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:

Q: “I would love to try this (The Tata Harper Giveaway from last months Column). 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.”  ~ Cory

A: Hi Cory! Thanks so much for the great question. I think this is something most of us women are going through today. We do tend to take care of everyone else first and at times put ourselves last. As we mature, our skin changes, and sometimes it feels like overnight.

I follow a morning and night skin care routine. Some ingredients and products work best at night, while your skin renews itself. Also, some ingredients are not meant to be exposed to the sun, so it’s important to know when and in what order to use your products.

Certain ingredients are a must to make sure we achieve that glowing skin that we are all after. In my experience, Retinol, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid are ingredients that will help your skin achieve that goal.

So here are my recommendations for a simple skin care routine:

Step #1 – Face Wash (Can be used A.M. or P.M.)

I have been using the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter, $34.00, 3.88 oz. for about 6 months now, and I’m crazy about it. First, it is a cleansing balm that removes makeup, sunscreen and even water-proof mascara in one easy step. It transforms from oil to milk to cleanse and moisturize, leaving your skin feeling amazing.

It also comes with an exfoliant which they call Bamboo Booster. This product is mixed with the cleanser once a week to gently exfoliate away dry skin. Just do not use this on the eye area. I will use the exfoliating product in the morning, making sure to stay away from the eye area. If you are exfoliating with any product, do not use retinol in conjunction with exfoliating. This would be too much for your skin to handle.

Use on dry skin, morning and night. It comes with a small scoop, so you only need a little to clean your whole face and neck. Add water to activate, rinse with warm water and pat dry. This product will last at least 3 months, so I see this as being very affordable.

Step #2 – Serum (Can be used A.M. or P.M.)

Here’s where things get complex. There are so many serums out there that it’s hard to know which type is best for you. What I have found is that a Hyaluronic Acid serum and a Vitamin C serum are a must.

Hyaluronic Acid holds moisture in the skin. This is super important since as we age, we lose moisture, hence fine lines and wrinkles show up. This acid is also something that the body produces normally but produces less as we age. It’s fantastic under makeup and helps give you that plump, soft skin that we’re trying to achieve.

One of the Hyaluronic Acid treatments that I have been using consistently and I feel is the most affordable is the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, $48.00, 1.69 oz.

You might be thinking, “Is this post just about Drunk Elephant products?” No, it is not, but I have to say I truly love their products and use them every day. I’ve written about this product in almost every post on skincare because I think it’s that good.

Apply in the morning and/or night on clean, exfoliated skin. Let it sink in and continue on with your next product.

Bonus Tip: I keep this in the refrigerator so when I apply it feels nice and cool on my skin!

I have two Vitamin C serums that I use consistently, and you guessed it, one is from Drunk Elephant. I swear, I’m not sponsored by them – I just really love their products. It’s the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum, $80.00, 1oz.

The other is the Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum, $64.00, 1 oz. 
What a Vitamin C serum does is firms and brightens your skin’s appearance. This is where the “Glow” starts happening. It works to even out your skin’s texture and helps with dullness. It will help achieve brighter skin and work on reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

The other reason I am such a fan of Vitamin C is that it can be used with Hyaluronic Acid safely and is wonderful for your skin when combined.

You will only need one or two pumps, depending on if you are using alone or in combination with Hyaluronic Acid. Yes, these products can be pricey, but you are only using a small amount. This should last you for at least 3 months.

Make sure to keep Vitamin C serum away from your eyes.

Bonus Tip: I also keep this in the refrigerator so when I apply it feels nice and cool on my skin.

​Step #3 – Retinols (P.M. ONLY)

You’ve heard about retinol and what a miracle it is for skin. All of that is true, but there are so many products in this category and they can range in their effectiveness along with your skin’s ability to handle them.

You need a retinol in your skin care routine for so many reasons. Retinols help with sun damage, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and helps keep your skin clear.

When using a retinol I suggest starting slowly. Let your skin get used to the product and then you can change as your skin begins to adjust. To start with a medical grade retinol can be a bit harsh for many skin types, so work your way in easy with this ingredient.

The product that I recommend to everyone, no matter their age is, is sold on Amazon exclusively. It is so gentle but really does show results and best of all, it is incredibly affordable. It’s the LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream, $19.99, 1.7 oz.

I suggest using this product 2 times per week to start. Again, only use it in the evening. If your skin deals well you can increase usage, but I would suggest not using over 4 times per week.

Step #4 – Moisturizer (A.M. and P.M.)

There are hundreds of moisturizers on the market. They range in price, effectiveness and ingredients. I am going to give you two that I use consistently – one luxury priced the other more affordable. I have included these in posts previously because they work.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, $34.00, 6 oz.

Love this cream! I’ve used it for years, and since I live in Vermont, having red, dry skin is just a given. This cream is ultra absorbing and is wonderful for all skin types. My skin is very sensitive and I tend to get very red, especially on my cheeks, and this cream helps to calm my skin.

Since it is whipped, making it lighter, you can use a small amount as your last step before applying your makeup in the morning.

LaMer Creme de la Mer Moisturizer, $180.00, 1 oz.

Yes, it is crazy expensive and yes, it is amazing. This is the top of the line when it comes to skin care. This is their richer cream, they also have a lighter formula that works very well too and is better for under makeup.

Just a small amount is used (thank God!) by warming it in your hands and then pressing on to your skin. The “Miracle Broth” ingredient is just that, a miracle, and most people will see results immediately. It’s super soothing to your skin and helps with dryness, redness and fine lines and wrinkles.

Ok that’s it as far as the face is concerned. The only other step is an eye cream, but I think I’ll get into that on another post since there are so many options and price points.

I hope this helps answer some questions, and gives you a place to start!

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).

MAY 2020 GIVEAWAY – ​DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE ALPHA BETA® UNIVERSAL DAILY PEEL

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:
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:

1. Unfold the wipe and use it all over your face (stay clear of your eye area), neck and chest area.
2. There is a good amount of product in these little wipes, so use it up until it is dry.
3. I also use them on the back of my hands when there is still a little product left.
4. Wait 2 minutes to apply the second pad.
5. Step 2 has retinol and resveratrol for anti-aging benefits and helps to hydrate and smooth skin for a glowing complexion.
6. Again, unfold the pad and apply the same as the first peel.

This is a special value offer with 60 treatments available, so it should last you awhile! This is a limited time offer but you can win it by entering the Glowing with Mrs. Stafford Giveaway. All you have to do is leave your skincare question below in the comment section to be entered.

(Valued at $176)

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD GIVEAWAY:

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

For 2020, 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 below 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!
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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!

GLOWING WITH MRS. STAFFORD MAY GIVEAWAY