So being I just had a birthday, I evaluate me and the age I am in right now. I check out how good of a job I have done with taking heed to all of the SPF suggestions. I wonder if I really am doing ok in my appearance at my age. Not that I am caught up on the superficial. I just really wonder. It’s like when you see a classic car from back in the day. If you are like me you give that baby a once over to see just how well it’s been taken care of after all of these years.. with me, the same deal.

With that in mind, keeping a healthy outward appearance is important. No matter what age to radiate a healthy glow it all has to start within. Similar to that car, getting body work done for the outward appearance, but the outside isn’t what sustains the inside. Therefore, we have to do some inner work too. The beauty industry provides the consumer with assumption that they aren’t doing a good enough job on their own. In fact using this (or that) particular product will give them the results they are looking for. Billions are spent on skin creams alone. You’d think on the jars tubes serums and creams would include a promise on the label. Zippia.com states : Skincare products make up 42% of the cosmetics industry, representing the largest segment of the market. Statista.com says Revenue in the Skin Care segment amounts to US$19.92bn in 2022.  Wow, that is a lot of money invested/ spent in the hope or even belief that the product will appease.

Then again it is the beauty industry that advocates for the consumer to want to look better to…feel better. Improve and even shed years off. Sounds like a miracle. Who doesn’t want a miracle. We all want the best out of life and however we define what that best is, is our individual prerogative. Having a glow that makes you appear vibrant as well as gives you a youthful appearance seems to be what the focus is in the beauty industry. Which is great, but when issues are addressed on the surface, is it really resolved? If you aren’t driven by a lighthearted positive mindset , how will this serum bring out an inner glow? If you aren’t hydrated, how will your skin appear taut? If you aren’t balanced how will the cream make the fine lines vanish? My point is the beauty industry is built on the belief that the consumer believes they need the beauty industry. In whatever way that may be, heck, if the serum makes your skin glow, if the cream depletes the fine lines, if the mask makes your skin smoother than ever then that is wonderful. Good for you and great job for money well spent. However, to ensure that the investment in time money and hope isn’t all in “vain”, try to do things that support your efforts in the positive way to make you feel good about yourself over all.

I’ll say it again, It all starts from the inside. This is a NEW YEAR so try to have a different approach if the efforts last year aren’t showing much progress. That goes with anything going on in life. I know I’ve had to tweak a few things in my daily routine so that I wasn’t just saying “if I only had more time”. I needed to evaluate then consolidate my time to make my goal come to action. (And I am proud to say it’s coming along great btw!) So to answer the question, Do skin creams really work? Who knows. Maybe for some, yes. Really it all depends on what the definition of “work” means. What is factual and sustainable is having a positive healthy mindset. It will allow your face muscles to relax and also give a bright youthful appearance. (Think about the look on the face of the youth, stress free and relaxed)

Here are a few Tips and Tricks to keep your face in mind

1. Study the facial expression you have for most of the day by keeping a small mirror handy. Glance at yourself throughout the day. Is it the face you want to present to the world? If not, change it to the one you want. Try to practice having a relaxed face even when in deep thought or conversation.
2. Take a few minutes to close your eyes and allow your face muscles to relax. (You don’t do crunches all day, do you?)
3. Drink LOTS of (PURE) water!! It will hydrate the skin better than anything you put of your face. Seriously.
4. Get moving! Blood circulation is the best way to give the entire body undivided attention.

Remember your individuality makes you beautiful. Always do your best to let that shine.