40 Year Old Adventure In Aging: Antioxidant Serums!!

Sep 11, 2014

Shelley W.

First off I would like to thank those who responded to my last post some time ago where I revealed that I'm currently going through the "change"...perimenapause. The positive words really made my somewhat stressful day a little better. Married with three kids, 2 dogs, a teaching fellowship ,graduate school AND fitting in DV advocacy and working with high-risk high school girls for my field placement my free time to chat on BL is now very limited.

Today's post is in response to what you lovely beauties have asked me about in regards to what is great antioxidant serum to start out with. I cannot stress enough that its not the name brand that you should be solely concerned about but what the ingredients are and how it is packaged because antioxidants are very sensitive to light and air.

What I've listed below is what I've personally tested and used on myself over the years. What I'm currently using is Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder mixed in with Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough. The Turbo Booster lightens up any pigmentation issues (for deeper acne scars for example you will not see results for some time and it may take something a little more powerful in the realm of an AHA/BHA serum but that's for another discussion) and it gives me a nice little glow in the morning. When Hope is Not Enough...I can't get enough of this serum! It reduces the signs of environmental damage and the vitamin E assists with battling the free-radical aging. When I mix these two together...its like I hear the birds singing and all is good in the world. I was told that I needed something more powerful than this mix as I climb the aging ladder but in the meantime I loving this couple.

*Replenix Power of Three Serum-This little gem contains three major antioxidants...green tea polyphenols, resveratrol and caffeine. Resveratrol has been on the market for awhile but now its gone mainstream and you will soon find it in a lot more products than just medical grade skincare. What I found really nice about this product is that it can be used by those with active acne as the ingredients actually assist in calming irritated skin. 1oz $70

*NeoCutis ReACTIVE Antioxidant Serum-This is a medical grade line and the price-tag matches it but its a powerful combo of vitamins C & E, green tea polyphenols and amino acids. 1oz $140

Apivita Natural Serum-Line Reducer-I can't leave out anything for those seeking a more natural skincare product and this one isn't too bad. Though once you open it...do not delay in using it because it will turn bad on you fairly quickly (something I learned myself). It contains resveratrol, vitamin E, green tea and hyaluronic acid (which dry skin especially loves because it holds moisture in). 0.5Fl oz $40

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-aging Daily Serum-This one contains idebonone which is said to be the most powerful antioxidant available but I haven't really done much research on that one to see from research claims if its really the case or all smokes and mirrors. This one is more geared towards those trying to reverse sun damage. 1.7 oz $159



From my personal experience and what I know is out on the market there is an antioxidant serum to fit every budget. If in your mid-20's I would start out with something simply before reaching for the ultra powerful stuff because even though its good for your skin it can also cause some irritation. I love SkinCeuticals antioxidant serums but the one that is touted best for for sensitive/oily skin actually makes me breakout if I use it on a daily basis. I might give it another go since its been awhile since I last reached for it and maybe my skin will be able to tolerate it for another go-around. Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough was actually my first gateway into antioxidants and as I mentioned earlier I keep coming back to it time after time again. So if you are just starting that might be a good one to get your feet wet so to speak.

For us older beauties..early/mid 30's and beyond you too can give When Hope is Not Enough a try but keep in mind that after that first day and once you complete the bottle it might be wise to explore the more powerful one's. Its definitely wise to watch and see how your skin reacts and of course be cognizant to the fact that you might need to adjust according to what issues you are trying to reverse/slow down.

Before this starts looking like a college paper in length I MUST stress that whatever antioxidant serum you reach for moisturizing spf of at least 30 must be applied afterwards or else you are just wasting good serum money.

I'm going to let this post simmer in your mind and the next time I post I will suggest some great sunscreens for both the face and eye area (oh yes we have to protect those eyes regardless of age) and I will discuss the world of eye creams and eye serums.

Aging fine like wine doesn't have to be looked at like a death sentence. Enjoy the rest of your week beauties!!

Sep 11, 2014

Gypsy S.

This such a great and informative read. I'll most certainly be looking into a few of these for myself. You are truly a rock star Shelley💕

Sep 11, 2014

Traci L.

Awesome info as usual

Sep 11, 2014

Erica K.

Thank you Shelley! I Love you to death!

Sep 11, 2014

Stephanie M.

Oh Shelley how I've missed you!! Thank you soooo much for this post!! You're an amazing, beautiful, intelligent woman and I truly admire you!! Thanks again!

Sep 11, 2014

Ashley F.

Thank you!

Sep 11, 2014

Traci P.

Thank you for sharing Shelley!

Sep 11, 2014

Shelley W.

Thank you ladies. Glad to know its been beneficial for you.@Stephanie...life has been quite busy for me. I'm still at school and probably won't get home till late. And its 7:30pm where I'm at.

Sep 12, 2014

Maggie F.

Thanks Shelley! Very helpful!!

Sep 12, 2014

Mariana E.

I just love you! Thanks for the wisdom!

Sep 13, 2014

jenny a.

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😘💋thanks Shelley for extending your great wisdom n thoughtfulness n guidance for graceful living

Sep 13, 2014

Shelley W.

You're so welcome. ;))

Sep 13, 2014

Amy S.

Shelly, I'm tempted to send you circadia c samples... I think youd really like how stable and soothing it is... let me know...