Anti-Aging Series: All Star Evening Routine

Anti Aging Trio

In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought it would be fitting to share the beauty products that my mom and I both adore in turning back the hands of time and off setting the aging that occurs. While some may be uneasy with the usage of the term “anti-aging,” it is not a term that has ever bothered me. To me, ‘anti-aging’ really isn’t an age discriminatory word but rather a scientific word that indicates a delay or reversal in skin aging which is crucial for identifying suitable products. Therefore I use this word without judgement of broader social aspects that some may apply to it as I think the removal of this term ultimately just confuses the message as at the end of the day – these really are anti-aging products.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that two of the products featured are serums as these are the most concentrated and active skincare products which are needed to counter the effects of aging. There are many effective products but I chose a trio that features the key components in anti-aging skincare: exfoliation to turn over skin cells, retinol the most effective ingredient to turn back time and a gentle, light moisturizer that renews skin and counters dryness. Because of how active these products are, they’re great when used overnight rather than during the day which is better for protecting skin.

Anti Aging Trio

The first step of this anti-aging trio is Kypris Moonlight Catalyst, a wonderful exfoliator that reveals new skin through the use of pumpkin and peach enzymes that resurface skin. Kypris calls this a retinol alternative because it delivers the sloughing action that retinols provide only in a more gentle manner. Don’t worry about drying, this serum contains glucosides that are precursors to hyaluronic acid and sea algae that is known to help in moisture retention. The first few times I used it, I felt that slight tightness and had some skin peeling the next morning — which is a GOOD THING! It means the serum is doing it’s job!

I sometimes mix and sometimes just follow through with YULI Modern Alchemist. Most of the time I mix as I feel like it gets most of the actives in which is important because these two serums combined have so many actives. Whereas Kypris Moonlight Catalyst acts as a chemical exfoliator, YULI Modern Alchemist is a bio-retinol serum which contains a completely botanically sourced retinol complex that contains varied forms of biologically compatible Vitamin A that skin recognizes immediately and turns into retinol. This is important because it prevents many of the irritation commonly found in retinols, including increased vulnerability to sun damage. Besides retinols, this serum also has CoQ10 which hydrates, smoothes wrinkles and works with the retinols to even complexion. There is also a bio-fermented tamarind seed extract which in clinical studies is shown to be more effective than the gold standard hyaluronic acid in delivering hydration and boosting moisture retention.

So we have a super-serum made of an exfoliator and a retinol, your skin is getting quite a workout. I like to finish with Ren’s V-Cense Frankincense Revitalizing Night Cream which both adds to the power of the duo and provides some cushioning. Frankincense is the star ingredient here and it is known to rejuvenate and revitalize skin. I love this night cream because it complements the serums so well, the phytosterols work with the omega-lipid complex in YULI Modern Alchemist to restore skin’s lipid content which plumps and softens skin. The Vitamin C works with the enzymes in Kypris Moonlight Catalyst to boost cell turnover and tone skin. As a bonus, this night cream is very light and absorbs so quickly which means it won’t dilute your serums or just lay an ineffective coat over skin like some moisturizers can.

This power trio excels in promoting cell regeneration, restoring moisture and stimulating new cells which are the three main focal points of anti-aging skincare. This is why I always see results the next morning. No other combination gives my skin that almost botox like line-less skin with brightened glowing complexion like this – it is like a real life photoshop filter. I can’t speak enough good things about how effective this routine has been and how much of a workout its given my skin.

For starters, go light and ease up as all three products are powerful (I only use all 3 together about 2-3 times a week). Expect some tightness and maybe some flaking but once you get your skin adjusted, it really does become a total revitalizing treatment for skin.

Purchase the products in this story:
Kypris Moonlight Catalyst 
YULI Modern Alchemist
REN V-Cense Frankincense Revitalizing Night Cream

Full reviews of these products will come in the future. Have you used any of these products? What is your ultimate anti-aging routine?

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9 Comments

  1. juliet
    May 10, 2015 / 11:48 pm

    For the most anti-aging benefits, do you prefer Modern Alchemist or the Sunday Riley Blue oil you recently posted about? I’ve been using the M.A. for months (my bottle is almost gone) and I really don’t see any changes in my skin. Trying to decide if I should try another bottle or give the S.R. one a shot.

    • May 10, 2015 / 11:50 pm

      Sunday Riley Luna uses a synthetic retinol so it’s good for immediate results but could be irritating whereas Modern Alchemist is more of a seachange of gradual progress over time for me.

  2. Linda
    May 11, 2015 / 6:45 pm

    Oh what a collection! Green skincare has come so far. How do these products compare to more mainstream products?

    • May 30, 2015 / 5:05 pm

      I prefer them – mostly. I still use a prescription retinol from time to time but I don’t think green options are subpar to mainstream retinol products one would buy from Sephora.

  3. Barbara
    May 12, 2015 / 9:58 pm

    Hi and thank you for the review.
    Can i ask whether this is part of your regular routine? Do you recommend using these products during summer time or rather keep them for winter?
    Thank you in advance for your answer.

    • May 30, 2015 / 5:06 pm

      I use this around twice a week as the products are indeed very active. I think it is good for Spring/Fall. In Summer, I may hold back a little on the REN Moisturizer and in winter I might go for a balm over the products. My skin is very finicky like that, hope that helps!

      • Barbara
        May 31, 2015 / 3:29 pm

        Thanks for this – very helpful! and then other nights? do you use one or the other serum in isolation or go for something altogether more gentle? i am tempted by your suggestion – although have quite thin skin so would certainly introduce the combination very gently…

  4. Laura
    May 14, 2015 / 6:19 am

    Lovely post! I also use yuli modern alchemist at night. I wonder, what do you think about layering a hydrosol based serum under the face oils (instead of topping it up with a creme) to let skin better breathe and help retain more moisture? I am currently looking at the true nature (former mvo) pacific serum… I like the ren cream, but prefer something greener, such as kahina nightcream, as yuli is so pure and ren has some dodgy ingredients; but that’s just me.

    • May 30, 2015 / 5:09 pm

      I love using a hydrosol (or any green toner) and apply it religiously after cleansing my skin especially when I use oils as it works so well together. You’re right that it is definitely lighter on skin and still provides a good barrier to protect it. The Kahina Night Cream is fantastic and I raved about it in my review, I find the REN to be a lighter and easier to apply since it is a pump but would not discourage anyone from opting for Kahina instead – which for green purists out there is a way better and cleaner option.

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