By the time we reach the fifties our skin has experienced significant change. Whilst celebrating how far you’ve come in reaching this wonderful milestone decade, it is also a good time to switch up your current skincare regime to ensure you’re on track to ensure your complexion is looking its best in the years ahead.
What happens to the skin in your fifties
During the fifties and the years that follow the underlying structural proteins, like collagen and elastin, that keep skin smooth and plump during our younger years are no longer produced as effectively. Additionally, your complexion will be impacted from extrinsic factors, including years of cumulative UV exposure, and intrinsically due to declining estrogen this change in the skins support system. These factors can result in more pronounced lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.
The other thing that happens to skin during the fifties is that hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause previously clear, easy to manage skin, to become increasingly sensitive, red, unpredictable, and often prone to breakouts.
You can read more about what happens to skin with the onset of menopause here where we discuss the effects of declining estrogen.
Which products are best for you during your fifties
The skins’ ability to hold onto water effectively decreases with age. This can cause increased trans-epidermal water loss resulting in dehydrated, itchy, and flaky skin. During your fifties the skins natural lipids and production of natural moisturising factors like hyaluronic acid also decrease causing skin to become dry. For this reason, it is important to choose products to help fortify the skin barrier and replenish vital moisture.
We recommend choosing a pH balanced Cleanser each morning and evening that respects the integrity of the skin’s protective barrier and leaves the skin clean and fresh, never stripped.
Daily antioxidants that help fight off damaging free radicals that can cause oxidative stress – leading to pronounced hyperpigmentation and other unfavourable skin conditions associated with mature skin – such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E are also highly recommended, as is incorporating a daily serum containing water binding ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid.
Protecting the skin daily with SPF is simply non-negotiable, so spend a little time finding the perfect sunscreen for you and ensure you apply it each morning and reapply as directed if out and about.
