There’s an unavoidable reality that women really ought to accept regarding the vitality and healthy appearance of there. That is – quite plainly – none of us escape the ravages of time. Everyone gets old, and none of us escape the degenerative effects of the passing years. Now of course we don’t have to deal with our hair falling out like men do, but considering the array of appearance issues that affect women more prominently that’s quite legitimately not much consolation.
So, with the inevitably of all of this made very clear, let’s instead talk about ways women can maintain healthy, youthful looking skin as they grow older. There certainly are a few of them, but like anything they require some diligence if they’re going to bring results. Implement these tips regularly and you will likely see your skin condition improve and then be able to maintain that healthier state more effectively as you get older.
It should also be mentioned that maintaining skin quality isn’t exclusively about enhancing beauty. Doing so has bigger picture health benefits, and particularly with the way healthy epidermal skin provides a more effective barrier, according to Deborah Dean, a dermatologist and skin care advisor who serves a communications liaison for YesWellness.
So here are my 6 tips for better skin quality for older women:
1. Don’t Spend a Single Day NOT Wearing Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen day in and out is the key to really gaining the benefits from regular sunscreen use – you need to make it an everyday application regimen, and that doesn’t change even if it’s not especially sunny! UVA and UVB rays can still make their way through cloud coverage and therefore every day you’re outdoors without sunscreen on exposed skin you will be exposed to the degenerative effects of sun exposure.
Sun damage is the leading cause of brown spots, wrinkles, and – most nefariously – skin cancer.
Now that you likely no longer need any convincing to wear sunscreen every day, we’ll add that not all sunscreens are the same, and some are less effective and / or have more in the way of potential for harm. It’s best to choose an organic sunscreen, and one that has an SPF (sun protection factor rating) of 30 at the very least.
Applying it to your face and neck are obvious choices, but be sure to apply it to the back of your hands, and top of your feet too (particularly if you’re wearing sandals). These are two spots that can get exposed to plenty of sun but tend to be easily neglected.
It’s worth noting also that you can get tinted sunscreens that blend in with skin tones more naturally.
2. Stick to Quality Cleaners and Moisturisers Exclusively
As it regards personal care products, there’s a direct correlation between quality and the nature and purity of the constituents that make up that cleaner or moisturizer. As is the case with nearly everything, you get what you pay for, and therefore it’s preferable to buy more expensive products if you can afford them.
They’ll consist of higher quality constituents, and the advantages of them is in promoting and preventing certain beneficial / detrimental results from using the product. You’ll see much more effectiveness with the cleaning and moisturising, and there’ll be much less likelihood of them altering your skin’s PH balance or – in the case of cleaners – leading to drier skin when used frequently.
Another consideration here is to select products based on your skin type. Most of the quality products detailed previously here will feature different formulations for differing skin types.
As an example, a person with oily skin may consider that to be a rather unfortunate genetic inheritance, but in fact it may be more of a blessing as studies have suggested that people with oily skin develop fewer wrinkles in their skin. Testing products before buying is advisable for women with sensitive skin.
A very important piece of advice is that your skin becomes drier as you age, so choosing a high-quality moisturiser that’s designed for dry skin may be the best choice, even if you’ve never considered yourself to be a dry skin person.
3. Exfoliate Extensively
You’re likely already an exfoliator, but as you get older you really need to increase the amount of time you spend removing dead skin layers. It’s more important than ever before. You’re now producing more layers of dead skin like never before, and these layers thicken as you become older. The trick to exposing your fresher and more youthful looking layer of skin underneath, then you need to exfoliate much more regularly.
The recommendation is to exfoliate your face and body weekly, and more frequently if you’re prone to dry, itchy, flaky skin. Use a dry brush to exfoliate your body before stepping into a bath or shower, and remember that moisturisers are absorbed much more effectively if applied right after an exfoliation.
Again, choose a quality (and therefore likely pricier) facial scrub for face exfoliating. Following up your facial exfoliation with a facial mask is also advisable, and makes it all the more likely you’ll see the difference in your face.
4. Experiment with Different Oils And See Which Ones Are Best For You
It’s highly recommended to mix a plant oil with your quality face wash and cream, but be certain it’s an oil that has a fatty acid composition and boasts a high level of oleic acid. These types are better suited for women with mature skin and are help repair skin damage more effectively. Certain skin oils can replenish the ‘plumpness’ quality of your skin as well.
I’ve found the best ones are formulated from avocado, apricot kernel, camellia seed, olive, and hazelnut.
5. Apply a Vitamin A Retinol Derivative Cream
Retinol creams tend to be expensive, but they’re very effective for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A stimulates and strengthens the dermis, a component of your skin that’s often significantly run down by the time you enter your 50s. These creams can also help any woman suffering from rosacea too.
Apply your retinol cream each evening before going to bed for the night.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight – Not Too Heavy, Not Too Light
This one isn’t in the same ballpark as the other suggestions given here, but it definitely warrants mentioning as our final point.
Being underweight actually promotes enhanced skin quality degeneration for women. This is especially true when it comes to the face, and to learn more about it you can read this study from MSN.
Time waits for no man – or woman – and yet aging gracefully is quite possible. The best way to approach it is to look your best for yourself, and not for meeting the expectations of others. Accept that your skin is not going to look like it did in your 20s, but neither do you need to be resigned to having it degenerate rapidly. Be proactive in maintaining it the right way and you’ll be quite alright!
