Skincare habits to adopt if you’re over 50

Whilst they may have access to the top treatments and products – knowing the basics of a great beauty routine is the secret to their mature skin.

So, we hear from leading dermatologists and skincare specialists the beauty habits you should be adopting if you’re over 50.

What happens to skin after 50?

How your skin looks and feels changes dramatically when you enter middle age, and the onset of the menopause plays a big role in the it’s appearance.

“The average age women reach the menopause in the UK is 51,” says Dr Nyla Raja, dermatologist and founder of Dr Nyla Medispa.

“Reduced blood flow causes your skin to lose its radiance, and oestrogen drops which is an antioxidant, meaning the skin is not as protected from external aggressors.

“Further, collagen depletion is at 2% per year – losing up to 20% of collagen in your 50s, and the skin’s natural cell regeneration and recovery is slower, and hyperpigmentation or age spots can become more of a concern with cumulative UV damage.”

But hope isn’t lost for beautiful looking skin – adopting some daily habits can transform the look and feel of your face.

How stress and hormonal changes affect the skin over 50

Menopause’s effect on the skin may be bigger than you’d realised. “Skin changes are also a common occurrence during menopause. The most frequent skin-related concern reported during menopause is skin dryness, followed by thinner, more wrinkled and less voluminous skin,” says Raja.

“Look for soothing ingredients that can help with issues like inflammation, such as niacinamide, panthenol (vitamin B) or aloe vera,” suggests founder of Harley Street Skin Clinic, Lesley Reynolds.

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Adopt a streamlined skincare routine

Repetition and routine is vital for getting your skin back into shape after 50.

“No matter your age, your skincare routine should consist of doubling cleansing – one cream and one water-based product – followed by a moisturiser and an SPF,” says Raja.

But if you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown of a daily skincare routine, Dr Joney De Souza, skincare expert, details his recommended regime:

“In the morning, use a gentle cleanser, followed by a vitamin C serum to brighten the skin. Follow up with a ceramide-rich moisturiser and sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher – even on cloudy days.”

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Ingredients to incorporate

Ingredients to look out for with maturing skin are those that add glow and volume – attributes that decrease with age.

“Retinol or retinoids (otherwise known as vitamin A), vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and collagen are all ingredients to look for to address aging skin,” says Raja.

It’s important to exfoliate the skin with AHAs and BHAs, however, you do not need to exfoliate as often with mature skin.

“Over-exfoliating and using products with harsh ingredients on mature skin which tends to be thinner and less resilient, makes it more prone to irritation and micro-tears,” explains skin therapist and co-founder of Ella & Jo Cosmetics Charlene Flanagan.

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Common mistakes to avoid

You may think if your skin is already showing signs of aging, this can’t be reversed, so you can relax on the prevention front of skincare…

“People over 50 may not wear sunscreen, thinking the damage has been done and there’s no point in protecting your skin at this stage. Wrong!” says holistic skincare specialist Dr Miriam Adebibe.

Another common mistake is to not cleanse effectively.

Those over 50 tend to wear less heavy face make-up, and so may relax on the cleansing aspect of their routine. “Always double cleanse to ensure you have effectively taken your make-up off, as debris and bacteria can build as well as stain the skin, which can make your skin look more dull than it actually is,” explains Raja.

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