Skincare Cornicles: The Importance of Skincare in our 50's and Beyond
The Scoop on taking care of our skin and looking as youthful as possible
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Taking care of your skin becomes increasingly important as you enter your 50s. This is because our skin undergoes various changes over time, including a reduction in collagen production, decreased elasticity, and slower cell turnover. As a result, it's crucial to adopt a skincare routine that addresses these specific needs to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.
I was first introduced to skincare and the importance of certain products when I was 20 Years-old and started a career as a Counter Manager - Consultant, for Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder and ULTIMAII Cosmetics (Any one remember ULTIMA II???).
I had mature clients who were loyal to products like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. Now, Thirty+ years later, I am part of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Cult!
Why is Skincare so important as we mature - i.e. In or 50's?
Collagen and Elasticity: As you age, your skin's natural collagen production decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. This can result in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Cell Turnover: The cell turnover rate slows down with age, causing dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface. This can make your complexion look dull and uneven.
Hydration: Mature skin tends to be drier due to reduced oil production. Proper hydration is essential to maintain skin's suppleness and prevent flakiness.
Sun Damage: Over years of sun exposure, UV damage accumulates, causing age spots, uneven pigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancers.
Environmental Factors: Environmental pollutants and stress can contribute to premature aging and skin sensitivity.
To combat these stressors and keep skin looking youthful and healthy there are certain products that are recommended by dermatologists to be used routinely:
Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of natural oils. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to boost moisture.
Exfoliant: Incorporate a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and promote cell turnover.
Serum: Choose a serum rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E to combat free radicals, brighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.
Retinol or Retinoid: Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient for stimulating collagen production, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing skin texture. Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage.
Moisturizer: Opt for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides to lock in moisture, plump the skin, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Sunscreen: Sun protection is paramount. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent further damage.
Eye Cream: Invest in an eye cream containing peptides and hyaluronic acid to address under-eye puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Night Cream: Choose a nourishing night cream with ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and moisture-retaining components to repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.
Hydrating Mask: Treat your skin to a hydrating mask once or twice a week to provide an extra boost of moisture and promote a plump complexion.
Lifestyle Factors: Along with a proper skincare routine, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, getting sufficient sleep, and managing stress will contribute to healthier skin.
You don't necessarily have to use all these recommended products in a skincare routine, especially if you're looking to simplify your routine or focus on specific concerns. Building an effective skincare routine is about tailoring it to your individual needs and preferences. However, incorporating a few key products can still yield great results.
Here is my Personal Routine:
Daytime Routine:
Cleanser: I use a cleansing cloth in for my daytime cleanse. Typically I have washed my face the night before so there is not a lot to cleanse. However, when I travel I do use these morning and evening. They work well for removing makeup. I am currently using Neutrogena.
Serum: I use two serums during the day. 1st - I love the needless serum by DRMTLGY
I also recently started to use a Retinol cream - I chose The INKEY List Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum after some research. You can spend a crazy amount of money on a Retinol serums. I was not sure how I would like it so, I chose a less expensive product, but one that ranks up there with effective Retinol serums and it contains 1% RetiSTAR Stabilized Retinol and 0.5% Granactive Retinoid in a slow-release formula to address the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines with minimal irritation.
Moisturizer with SPF: A moisturizer with built-in broad-spectrum SPF protection (this one has 46SPF) helps shield your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This step is crucial for preventing sun damage and premature aging.
Nighttime Routine:
Cleanser: For bedtime I use a cleanser by DRMTLGY that I love. It is gentle but effective in removing all my day time make up and getting me ready for bed.
Anti-aging serum: I am a faithful user of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I use it every night after I wash my face.
Eye Cream: I use a retinol eye cream before bed too. I did a little research and found this one on Amazon. It has great reviews and is working great for me!
Night Time Cream: I LOVE this You.ology Night Cream.
It is an amazing moisturizer but you can personalize it by adding boosters to target your trouble areas.
In addition to my daily and evening routines, I take several supplements and a
l use the Younique Eye Masks daily before putting make up. They stay on for 15 minutes and make your eyes feel amazing and they plump fine lines and wrinkles.
Additional maintenance I use weekly or every other week are exfoliating masks/scrubs and moisturizing masks (linked below):
Remember, consistency is more important than having an elaborate routine. However, if you have specific concerns such as anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, or acne, you might want to incorporate additional products targeted towards those issues.
Before introducing any new products, especially those containing active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants, it's advisable to do a patch test and gradually introduce them into your routine to avoid any potential irritation. Additionally, consider consulting a dermatologist or skincare professional to get personalized advice based on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
