tips for great skin
I’ve got tips for great skin that I’ve used over 50 years. Now at the young age of 73, I know they work! I’m sharing some secrets with you!
How to Get Great Skin
I’m lucky to have good genes. Without getting real scientific or technical, I think good genes are the foundation or blueprint for what goes on in your life as you age.
Now how you handle your life, as in choices you make in regards to living, yes, and that includes your emotional/psychological constitution, all weigh in on how we age and our quality of life.
Having lived a while, these are just my 10 ways to better skin.
Glowing Skin Secrets
More than once I’ve been told that I have great skin. I even once won a contest at the age of 44, wow, that was really young, sponsored by Oil of Olay, called “I Keep Getting Better”—sent in a photo, wrote a brief essay on why I thought I was ‘getting better’ as I was ‘aging’.
Great skin doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a combination of investments of time, energy, money and making prudent choices throughout life.
One simple thing that I do is supplement my diet with bone broth. Yes, it might sound crazy, but bone broth, and I’m talking the real deal stuff full of collagen and gelatins, is so helpful to your skin, nails and hair, not to mention your entire body.
Bone Broth and Skin
That’s why I sip bone broth everyday!
Best Bone Broth for Skin
Yes, you can make your own bone broth, but why? It’s really time consuming. Very gratifying. Yes, I do sometimes. But, my option is to source the best on the market.
There are lots of bone broth brands out there. For me, I like Kettle & Fire. Yes, I’m one of their influencers, so full disclosure. But, before I collaborate with a brand and promote it, I make sure it’s something that I would use. And, I definitely use these products!
If you’d like to learn more about Kettle & Fire, just click here. And, if you decide to make a one-time purchase, then use my discount code, ALLYSKITCHEN, at checkout and you’ll get 20% off (doesn’t apply to subscription plans).
Younger Looking Skin
Then boom, I was in New York City doing a photo shoot for Ladies Home Journal magazine on two occasions! I’m sure my skin had something to do with that because I look at that photo today that I submitted, and I even see some really healthy skin.
In essence, I’m a pseudo ‘expert’ on skincare because my skin has stood the test of time.
What Causes Facial Skin Wrinkles
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Wrinkles, a natural part of aging, are most prominent on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, hands and forearms.
Although genetics mainly determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially for people with light skin. Pollutants and smoking also contribute to wrinkling.”
Best Skin Care Regime
So many ask me, what I use for my skin. Well, here your go. If you’d like to read more on my nighttime skincare routine, click here. Yes, I’m sharing my ‘secrets’!
My primary skincare products are from PROVEN Skincare. Learn more about this company. I think it’s so different because the founders know that skincare is not a ‘one size fits all’. Everyone has different skin. Different needs. Circumstances. Concerns. And, this skincare line takes these things into account when formulating your skincare products Yes, it’s an individual approach! If you decide to purchase, please use ALLY99 at checkout for a deep discount.
Eye Cream
“The skin around your eyes has been shown to age faster than the rest of the skin with higher levels of cellular senescence.01 OS-01 EYE, our peptide eye cream, is formulated with the highest concentration of our OS-01 peptide to help target aging at the molecular level. This eye cream is designed to cater to the delicate eye area, providing targeted care and addressing the signs of aging where they matter most.”
One Skin
A few other products that I use and alternate throughout the 7 day week. Yes, you can decide which days you want to do what. But, for me, it’s every day, morning and evening.
Expensive but, again, so worth it. And, since you’re not using it every day, so it lasts longer. I use this three times a week applying it three times/week prior to my evening skincare.
Per the website: “The first skin longevity treatment that extends skin health on the molecular level to address aging from within. Formulated for areas of your skin that are most exposed to environmental damage, including your face, hands, and neck.”
Prep Facial Cleanser
“PREP is a gentle daily facial cleanser that thoroughly removes impurities, light makeup, and sunscreen without disrupting skin’s natural barrier, so skin is ready to receive maximum benefit from the rest of your skin care routine. With its focus on a gentle cleanse that preserves the skin’s health, PREP sets the foundation for optimal moisture and a healthy complexion that is suitable for all skin types.” Source
SunScreen SunBlock
I USE ONE SKIN’S OS 01 SHIELD PROTECT + REPAIR SPF 30+
Why do I double up on SPF? I want to be doubly sure I’m protecting my skin, plus the ONE SKIN has five antioxidants in it and the OS-01 Senescence Blocking Peptide.
Probably twice, maybe three times a week, in my shower, I’ll use this simple self-exfoliation battery operated gizmo on my face, neck, and decalage. It helps remove dead skin cells and I see more a of a glow in my skin. I do use the cleanser from Proven Skincare.
How to Improve Skin Texture
It’s never too late to start taking better care of your skin and focusing on keeping it healthy. I mean your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it’s important to pay attention to it.
I’m really happy to give you some of my tips—maybe you already do some of these things, maybe not. I do believe these things work—it’s a slow steady ‘working’—you won’t see it overnight or instantly, but, in time, I believe you’ll notice subtle changes.
None of this seems to work individually—it’s a collective effort. So here you go! Some things I’ve luckily learned early in life and practiced for the past almost 50 years.
Tips for Great Skin
Sun. Since about my early 20s, way before the damaging effects of the sun, those nasty UVA and UVB rays, was documented and advertised, I decided that my sun worshipping days were over.
Yes, I had been one of those 16 year old teens that baked in the sun, got nasty sunburns and blistered and peeled, and even slathered baby oil with iodine in it on myself and laid on aluminum foil ‘beds’ to get more baked and ‘gloriously’ tanned. Disgusting, huh? Thanks goodness, I saw the light!
How to Stay Young Looking
I wear sun block 365 days year. Yes, even on cloudy and rainy days. I put on a ball cap or wide brimmed hat when outdoors biking, walking, gardening and things like that. I’m a shade seeker—if we’re at an outdoor café put the umbrella up and give me some shade. If the umbrella’s up, I want the chair in the shady part of the table.
Tips for Beautiful Skin
Smoking. Yep, a huge culprit in prematurely aging the skin. For some reason, a stroke of luck in my life, I never had an urge to smoke. Oh, yes, I tried, but it just felt awkward—I mean I looked at others with smoke coming from their nostrils and thought that just doesn’t look appealing and even holding a cigarette made me feel like some kind of imposter.
Tips for Younger Looking Skin
And, keep in mind that I grew up during the era when smoking was cool—cigarette ads peppered the media and all the ‘beautiful’ people were puffing. Thank goodness to me it was totally unattractive and just looked like dragons blowing smoke from their nostrils! Plus, the smell~oh, not groovy.
Tips to Improve Complexion
I don’t think it’s ever too late to stop or cut back. Smoking takes its toll on your skin (and so many other things in your body). There’s plenty of science behind this—no need to go into it here—I suppose I’m vain—healthy vibrant beautiful skin is more important to me than the allure of the cigarette.
Clear Healthy Skin
Flushing toxins out of your body with water also helps everything run better inside—from circulation to hydration—gulp, gulp gulp. I even keep bubbly water beside my bed—yes, even during the night I’ll turn over, grab that bottle of bubbly (I prefer over ‘flat’ water.) and guzzle a few swigs.
Then throughout the day, I’ve got my bottled bubbly by my desk, in the kitchen, on my bike, when I’m walking—basically, most all the time ‘reminding’ me to drink drink drink.
Healthier Skin
We’re always shedding skin cells. Our face, neck and decollate are areas that benefit from a little buffing on a regular basis. Not only does it get rid of those dead cells but it stimulates the collagen production, which is a good thing. I use over-the-counter hand held battery operated facial buffers. I have one made by Neutrogena and another made by Oil of Olay.
Younger Looking Skin Tips
They’re kept in my shower and about four or more times a week, I’ll put a squeeze of some facial cleansing soap (very important because your facial/neck skin is delicate and body soaps aren’t the best) on them and give myself about a 3 minute or more facial—it’s gentle, only subtly ‘abrasive’ and my skin’s glowing when I step out of the shower!
Foods for Glowing Skin
Food. OK, this is another one that’s a big ‘given’ because of today’s media—you put junk and processed foods in your body on a regular basis, and your skin’s going to show the effects as much as your tush and waistline.
The vitamins and minerals that come from fresh vegetables, fruits and unprocessed foods directly impact the health of your body’s largest organ—your skin.
You can have your breads, pastas and sweets. You can have your meats. Just make sure you have double or triple the fruits, veggies and seafood.
Skin Health
Sleep. When I don’t get a good restful at least 7-8 hours sleep, boy it shows on my face! And, it’s reflected in my skin.
It just doesn’t have that ‘glow’—there’s almost a ‘grey’ish’ haze. Sleep is so important for the skin’s time to repair itself, so don’t burn that midnight oil—next day, you could very well show your age!
Why is Physical Fitness Important
Exercise. It seems like a given that you should know the immense benefits of exercise—everything from blood pressure, heart health to cholesterol levels.
But, if you aren’t aware, exercise is fabulous for your skin! I especially notice pretty dramatic effects after yoga classes where I’ve done inversions, getting more blood to my brain and head, and, yes, my skin.
Best Skincare for Aging Skin
Skincare Products. A few of today’s products, those found in drugstores and at the cosmetics counters at retail stores, are good and affordable. I prefer to use something proven as in Proven Skincare.
Again, it’s a totally personal choice.
Then there are the specialty skincare products that you might find at a dermatologist’s office or through a spa. Do your research.
Younger Looking Skin at 50
Learn about the products and what the certain ingredients, like retinol, are designed to do for your skin and its health. Then make your decision and stick to a dedicated regime. Don’t go to bed unless you’ve cleansed and treated your face/neck and chest area.
Skincare is just not your face. It’s not just slathering on a bunch of products and hoping for better skin.
Skincare is a process. It involves many variables, both internal and external. Make a commitment to skincare. Stick with it. You’ll see results.
Natural Care for Skin
Facials. Pamper Yourself. Start putting spare change in a jar and save for a twice a year professional facial. It’s worth the pampering. Plus, it really is like a simonizing car wax/detailing for your facial areas. Professionally trained estoticians know their craft and they can be of huge value to you.
Skin Care Tips
Medical Treatments. We live in an age now that safe laser treatments and other things have been developed to improve the skin, its elasticity, collagen production and more.
Then there are other procedures including fillers and botox—all of these things are personal decisions that you make based upon your needs and what you can afford and want to do.
Finding the best facilities, well-trained and experienced estheticians and medical professionals is paramount. Don’t go to a witch doctor just because they’re cheap. And, all of these type decisions are totally yours and your medical support team to make.
How to Keep Skin Young and Wrinkle-Free
Nothing beats keeping skin young and more beautiful than having loving and living a full life! The French call it ‘joie de vivre’!
Stay cheerful. Squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of life. Have an exultation of spirit, which can be sheer ‘joy’ of anything! Joy of conversation. Joy of eating. Joy of anything you might do!
Stay playful. Try not to stress out and worry. Yes, this does have an affect on your skin.
I just love you Ally. A truly beautiful inspiration. Merci for the tops, the wonderful recipes and your presence in our lives. ♥️
Sylvie!!! You have NO idea what your words mean to me! Thank you, beautiful friend. It’s b/c of amazing souls like you that I do what I do. Thank you for being YOU! xoxx ally
Ally, I just have to say one thing.you are beautiful inside and out. Started following you from Rosie and Bobby..I love your cooking recipes.i made so many.have them under Allys kitchen..I have a beauty routine since I’m 17.i use neutrogena soap, and also oil of olay..my mom and I used ponds cold cream, and then the pink cream. Today I use total effects..I wash my face Morning and night..no makeup unless I go out.sunscreen a must.cera ve.i love bone broth.i make it sometimes.ill try yours..Thanks for the recipes, and all the beauty tips. You have a Beautiful family and home .I’m 70.good genetics.dad lived to 98 mom till 87. 2001 lost them 3 months apart .I try my best but have bad back and knee.exercise, eat and healthy.aging gradually.no botox.eyes need help!! Love you Ally!!❤🙏
Marlene!! You’re a warrior! I recognize all those products. Yes, Ponds Cold Cream (I had an Aunt whose skin was flawless til she died in her 80s and swore by Ponds!). And, Yes, I’ve used Total effects. You’re doing all the right things, sunscreen, bone broth, and just flat out ‘happy’ inside and out. You do have fabulous genetics! I know it was really hard losing both of them so close together. It’s hard to process one, much less both parents in 3 months. Take care of that back…you might try some gentle yoga and strengthening exercises and knee. I’m so so glad you’re here, luv! Hugs and love, ally
You are a light! I enjoy your cooking and things so much. Your face’s glow is definitely so lovely and so youthful. I believe your brightest glow comes from your heart! ☀️❤️You always speak and respond so eloquently with such kindness and encouragement. Thank you for this really great & informative article. I believe I will schedule myself a facial and will share this information with my sun loving..sunbathing loving rather, daughter. 😌 Gob bless from TN ❤️
Leigh Ann! Golly, you sure do know how to make a gal feel AUUUUSSSSOMMMME!! Thank you, luv, for all those very kind, thoughtful and glowing words. I can’t be anyone but me at this age and stage of life (I think I’ve always been like this though). I will gladly speak to your beautiful daughter…the ravages of sun damage take decades to rear their ugly effects. Believe me, I have friends who’re the same age, sun lovers all their lives, and their skin, well, it shows the damage. Please pass this article on to her. Maybe she’ll read. At the least, get her to use a great sun block. Sending lots of love and hugs from SC xoxx ally
Thank you for the information, you are beautiful! I’ll be 67 in April and people never believe my age, although the past years have been very stressful. Husband became ill in 2006 and past in 2015, my dad past in 2018 and my mom in 2019 I was caregiver. I kinda let my self be last, so now I’ve moved into a new home and I’m getting back to taking care of me! I watched you for the first time when Bobby came to your house in Colorado! Love you and your cheerful, joyful attitude I want that back for myself and I’m getting there!
I’ll keep following you , thank you for listening to this Georgia girl.
Rhonda Russell
Oh, Rhonda, honey, you’ve had a lot on your shoulders these past few years. It’s not easy being a caregiver. My Mom passed away in 2007 (at 84). She lived right around the corner from me, so my older sister and I were on call all the time. While she was independent, as he got older, it was more complicated. Now it the time for YOU! Yes, you and your glorious self! You’re young, 67! A new home. A new life. A new you. Yes, baby steps to recovering your playful youthful self, enjoying people, getting back into the swing, shape and love of life, angel! From this WV/SC girl, I send lots of love and hugs to you my Georgia peach! xoxx ~ally
Thank you for sharing your tips!
I love them! I love all the details too!
I remember my esthetician telling me how important sun protection was. Anything more than 10-15 minutes a day… being a boho beach lover, I pushed back.
Then she asked me if I ever heard of wrinkly butts. And said “there’s a reason they don’t sell butt cream!” Explaining the parts that never see the sun, stay clear, soft and wrinkle free. I never forgot that! Though I do love 15 minutes of sun for the health benefits.
I personally love facials and skin care products and give myself facials weekly! I love serums, and the whole ritual of washing, toning, applying serums, etc. it feels relaxing too.
What I love most is the last part about living a life that’s full and joyful! Thank you for such a great article and sharing all your tips!
Your beauty shines from the inside out!
Oh, Carla! I LOVE LOVE the ‘wrinkly butts’ comparison! That is so so true. I mean just look at the parts of the body that are protected from the sun, and they’re usually very smooth and healthier looking. Good for you for giving up sun worshipping. For some reason, even in the 80s when it really wasn’t publicized as super bad for your skin, I just had this feeling that too much sun would be like frying bacon, crispy, dry and wrinkly! Love having you here and love your spirit and soul, angel! xoxx ally
Great advise Ally, definitely going to use them in the future. I wish I can look as good as you at that age. You are an inspiration😍❤
Fathima! Thank you, luv. Yes, we can do so many things to preserve the beauty of our skin. From wrinkles to sun spots, it just takes making some prudent decisions. I love having your here. Please stay connected. We all learn from each other. xoxx ally
Love this Ally🥰More water! More sleep❣️Less stress I will be working on! Love you beautiful girl!!!
Good Morning, dear Lori! Yep, we all need to work on those things, especially the sleep and stress!! Water’s the easiest I think. Hey, if we’re drinking lots of water, then we’re heading to the potty a lot, so that means no time to be stressed out! ha ha ha! Love you, too, my amazing beautiful friend! xoxo