Skincare over 50 – what really matters

Ageing naturally means avoiding medical procedures and relying on normal skincare over 50. For many people, this is a difficult phase. Yet it is a completely normal process that the body and facial skin change over the course of a lifetime. The ideal skincare regime for mature skin must therefore adapt to these changing needs. But what exactly happens beneath the surface?

Dermatologists make a basic distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic skin ageing. The former is genetically determined. You have no influence on this. The second variant is much more interesting, as it is based on external influences such as your diet, lifestyle and environmental factors. The combination of both causes skin ageing with the following effects:

• The metabolism decreases: the older you get, the slower the chemical processes in your body become. The skin is no exception. Slower regeneration and cell renewal are the biggest challenges in skincare over 50.

• Structural proteins break down: Not only is less collagen produced, it is also broken down more quickly with increasing age. The skin loses volume and elasticity. The contours appear less defined, and gravity does the rest.

• Lipid production decreases: This causes the natural skin barrier to weaken. Moisture can no longer be retained so effectively. Optimum skincare over 50 targets exactly this problem.

• The menopause sets in: Oestrogen levels drop. This leads to reduced production of elastin and hyaluronic acid. The skin increasingly loses elasticity and also dries out.

• Sun damage takes its revenge: Good for our mood, but bad for our skin. UV radiation causes oxidative stress in the skin cells and thus promotes the build-up of the so-called age pigment lipofuscin. This causes unwelcome age spots. Any unprotected sunbathing in youth also comes back to haunt us by accelerating this process.

In general, the skin becomes increasingly thinner with age. This makes it prone to redness and rough patches that require special attention. The right skincare over 50 may not be able to stop the ageing process completely, but it can at least slow it down. This includes proper skincare as well as a healthy lifestyle.

Anti-ageing** is becoming the most important factor in skincare over 50. But not all products work in the same way. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at the individual ingredients. This will help you find out what your mature skin really needs. Because old age is no different: everyone’s skin requirements are different. What works well for one type of skin may not be suitable for another.

In general, you should avoid perfumes and alcohols when caring for mature skin. They can put additional strain on the already thin structure and thus be responsible for discolouration and even irritation. Don’t worry – you don’t have to start using all-natural cosmetics if you don’t want to. But the following ingredients are a must for skincare over 50.

Even if you haven’t had any dry patches of skin so far, from the age of 50 the skin barrier becomes increasingly permeable due to the lack of lipids. The loss of moisture increases and must be compensated for by moisturising the skin. It therefore makes sense to use moisturisers and moisture-binders in equal measure. Hyaluronic acid is still the secret star here. Combined with urea, glycerine, panthenol and aloe vera, it provides mature skin with sufficient amounts of this valuable hydration.

Oxidative stress generates free radicals that damage the skin’s structure as we age. This is why free radical scavengers (antioxidants) are essential in skincare over 50. Vitamin C can also support the skin barrier and boost collagen production. However, this powerful ingredient is often too much of a good thing: some skin types do not tolerate it well. Vitamin E is a good alternative here. Coenzyme Q10 also scores highly with its antioxidant effect and is therefore often found in ageing skin care.

Retinol (and the more tolerable bakuchiol) are still regarded as secret weapons against skin ageing. Both actives can have a positive influence on collagen metabolism by stimulating synthesis and curbing degradation. They can also boost regeneration and cell renewal and firm up the structure of the skin.

These active ingredients belong to the lipid family and occur naturally in the skin. They are therefore particularly well tolerated. They can stem the loss of moisture by filling the gaps in the skin barrier. In addition, ceramides can ensure a smooth feeling and soft cheeks.

Not an active ingredient in the true sense of the word, but indispensable in skincare over 50. Do you want to do one simple thing that is good for your skin? Then opt for sun protection factor 30+. Because nothing accelerates the ageing process more than UV radiation.

First of all, There is no such thing as THE best skincare routine. Not even when it comes to anti-ageing products. If in doubt, consult a cosmetician or dermatologist. Otherwise, use our recommendations as a guide and create your own ideal skincare routine for mature, beautiful skin.

• Mild facial cleansing: Soap and water are often not enough to thoroughly remove make-up residue or sunscreen. Use mild formulations with moisturising substances to avoid further stressing dry skin.

• Facial toner balances the pH value and prevents feelings of tightness. It also leaves behind a moisturising film that allows subsequent care products to be absorbed more easily.

• Moisturising care: A serum with hyaluronic acid provides tired, mature skin with an extra boost and also penetrates into the deeper layers. Supplement this step with an anti-ageing treatment containing retinol or Q10 to nourish your skin cells all round.

• A lipid-rich cream locks in the moisturising substances and ensures that your skin remains better protected against external influences. In the evening, this step can be a little richer so that you can make the most of the positive effects of your beauty sleep.

• Tools of the trade: Special rollers and gua sha stones made from jade or rose quartz support you during the facial massage, tighten the contours and enrich every skincare routine for over 50s with their beneficial effects.

• Eye care: The skin under the eyes is generally thinner and more sensitive than the rest. You should therefore pay particular attention to it when it comes to skincare over 50. Rich formulations are not a bad idea here. Cooling pads also help with puffiness.

• Intensive care: Mature skin is equally happy with a deep-acting mask with retinol, hyaluronic acid or antioxidants. Treat yourself to a self-care moment once a week and your skin will thank you with a healthier appearance.

Don’t forget: Optimum care for mature skin is only one side of the coin. Your lifestyle also contributes significantly to your appearance. Avoid alcohol and nicotine, eat a balanced diet and spend enough time in the fresh air. Drinking at least two litres of water a day is also part of a skin-friendly lifestyle and supports skincare over 50 from the inside out.