I have been using two products since I turned 40, I am 56 now and am told I have very nice skin so I am assuming they work. I use a prescription retin A cream 3 times a week. I use cellex c serum daily. I faithfully use sunscreen, have done so since I was in my early twenties, long before it became popular to do so.

When I turned 50, my resolution was to go for regular facials, I'm a true believer in exfoliating and deep cleansing and I never got the salon results by myself at home.

I use IS Clinical products now and love them; I've used lots of different lines and had good results also.

IF you're interested, Paul Begoun has a book called "Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," now in its 8th Edition. Its VERY informative and worth a look to check out product ingredients and results. It looks at both cosmetics and skin care lines. Many, many pages devoted to Estee Lauder lines including EL, Clinique, MAC and others.

What a fun resolution! I'm a garden/outdoor girl, so my skin is not going to be what it could be. Too much time outside during the last 50+ years. I'm okay with that...but, like you, I did make a decision to take better care of what I do have.

I love Estee Lauder, but in the last few years, didn't want to spend the bucks for it. I've committed to Olay...the daily moisturizer with sunscreen and...the hardest to remember...the nightly moisturizer. You'd be surprised how often I forget to wash my face and put on moisturizer before bed. (I'm just now beginning to where makeup again--new business where I deal with people.) I do tell a difference when I use this...I have dry skin and it looks more alive and fresh when I'm faithful.

I'd like to add facials once a month, too. Well see how the new business grows...

I don't think you need to wait a year to see if a product works.

I agree with roseabbey regarding sunscreen. It makes a HUGE difference in your skin. Of course, it is better if you start using it before your skin is damaged. I've always been involved in alot of outdoor activities and have used sunscreen for years and my skin shows it.

I would probably be more apt to try something like the product Allison mentioned (and may try that myself) than Estee Lauder. It's funny because I think old lady when I see that brand. Maybe because it brings YOUTH DEW to mind! LOL

Why not make an appt. with a dermotologist and see what they suggest? Mine has given me some excellent tips and some not very $$$ at all.

tina

I started using Skinceuticals Phloretin CF a few months ago. I went to visit an out of state friend two weeks ago. She saw me last May. She ordered a bottle the first day I was there. DD2 swears by it, and she's only 27yo. Her skin didn't have far to improve, but has changed since starting.

She also swears by La Roche-Posey Anthelios Shaka SPF 60 suncreen on her face, and 40 on her neck/chest each day. Neither of us have been sun worshipers, although she did tanning beds for awhile. (She is the personal assistant for a dermatologist.)

I'ved used the Reclaim cleaning system and moisturizers since it came out (Principle's Secret) and Bobbi Brown cosmetics.

My mom had beautiful skin right up to the end ... at age 91. She was a fair-skinned redhead who never spent time in the sun. She used Merle Norman products into her 70s, then switched to Clinique. She loved the Dramatically Different moisturizer. Estee Lauder owns Clinque and a number of other brands. IMO, it's really all about marketing.

If you're faithful about keeping your skin clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun you're ahead of the game. The rest of it is genetics. Not a damn thing you can do about that.

Here is a link that might be useful: EL companies

Merle Norman, as far as skin care goes, works well, and they stand behind their products 100% - you can return products you have used if you are not satisfied, you can try everything before you buy it, etc. I have been using the basics since 1977, and folks seem to think I look pretty good for my age, at least as far as my skin goes. LOL

But Natal is right - part of it is how well you take care of your skin, no matter what you use. And part of it is genetics.

I need to give Merle Norman a try again. The women I knew in the past who sold MN always had beautiful skin.

But I have to stick with Estee for the year though. :)

Happy, I keep my night creme next to the bed. I always go back there and watch TV before I sleep and this way I remember to use it.

I keep my moisturizer in the coffee table drawer. lol