I am 54 and I think my skin looks pretty good. I used to have some minor adult breakouts but haven't had any at all since using the following regimen for the past 2.5 years:

Clarisonic every night with a cleanser (I use Cetaphil). I use my Clarisonic religiously and I think it makes a difference. My skin feels SO much smoother than it used to feel.

Paula's Choice BHA 2% - this stuff is great, minimizes pores and helps with minor skin discoloration.

I use sunscreen every day, and have for at least 20 years.

I have had broken capillaries treated at the dermatologist and it's not a big deal but they do return after a time.

Like you I am not concerned with wrinkles/sagging skin and have never wanted to inject anything into my skin.

Hope that helps!!

I have always had good skin so I didn't go to a dermatologist for a peel until recently - a year ago. I mainly went for my chest since I thought it was looking so much older than my face! No age spots, I've skipped the sun for decades now. I was pleasantly surprised at the first glycolic acid peel at only 2%. I did 3 at 2% and 1 at 3%, then ended up doing 2 on my face at 2%. I had bought a package of 6 when on sale - went for "free" check up with dermatologist and if you bought a package that day, you got 30% off. I'd seen her before to check for skin cancer as part of being cautious so I knew I liked her/the office.

About two years before I did the above, I went to her for slight redness on nose and a broken capillary near my nose. My father has rosacea and I wanted to see if I was getting it. They did the photo imaging of my face that shows 1) sun damage (OMG!) and 2)capillary issues. I did a series of 3 face zapping for that - feels like a rubber band popping your skin. Hurts around mouth and nose the most, the rest is tolerable. The broken capillary was zapped a bit harder and returned before my next visit, so she zapped again. Hasn't returned yet (knock on wood).

Most of my sun damage is left side of face, closer to ear. Cause? Driving in the car!! Always wear sunscreen! She suggested I start using it on my hands as well.

A friend of mine (mid 40's) does thermage once a year or every 18 months or so. I'm not sure why, preventative maybe;) ?

She's gorgeous and her skin aways appears close to flawless to me, make up or none....

She travels a lot, is quite careful with sunscreen or cap with bill. I have a feeling she's going to look a lot better than I do as she begins to age....

I had a couple of capillaries zapped (laser, dermatologist) on the side of my nose a few years ago....I did bruise a little there but they didn't return. Later, I had the backs of my hands done (freckles) and loved the results. Two treatments about 2 weeks apart, no bruising but I did have some red, almost burned looked places for about 5 days I was a little self conscious of....I looked like I'd had a squabble with the cat. Totally worth the effort, freckles gone.

I can recommend the laser treatments for broken capilliaries...very effective in toning down redness. New ones form over time but it is a relatively easy "fix".

I think the best thing one can do for their skin (other than staying out of the sun & using sunscreen daily) is using retinoids. Whether you start with Rx strength or over the counter, dermatologists seem to agree this treatment is effective on any number of skin concerns.

Good luck - I turn 60 this year and I'm a little freaked out at how it sounds more than anything!

Thank you everyone! I wouldn't have even known what to ask if I went to see a dermatologist. I had forgotten about lasers. I even did a research paper on them back in the 1970s when they first came into use for surgery. Also forgot about retinoids. Must see doctor about forgetfulness! The rest is all new to me. I appreciate hearing your experiences.

I would look for a dermatologist- many of them now provide salon-ish services in their offices, like facials, microdermabrasion, specific skin care lines. You can make an appointment for a consultation and they'll advise you what services and products you may want.

I have red hair, very fair skin, sun damage, fairly bad acne when I was younger, and some rosacea now. I've had four skin cancers removed from my back, and go in every 6 months to be checked for precancers, which they just zap off.

I've had laser treatment on broken capillaries around my nose and on my cheek. It was quite painful for a few minutes, but great results. I've had a few glycolic peels, and I was a red peely mess for a few days, but again, great results. Using a rx retinoid every few days long term has been very good for me. Good luck!

May flowers, I am 66 and have been getting chemical peels for about 3 years now, about 3 times a year (had one today!). When I was younger I had slightly oily skin and a breakout now and then, plus some blackheads on my nose. I think it was more hormonal than anything.

It has really improved the looks and texture of my skin. I also have been a faithful Clarisonic user for quite a while. I first started a better skin regimen with Revision products at the skin health center after I had my eyelids done. I started wearing tinted moisturizer and mineral powder and a few other skin care products. Mostly it was really the cleansing with the right products. And the maintenance with the peels. I also have used Retin-a for years.

Yes, many dermatologists also carry some of these products and offer these services now, so do check around and find one you like or that is highly recommended.

Could someone tell me what to buy for a retin a product and can I get this just in a drugstore or do I need to go to a dermatologist.

As someone with sensitive skin, you may find that many of the things listed above will not be tolerable. Find a good Derm to walk you through the options based on your skin type.

And if you don't use sunscreen, you should be doing a skin tag check at least once a year. Getting those things scooped out is no fun, but having melanoma is worse.

Skin tags are not dangerous and are not a sign of cancer. They can be removed if bothersome.

Moles may be cancerous and those need to be checked. Though having a lot of moles is a sign of a longevity....

Here is a link that might be useful: Moles and longevity

I don't have any moles so maybe I'm not going to be around much longer. ;)

Maybe the most aggressive thing I can have done is to have capillaries removed. Good to hear it's been successful for some of you.

Is Clarisonic safe for sensitive skin? I can't use a wash cloth or regular soaps. I don't use any type of exfoliating products.

may_flowers, if you can't use a wash cloth due to sensitive skin, I don't recommend the Clarisonic, even with the sensitive skin brush head. I think it will be irritating to your skin. I don't have particularly sensitive skin yet I use the sensitive clarisonic brush head and it's more than enough "scrubbing" for me.

I would suggest seeing a dermatologist and going from there. My dr's group has a medispa in the same complex that offers the facials, peels, hair removal, products, etc., etc., etc.

I have been blessed with good skin that is getting drier as I get older. I'm early 50's. I never had a problem with acne as a teen and have had no issues as an adult. I've worn sunscreen for years although I am outdoors alot. I totally agree with the comment about SS on your hands. Hands can age a woman faster than anything.

I have not had anything "done" (no plastic surgery, fillers, botox, etc.). I use cetaphil cleanser, exfoliate and use retinal (Roc). I have used other retinal products but like Roc. There is a sensitive skin formula. You can find it online or at drugstores. Pay attention to your neck and chest as well as your face.

Ladies, I see Retin-A mentioned here several times. Is there a Retin-A product that can be prescribed for aging skin? The one I used was Renova but the price is $200.00 and just can't pay that anymore. Also I have a Clarisonic and the first one with one speed was perfect for me (late sixties, pale complexion, blue eyes, brown spots, once-black-now-gray hair). The Clarisonic I bought to replace that one when it kerplunked has two speeds and really chafes my skin! So, I am going to have to address that! Thank you for any help you can give!

I would recommend consulting with 2+ dermatologists who specialize in cosmetic procedures (consults should be complimentary), and follow the recommendations which make the most sense to you.

Aso, if laser is recommended, ask about anesthesia. Do they use only numbing cream or numbing cream and lidocaine injections or ???. Laser can be extremely beneficial but also very uncomfortable without the right anesthesia.

Retin A, Clarisonic, hyaluronic acid and C&E ferulic acid serum (latter two available from Timeless Skin site at very reasonable prices), good moisturizers and sunscreen will transform your skin. I also use a derma roller and love the results it offers.

Look at Philosophy's Help Me retinol night treatment. Tube is $48 and they do have promotions often -- either discounts or GWP. I bought some bath and shower gel because of a fun scent years ago and wound up migrating to the skin care. I really like their products and most are tolerated by sensitive skin. If you can't tolerate it, they will take it back.

I'm sure you can get fairly good retinol products at the drugstore these days, some better than others. However, I get mine via prescription, and the cost is covered via insurance. Yes, I have to be pre-approved every year, which takes a couple of days, but it's worth it in the long run since I pay maybe a couple of dollars for the name brand stuff. Tried the generic but didn't like it. Too greasy. It would likely depend on your insurance and what it covers whether you'd want to try that route with a dermatologist. There are varying strengths (.025, .05, etc) so most first-time users start with the lowest strength.

If your skin is truly that sensitive, I'd probably go easy with the Clarisonic, and also take the advice of your skin care specialist first before investing in one. A lot of people assume they really need to scrub with it using pressure. Not true. It is a gentle rotating motion with the device doing the work. And maybe use it every few days to start, not every day.

If the redness from the broken capillaries bothers you, why don't you consider having that addressed first and using it as an entry point to the skin care with your dermatologist for other advice? Most would probably give you a free or reduced-rate consult and demo of their products. And the good ones have samples they are more than happy to give you.

Yes, to the dermatologist first. Thank you.

In the thread about Clarisonic, I don't remember any mention of it maybe not being the best for sensitive skin, so I'm glad that was brought up.

I'm not saying the clarisonic isn't good for sensitive skin.....I just thought if a washcloth is too much for your skin, the clarisonic probably will be, too. ;)

I'm not ruling it out. I don't know how sensitive my skin is. I've irritated it with washcloths and bar soap many years ago so I just wash with my hands with a mild cleanser. Probably why I get some clogged pores.

Well, if it's brown spots, melasma,etc., I'm here to tell you that lasers do not work. Three tries, three different lasers with zero results, though they were pretty easy to tolerate...more so than microdermabrasion, I think ?
Now what ? Chemical peel or the rubber band zaps ( called ??) thing.
May- flowers, you have brown spots, too. I'm off to derm appt. tomorrow. I'll see what she says.

The dermatologist our family sees recommends and even sells the Clarisonic, though I didn't know that until I'd ordered one. I would ask your dermatologist about them and even call the company. I would think the one with three speeds might be worth the upgrade so you have more options, use one of the more gentle brushes and a gentle cleanser. Chances are the soap or the detergent used to launder the washcloth were more to blame than the washcloth use itself. Not to bang the same drum, but Philosophy's Purity and Miracle Worker cleansers both work very well with the Clarisonic and I don't find either to be irritating.

Two of the better retinol creams (drugstore) are Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (Night) and ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.

Are laser treatments for broken capillaries expensive?