Aging is a natural part of life, and as we enter our 50s and beyond, our skin may require extra care and attention. By now, it should be no secret that one of the most significant factors that can accelerate the aging process of our skin is sun exposure. However, with the right skin and sun care practices, we have the power to age gracefully (if we choose to!) and maintain healthy, radiant skin.
In this blog post we'll explore essential skin and sun care practices for women in their 50s and beyond to help you protect your skin and fully embrace the true beauty of aging.
It's important to acknowledge that aging is a deeply personal and individual experience. Many of us may choose to meet aging without placing extra attention on our sun and skin care rituals, and that is beautiful just in the same.
However, if you are interested in learning about ways in which you can maintain and improve your skin health and appearance well into your golden years, then this blog post is for you!
DAILY SUNSCREEN: Your Skin's Best Friend
Surprise, surprise! Sunscreen is your skin's first line of defense against the harmful effects of UV radiation (no matter what age you are!) Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate your skin and cause damage. Choose a broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA aging rays and UVB burning rays) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it every morning as the last step in your skincare routine. Be sure to adequately cover all exposed areas, including your face, neck, chest, ears, and the backs of your hands.
*For everyday protection, try our best-selling face formulas: Age-Defying SPF 50 Mineral Creme for Face (all-natural with a velvety mousse-like texture) or SPF 45 Face Cream (ultra-hydrating with a glowy, dewy finish)
REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY
Sunscreen application in the morning is crucial, but it's not a one-and-done deal. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're spending extended periods outdoors. Sweat, water, and environmental factors can diminish the effectiveness of your sunscreen, so be diligent about reapplication to ensure continuous protection.
*Our SPF 45 Mineral Face Stick is perfect for on-the-go, fuss-free reapplications.
MOISTURIZE
As we age, our skin's ability to retain moisture decreases. To combat this, prioritize hydration. Use moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin's natural barrier. Additionally, consider incorporating products with retinol (more on this below), peptides, or collagen to support collagen production and maintain skin elasticity.
*Hydrate and protect your skin in one seamless step. Our SPF 45 Face Cream is formulated with a low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid. This means that the HA can penetrate the skin more easily and reach deeper levels, ultimately locking in moisture for longer.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR NECK, CHEST, AND DÉCOLLETAGE
The skin on your chest, neck, and décolletage is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your face. This thinner skin is more susceptible to damage and is prone to developing wrinkles and sagging as collagen and elastin fibers break down over time. Protecting these areas with all of the sun and skincare products that you use on your face is crucial for maintaining elasticity and resilience.
TREAT THE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES WITH EXTRA CARE
This is a big one for us! The skin around the eyes is more delicate and sensitive compared to other areas of the face. It tends to be thinner, has fewer oil glands, and is more prone to dryness. Furthermore, the eyes are an area of frequent movement—blinking, squinting, smiling—which makes it more susceptible to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. As women age, particularly when they reach their 50s and beyond, there are changes in collagen and elastin levels, leading to loss of firmness and elasticity.
Treat the skin around your eyes with a bit more care and attention. Generally, unless you notice eye cream formulas are making a difference to the skin around your eyes, you may be able to get away with using a normal moisturizer around your eyes. The key here all in the application: gently tap the product around the orbital bones using your ring finger. Never pull down on the skin.
*We are often asked how to best go about applying sunscreen to the skin around the eyes. We recommend using a mineral sunscreen for this purpose to avoid any potential reactions. Our Age-Defying SPF 50 Mineral Creme for Face works gloriously here due to it's use of chemical-free UV filters, amazingly potent age-defying ingredients, and heavenly whipped texture (glides on without any pulling).
STAY HYDRATED & NOURISH YOUR BODY WITH WHOLE FOODS
Something else that shouldn't come as a surprise: A healthy diet can significantly impact your skin's health on the inside (ultimately affecting the way it looks on the outside).
Before diving into specific foods, it's essential to highlight the importance of hydration. Water is the ultimate beauty elixir. Proper hydration helps flush toxins from your body and keeps your skin supple and moisturized. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and consider adding hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges to your diet.
Food wise, here are some favorites we like to stick by:
ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Blueberries, strawberries, figs, cherries, pears, guava, artichokes, broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, and beetroot are all packed to the brim with antioxidants. Antioxidants combat free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate aging.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS FOR SKIN BARRIER HEALTH
Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel along with walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds help maintain your skin's lipid barrier. This barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out, promoting smooth and hydrated skin.
PROTEIN-PACKED FOODS FOR A COLLAGEN BOOST
Foods rich in protein, such as lean meats, poultry, tofu, and beans, provide the amino acids necessary for collagen production.
RETINOIDS
Retinoids, like prescription tretinoin or over-the-counter retinol, can stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Gaining much popularity over more recent years, the use of retinoids are now commonly touted as one of the most effective ways to combat signs of aging in the skin.
*Remember to only use retinoids at night as they can enhance your skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. Be sure to start with a small amount of retinoid to avoid irritation.
REGULAR SKIN CHECKS
Frequent skin checkups with a dermatologist are absolutely essential, especially as you age. Skin changes, such as new moles or growths, should be promptly examined to detect any potential skin conditions, including skin cancer, at an early stage. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
IN CONCLUSION
Aging gracefully is not about fighting the natural process of getting older. Aging gracefully is about embracing getting older with confidence, part of which can come from caring for your skin and overall health and wellness along the way. Skin and sun care practices can be paramount in this journey, as they safeguard your skin from harmful UV radiation and reduce the signs of premature aging.
If you aren't already practicing any of the tips outlined in this blog post and are looking to do so, we are here to say that it's okay to start small and take it little by little! Consider adding just one of the above rituals into your daily routine in a way that easily meshes with the flow of your day. Over time, you may feel ready to incorporate a few more.
Taking care of your skin can be an investment in your overall well-being and self-confidence as you continue to age gracefully into your 50s and beyond.
P.S.
Let us remember that aging is not a decline but a graceful ascent to a higher state of being, filled with beauty and wisdom that only grows richer with each passing year!
6 comments
So well written! I love this!
Thoughtfully written. I feel a bit of inspiration to do the things for my skin that I normally put off… thank u.
I can’t be bothered with it all but good post nonetheless
Wonderful tips. I have tried many times to incorporate retinoids into my routine and for some reason my skin does not like it. I get very itchy and dry even after sticking it out for 2 weeks at a time.
“Let us remember that aging is not a decline but a graceful ascent to a higher state of being, filled with beauty and wisdom that only grows richer with each passing year!” I should paste that on my bathroom mirror!