I used to think that worrying about how old you appear to others was a type of vanity. Unfortunately age is truly important in the business world. Women who put real time and energy into trying to be a great wife and mother will discover that even with terrific workplace skills, they have lost apparent value after 45 or 50. Despite Federal laws prohibiting age discrimination, it is alive and thriving.
How many times have you been excited about a career prospect, only to be told you are “overqualified” once HR learns your birth date? The ugly truth is that the uneven playing field for women starts getting even rockier around mid-life.
So looking as youthful and energetic as possible is not a frivolous desire. We are still (always) judged on appearance, despite all our other more enduring and valuable characteristics.
I want to share two of my Fountain of Youth hacks, simple, inexpensive, and effective!
The first is a home-made facial toner that works better than expensive commercial formulations I have tried. It minimizes laugh lines and crow’s feet, smooths skin tone, and actually strengthens the crucial collagen which makes skin strong and supple. Take a glass bottle with a mister/sprayer cap and fill almost to the top with–here goes–caffeinated water, available in all specialty beverage aisles in grocery stores. I use ávitāe, with 125 mg of caffeine per 16.9 fluid ounces. No flavors or additives, just caffeine and water.
Then add essential oils (ideally organic), suited to your skin type and health care. If you have not used essential oils topically in the past, start with 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well, and use throughout the day as your facial toner, particularly in the morning and evening after washing your face and before moisturizing. I was researching the benefits of caffeine applied topically when I invented this one, and there are a surprising number! Eliminate dark circles under the eyes, tighten loose or puffy areas, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite. Some studies even show thicker hair growth. Of course you don’t want to use this combo if it is in any way irritating, but everyone who has used my remedies finds them refreshing and rejuvenating (both women and men). Yay! I personally use seven drops of sandalwood, seven drops of lavender, and seven drops of clary sage.
The second secret is an ancient Asian beauty tradition, the jade roller. Look for stainless steel with good quality jade, one longer end and one shorter ball for the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth. After applying toner, roll upward along the cheek bones, forehead, chin, and throat. Aside from a soothing cooling feeling (great for hot flashes), regular rolling stimulates lymphatic drainage, increases blood flow, removes toxins, and firms skin so small lines disappear and even long-standing wrinkles are less noticeable. I couldn’t believe how well it worked–and you can find a quality roller for less than fifteen dollars on Amazon.
Now you know my secrets! When people remark on your youthful glow, you can pass on these tips or just smile alluringly…your choice.
That’s all for now…
tropical toes 