Are you aging? Or do you prefer to call it maturing like I do?
Maturing happens to us all. I have chosen to embrace it and do what I can instead of wringing my hands and crying. Frankly, when I stopped coloring my prematurely gray hair, it was a compelling force in my life. It’s been incredibly freeing to be who I really am.
In a minute I will show you untouched photos I took of my maturing (aging) face last night before bed, up close with no makeup with only the facial serums I have used for 2 years.
But first, someone once published a list of Mistakes made by maturing, aging women. I kept it to ponder (fearing the future), I think.
AVOID making these aging lifestyle mistakes if you want to feel as good at 50 as you did at 30:
- Not doing anything at all
- Not investing in basic clothing that really fits and is flattering
- Comparing yourself to you in your 20s and 30s
- Skipping exercise
- Not getting enough sleep
- Ignoring your teeth
- Over-doing anti-aging efforts
- Thinking there are hair “rules”
- Using the wrong or too much makeup
- Wearing the wrong bra /failing to have good and flattering support
- Settling for a boring sex life
And I’ll add a 12th: avoid adding nasty chemicals to your skin which takes a devastating toll on our immune systems, overall health and even our emotional strength and stability. This adds up to a suppression of your life force within that gives you that glow and vitality. I switched over to ‘clean’ products as quickly as I could.
Yes, I probably can improve in all these areas, but do you know what I am drawn to, deep down? I am wanting to concentrate in some of the less visual areas of life that are harder to define or explain to someone. I consider them to be some of the most important in life.
Maturing Proactively Keeps Us Young at Heart
1. I want the spiritual spunk to fight through life’s challenges with courage and joy and hope. After walking such a long road, I still want to be a warrior, proactive in faith and focus on what the Lord is doing in and through me!
2. I don’t want to stop laughing and looking for the good and noble things.
The NIV Bible says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” ~Proverbs 31: 25
3. I don’t want to worry about every. little. thing.
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” ~Corrie ten Boom
4. I want to think of others over myself. To be driven to extreme self-care, is a way to isolation and emotional bankruptcy! It truly is more blessed to give than receive. But on the other hand, I want to represent the Savior with my very best, inside and out (poise: how I dress and carry myself). I hope I am not misunderstood here.
What I am about to show is awkward. But part of me wants to share this maturing woman I’m becoming, too.
“I feel that beauty is not about subterfuge; it’s about authenticity” ~unknown
What I Use on My Face
In my late 50s and early 60s, I used simple virgin coconut oil with specific essential oils (which I wrote about here). But when I hit 62/63, things radically changed. I was just began really significant healing from advanced Lyme and felt like I was going to crack up and blow away. The aging was soo very visible and drastic especially on my face!
I looked for something to reverse the clock but refused several products (some very popular products) with simply scary ingredients that seemed too good to be true. I kept looking and read lots of reviews.
In these untouched photos (selfies) I took last night, I had just gotten out of the shower and while my pores were open from the heat, first thing, I applied the Matrixyl & Argireline and the Skin Daily together.
Just several pumps of each. I pat it on all of my face, jawline, neck and upper chest. I rub the rest on the back of my hands as it helps that skin not be so crepey or looks so veiny.
Don’t use any moisturizer (I still use my coconut oil and essential oils) until later so your skin can drink the serums in. I can feel them toning and making my skin tighter as it dries. I use them morning and before bed.
(No I don’t sell this, but I like it so much I want to tell others!)
The Asterwood Naturals Matrixyl & Argireline includes 3 great things and a short list of safer ingredients you can pronounce:
- MATRIXYL 3000 peptides signal your skin to increase collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.
- The ARGIRELINE peptide is considered a natural botox.
- MAP Vitamin C which stands for magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. It prevents sun spots, is sunlight and oxygen stable and pH balanced for skin.
Besides the asymmetry of my face, my ear that sticks out, the one eye that is more open than the other, the scar between my eyes from when I jumped out of my high chair, my maturing facial skin is growing jowls and my eyebrows are getting spots of gray. I still have plenty eyelashes, but they are thinner. My hair is still wet from the shower, so you see the color it used to be.. I apologize for the poor lighting.
Now I wish I could find a product that would take all the little broken veins in my legs go away! Haha.. Working years of 8-10 hour shifts just standing on my feet scrubbed-in in the OR and (later when I finally could conceive), carrying 2 sets of twins, well, it’s hard on someone who has that genetic tendency from both sides of her family! But, oh, the memories and the love – I would never trade it!
To nurture life, nurture the mind, and nurture the soul. This is a soul’s high calling.
I can not wait for my resurrection body! In the meantime, I will choose to embrace what I have no matter what happens by the grace of God.
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“We need to turn off the wrinkle cream ads, stop dousing our heads in dye, and start looking in the mirror to tell ourselves we’re beautiful. Those aging gray hairs you’re starting to see? They’re amazing. Those laugh lines you always look for in photos? They’re wonderful. You are a ravishing Queen in your own right and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise! So smile, laugh, ham it up for the camera and know that your joy is more beautiful than boxed color or Botox could ever be.” ~Lauren Richwine
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Thanks for reading!
Theresa says
Hi there! So, I was curious..what are the essential oils you use? Do you have a “recipe” for that cream? Thank you for this post.
Jacqueline says
You are welcome, Theresa. It is all under the link in the post (in 2 places I think) on the coconut oil. The EOs are specifically listed in that post and the recipes 🙂 Thank you! 😀
Erin says
You look beautiful and full of vitality! Thank you for these tips and all of your articles!
Angela Fitzpatrick says
I think you look lovely and it honestly doesn’t look like your face is “bare” skin! I think these products are what I’m looking for. Do you have an article on the makeup you wear? I’m having a difficult time finding a foundation or powder that looks nice on my ageing skin.
Jacqueline says
Hi, Angela, I have been blessed with tight pores and have my grandmother’s (mother’s side) American Indian skin, so it is easier on my face, but I am still battling wrinkles 😀 I decided long ago to not ever wear foundation since it comes off as too much “makeup” on me. I presently use Physician’s Formula mineral translucent pressed powder (Creamy Medium, I think) and also the ‘Rosy Glow’ blush. I have used these 2 alone for years and am afraid they will discontinue them, so I have stockpiled a few of each! Lol I will probably be switching to Young Living’s new makeup line bc I am a distributor. I have tried them on and really do like how they feel so light and almost the same as the PF pressed mineral powders. Anyway, thank you for commenting!
Sara says
You look beautiful, and the confidence I see in your eyes is so true.. She laughs at the future..
Jacqueline says
Sara, I actually cry out before the Lord a LOT for so many I love. It weighs on me, but it is done in praise and confidence that He will move His hand based on 1 Peter 3:12 😀
I am growing in confidence as I look back on the mercies and faithfulness of God despite trials and heartbreaks.
Bless you!! J
Gina says
Have you ever tried a tallow face cream? If so, what were your thoughts on that? I love this post. You are a wise woman!
Jacqueline says
Hi, Gina! No, I have not even heard of tallow face cream 🙂 Have you? Please tell me about it! ~J
Gina says
Supposedly, tallow is most compatible with our skin and has lots of vitamins that our skin uses. I read a post about it several years ago and now the web is full of posts about how to make your own. But there are several places that sell it as well. I like Buffalo Gal grass-fed tallow balm. My sister and I make our own and have been doing so for about 3 years. We haven’t perfected a recipe yet but I still like what we make. I am 62 and do not have the great skin you have. I wish I would have found the tallow balm when I was younger. Maybe if I add the 2 products you mentioned in this post, it will help even more than the tallow! Here is a link that has a lot of good informaiton that I am not good at sharing.:
https://www.mommypotamus.com/tallow-for-skin-care/
Jacqueline says
Thank you, Gina!
gina says
You are very welcome. Because I value your opinion, I would be interested in your thoughts after you have had some time to check it out.
Thanks for all your research and for all you share with us!
Heather says
Jacqueline! You are such a BEAUTIFUL blessing! “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you! And perhaps sometime might you consider how you chose Young Living? With the plethora of essential oil options, it’s easy for me to get overwhelmed 🙂
Jacqueline says
Heather, I have in the past just used whatever I thought might be good, and didn’t think much of it. A while ago, I was researching and just realized that when someone is really struggling to get well using EOs, it would make the most sense to pay a bit more and be sure it was the best available, pure, from the best sourced plants since the Lord gave us them for our healing. I have been learning so much, but still have much more to learn and so little time. I do love essential oils and treating our bodies as the temples of the Holy Spirit is a command. Honestly, though, I am torn bc there are those who feel they cannot afford a more expensive oil and I want to be gracious and guide them to a good solid product, so I usually recommend Plant Therapy or Mountain Rose herbs. Blessings, J
Melissa Swinford says
You are absolutely beautiful!!! Inside and out!
Stari says
Jacqueline, I’m curious as to what you use to cleanse your face with? And do you do different things am/pm?
Jacqueline says
Stari, I use a bar soap from Trader Joe’s. It is very quick, easy and has few ingredients. “Trader Jacques” Savon de France Ginger Almond Oatmeal Exfoliant Bar.
Free of nasty additives, too! I hope that helps 😀
Stari says
Thank you. Yes, helpful to know. We appreciate you.
Sammie Robinson says
I wrote down these products so that I might find them. I am approaching my 70th year. Of course there are things I don’t like about the way I look now but I know that this body only is a vessel for who I am. And I am a princess because my Father is a King….
Sometime in 2016-17, I decided to go without the made up face I had always worn. Now mostly, I cover my face with lotion, which dries quickly as it soaks up like a sponge. Then I powder my nose and apply a little blush, draw in my eyebrows which are almost non-existent and apply some mascara. This makes my routine and supplies more simple than it once was.
Thanks for the tips.
Mama Bear
Jacqueline says
Sammie, I love your heart and aw with you on your approach! Less is more! God bless you. I am pretty sure you are aging/maturing gracefully 😀
Blessings, J
Sue says
where do you buy the products for your face? have not heard of any of them, thanks Sue
Jacqueline says
Hi, Sue! You will find the name and a link for the 2 products under the heading “WHAT I USE ON MY FACE. I include the links because there you can read more about it and see the ingredients. Hope that helps, friend!
Sue says
okay thank you, must have read past that …thank you
Karen says
Hi Jacqueline,
Do you (or other readers?) know anything about rosecea? I would love a natural skincare routine to help it heal. What I can find online says to go to a dermatologist and take antibiotics….I don’t want to do that. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Karen
Penny says
Hi. Thanks for the wonderful information. I just turned 63 and contemplating changing my beauty routine. It’s just not working. I didn’t see in the article when you use Naturalico? Thanks!
Jacqueline says
Penny, I am finishing up a small bottle and will use it until I run out…I can’t find it easily anymore and I think the other 2 (Matrixyl 3000 and Argireline serum by Asterwood plus the Niacinamide product) are enough. I had used Naturalico as a adjunct for when I was in the sun in the garden. I do love the ease and effectiveness of using them and hope that it will bless you, too! J
Kathy Kaupp says
Hello Jacqueline! I just turned 50 last November and am thrilled to be this age. Really, it is my one option, so why not be happy about it? I have been however, struggling with my skin for quite a few years, probably close to 10, maybe only eight. I don’t know for sure since the last 10 years have been one giant whirlwind. I used to use Mary Kay products for many years and when I decided they weren’t doing any good for me, I stopped. And have been floundering ever since.
I so appreciate you sharing what you have used and are using, it’s good to read as I working through what is best for me. My skin definitely is looking more “mature” even though I’ve been told I look much younger.
Taking care of ourselves, including our skin, is part of being a good steward and I’m very intent on being more purposeful and mindful of that this year, going forward. Your posts like this are encouraging to me, albeit a bit overwhelming, but I will persevere and figure this out.
Blessings!
Sue R. says
Just wondering–about how long do those two products last when using them morning and evening. Thank you.
Jacqueline says
Sue, good question to ask. The last bottle (8 oz.) lasted approximately 9-10 months but I was also using the Niacinamide product (a much smaller 2 oz. bottle) alongside it I mentioned in the post. If it was all alone, It might only be 7-8 months. i hope that helps!
Dana says
Hi Jacqueline, Thanks so much for the beauty tips. I went ahead and ordered the Asterwood product. I thought it was interesting, however, that ARGIRELINE is a trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation. I looked up Lubrizol and found that they produce motor oil and additives, coatings, and personal care products. I can’t understand just how natural it is, so I’ll be doing more research, but wondered if you had seen that.
Thanks for all you share with your readers!
Jacqueline says
Dana, I have been all over the internet reading and have found nothing of consequence. I googled the MSDS sheet on Argireline and you can get it here by logging in: https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/PersonalCare/Detail/2670/107488/ARGIRELINE-NP I also feel the fear of sagging is hype and not supportable scientifically: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24644551
I am glad you asked, though. I plan to use it and be observant. It has done nothing but help my face to this point.
Blessings! J