“No! No! NOOOO!” The cry rang through the apartment like a gun shot.  It was 9:45 in the morning on a random Saturday, and my youth was officially over.  Just three weeks shy of my 26th birthday.

There on my forehead were two, shockingly deep looking wrinkles, blinking at me like a Russian sniper.

But how had these crevasse-like facial formations gone unnoticed for so long?  One word: bangs. My forehead hasn’t seen sunlight since Reagan was in office.

Without a moment to spare, I grabbed my SmarTrip card and made a trip to the Sephora in Pentagon City, a.k.a the Emergency Room.

Upon arrival, I was nearly overcome by the vast number of wrinkle reducing/anti-aging/firming/lifting/smoothing products available to the average consumer.  Entire walls were lined with bottles, tubes and jars all promising to take away my pain.  But who could I trust in the fight of my life?  More research was definitely required.

Magazines were purchased.  Google searches conducted.  Doctors consulted.  And after all of that effort, I came up with a three step plan: peel, treat, moisturize.

Peel

A Sephora employee suggested Philosophy’s Microdelivery Peel Pads ($35).  However, I think pads are a scam.  60 pads is a 2-3 month supply at best, but I can usually squeeze four months or more out of other products.  So, those were a pass.

After a lot of looking around, I decided on the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel ($44).  It’s stronger than my usual exfoliator but doesn’t leave my skin red.  In fact, it may be the greatest beauty find in recent memory.

My dermatologist recommended Kinerase Instant Radiance Facial Peel ($75) and Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion ($75).  And while I was tempted to try the Kinerase (I mean, have you seen Courtney Cox’s skin?) the price was prohibitive.

Treat

For this portion, I decided to double team my wrinkles with two products from the gifted and talented Ole Henriksen.  First, I bought a new jar of Pure Perfection ($48), which I already use to minimize visible pores.  And then I followed that up with his widely beloved African Red Tea, See the Difference Serum ($48).

Both products are light and non-greasy, and I am happy to say, they work.I like to use them before bed, but make sure that you give the first one a little time to absorb before you layer on the next one.

Moisturize

I’m a big fan of Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar ($38).  But since my skin tends to be a little dry and acne prone, I like to use the regular Hope during the day but switch to the sensitive skin version at night.  The Hope for sensitive skin has a much richer, velvetier texture and moisturizes really well.  But despite its thicker texture it doesn’t feel heavy or adversely effect the clarity of my complexion.

Hopefully, I can undo these wrinkles post haste.

I’m prepared to grow old gracefully, but I’d like to be able to wait until I am actually old.  Or at least in my thirties.