Skincare tips for 50s: Well, you have made it through the Sporty Forties and here you are in the Nifty Fifties. It seemed to happen overnight; that cute little crinkle at the corner of your eye when you laughed doesn’t go away anymore and I won’t even start on those pesky frown lines. All those lazy, hazy days of summers past have ganged up on your poor skin and you now have small areas of discoloration from sun damage.
The bad news is that aging cannot be avoided; the good news is that you can have beautiful, glowing skin, without resorting to Botox and the subsequent needles and expense. There is always time to create a skincare routine that will keep you looking as young as you feel. With this post, we are sharing skincare tips for 50s that every 50-something should start following ASAP!
Skincare Tips Every 50-Something Needs to Know
1. Don’t cake up on makeup
The excessive use of makeup and concealer can actually make lines and wrinkles more visible. Less is the new more when it comes to applying makeup to a 50-ish skin, mineral makeup is the best to use for all skin types. Avoid the latest pricy makeup products in an attempt to conceal those lines and consider consulting a dermatologist to help you create a skincare routine that is complementary to your features.
2. Cleanse your skin properly
It is vital to thoroughly clean your face whether you wear makeup daily or not, preferably with a gentle cleanser that would not remove any of your skin’s natural moisture. It is also important to wash your face before going to bed at night; sleeping without removing makeup (especially around the eyes), can lead to irritation and inflammation.
Also read: Best Vegan Face Wash For 2023
3. Boost Up the Collagen
Collagen is a protein that assists the skin to retain its elasticity and maintain a youthful appearance. With age, collagen breaks down and skin begins to lose its tone resulting in those tiny unwanted lines. You can increase the collagen in your skin by the application of Topical Vitamin A products which will increase collagen synthesis.
An over-the-counter product will contain retinol and stronger prescription versions are available. Your doctor or dermatologist can advise you on the best type of Topical Vitamin A for your skin type.
Also read: 10 Best Retinol Body Lotions
4. Drink Plenty of Water throughout the day
Water, water, everywhere – not only will it quench your thirst, but it will hydrate your skin and keep it supple. Skip the sugary drinks and drink water instead; flavor it with lemon, cucumber or any other fruit to suit your taste.
If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated, so make a routine of sipping water throughout the day. What about cocktails and wine, they contain water too, right? Right, but they also contain alcohol which dehydrates skin, so think again before asking for a double.
5. Never forget about sunscreen
There is one product that you should be using every day – sunscreen. Choose a product with at least SPF 30 (sun protection factor of 30) and a broad-spectrum (meaning that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays). Keep in mind that the effects of the sun are cumulative and age the skin quickly. Between work and errands, you’re spending a lot of time in sunlight without realizing it; even your car windows will admit the sun’s rays.
6. Moisturize
A moisturizer is a product that increases the water content of the top layer of skin. Remember that if you have sensitive skin, avoid products with added fragrance. Moisturize most skin types both morning and evening, using a product that does not aggravate an existing skin problem. As an example, for oily skin, the moisturizer needs to be oil-free, but hydrating.
Read this to find out more about the best ways to care for your 50-ish skin.
7. Take Care of Blemishes & Rosacea
Acne forms when the lining of a pore in the skin begins to produce skin cells at a rate higher than normal. Dead skin cells then accumulate in the pore faster than the sebum (oil secreted by the sebaceous gland at the base of a pore) can push them to the surface. Then, the oily sebum gets trapped under the dead skin, along with acne bacteria. Read this to find out more about acne.
8. Introduce Retinol to your skincare routine
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to boost skin’s natural collagen production and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The more potent version of Retinol is “Retinoid” which cannot be purchased directly and needs a dermatologist’s prescription.
If you are seeing a dermatologist for reducing your signs of aging, you can talk to them about Retinoid. Meanwhile, you can definitely include retinol in your skincare routine as it is a much safer option and a boon for aging skin. One thing that you should ensure while using retinol is that it should only be applied at night and washed off in the morning. Going out in the sun with retinol on your skin can have damaging effects.
Rosacea typically involves the central portion of the face, mainly the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Studies suggest that rosacea suffers may have a genetic inability to dampen facial inflammation caused by exposure to the sun, flushing, and certain medications. This disorder is most likely to appear among those having fair skin and being of eastern or northern European ancestry. Read this to find out more about rosacea.
So, enjoy the Nifty Fifties and with a little care, your skin will remain beautiful and glowing for many, many…… many years to come!