7 Tips for Taking Care of Mature Skin

As you age, the needs of your skin change considerably. By the time you reach your late twenties, your skin starts to lose its ability to retain moisture. Your 30s mark the start of your skin beginning to mature. At this point, your skin produces fewer lipids and the first visible signs of ageing like fine lines appear.

By your 40s, your skin becomes thinner, less firm, and less elastic. After that, the changes become more and more visible and permanent, but it does not mean your skin cannot look fresh and cared for after some particular age.

Giving your skin the appropriate love and care will prolong its ability to glow and look stunning.

What should you do to keep your ageing skin healthy and glowing?

• Sun protection is not optional

Excessive sun exposure can damage your skin. It has been linked to the development of skin cancer, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. This is why sunscreen is essential. However, you must choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Broad spectrum sunscreens block out both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreen should be worn daily, whether it is rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Make sure to reapply it during the day on critical areas like your face, neck and hands. According to dermatologists, a woman’s hands and neck are the most telling signs of her age.

• Choose moisturisers with the right ingredients

How the skin ages is different and unique for each person. However, a good moisturiser will protect your skin while giving it much needed moisture. One key sign of ageing is loss of moisture and lipids resulting in dry skin. This means you need a high quality moisturiser free from ingredients that will dry out your skin in the long run.

Great ingredients for ageing skin include:

• Hyaluronic acid. This is a super-hydrator for mature skin. Hyaluronic acid improves the skin’s ability to absorb water and locks it in. More moisture means plump skin and fewer fine lines. It also increases the ability of your skin to resist oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid leave skin feeling soft and smooth.
• Burdock fruit extract. It stimulates the skin to produce more collagen.
• This ingredient occurs naturally in the skin but its concentration reduces with age. Q10 is a powerful anti-ageing ingredient.
• Soya extract. It works to reduce the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, and lines.
• Ceramides. These are lipids that protect your skin’s barrier and help your skin lock in hydration while blocking out irritants.

You should use moisturiser every day, even if you have oily skin. Use a different moisturiser for your face and body.

• Cleanse with the right products

The products you use when you are young may cause alarming effects when you are older. Mature skin tends to be dry and more sensitive. Even if you have acne, you will need to opt for gentle cleansing products like this gentle foam cleanser from Okana that is formulated with only organic, edible ingredients.

Cream cleansers are a great choice for ageing skin as they help replenish the oils on your skin while removing makeup and dirt. Mature skin is already dry, and cream cleansers prevent it from drying out even more due to cleansing.

You may use your cleanser twice a day or find two different cleansers for day and night. You may also settle for a water rinse in the morning and a cleanser at night.

• Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliation is a process of physical or chemical removal of dead skin cells. Slowing cell turnover and regeneration after a certain age means that your dead skin cells are not as quickly replaced by fresh cells as they did when you were younger. This means that your skin gains a dull and uneven appearance.

Exfoliation helps reveal the fresh skin underneath the dead cells. Depending on your skin type, you can exfoliate your face and body every week or more often. If you have dry and flaky skin, you might choose to exfoliate more frequently.

Physical exfoliants include salt and sugar scrubs, cleansers with microbeads, sponges, and washcloths.  For mature skin, you should opt for a soft sponge like a Konjac sponge or washcloth because they are gentle on the skin. Scrubs can be harsh on your skin and increase its likeliness to sag.

Another good idea is to visit your favorite spas for regular facials treatments. Because facial involves everything from cleansing to exfoliating which is necessary to refresh your mature skin naturally. Experts from spas Fredericton recommend at least once regular facials to everyone especially those who have mature skin due to aging effects.

• Don’t overlook eye cream

Most people believe eye cream is not essential, but as you age, it becomes a necessity. The skin around the eyes is thin, fragile, and possesses few oil glands.

Eye creams are thick, creamy, and filled with nutrients. A good eye cream will hydrate the skin around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Eye creams can help reduce the puffiness of eye bags and crow’s feet over time.

Apply eye cream gently to your eye area using your fingertips and pat gently until it is completely absorbed.

• Make necessary dietary changes

What goes into your body affects what happens on the outside as well. Ageing makes it mandatory for us to swap what we eat and drink for healthier options. Add more protein to your diet through foods like beans, lean meats, and fish.

Protein aids the development of collagen. Foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene are a must for youthful-looking skin. Lycopene found in cooked tomatoes helps prevent sun damage to the skin. Omega-3s found in salmon, flax seed, fish oil, and nuts help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping the skin moist and wrinkle-free.

Cut down on alcohol, processed sugars, and refined carbohydrates. Alcohol is severely dehydrating, and these foods can fasten the ageing process by breaking down glucose.

• Use serums for an added boost

Serums are lightweight fluids that contain a high concentration of active ingredients. They provide skin with essential nutrients. As you age, look for a serum with antioxidants and anti-ageing properties.

Great ingredients to watch out for include:

• Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives
• Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3
• Vitamin C
• Alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid
• Hyaluronic acid

These ingredients help increase collagen level, counteract oxidative stress, brighten, hydrate, and replenish your skin.

•   Be gentle with your skin

Ageing skin is also fragile skin because it is thinner and less elastic. Experts have linked the appearance of wrinkles to damage to your skin. Since mature skin is more fragile, any form of damage or trauma can leave a lasting impact. When applying skin care products or washing your face, use gentle motions. Avoid harsh rubbing, dragging, and tugging movements.

Pressing your face against your pillow while you sleep may also precipitate the formation of wrinkles. Investing in a satin pillowcase might be helpful. In essence, be gentle with your skin at all times.

Conclusion

As we age, cell turnover and regeneration slows down and our skin begins to visibly tell how old we are.

This can be unpleasant for some, but instead of fighting against the process, you should embrace it.

Stopping the ageing clock might be unimaginable, but these tips and skin treatments will help you slow it down as much as possible.