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From make-up artist Gucci Westman to model and influencer Lyn Slater, we asked six influential fifty-somethings to share their top skincare tips.
As we all know, our skin continues to change as we age. But that doesn’t mean that, past the 50-year mark, or whenever you reach menopause, good skin days are a thing of the past. Far from it. It simply means that you need to be willing to adapt your skincare routine to manage these changes. Struggling with fine lines and wrinkles? Introduce a stronger retinol. Noticed your skin drying out faster? Switch up your moisturizer. In need of some more help? We asked six influential 50-somethings to share their top skincare tips for women over 50.
Bobbi Brown, make-up artist and founder of Jones Road
“Since turning 50, my skin has definitely gotten drier, and I have more fine lines, which I’ve made peace with. I have chosen to embrace the natural aging process. However, I jump at every opportunity to get laser treatment, which increases collagen and tightens the skin, and anything else that doesn’t change the natural process of aging.
“I rely on sunscreen, now more than ever. I wish I had been better at applying SPF when I was a teenager. I developed the Jones Road formulas to keep my dry skin moisturized and soften any fine lines. I am also a fan of the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream which helps my skin stay smooth and clear. I certainly recommend any kind of hydration, from a great eye cream under your concealer to a carefully chosen moisturizer, and for really dry skin, I love a face oil.”
Joanna Czech, skin expert
“As our skin matures, we lose collagen and moisture due to the loss of estrogen, and pigmented spots can increase. While we cannot prevent these hormonal changes, there are ways to make them less noticeable with the right products and technology. If I could bathe in Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) and C, I would. Retinyl palmitate is a gentler form of retinol that increases cellular turnover, helping with collagen production, lessening dark spots, and smoothing fine lines. I like the Environ C-Quence. The Joanna Czech Vitamin C is necessary for brightening, hydrating, and strengthening the skin by fighting oxidative stress with marine algae and a cell longevity booster containing teprenone. The Balm is another great product for people who are maturing. Ingredients like ceramide complex, West African shea butter, and cross-linked hyaluronic acid come together to provide long-lasting hydration, improved texture, and increased softness and glow.
“I also like to recommend frequent facials if you can. Like going to a personal trainer, you need individualized treatment and consistency for the best results. An aesthetician’s technique, knowledge of products, and access to the latest technology are invaluable. For an at-home routine, I like to include result-driven at-home technologies such as the LYMA Laser and LED light from Celluma.”
JoAni Johnson, model and influencer
“When I was younger, I had more skin issues than I do now, including breakouts and partial oily patches. During the menopause years, I stopped wearing make-up as I found it didn’t mix well with hot flashes. As time passed, along with hormonal changes, I found my skin becoming drier and more sensitive to seasonal climate and temperature changes. My pores became more visible, and there is more differentiation in pigment in certain areas—for example, darkness under my eyes.
“My must-have three-step regime includes a good cleanser because our environment leaves so much daily residue on my skin. I use the S’Able Labs Qasil Cleanser, which makes easy work of thoroughly cleansing and rehydrating my skin. Next, I use the S’Able Black Seed Toner to reduce the look of pores and clarify my skin. I finish with the S’Able Baobab Moisturiser to hydrate. This moisturizer absorbs quickly, leaving my skin glowing and keeping it supple all day. Once a week, I’ll treat myself to a face mask to tone and relax my skin, along with a good cup of tea.
“I also believe skincare is both an inside and outside job. I work on maintaining a good vitamin regimen; I take vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, turmeric, and ginger. I focus on replenishing nutrients I may be lacking, as recommended by my physician.
“I’m also a tea industry specialist and have traveled to study tea and its beneficial effects on my body. I have always leaned toward products that have tea as an ingredient.
“When I’m not working and out and about, I wear tinted sunscreen to add a bit of color and protection from sun effects. I love the Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 Skin Tint + Face Oil + SPF, Cinnamon by MILK Makeup.”
Tina Craig, founder of U Beauty
“I have to say, my skin is the best it’s ever been. It’s plumper and more cushiony than it was in my twenties. This is because, instead of overtreating my skin the way I used to, I’m now only treating the areas that need it, preventing future damage while correcting past damage.
“As a general rule, I avoid using hot water on my skin—cold or lukewarm water only. If possible, I always like to try and use filtered water. Our skin is an organ that absorbs everything—the water we use to wash it included—meaning that all the calcified deposits around the faucet can end up right on your face. I would recommend installing an under-the-sink filter; it is fairly inexpensive, and it has the potential to change your skin.
“As for products, I have my favorites from the U Beauty collection, of course. My absolute musts are the Resurfacing Compound, for glass-like skin; the Return Eye Concentrate, which instantly makes you look illuminated and bright-eyed; the Super Hydrator, which keeps your skin dewy and ultra-hydrated for up to 48 hours straight; and the Plasma Lip Compound, a daily (and nightly) essential you’ll always see on my lips. One generous swipe is all you need for a shiny, plump pout.”
Mouchette Bell, model and influencer
“As I get older I notice my skin is much less plump, and it can dry out more easily. I find stress or lack of sleep can really deplete the luster. My younger skin could tolerate a lot more and revive itself much more quickly. Any breakouts take an age to disappear on older skin, so I have to be much more gentle when cleansing or applying make-up. Also, I need to drink more water than I used to.
“My skin is so happy when I use the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. It is so nourishing and does not sting my eyes. If I am wearing make-up, I always use Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin; it just works. Also 100 percent soft cotton pads only. I also recommend adding a couple of drops of Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil to your nightly routine. It seems to make the skin more supple and enriched, and it’s very soothing.”
Gucci Westman, make-up artist and founder of Westman Atelier
“Since turning 50, my skin has lost elasticity and volume. There are obviously more fine lines and pigmentation. The texture in general looks a bit more mature. In terms of routine, though, I don’t think you need that many things if you find the right product. For example, my Skin Activator has changed the quality of my skin because of the science behind it.
“When I was younger, I used aggressive products because I thought if they hurt and my skin tingled, it meant they were working. Then I developed rosacea and contact dermatitis, which led me to start Westman Atelier. We created Skin Activator with the leading skin doctor in Korea, Dr. Raymond Park, using a multiple emulsion system to incorporate 15 potent active ingredients, including four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, a meaningful amount of niacinamide, prickly pear cactus extract, noni fruit, peptides, and EGCG. It immediately calms my skin and has truly changed its texture.
“Even if you don’t have issues with your skin, my preferred approach is more about healing your skin barrier as opposed to being aggressive and reactive. I am reluctant to do anything differently because my skin has never been this harmonious since I began using the Skin Activator along with Superegg Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam and Humanrace Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator.”
Lyn Slater, model and influencer
“I’m lucky in that my skin and what it needs has always remained consistent regardless of age; it tends to be on the dry side, so my products have always focused on that aspect of it. I like a healthy glow, so hydration is key.
“During this time of life, my key objective for my skin and body is to keep them as healthy and natural as possible. I have a busy life so I need something simple. For me, that means using natural skin oils and dry brushing my face and body. It’s a moment of self-care in my day.
“I personally love all the daily serums by Desavery, their dry brushes, and the fact that I can get everything I need for my face and body with just a few well-chosen products from the same brand. The Stellar Serum has additional ingredients to calm my mood and the aromatic smell stays with me all day. I’m currently using NARS Cosmetics Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF30/PA+++ rather than foundation, and between these two products my skin is well-hydrated with a natural glow, which is the face I want to show as I am soon to be 70.”
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
