people in your life, and how do they contribute to your happiness and success?
5. What do you excel at and love doing? Are you incorporating these into your daily life?
6. What’s missing from your life that would bring you greater fulfillment and align with your values?
7. What obstacles, internal or external, are holding you back?

My Reflections on Self-Reflection
One of my biggest breakthroughs was realizing how cluttered my priorities had been. By saying no to things that didn’t align with my values, I created space for what truly mattered.

Why All 3 Steps Matter

Each step of the life audit builds on the other:

• Without a vision board, you lack a clear destination.
• Without a life wheel, you can’t assess the gaps between your dreams and reality.
• Without self-reflection, you won’t discover the deeper “why that makes you cry” behind meaningful goals.

Together, these steps provide clarity, focus, and motivation to create lasting change.

My Personal Insights

Living Simply, Intentionally, and Authentically
Perhaps the most significant insight I gained is the importance of living simply, intentionally, and authentically.

For many years, I tried to fit into someone else’s dream of a good life. I wasted time, money, and energy on trying to be something I wasn’t… The big house, fancy cars, designer wardrobe.

When I began saying no to things that didn’t align with my values and yes to only the people and things that brought me joy, meaning, and fulfillment, I discovered the real me that had been hiding beneath all those cluttered priorities.

I felt lighter, freer, and more peaceful. By following my personal GPS, I was finally in control of my own life. I discovered the real me.

The Power of Supportive Relationships

Another powerful insight I gained from my life audit is the importance of surrounding myself with people who truly care about me, support my goals, and encourage my aspirations.

Equally important is making sure they know that I will support them on their journeys as well.

By prioritizing simplicity, and living with less, my life has become richer, more abundant, and truly fulfilling.

It made me realize how much more life I have to live and how much more I have to give! 

Surrounding myself with supportive people enriched my life and allowed me to focus on what truly matters.

Your Life Matters

I do hope you will take time for your own life audit so you can start living the life you truly want … and deserve. 

A life audit is life-changing. 

I invite you to invest your time and energy into completing your own life audit.

And if you will, please share your story, your wakeup call moments, your goals, and your insights. 

Your story will make a difference to others.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you done a life audit? What did you discover? Which areas do you want to improve on? How are you planning to do so?