Face care from 50 – the ideal beauty routine according to experts
From wrinkle reduction to the best whitening treatments, skin care professionals share their best facial care strategies for women over 50.
Facial care over 50 – a guide
Whether you are a facial care minimalist or a facial care maximalist, your skin care routine is likely to change in the long run if you tailor it to your needs. Due to gravity, the signs of aging – wrinkles, sun spots, crepe-like texture of the skin and loss of volume – are most noticeable in the middle of our lives, which is why many women over 50 years of age make an effort to adjust their facial routine to their individual needs. From the best ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles to the most effective whitening and replenishing masks, skin care professionals share the best strategies and ways to expand your arsenal for an ageless complexion and perfect facial care for women over 50.
1st beauty tip for face care over 50: Cleanse the face properly
For daily facial cleansing, mature skin should be treated with a mild, non-irritating cleanser that does not deprive the skin of its natural oils and does not irritate dry and sensitive skin. In case of dry skin, New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D., warns against using a cleanser with skin-protecting ingredients such as ceramides, as the skin is normally very sensitive. “After an initial cleansing to remove my make-up, I use be:clean Micellar Cleansing Liquid then rinse with lukewarm water and dab my skin dry with a soft cloth,” explains Dr. Wexler. To maintain the pH balance of the skin after cleansing, prominent dermatologist Joanna Czech recommends using a toner that also provides an additional layer of moisture and can “serve as a carrier” for the skin care steps that follow.
2. beauty tip for face care from 50: peeling the facial skin
Exfoliation? Yes! – But don’t overdo it. Both physical and chemical (AHAs and BHAs) peels can be used on mature skin, but proceed with caution. “Yes, exfoliation is necessary, but don’t overdo it,” says the Czech instruction. “In women over 50, the outer layer of skin becomes thinner and softer.” In order to avoid skin irritation, Czech recommends being careful with physical peelings, which can lead to microcracks on the epidermis if used incorrectly. To safely remove dead skin cells, Wexler recommends a gentle exfoliation, such as Tata Harper’s Regenerating Exfoliating Cleanser with its apricot-colored microspheres, no more than three times a week, followed by a gentle elixir with soothing ingredients such as ceramides and chamomile. For a mild chemical peel, try the Powerglow Peeling Squares of M-61, which are pre-soaked with glycolic and salicylic acid, as well as acne scar healing vitamin K and skin tone deepening blueberry extract, gentle enough for daily use. Or think about a weekly exfoliating treatment like Drunk Elephant’s resurfacing T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, formulated with 25 percent AHAs with its blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids.
3. beauty tip for face care from 50: treat yourself to a facial massage
A daily facial massage works wonders for the skin at any age, but is especially transformative for mature skin. It models facial muscles (meaning more defined cheekbones and jaw bones) and reduces fluid retention, improves circulation and cell turnover, tightens tissue and increases collagen production. “Collagen is the supporting lattice of our skin – it’s what makes up the structural integrity of the skin, and as the concentration of collagen decreases, the skin becomes looser, flabbier and wrinkles form,” explains Rochelle Weitzner, founder and CEO of Pause Skincare, a line developed for menopausal women. Because post-menopausal women experience a dramatic decrease in collagen synthesis, Weitzner has developed a special tool to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. Using the fingertips or a tool such as Pause’s fascial stimulation tool, the facial muscles are kneaded and contoured, moving them along the jaw line and upwards towards the cheekbones, under the eyes and across the forehead. For an extra boost at the end, ice cubes infused with anti-inflammatory green or chamomile tea are taken and then allowed to glide over the skin, says Czech.
4. beauty tip for face care from 50: restore the loss of volume with additional moisture
At the beginning of our 30s and 40s, the hyaluron levels in the body begin to decrease, making fine lines and deep wrinkles more visible. When applied superficially, hyaluronic acid can help replenish and store cell moisture (it contains 1000 times its weight in water), which is why it is so commonly found in serums and moisturizers, especially in formulas for mature skin. “Serums have higher concentrations of ingredients than we use in creams or lotions,” explains Wexler, who is a fan of anti-aging products such as Biotulin Supreme Skin Gel from MyVitalSkin. “Not only does it deliver hyaluronic acid to the dermis, [but] its complex chains of different hyaluronic acids stimulate the production of its own hyaluronic acid and thus increase the resistance of its own skin,” she explains about the anti-wrinkle gel. To ensure that the rich gel is fully absorbed into your skin, look for a moisturizer that is blended with ingredients that help to mimic and restore the skin’s barrier, such as Biotulin Daynite24+, which contains hyaluronic acid and a special combination of grape seed oil, shea butter and squalanes to soothe irritation and minimize redness.
5th beauty tip for face care over 50: Treat wrinkles and hyperpigmentation carefully
For wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and invisible light damage, Wexler recommends the use of Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, which, when applied superficially, promotes skin renewal, brightens skin tone, eliminates hyperpigmentation and supports collagen production. It is available in both prescription and over-the-counter strengths, and it is best to consult your dermatologist who will advise you on the correct amount and the best type of retinoid to use. Wexler also points out that retinol can be particularly beneficial in counteracting pale skin around the eyes because, in combination with peptides, it stimulates the formation of new collagen, which in turn helps stretch the tissues, she says. To combat puffiness and bags under the eyes, Wexler recommends an eye cream containing Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (like the Biotulin eyeMATRIX Lifting Concentrate Eye Cream ), cucumber or yeast extract to “deflate and dehydrate the fat cells” and Haloxyl to combat pigmentation.
Another key ingredient to lighten a pale complexion and erase sun spots is Vitamin C, which helps to treat and combat free radical damage that causes oxidative stress and skin aging. This powerful antioxidant is also effective against hyperpigmentation. “Start with a low concentration of 10 percent and increase it to 15 or 20 percent depending on tolerance,” says Wexler about finding the right concentration for your skin type in a serum or moisturizer. It is important to know that most highly effective forms of vitamin C are susceptible to exposure to light, and therefore the use of vitamin C must be combined with UV-A/UV-B protection, which should be used independently. To shield the skin against skin cancer and skin damage (fine lines, deep wrinkles, spots, discoloration and texture anomalies), you should use sunscreen products with a minimum SPF 30 every day, such as Biotulin UV30 Daily Skin Protection Cream.
6. beauty tip for face care from 50: face mask for optimal results
“For mature skin, facial masks are wonderful for moisturizing and adding additional therapeutics,” says Wexler, “something that can be easily extended to the neck and décolleté with a mask. If the skin is particularly dry or if you want a smoother and firmer complexion for a special occasion, she recommends a highly effective firming mask such as the Bio Cellulose Mask, which is loaded with hyaluronic acid and peptides. For the anti-swelling treatment she recommends a cooling treatment. To do this, place the Biotulin Bio Cellulose Mask in the refrigerator for a few hours so that forehead furrows and laughter lines can be smoothed out.
