As we get older, our skin’s ability to defend and repair itself decreases. Fine lines and discoloration, loss of elasticity and brightness all happen as we age because our cells get weaker and turn over at a slower pace. It’s pretty basic if you think about it like this: our skin gets beaten up every day from internal and external stressors and it can’t fight back or recover the way it used to.

Growth factors are like fuel for your cells. They boost the “repair” signal, which has everything to do with cell turnover and collagen production. Over time, research is showing, the use of growth factors can not only slow the aging process but also reverse damage that’s already been done. Growth factors have actually been used for years for wound recovery so all this makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?

I’ve been using Neocutis Journee Biorestorative Day Cream for a few years now and definitely notice its benefits. In addition to containing super high quality growth factors, it also contains vitamins C and E, which protect against free radical damage. I use the slightly tinted formula with SPF every morning to streamline my routine. Previously NeoCutis has only been available through doctors, but now you can get it on Amazon Prime!

Not makeup—makeup. Just eyebrows. And concealer. Maybe some tinted lip balm.

I’m convinced I don’t break out like a 14 year-old because I use these Ole Henrikson Truth to Go Vitamin C Wipes after each sweat session. I’m a big fan of the Ole Henrikson skincare line in general—I used the line throughout my last pregnancy. (These Yes to Cucumbers wipes and Simple Kind to Skin Facial Wipes are also really good drugstore bets because they all are natural, very soothing and deliver a healthy dose of vitamins.)

So there you have it. I wear makeup to the gym. Tell me I’m not alone.

I may or may not be coming from somewhere else more makeup-appropriate.

Yes, I sweat it off. I do SoulCycle for heaven sakes, it gets so hot and I work so hard, I’m drenched when I walk out, any vestiges of mascara (did I mention mascara?) turn to little black clumps scattered all over my face.

I know this can’t be good for my pores. I know it doesn’t matter and no one is looking at me in that dark room. Yet I can’t stop. I’m not even really trying to stop.

Here’s the catch: I never feel better than when I’m red-faced and spent and makeup-free after SoulCycle. I could hold court with confidence in my sweaty cycling clothes and messy bun.

Go figure.

It’s called Size Matters, by Essie. It’s an oldie but goodie.

The color makes me think of farmstand-fresh triple berry pie.

Just wanted to share.

(How do you think you get a job as a nail polish namer? I want that job.)