Why Is Your Face Like That?
Answering reader questions about my skin! (Yes! A break from MLM content!)
Just a reminder: today is the last day to get 25% off an annual subscription!
What? A break from scam content?1
The past few weeks, I’ve been busy with back-to-school shenanigans and traveling (we dropped our oldest back at college and did college visits for my second oldest!), so I thought it would be a good time for a relatively brainless and (hopefully) non-offensive topic!
As you may or may not know, I have a survey available to ask YOU what you’d like me to discuss. Please add to it!
A theme that has come up multiple times is my skin, specifically what I use on it, what procedures I do, etc. My favorite question from a reader was, ‘Why is your face like that? Give me your secrets!’ hence the title today.
I would love to say I embrace aging and don’t care about the changes I see in the mirror. Growing old is a blessing, and while I give so many fewer fucks than I did a decade ago and no longer seek other people’s validation or approval about my looks, I still want to do what I can to like what I see in the mirror; for better or worse.
Here’s the big secret: I’ve always had nice skin. Of course, I have the same issues as any 45-year-old, though my eyesight has gotten so bad that my larger pores and budding jowls are blurred in the mirror. Sometimes ignorance is bliss!
As a side note, did anyone read the Guardian article about rapid aging at age 44? No joke. I feel like I aged five years in that one year. Weird.
I’ve tried pretty much every brand out there. I love skincare, multi-step routines, and the morning and evening rituals. I certainly use more products than I need, but I don’t care; I enjoy it. I’ve also dabbled in many other devices and procedures, but the truth remains that I have good skin because I have religiously worn sunscreen since I was a child, I don’t drink alcohol, and I have good skin genes (thanks, Mom!).
So, take my recommendations with a grain of salt. Know that not every product works for every person, and you probably don’t need to use as many products as I do, or you might want to use more. But at the end of the day, remember that I’m just one of those bitches blessed with nice skin. It’s what made me such a great skincare schlepping bossbabe!
Some of these have affiliate links, which are noted, but it doesn’t matter a bit to me where or if you purchase them!2
Products I use
The number one thing I recommend for the skin is sunscreen. Nothing else will better prevent signs of aging. Do not believe those who say sunscreen is more dangerous than skin cancer; it’s not true. Sunscreen is highly safe. Check out
and her excellent article on the topic:
I have and use many sunscreens, but my favorites for facial sunscreen are Alastin, Elta MD, Supergoop, La Roche Posay, and Cerave. I’m a texture-sensitive person, and these have the nicest formulations, in my opinion. I almost always use tinted sunscreens, but that’s a personal preference because I don’t wear foundation, and I like a subtle glow.
You can get most of these at the grocery store, but Elta and Alastin can be purchased online or from a derm/medspa/aesthetician. WEAR SUNSCREEN! EVERY DAY! EVEN ON CLOUDY DAYS!3
The face wash and moisturizer I use can be purchased at the grocery store!
Cerave products are inexpensive and dermatologist-recommended. I use the moisturizing cream on my whole body and face, though it might be too heavy for acne-prone people.
The active ingredients I use are Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, a Retinoid, and most recently, an Estriol cream. You can find great quality ingredients at every price point. Still, I suggest asking your dermatologist or aesthetician for their brand recommendation because everyone’s skin is different. I’ve used and liked Revision Skincare, Skinceuticals, Skinmedica, The Ordinary (inexpensive!), Drmtlgy, La Roche-Posay, Cerave (inexpensive!), and Alastin. Thanks to a BOGO sale, I have a stockpile of Alastin, and here are the two I currently use:
These can be purchased through a medical spa/dermatologist or online (FYI: this is an affiliate link). I use the Vitamin C in the morning and the HA Serum day and night.
Science geek note: Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrator that draws water into the skin instead of a moisturizer that keeps water from leaving the skin. IMO, you need both as your skin ages, especially in a dry climate!
Prescriptions I use
I don’t know how it is where you live, but it takes FOREVER to see a dermatologist here unless it’s an emergency or a routine yearly skin check (which you should get -schedule it if you haven’t!). Because of that, at-home dermatology companies are super helpful. Musely is one I use and recommend.
Musely has many products for different needs (redness, acne, melasma, hair loss, etc.). You can take an online assessment to indicate your skin issues, upload photos, and consult with a dermatologist over email/text. When your prescription is approved, they send your products to your door!
Musely is not the only dermatology-at-home company; I use Apostrophe for some of my kids’ acne products, and they are great, too! There’s also Nurx, Rory, Ro.co, Curology, and many, many others.
This is not sponsored, and I’m not an affiliate, but they have a friend and family share code. So, if you want to try Musely, scan this code for 35% off your first purchase (and I’ll get a discount on my products, too, thanks!).
Anyway, I use tretinoin (the brand name you probably recognize is retin-A) every night. You can also have your PCP or derm write a prescription, but I like compounded tretinoin because they can dial in the percentage and mix it with other ingredients that make it more gentle. I use a really low percentage because it can be harsh.
The last prescription I use, and this is a recent addition to my skincare arsenal, is an estriol cream, called M4 by Alloy. Alloy is another at-home provider that allows you to consult with a doctor over text/email for prescription products.
I realize estrogen on your face sounds weird, but the clinical studies are compelling! Unlike estradiol patches/creams/pills used for HRT, estriol cream doesn’t increase systemic estrogen4. Again, you can use my friends and family discount code EMILY21699 to get $25 percent off your order, and I will get a credit on my next order. Thanks!
I know this sounds like a ton of skin shit, and it is, but it’s pretty quick. To recap:
AM: wash, HA serum, Vit C serum, Estriol Cream, Moisturizer if needed, Sunscreen
PM: wash, HA serum, Tretinoin, Moisturizer.
Other notes: I don’t use an eye cream, I just bring the products up right under my eye, but again, your skin might not tolerate that. Also, retinol is a good substitute for tretinoin if it’s too harsh.
Lifestyle and Skin Health
Biggest lifestyle hack for a glowing complexion: I don’t drink alcohol. Sorry to say, alcohol is one of the worst things you can do for your skin! It decreases elasticity and hydration, increases inflammation, etc. You can read more on WebMD if you want to get all depressed about it. My skin improved so much when I quit drinking.
I also do my best to get 6-8 hours of sleep, drink water, (attempt to) keep stress at a minimum, and exercise regularly!
That’s all the superficial goodness for today! In a future post, I’ll share the devices I’ve used and the more invasive procedures5 I’ve tried, hate, or can’t live without!
I’d love to hear from you! Products you love? Procedures you regret? Serums you tried that sucked? Drop them in the comments below!
xo Emily
Don’t worry, I have more. SO MUCH MORE.
ISN’T THIS LIKE AN MLM? NO. Use the link, or don’t, I don’t care.
Sorry, being a melanoma survivor brings out my shouty caps.
Alloy does HRT if needed, but consult your doctor; most HRT is covered by insurance.
This will be behind a paywall because people get weird about botox talk.
The subject line of this email made me lol 🤣 I love the Elta MD sunscreen!
The sunscreen is KEY - I see many people spend $$$ on skincare yet lay out and burn their face