Model and stylist, Melinda Brady, talks to us about aging naturally and embracing the years.
Have you always looked after your skin? Yes, even though as a child I never got pimples, my skin was dry and I had lots of freckles. I can remember buying age spot remover cream from the chemist to try and remove them, I hated them so much. My mum discovered the cream and explained I was lucky to have them and I should embrace them as they would probably fade with time. They have faded and I miss them. Though sunscreen is one of the things I depend upon on a daily basis now, if I don’t use it my freckles reappear looking like dirty brown blotches.
What do you do daily to take care of your skin? I start with washing my face then use a little micellar water to clarify. I’ve become entirely addicted to Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength formula. Some years back I felt my skin just looked dull, so I found this amazing formula from Dr Gross. I continue to use it every day, it makes my skin fresh and clear.
Then, I moisturize. Usually, I add a booster to my moisturizer like Philosphy Vitamin C Powder or Kiehls Midnight Recovery Oil or some Damascan Rose Oil from Aesop. The rest of my skin secrets? Philosophy makes a two-pack called the Microdelivery Peel. I can tell you that this is just the most amazing stuff. I use it on special occasions and it literally takes away my fine eye lines (alas, it’s only temporary). I could wax lyrical about some of Kiehls other great products like the Powerful Strength line, Reducing Concentrate, and their amazing body butter.
What are your thoughts on aging? Do you use injectables? I tried botox at 40 then again at 45 and to be frank, I just didn’t like it. Every action has a reaction, and those little lines just appear at other parts of your face.
About that time I had an accident that kept me concentrating on recovery for 6 months and during that time I realized I was fixating on becoming older. I think I believed the hype around society’s pressure to stay looking young (trying to hold back the years), so it was then I decided that instead I would embrace my years and age naturally.
The fabulous thing about being in my fifties is that I’m able to look at the bigger picture that’s me. It’s why I’ve put myself forward as a model so late in life, I no longer fear judgment. I want to show my peers that there are women out there aging naturally.
To learn more, follow Melinda at Mel Brady Stylist and Mel Brady Model and visit her website.
