Looking after our skin is a top priority, but it is often something that can fall by the wayside as we get older. We use products that aren’t suited to mature skin and sometimes still use the same moisturisers and cleansers that we loved in our younger years.
While these products worked a treat during our 30s and 40s, they likely aren’t doing you any favours now. Just like eating our necessary servings of fruit and vegetables each day, our skin should be looked after with the right products for the right stage of life.
However, it can be difficult to understand what is best and how it will improve the look and feel of our skin overall. Thankfully, there are some simple and helpful tips you can follow to reach the glowing complexion you always dreamed of.
View this post on Instagram
Even if you don’t wear that much makeup anymore, you really need to make sure you’re removing any dirt and impurities from your skin before you go to bed. So, using a good quality cleanser is essential, because, by the end of the day, your skin is likely to have a build-up of bacteria, pollutants, dirt and dead skin.
Using a cleanser helps to brighten the skin, stimulate circulation and improve skin clarity, helping you not only feel refreshed but also to achieve a healthy and radiant complexion. Try to choose a cleanser rich in Vitamin C to improve surface pigmentation and keep an even appearance.
For those with sensitive skin, consider using a cleansing oil. It’s super gentle on the skin but will effectively remove any nasties and replenish the skin’s natural defence barrier. Cleansing oils are also perfect for those with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, but are equally good for others who don’t have these problems.
View this post on Instagram
Nope, this doesn’t mean slathering your skin in foundation, it means taking care of that skin first! Make sure you’re gently exfoliating and moisturising daily. You might have worried about using heavier moisturisers when you were younger, but ageing skin tends to be dryer and flakier, so you really need to be using more.
A deep hydrating night cream or moisturiser is a great pick for those over-60 and will leave your skin feeling lovely and fresh. There are creams available which can really help to reduce the appearance of lines from appearing on your face, and if this is a concern of yours, you can try a wrinkle-smoothing cream too.
Face serum also helps with the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Most serums have formulas that may help promote your skin’s production of collagen, supports elasticity and helps diminish the appearance of sun damage.
View this post on Instagram
Yes, even on cold, wintery, overcast days sunscreen is extremely important. It doesn’t reverse the effects of ageing – and nor should it; ageing is a privilege – but it certainly slows it down, and most importantly it protects your skin from damage and potential skin cancer.
Thankfully, there is an abundance of sunscreen options available on the market that caters to everyone’s preference. A tinted sunscreen is perfect for those looking to stay sun-safe while still having a healthy and discrete lustrous glow.
Don’t forget to do your hands too, as they see as much sun as your face, and the skin is very delicate. While you’re at it, get yourself a nice, wide-brimmed hat and some sunglasses too – your eyes are precious as well (and squinting only exacerbates lines).
View this post on Instagram
While we’re talking about eyes – a good quality eye cream is handy to have as part of your daily routine as well. The skin on your eyes is far more sensitive than other areas of your face and can become very dry.
But, your usual face moisturiser can be too harsh for the sensitive skin on your eyes, so having a product dedicated to this area of the face is wise. You can also try a hydrating eye serum which could help to smooth away eye bags, puffiness and wrinkles. Try looking for eye serums with formulas infused with aloe vera, as it helps deeply calm and hydrates your sensitive eye area.
View this post on Instagram
It’s all very well to moisturise and use the right products topically, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself from the inside out – it really shows in your skin! Everything is in moderation, but cutting back on alcohol and caffeine (they’re dehydrating), drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and eating lots of fresh fruit and veggies, fish and nuts can do wonders for your complexion – and your energy levels as a bonus.
It’s also worth talking to your doctor and getting a general blood test to check for any vitamin and mineral deficiencies if you think it might be an issue for you. This way you’ll know where you can make dietary changes, or take a supplement to help boost it.