As women approach their 50s, they face a number of issues: hormonal changes, aging skin, and dwindling natural oils. All of these factors affect a woman’s complexion and require special attention.
Fortunately, there are many products on the market that address the needs of mature skin and ward off the signs of aging. To help you find the best skincare for your specific needs, we asked dermatologists to share their tips on what ingredients are most effective in your 50s.
1. Retinol
One of the most popular skincare ingredients out there, retinol is a vitamin A derivative that encourages cell turnover to minimize hyperpigmentation and boost collagen production. It’s also a natural exfoliator that helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
While retinol can be irritating to some complexions, dermatologists suggest that if you start with a pea-sized amount once or twice a week, your skin will adjust and become accustomed to the product before you need to increase the frequency. In the meantime, if you find it too harsh, try a time-release formula that releases the ingredient over time to help ease irritation.
You can also mix in glycolic acid to further refine your skin’s texture and tone, so long as you alternate it with retinol. Dermatologists say these two ingredients work well together to promote healthier skin.
A retinol product should be used in conjunction with an SPF to protect your skin from sun damage, suggests Bowe. It should also be used on the eye area, as it helps to improve the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles.
As with any new addition to your skincare routine, start slowly and build up to using it every night. It’s important to remember that retinol can be drying, so avoid applying it to dry, flaky skin.
It can also cause a rash if applied to the face or the body, so be sure to moisturize after use to keep your skin soft and smooth. Luckily, there are several nourishing, gentle retinol products on the market that make it easy to add this powerful skin-care ingredient to your routine.
As with any anti-aging product, it’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist before adding any retinol or tretinoin to your routine to ensure you get the most results.
2. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to look for in your skincare routine if you’re trying to combat fine lines and wrinkles. This is because it’s a natural source of moisture, which will help your skin appear brighter, plumper and firmer.
You’ll find hyaluronic acid in many different products, including serums, moisturizers, lip oils and more. It can also be injected as a filler, or taken by mouth in the form of dietary supplements and pills.
Choosing a product with hyaluronic acid is especially important for women over 50 because they need more hydration than younger people. This is because the top layer of your skin takes a lot of damage from environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, smoking and other lifestyle choices.
This damage can cause your skin to lose its water-holding capacity, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. To help prevent this, hyaluronic acid can slow down “epidermis water loss.” This is one of the biggest culprits in aging skin, as it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by improving your skin’s moisture levels.
But to really penetrate the surface of your skin, hyaluronic acid needs to be bioengineered to have a lower molecular weight so it can better penetrate the layers of your skin. Luckily, chemists can make this happen.
You can buy hyaluronic acid in creams, serums and other products in most beauty and drugstores. But it’s a good idea to keep the concentration of the hyaluronic acid in your product below 2 percent, because too much can be drying for your skin. The best way to get hyaluronic acid into your skin is by taking it as a supplement or having it injected, but it’s always best to talk to your doctor first!
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for the immune system. It also helps to form blood vessels, muscle and collagen in the body. It is also an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can cause damage to cells.
It is often found in foods such as citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach. It is also available as a dietary supplement, usually in capsules or chewable tablets.
One of the main reasons why Vitamin C is considered the best skincare for women over 50 is because it can help increase collagen production, which results in smoother and firmer skin. It can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The best way to get more of this nutrient in your diet is through fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also possible to take vitamin C supplements, but it is a good idea to check with your doctor first to make sure that it is safe for you.
Some medical conditions can interfere with absorption of this vitamin or increase the amount that is needed by your body. These include severe intestinal malabsorption or cachexia, a hereditary disorder known as glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and some cancer patients.
In addition to boosting your skin’s immunity, Vitamin C can also prevent scurvy – a disease that causes fatigue, bleeding gums and bruising, as well as poor wound healing. It is also thought to help reduce your risk of getting a cold or the flu, and may lower your stroke risk. Moreover, it can also help improve the skin’s elasticity and tone. Therefore, it is definitely a must-have in your skincare routine.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves, has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Its gel contains many essential nutrients, including vitamins, enzymes, and minerals.
It can be used as a facial mask to moisturize, cleanse, and firm the skin. It’s also known to have anti-aging benefits, as research suggests it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production.
You can also apply aloe to wounds, which will help them heal faster and reduce inflammation. It can also be a natural remedy for sunburns, as its cooling effect soothes the skin.
The gel can also be used to soften dry patches of skin, such as eczema. The acid in the aloe can slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and bright. You can even use aloe to make a DIY body scrub.
It’s safe for people of all ages and can be used as a natural alternative to over-the-counter products like moisturizers, lip balms, and face creams, says Kate Deery, a certified aesthetician with Clareo Plastic Surgery in Boston. Just remember to do a patch test to ensure it won’t cause any adverse reactions.
There are a few ways to use aloe vera, though it’s best taken in supplement form or as a juice. It’s important to consult with a doctor before consuming aloe vera in any form, and it’s best to avoid taking it in large amounts or in combination with other drugs.
If you want to try using aloe vera, look for a pure, unscented product that has been approved by the FDA. There are a variety of products available, so it’s easy to find something that will work well for your needs.
5. Green Tea
If you are looking for the best skincare for women over 50, green tea is an excellent option. It contains anti-aging benefits that will help you regain a youthful glow and supple skin.
The antioxidants in green tea are known to prevent sun damage, reducing the signs of aging and wrinkles. It also helps to hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity.
It can be consumed as a drink, or used in a number of topical creams and lotions. It is rich in antioxidants like epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which is a powerful anti-aging agent that has been proven to prevent acne and reduce skin pigmentation.
EGCG has also been shown to decrease oxidative stress that causes free radical damage and cellular senescence. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory that can improve the texture of your skin and resurface it.
To reap the best benefits from drinking green tea, you should drink it regularly. It is a great source of healthy nutrients and has zero grams of sugar per cup, making it a healthier alternative to soda or fruit juice.
In addition, green tea is high in antioxidants and can help you prevent heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. It also has a small amount of minerals that can benefit your health.
If you want to get the most out of your green tea, be sure to choose a quality brand. Some lower-quality brands can contain excessive amounts of fluoride, which can be harmful to your health.
Having the right skincare routine can have a dramatic impact on your skin. The most important thing is to avoid harsh abrasives, fragrances, and chemicals. Instead, opt for gentle products that will gently cleanse and moisturize your skin.