I was wondering if any of you have tried any of the procedures such as glycolic peels or the different kinds of lasers, etc and did it improve your skin? My hormones must be dropping fast because my skin has changed noticeably in the past year -- rougher, more lines, and generally unpleasant. I should use the Retin-A more often, but was wondering if there might be a one or two treatment option out there that would improve it. Thanks for any advice.

L2

I am leery to the lasers due to some complaints about lingering redness and marks left on the skin. I do use retin-A at night with a little estriol or estradiol cream mixed in. It certainly helps with texture.

Be careful of glycolic peels also, as they thin your skin and at our age that is the last thing we want. I think the peels are better for younger people. The retinol is probably your best bet.

I really like Mary Kay's micro-dermabrasion product. It is a 2 step process, a scrub followed by a replenishing serum. I do this once or twice a week, and it helps my skin to look smoother and more radiant. I also use their line of anti aging skin care products. I have pretty sensitive skin and am too chicken to do a laser or any kind of peel, so this works well for me!

Thanks for all your ideas! I'll stick with the retin-a and use it more regularly.
Really regret not using sun protection when I was young.

I have 2-3 15% TCA peels done by my Cosm. under Dr's supervision each year. My skin is sensative so I don't need anything stronger. IF you keep up the peels and can afford the week of down time, it truly, truly makes a huge difference for your skin.
This Fall he will start me on a retin A regiment, perhaps Obagy, not sure.
A visit to the Cosmatologist for a facial every few weeks is also a nice gift for your skin

Any Copper Peptide cream combined with anti oxident creams also do wonders.
We're lucky to be at a time where there really are good products out there.........also helioplex sunscreen 70 when out in the daylight

speaking of peels..........my friends grandmother used to put white Elmer's glue on her face, let it dry, then peel it off.....she swore by it!

Okay that reminds me, and not that I would try this, but I had this woman tell me one time she put Preperation H on her face, she swore by it... But I am sorry ladies, I am desperate, but just how desperate I don't know..

I did by this stuff from Whole Foods, made by Alavon I believe, it is called CoQ10 (yes, just like the supplement we take); does pretty good, especially the body lotion.

becca:
i swear it helps puffiness under the eyes, never thought about putting prep. h on my entire face............i'd be willing to give it a try but i use crisco at night.
in this heat wave we are having, i have to wonder about the daytime moisterizers, do they sweat right off during the day?
the older generations probably had a lot of great, natural ideas to maintain their skin!