Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions here. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Real Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no conversation, so don’t be shy! Also, make sure to read to the end of this post to learn how to enter this month Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway:)
GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD ADVICE COLUMN:
Glowing with Mrs. Stafford is back! Typically, we start this forum answering one of your beauty questions. After our hiatus, instead, I will be giving some helpful skincare tips to get you through the last bit of this cold weather.
This year already seems to be flying by just as fast as last year. Here we are already in March, which means we have been dealing with endless months of winter. Here in Vermont, March can be the meanest time of year. The temps are brutal, the snow just keeps on dumping, and when the sun does finally make an appearance for just a few minutes a day, you feel very lucky.
By this point in the winter, I feel like a prune. My face is red, dry and just plain yucky. Winter skin on your arms and legs is extremely dry and itchy. Between the heat in the house and the cold temps outside, it seems like no matter what you do you just can’t get hydrated enough. But like the wonderful Robin Williams says in that classic movie Mrs. Doubtfire, “Help is on the way, Dearie!!”
There are a few things you can do to help combat dry skin, that have nothing to do with putting a product on your face:
1. First, make sure you are drinking plenty of water.
I know, I know, everyone says that. But it’s true. We may think we drink enough water, but most times we don’t. I know this is one thing I forget to do.
Try drinking at least 60 ounces of water per day. Filling a water bottle and keeping it with you throughout the day will remind you of how much you drink. This is one of the most common problems many of us deal with, and a big reason why our skin can look so dehydrated. H2O will plump up our skin naturally – think of your skin like a plant, it needs water or it can shrivel up!
Add cucumbers, strawberries, oranges or lemons, which will make drinking water less boring.
2. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar will also dehydrate you!
Especially during the holiday months, I’m sure many of us over-do it on all of these things. A glass or three of red wine sounds delightful when you’re freezing in the winter months, right? But after all the fun and games are over, remember to get back to a healthier lifestyle.
Moderation is key to everything in life!
3. Another thing that can cause our skin to react is stress.
In our daily lives, it is impossible at times to avoid stress, especially in today’s world. There are certain things we can do to help, though.
- Turn off your computer or phone at some point during the day.
- Try meditation.
- Read a book.
- Exercise is always a great way to relieve stress.
- Taking a walk in nature or just down the street is another way to just chill.
- Try to take some time for yourself and just breathe.
4. Finally, a good night’s sleep is something that we all need but tend to lack.
I have found that all the women I talk to – friends, my daughters, and family – all deal with interrupted sleep. Do you wake up at 3:00 am almost every night and stare at the ceiling? I know I do, and I hear the same thing from so many women.
We’re going to dive into this subject in-depth on the blog, but it is one of the things that can cause your skin to react, along with making you just feel tired and cranky.
- One thing you can do to get a good night’s sleep is not drinking alcohol at least 2 hours before bed. It may help you fall asleep, but it will certainly affect you getting a good night’s rest.
- No screen time in bed! This means TV, computer, phone or anything that is going to make your brain stimulated.
- I take melatonin in the evening, which seems to help me.
- Also, a nice bath and a hot cup of Sleepy Time Tea work for me too. Getting into bed with comfy PJ’s, clean sheets, and some quiet time, as I like to call it, can relax you and get you ready for a restful sleep.
“OK, now on to the products that we can use to help with dry winter skin.”
We all know about moisturizing your skin. One thing I think we forget about, especially in the winter, is to exfoliate your skin. If we keep putting products on our skin, but it’s not being absorbed, we are just wasting that product.
Have you ever applied a cream to your face and you feel it is just pilling off? That’s because you need to exfoliate and get rid of those dead skin cells first, to be able to absorb all the benefits of your skincare routine.
One of my favorite ways to exfoliate is by doing a peel. Now, years ago this would entail maybe a trip to a dermatologist. But in today’s world, we have access to so many at-home skin peels. This is one way to get rid of dry, dead skin on your face and get that healthy, hydrated glow that we are all looking for.
I have two favorite at-home facial peels that I have been using this winter. One is new to my regime and the other is a tried and true product that I have used for years. Both contain forms of acid. I know you’re probably thinking, “What, are you crazy, woman?! Acid on my face??” But these are not harmful acids. Skincare acids help exfoliate the dead skin cells allowing your skin to be fresh and new. Make sense?
I have stated many times that I have extremely sensitive skin. These two products work very well on my skin, but when trying anything new please test it out first by doing a patch test on the inside of your arm. If you experience irritation, discontinue use.
I only use peels in the evening after cleansing my face. I also apply moisturizer about 15 minutes after applying the peel. This allows the product to absorb into the skin.
So here are my two favorite peels for the winter months:
1. DR. DENNIS GROSS ALPHA BETA UNIVERSAL DAILY PEEL 30 + 5 BONUS TREATMENTS $88.00
DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
This is the product that I have been using for years. It was recommended to me when I was going through skincare issues during menopause. It is a 2-Step Peel. Both steps have a wipe that is formulated with the ingredients. They are easy to use, with Step-1 and Step-2 clearly marked on the package.
What I also love about this product is that there are three different strength peels. There’s the Alpha-Beta Universal Daily Peel (the one I use now), the Alpha-Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin (the one I started with), and the Alpha-Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel. The last one I have not yet used.
As you can see by the names, you could use these daily. I only use them 2 to 3 times per week at the most. First-time users of peels should start with just once or twice a week. You should test for yourself what would work on your skin. Don’t forget to patch test first!
How to use and ingredients for the Universal Daily Peel that I use:
Ingredients: The first step has AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy/Salicylic Acid) that gently exfoliate your skin, refine pores, and help with natural cell renewal.
HOW TO USE:
- Unfold the wipe and use it all over your face (stay clear of your eye area), neck and chest area.
- There is a good amount of product in these little wipes, so use it up until it is dry.
- I also use them on the back of my hands when there is still a little product left.
- Wait 2 minutes to apply the second pad.
- Step 2 has retinol and resveratrol for anti-aging benefits and helps to hydrate and smooth skin for a glowing complexion.
- Again, unfold the pad and apply the same as the first peel.
(Average Cost Per Peel: $2.93)
2. GOOP BEAUTY GOOPGLOW 15% GLYCOLIC OVERNIGHT GLOW PEEL – 12 TREATMENTS $125.00
GOOPGLOW 15% GLYCOLIC ACID OVERNIGHT GLOW PEEL
I am new to the goop Beauty line products. I just started using them this winter. Since my skin has been acting up, I wanted to try something new and heard great things about the brand. This is the Gwyneth Paltrow brand that is relatively new to the beauty world. I have tried her exfoliating scrub, which I like very much, so I thought I would try the peel pads.
These are more of an intensive peel and are to be used only once a week and in the evening, at the most. I would not suggest these for first-time users of at-home peels. You get 12 pads in the box so that will give you at least a 3 month supply.
This peel contains a powerful level of 15% Glycolic Acid, which if you have ultra-sensitive skin, is not right for you. The positive side of this ingredient is that it can reach deeper into your skin, and is the most popular ingredient in many peels because it is so powerful in promoting cell turnover. This product also contains Hyaluronic Acid, which as you know, I love in skincare because it naturally holds in moisture to the skin.
I use this in the evening. The pad has a dual texture, so use the smoother side on your face and the more textured side on your neck, shoulders, and chest. Again, there is a good deal of product on this pad, so at the end don’t forget the back of your hands.
I will wait 15 minutes for the product to absorb and then apply my moisturizer. I use just a simple moisturizer, like La Mer or First Aid Beauty when using any chemical peel at home. You do not want to apply any product that has additional acid ingredients. Using a face oil after a peel is an option too.
(Average cost per peel: $10.42)
Last but not least, if you are using a peel, please remember you are creating new, beautiful skin. That means that you must use sunscreen since that new skin is much more likely to be damaged by the sun. Even if you do not use these products, you should be protecting your skin from the sun. Not just for the beauty benefits, but for your overall health benefits, too.
For the rest of your body, try dry brushing.
The only thing this entails is brushing your skin, shoulders to toes, with a dry brush before you shower. There are so many benefits of dry brushing. Here are a few:
- Exfoliates dry winter skin
- Helps unclog pores
- Helps with circulation
- Helps to feel invigorated in these long winter months
Here are two options for a dry brush:
Getting into the shower right after dry brushing allows you to rinse off those flaky, dead skin cells. Remember not to use super hot water in the shower as that dries the skin very quickly. I know it sounds great when you’re so cold to take a nice, hot shower, but that’s a no-no.
I also like to use a good body oil at the end of the shower. My favorite one for years, and one I have recommended in the past, is the Neutrogena Body Oil. It not only absorbs beautifully into the skin without leaving you feeling oily, but the price is incredible, too.
Okay, that’s it. I hope you found this helpful! Remember to stay hydrated, watch your diet, exfoliate and know that Spring is coming. Just not soon enough!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD COLUMN:
Ask your questions in the comment section below for a chance to be featured in next month’s Glowing with Mrs. Stafford column. I will answer one question in detail each month and make sure to do all my research to give the most informed answer I can provide!
Since I started this blog I have received many compliments and questions on my skincare routine. Women have asked, “what is my secret” and honestly, it’s a combination of multiple things. I use many different products and tend to switch up my routine often. Staying out of the sun, and wearing sunscreen is a huge one. Finally, I have not been shy about the fact that I get Botox and filler. I even made a video of myself getting Botox injected which you can find on my Youtube channel. I have written some blog posts about the beauty products I use and routines based on the season or specific skin problems.
Glowing with Mrs. Stafford is my take on an advice column based around skincare. Each person has unique skin and their own issues they would like answers to. Glowing with Mrs. Stafford is my idea of how to share my knowledge on this topic.
Basically, this is a place where all of you can ask questions about you’re personal skin issues. Ask me about certain beauty products you might want to try, or even about treatments such as lasers or Botox since I’ve done it all!
All and any questions are welcome (concerning these topics).
MARCH 2020 GIVEAWAY – TATA HARPER RESURFACING MASK
Mrs. Stafford with the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask BHA + ENZYME BRIGHTENING MASK
In January I wrote a Tata Harper review on two of their newest products they had just launched and sent me to try out. Tata Harper is a Vermont luxury skincare company that produces 100% natural products, which is skincare at it’s finest!
After I posted my review, I read and heard many of you commenting that this brand was out of your price range. I know that a lot of people live on a budget and cannot splurge on expensive skincare, which is why I picked the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask as the March Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway. I also purchased a limited edition size of 3.55 Fl. Oz. which is a lot of product. Keep in mind that with Tata Harper products a little goes a long way, so this tub should last a very long time!
I use a number of Tata Harper skincare products and I can confidently say that these are game changer products. Tata Harper believes that more matters. What that means is they pack the most ingredients at the highest levels of concentration to deliver maximum results. All of this is without a drop of artificial chemicals. Simply put, no fillers.
What’s special about the resurfacing mask is that it is a BHA + Enzyme Brightening Mask. This is what Tata Harper has to say about this mask on their website:
How to use it:
- Apply a thick layer over face and neck.
- Leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- It can be used up to 3 times a week.
Basically, I couldn’t have said it better myself. For even more helpful tips on how to best use this mask check out their blog post: TATA’S TIPS: 7 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF OUR RESURFACING MASK
Their products can be found in your local Sephora and in some Neiman Marcus department stores, and of course on the Tata Harper Website. These are investment products for sure. The price reflects that. These are items for those who are looking for the most results from their skincare products.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD GIVEAWAY:
Mrs. Stafford with the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask BHA + ENZYME BRIGHTENING MASK
For the New Year, we have changed the qualifications to enter this giveaway so everyone can participate! Last year you could only enter to win if you were on Instagram but now we have made it available to everyone. You will be able to enter the giveaway by filling out the form below.
The most important requirement is to leave your beauty questions so we can keep the Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Advice Column going! The form will ask you to sign in using your name & email address, which have to be valid since this is the information I will use to contact you if you are the lucky winner. Leave a comment on this post using the same name and email and then check off the “I Commented” box.
Or you can sign up through your facebook account, and pretty much the same goes for this as well. Use your real Facebook account and name, so you are able to be reached, and then leave your comment.
You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for an extra 3 points each!
At the end of the month, I will pick one winner. The giveaway ends on March 31st at 12 PM. Good luck to everyone who participates!
A lot of brightening products seem to work at the beginning and then the effects seem reaching a plateau. Any advices on that? perhaps switching products periodically?
Do you have suggestions for dry skin around your eyes?
I need a great eye cream with sun block? Suggestions please
Have you tried beauty counter products? I’m using them because they are clean
I am 59 and started having white bumps on my face on lids and chin. I dont how why and how to correct it
I have them on my face, neck and chest. Also, I have shave bumps because I have to shave my face. Dark circles, Extremely deep set eyes with blue eyelids. Makeup only does so much.
Do you know of any natural products or remedies that help with the mental fog and horrible mood swings that occur during peri-menopause/menopause.Somedays I feel like a totally different person or on a different planet
Me too please
I wanted to respond to you Brenda since this has to do with menopause and not skincare. Talk to your doctor or if you have a compound pharmacist in your area they would be good to talk with. My compound pharmacist worked with me during menopause with natural remedies that seemed to work for me at the time. There are so many different natural ways to deal with menopause today. Also read my Can We Talk or Real Talk posts where I discuss this too. I hope this helps and please know we all go through this at one point or another so you are not along. Also, it won’t last forever, it just seems that way. Keep me posted on your progress.
Mrs. Stafford I have a health issue that I have to use heat a lot on my body and my skin on my stays so dry. I have tried so many different lotions oils. I just was wondering if you could give me any advice? I can rub my legs and the skin will flake off that is how dry they are any advice would be appreciated. Thank you for you help.
Does sugar scrubs help or do you feel dry brushing would be better for exfoliating the body? My skin is dry and scaly. Using the scrub in the shower feels good but does not seem to last. Thank you.
My skin is naturally dry. What moisturizer do you recommend to keep skin hydrated?
I have a lot of litlebump on my lids. I really want to get rid it without surgery, is there any product that you can recommend?
What’s the best way to know for sure where cosmetic companies source their ingredients? I’m a vegan and I know it can be hard to trust any company with what they claim.
I am 62 and have a lot of hyperpigmentation from baking in the sun in my youth. While I am diligent now about sunscreen, I am wondering what would be the best products or procedures to try to lighten the sunspots. Thank you!
I want to learn more about dry brushing.I never heard of this before and it makes a lot of sense.Thank you.
Hi there.
I’m 56, I just love it when I take a selfies and I can use the photoshop to make my skin and face looks smoother and younger. Is there any product out there that can do that without clogging up my pores or too shiny looking. Obviously I can’t look like 24 but just wanted even skin tone. Thank you for reading this.
I am a new follower of yours and I’m so grateful to have a mature woman talking about skin care and makeup. I love both. I am 65 years old and was on oral chemo for 3 years . I’m off of it now but it really messed up my skin. So I am anxious to try anything that would help. Keep up
the good work👏👏👏
You are beautiful! Can you provide us with an eye treatment routine, that is both moisturizing and addresses puffiness and dark circles.
What’s the best face wipe to use? Is it okay to occasionally use a baby wipe on my face?
@alyskip
Do you have any products that get rid of breakouts?
Is there anything on market that actually works for eye bags
My nemesis is hyperpigmentation. I use Vit C regularly and sunscreen. Have you a tip to help? Please and thank you!
Do cleansing oils make oily skin worse? Do they cause breakouts?
I turned 60 in October. My problem for the last few years is finding a good anti-aging product that doesn’t make me break out. Is it fair to still have acne when you are older? Nope.
I would like to know if you consider it safe to microneedle your face at home.
Any suggest is on how to tighten up my jaw line?
I would love to try this. I am 56 years young and I have spent the last 20 years taking care of everyone else but me and it is definitely showing now. I am struggling with all the different products out there and how to use them correctly for the best results. I would love to have a consistent skincare routine but I am at a loss as how to start and which products to use. You are beautiful and I would appreciate any advice on where to start.
Hi Cory, I wanted to let you know that I answered your question on this month’s Glowing site. Hope my suggestions help!
Do you know of any products that are safe for nursing mothers? My skin has changed so much between turning 30 and having more babies. I went from oily to dry and dull and I need more moisture!
Do you have a favorite tinted moisturizer with SPF? Thank you!
My biggest skin concerns are milia, age spots (I do use an SPF every single day) and dullness. I want my glow back. I want to find products that don’t make my milia worse. I love your blog and read it often. Thanks for including us older gals 🙂
As I’ve gotten older, foundation oxidizes and turns orange. I’ve tried so many ($$$ wasted!) and haven’t found anything. I read somewhere recently that tinted moisturizer doesn’t oxidize but I’m worried about coverage due to redness and broken capillaries on my face. Any suggestions?
I really never had any problems with my skin up until about 2 years ago. Then all of a sudden it was dry, wrinkled, dark spots and now I have keratosis pilaris on my legs and arm. I feel like I’ve aged 10 years. I’ve tried so many products but nothing seems to work. I need help please!!!
I would like to know how you feel about The Ordinary products. I’m in love with them . But I would love your opinion! Also what is a tinted moisturizer that you would recommend. Full coverage just looks to heavy on me. Thanks! ~ Mary Rowe
I love Tata Harper! The lip/cheek stains are my favorite.
Thank you so much for always sharing your tips and recommendation. My concerns are on t- zone visible pores and dark spots. Would love to know how to deal with them and what products work well. I tried so many and haven’t found anything effective yet.
I would love your opinion on how some of the recent, trendier skincare lines that cater to 20-somethings (and are reasonably priced) may be usable on more mature skin.
I would love to have your products! I’ve really bad Asian skin with dark pigmentation on my face. I’ve tried everything and nothing works. It gets lighter but still not beautiful like you. 😩
I’m so excited to try your products!! I can’t wait as a matter of fact. Thank you for this giveaway!
I feel like washing my face dries it out a lot. What cleansers do you recommend?
What is the best moisturizer to use for sensitive skin
Hello there first and most hope everyone is doing well. I am seeking a great mask and I think the Tata Harper you are giving away will work well. I have gotten a sample and used it and loved it. I am 69 soon 70. I need it badly for dehydrated skin. I also love facial oils can you recommend one for mature skin. Your blog is great and very informative. I am listening. Keeping my fingers crossed for the Tata Harper Mask. Hoping everyone is doing well. Thank you. Lucie
I’d like suggestions for fine lines on my upper eyelid area (as well as under the eye) and around my mouth. These are new areas of concern for me!
My skin needs glow bad. Aging is not being very nice to me.
Need a recommendation for lighting dark spots
I love following your posts I can say I keep learning more and more, I try to use as much natural products as possible which do include a facial oil. I do use sunblock everyday since I work outside everyday, thank you for the education
Just discovered Elemis marine collagen cream. Really hydrating my dry skin. Have you tried it? And I’m addictive to Kopari coconut balm all over my body!!!
I need a product to get rid of deep forehead lines. I’ve seen products advertised on TV but am skeptical.
FINALLY…someone with whom I can relate. Yes, I too, have watched countless YouTube videos on skincare and gone out a bought countless products that now sit under my sink. I want real results however am not naive to believe in a “magic” cream that does it all. Will be reading/watching this space.
Best routine/product to unclog and shrink pores for someone with dry skin? I find so often these products are targeted for people with oily skin. Thank you!
Omg ! Yes 😍 This was my question… thanks, my skin is soooo dry
I have a small case of rosacea on my cheeks, do you have any suggestions?
What would you suggest for a night time face lotion for dry skin
I have sensitive skin and dry skin would this help me?
Do you have any recommendations for good budget friendly chemical exfoliants? Any and all recommendations for budget friendly skincare is welcome for that matter. I’d love to see a list of your most loved high-end products and budget friendly products if you have any.
Love this blog. Have bought a few of the facial products you recommened. Keep the recommendations coming! Thank you.
Do you have a favorite foundation that you use since you have sensitive skin??
What do you recommend for brightening up dull skin?
Hello! Thank you for your helpful blog post. Do you have any good suggestions for dark circles under your eyes? Love your suggestion about the Dr. Denniss Gross product for exfoliation, I also love that. Also following you on instagram! Thanks for this opportunity.
I have white bumps under my eyes, is there any product that can get rid of them? ❤️
I am 50 years old and my face is getting dry, which products do you recommend?
I am 21 and my face it getting white heads and acne now. I used to have acne when I was 16-18. Do you know how to permanently stop the face from creating acne? (Expect when it’s the time of the month and a pimple grows).
I know we need sunlight to get optimal vitamin D, but we should also wear sunscreen. What is the right amount of time outdoors w/o sunscreen ?
Do you know the best ingredient(s) to smooth out the surface of skin from mild chemical burns, or does that require an aesthetic procedure?
HI!! Do you have any ideas for droopy upper eye lids? Love your posts, keep them coming. Also following you on instagram! Thanks!!!
Is there any skincare treatment that you recommend for dark circles? And do you have a favourite concealer that doesn’t cake or fall into those fine lines and wrinkles?
I’m 80, two questions I have extremely dry skin, what’s good for me and do you recommend shaving all the fine hair on our face.