Thinking about a facelift, dermabrasion, botox injections, or dropping a few hundred bucks on an anti-aging miracle serum? There's something you should try first -- and you already have everything you need right there in your shower.

With all due respect to the cosmetics industry, we have been sold a load of hooey when it comes to how our faces should look, and what we need to do to look younger, decrease or prevent wrinkles, and have that "peaches and cream" complexion. Think about this: why do all the creams, serums and lotions tell you to "gently pat or tap" the product on your face -- "NEVER pull the skin" -- yet, one of the most common procedures for removing fine facial wrinkles is dermabrasion ... basically sanding down the top layer of your skin so it can grow back fresh?

Unless you have an unusual medical condition, your skin is not so fragile that rubbing your eye will cause a permanent wrinkle. We don't need to mummify ourselves with potions to have smooth fresh skin and minimize wrinkles.  I am fortunate that I was indoctrinated into the world of wrinkle-prevention product lines like Mary Kay, Clinique, Estee Lauder, etc., when I was in my early 20s, had no wrinkles, and paid close attention to how the products were actually working for the people I knew used them.  The answer is: they didn't.

I am in my 40s now.  I have no wrinkles. It's not all genetics, either. It's simple trial-and-error, and paying attention to the results.  I am not a physician, and nothing I say here should take the place of any medical advice you have been given. This is simply an account of what has worked for me, and a no-cost alternative you really owe it to yourself to try before you drop a load of money on any product or procedure to make you look younger. You literally have nothing to lose except maybe delaying a facelift for a month or two.

My solution is simple: you need shampoo, conditioner, and a good washcloth.  The washcloth should be thick and have a courser side for scrubbing, and a finer side for rinsing.  Basically, any ordinary quality washcloth will do just fine -- just don't use the see-through cheapies. I personally recommend Aussie Moist Shampoo and Aussie Deep Conditioner, but whatever products you use now should work the same ... just don't use a detergent-based or dandruff shampoo.

When you shower or bathe, do not use soap on your face.  When you lather your hair, use enough extra shampoo to get a good lather, and spread the lather over your face and onto your wet washcloth.  You'll want enough lather to "cushion" the skin while you give it a good scrub with the washcloth.  Scrub the hairline, your entire face -- especially the outside corners of your eyes, your jawline, and down your neck.  Rinse gently with water.  Who needs a fancy facial scrub when a simple washcloth and gentle shampoo will do a better job of sloughing dead skin cells and refreshing the skin?

As you condition, include your face and neck.  You don't need globs of it -- just a light once-over to moisturize.  Again, rinse lightly.

After your shower, consider going light on the makeup.  Skip the moisturizer unless your skin feels tight.  If it does, use a moisturizer with NO OIL, and use it sparingly.  Frankly, a big bottle of Suave lotion is all you really need.  Most of the Suave lotions are oil-free and absorb quickly and cleanly into the skin without leaving a "residue" feeling. Moisturize only when you must.  Allow your skin to heal and hydrate itself.  Be sure you drink plenty of water every day -- at least eight glasses.

What you've just done is given yourself a complete facial including a very light dermabrasion, and all you needed was the stuff you've had all along! You'll notice an immediate decrease in blackheads and the rough feeling of skin cells that have not been properly cleansed off. 

If you have acne that is red or "weepy", be very gentle in those areas.  If your acne is serious (visible puss, deep blemishes, cystic acne, etc.), please see a dermatologist to prevent facial scarring.  If your acne is normal or mild, you can follow up your treatment with Clean & Clear or a similar acne lotion containing benzoyle peroxide.  Just don't put it all over your face -- only apply the medication where it is needed.

Sometimes the best treatments are the simple treatments.

PLEASE keep in mind that I am not a physician, and I am not offering a medical opinion or advice.  Do NOT ignore the advice of your physician in favor of this basic cleansing regimen.  If you have known skin conditions or allergies that make this regimen unfeasible, don't try it!  This is for those who have normal skin and simply want to try an alternative to the expensive array of anti-aging products and procedures that abound these days. 

Me at 28:

Me at 41:

I would love to hear your opinion on this.  Please feel free to email me!