REV’S Guide to Ageing Gracefully with Rachel Edlich of Radical Skincare

Your father was a renowned professor of plastic surgery. What was the conversation around aging like growing up? 

Our father was one of our biggest inspirations. My father specialized in burns and handled the most severe cases in wound healing and facial reconstruction, so he really never focused on outer beauty but inner beauty. How are you going to make an impact on the lives of others like he has been for so many patients and people during his lifetime.

What has your personal approach been to aging gracefully? 

Well, it has definitely changed from my 30’s to 50’s. How you see yourself in the mirror changes your inner dialogue. When we created Radical Skincare I was 42 and struggling with Rosacea which is the real reason Radical was born. Already I was seeing the signs of aging, though when I developed Rosacea it caused major insecurities with all of the redness, bumps, and swelling. I couldn’t use anything that would be performance-driven without irritating my skin horribly. With the guidance of my father and scientist, we were able to create the strongest anti-aging skincare design for all skin types and not cause irritation. We knew that wasn’t enough to focus on what we see in the mirror and realized that to make a true impact in the lives of others we need an inside-out strategy. We have studied and seen compelling research showing the link between skincare and self. The brain and skin have been connected since we were an embryo. You feel, and your skin reacts. For example, Stress+ Skin= Acne, and problematic skin.

Liz and I developed Radical Rituals created to help stop that negative self-talk, the importance of the breath, and helping to reduce cortisol levels to improve your mood so when we look at ourselves in the mirror, we are speaking with kind words, not by the words that the world says you should feel about aging. It has worked miracles on my confidence and how I see myself. It’s a game-changer. Lastly, Liz and I have always been committed to uplifting women in business and giving them the best opportunity to shine. Giving back to others is the best gift you can give yourself. My father and mother always said, “To be a difference, you must make a difference.” Hence, we created our Brand Partner program to give women a turnkey opportunity to create financial freedom and supported by an amazing community. Additionally, our Radical Impact Fund is committed to bridging the gap for women of tomorrow. Annually, we donate 1.5% of our sales to support women in need and their RADICAL dreams. This is the Radical heartbeat of our organization.

How has your skincare and body care routine changed as you’ve gotten older?

I would say that is has evolved as my skin has changed over time. I really began paying attention in my late 30’s.  I love the outdoors, so I had to focus on protecting my skin more. SPF was super important. Honestly, I should have done more in my 20’s and listened to my mom! 40’s Rosacea stopped me in my tracks and Radical rescued my skin with reparative, hydrating, and anti- inflammatory ingredients. It was my full focus to return my skin back to normal, so I wasn’t on medication but on a natural approach. 50’s has been more in brightening and the arrival of age spots so so my regime now incorporates brightening, gentle exfoliation, repair, hydration and anti-inflammatory Radical products.

What should people in their 30’s and 40’s be using to help prevent fine lines? 

It is so important to use and SPF daily to protect your skin and prevent fine lines. I would also use a product that has antioxidants and reparative ingredients, like our Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum which helps protect your skin from free radicals which are one of the biggest culprits for aging skin.

For those who want to avoid Botox and fillers, what skincare advice do you have? 

I understand wanting to avoid procedures that could affect the way you look and feel. I always recommend starting early to protect your skin from the sun. Be diligent there. I also believe it is so important to use a skin care regime that focuses on prevention, repair, and results. Invest in your skin. It is your largest organ that should be cared for daily. Also, embrace your beauty at any age. Be kind to yourself and know that beauty is from within.

Our Favourite Radical Skincare Products for Ageing Gracefully –

Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30 –

As Rachel mentioned the key to ageing effortlessly is daily sunscreen use! The Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30 by Radical is the perfect non-chemical sunscreen for daily use, because unlike a lot of other natural sunscreens this one isn’t thick and white. It uses non-chemical filters to protect against UVA/UVB rays and diamond encapsulation to deflect light and blue wrinkles. It also contains wonderful skincare ingredients that work wonders on the skin, and it is a perfect base for makeup. It contains coffee, which works to protect against skin damage and helps to heal any sunburn that you may have gotten (if you forgot to wear you SPF!).

Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads –

A key to glowing, clear, and smooth skin is gentle and continued exfoliation. The Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads from Radical deliver daily exfoliation but without the irritation and redness that sometimes comes with exfoliation. With AHA and BHA multi-fruit extracts, these pre-moistened pads gently exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance skin by promoting new cell turnover; giving your skin timeless beauty, healthy glow and radiance from within. There is no down time with these so you don’t have to worry about using them and dashing out after!

Rejuvafirm™ Resurfacing Serum – 

Vitamin A is one of the most important ingredients when trying to combat ageing with topical skincare. Radical Skincare created a natural alternative to retinol by using Bakuchiol and Lanablue, which are both natural and plant-based retinol alternatives. This serum delivers all the benefits of retinol but without the typical harsh side effects like skin irritation and photosensitivity. This serum also contains full spectrum CBD, which has amazing anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties to calm and sooth the skin. This serum really does it all! Plus, it works for all skin types.

Eye Revive Crème – 

Ageing often begins around the eyes from lack of sleep, stress, and screens so having a good eye cream is essential. Radical’s 4-1 rescue eye cream combats puffiness, dark circles, discoloration, and smooths the appearance of find lines and wrinkles. Plus, it delivers deep hydration to the delicate eye area, which plumps the area instantly. It really instantly cools the area, providing instant relief when you wake up with sore eyes. It is full of powerful ingredients that are unlike anything we’ve seen in eye creams before. It contains Mata’kite, which is a stone extract that delivers antioxidants and detoxifies at the same time – it is a general skin protector making it the perfect ingredient for around the eyes.

Anti-Aging Restorative Moisture Cream – 

Keeping the skin hydrated from the outside and inside, at all times is one of the easiest ways to ensure you are keeping a youthful glow. The brand’s Anti-Aging Restorative Moisture Cream is such a fantastic moisturizer for any skin type – even the most sensitive of skins. It is highly revitalizing that will help increase hydration, even and brighten the skin, and decrease fine lines. It is light but really packs a punch, which means it quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving any oily residue. It will leave you glowy and not shiny – trust me there is a difference!