JAMI'S APPROACH TO YOUTHFUL-LOOKING SKIN

Retrouvé Co-Founder Jami Morse Heidegger Shares About Her Favorite Product

As I begin my 60s, I am not at all offended by the term anti-aging; and, in fact, I find it very precise, as most everything we try to do for our cells through nutrition, supplementation, etc., is to try to slow down, prevent, or otherwise “reverse” aging. The quality of the longevity of our internal cells contributes to our survival as well as to our quality of life and aesthetics. This internal health is also reflected in our skin, like it or not.  The aging process is a biological one, not a cosmetic term. Unavoidable ultimately, yes, but we definitely can impact many aspects of our overall physical condition along the way.

My Personal Skincare Vision

“I sought to replenish moisture levels that had been diminished due to age, the environment, or hormonal changes within my body. I was concerned about the health and well-being of my skin, and I wanted to delay the visible signs of aging.”

As the former third-generation family owner of Kiehl’s, skincare is deeply embedded in my DNA, and my skincare routine is one of the most important parts of my daily self-care regimen. I have always been interested in high-powered skincare products; in fact, at Kiehl’s, I often requested my chemist to make more potent versions of my favorite products just for my own use. When I turned 40, my interest in utilizing the most concentrated ingredients and innovative technologies available intensified, and the products that eventually became Retrouvé were born. I sought to replenish moisture levels that had been diminished due to age, the environment, or hormonal changes within my body. I was concerned about the health and well-being of my skin, and I wanted to delay the visible signs of aging. I desired a more radiant complexion. Because Retrouvé products were initially for my personal use only, no compromise was made in the cost, quality, or research behind the ingredients or processes used to develop the formulae. Retrouvé is my personal skincare vision of using only supremely exclusive and efficacious select anti-aging ingredients in superior concentrations and set in luxurious textures that I was unable to find elsewhere and for the maximal benefit of my own skin.

Product Spotlight: Retrouvé Revitalizing Eye Concentrate Skin Hydrator

“Just a small amount is so effective and is absorbed with its deliciously emollient texture and luxurious feel.”

“We at Retrouvé encourage a philosophy of approaching graceful and mindful aging—also known as “Pro-aging.” Another term for this that I particularly like is “Well-aging.”

Pro-Aging

We at Retrouvé encourage a philosophy of approaching graceful and mindful aging—also known as “Pro-aging.” Another term for this that I particularly like is “Well-aging.” Acknowledging, respecting and embracing  the fact that aging begins at birth and is inevitable for all of us and nothing of which ever to be ashamed of. Retrouvé welcomes adult customers of all ages, and we want everyone to feel good about themselves at wherever they are on the chronological age spectrum; and we also advocate for people to take care of themselves and to utilize self-care in its many forms to increase self-confidence, balance, and physical and emotional well-being. We can embrace our age, and still want to be our best and healthiest selves at any age. For example, I am over 60 and am not trying to look or be 20, but I still would like my skin to look as good as possible for as long as possible. There should not be any shame associated with whatever one wants to do to fulfill their fullest potential at any age in whatever way they may desire.

Taking Care of Ourselves

To pretend that we don’t try to preserve our cars or our homes from the ravages of damage due to aging to save in repair or repurchase expenses not to mention pride of ownership of whatever we may value that we try to keep nice is to me is no different from taking care of ourselves externally and internally. It would be foolish not to service the car engine when the light comes on, so why all this hoopla about heeding our own service calls (at least to the extent that we respectively can in terms of time and finance)? In her book, “Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour,” the ever-gorgeous, always inspiring, and Retrouvé fan, Dita Von Teese says, “Everyone, no matter her or his stage in life, has the right to feel beautiful.” I could not agree more! We all can and should have different and diverse definitions of beauty, but whatever they may be, why not do for yourself whatever helps to make you look and feel your best?

While Retrouvé products are rich in beneficial vitamins and antioxidants, some people embrace IV vitamin drips or B12 shots for additional internal antioxidants. Personally, I strive daily to make sure to drink at least two liters of water per day and endeavor to maintain a healthy diet; I try to get adequate sleep; and, I get regular blood tests with my doctor to assess levels that may require attention – all of which help to contribute to a healthy skin appearance, too.

A Few Words on Botox

I have not had facelifts, and I do not generally do fillers, but I am a big believer in Botox for my own use. I know that not everyone is comfortable with injectables and that many people want to age in what they consider to be the most natural and graceful way, and I totally respect and appreciate that. For myself, however, I consider the treatment to be a preventive measure against unnecessary lines and wrinkles caused from facial gesticulation. Botox injections make me feel better about my appearance and more in control of my personal aging journey, and it is an easy and helpful—albeit, expensive—way to promote skin maintenance. It is never too late to start on a Botox regimen should one want to try it; and, even if one has deep furrows already, Botox can still help to reduce them with time. Botox injections do need to be performed regularly in order to maintain the desired effect, and always consult a licensed medical professional for these treatments. (Be sure to catch my IG Lives with Aesthetic RN Kristina Kitsos, available on @retrouveskin, for in-depth discussions on medical aesthetics practices!)

Regular Facial Treatments (Extras Help!)

I also believe in having regular facial treatments for exfoliation, extractions, and optimal hydration. To this end, I have been seeing aesthetician Cristiana Schneider of Cristiana Skin Care in Beverly Hills regularly for the past 30+ years for traditional European facials.

I make regular appointments with Kristina Kitsos, Julie Lane Aesthetics, or Bioskin Beverly Hills for special cutting-edge Radio-Frequency Tightening, Oxygenation, Ultrasound, and LED Light Therapy technologies incorporating Retrouvé’s unparalleled anti-aging formulations. I am usually up for trying new machines, too. I like the microcurrent and galvanic machines as well. I am yet to try a more aggressive laser peel out of concern about discoloration.

These innovative treatments have helped many people look and feel better at any age or stage of their lives. They are considered safe, require little to no downtime, and they provide natural results if done professionally. The face ages in different stages: for example, we experience shrinkage in the bones; we have fat pads that get thinner and descend.  With a little assistance that science has now provided, we can look refreshed, and a refreshed look can translate to a more positive facial expression to which others may also often respond accordingly.

Remove the Shame Barriers

I really believe that we must break down any societal or self-imposed “shame barriers” and embrace what makes us feel better—whatever/however we may choose to address the question of “anti-aging treatments.” Choosing to take care of or to improve ourselves electively should not be considered embarrassing or shameful, nor should allowing nature to take its course unfettered. It is up to the individual, and we should all allow one another grace in making those decisions however one prefers. Self-care on all levels is a positive thing, however one may decide to implement it.

If we are strong and healthy mentally, spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, those in our lives, our family, friends, and colleagues, can draw from our strength, and usually we will simultaneously feel better, more confident, calm and positive.