Mature Skin

Ageing is natural~

Blog six in my skincare tips series covers MATURE SKIN.  In this blog post I am covering ageing skin types.  Ageing is a natural process that is inevitable and happens to us all.  We cannot stop it or avoid it but we can learn to embrace the process.

What are the signs?~

The loss of elastic tissue (Elastin and Collagen) in the skin with age causes the skin to hang loosely and it can become more transparent as we get older.  This is caused by the thinning of the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin).  The skin becomes more fragile as we get older.

What do I look out for with mature skin?

Characteristics of mature skin~

  • Mature skin looks thinner, paler and clear (translucent)
  • Large pigmented spots can appear including, age spots, liver spots or lentigos in sun-exposed areas of skin
  • Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skins strength and elasticity, this is know as elastosis.

Whilst you can’t stop ageing, you can help slow down the process or avoid premature ageing by looking after your skin from an early age.  I have listed below some key factors that can affect your skin from birth and I have added some ways to help prevent their affects upon your skin.

Ways to reduce premature skin ageing~

  • Protect your skin from sun/UV rays EVERYDAY
  • Apply a self-tanner rather than get a natural suntan
  • If you smoke, stop….
  • Avoid repetitive facial expressions
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid too much caffeine
  • Drink less alcohol
  • Get plenty of quality sleep
  • Exercise regularly
  • Cleanse the skin gently
mature skin how to care for it

Anti-ageing terminology~

I’m personally not a fan of the term ’anti-ageing’ as it adversely tells society that ageing is bad and it’s not acceptable.  I strongly believe that the beauty industry needs to look at this concept and change the way it talks to the mature client with its advertising.

I much prefer to use the AGE WELL terminology.  Instead, this says that age is something that is a perfectly normal part of life and is still capable of being beautiful.  We still need to take care of our skin but it’s perfectly OK to have signs of ageing.  Think of it like this, every fine line, every wrinkle and every scar you have tells a story about YOU and if you didn’t have them, you wouldn’t be you!  These marks mean you have laughed, you have cried, and you’ve lived your life, embrace them and learn to love them and yourself!

Neal’s Yard Remedies are campaigning to make this change!  I am so proud to be a part of this movement.  Who knows, one day we may just the term ‘ANTI’, dropped from mature skin products.

JOIN THE REVOLUTION AND SUPPORT

ONE ANOTHER!

https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/age-well-revolution-panel.html

Moving on, there are three types of ageing~

  • Genetic ageing
  • Environmental ageing
  • Hormonal ageing

Each of these can cause fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.  There are many products on the shelves that can be used to help slow down these symptoms and keep the skin smoother and firmer for longer.

Products to consider for ageing skin~

  • Wash your face regularly and gently with hydrating cleansers.
  • Apply moisturisers that boost collagen and elastin production daily. Keeping the skin hydrated can help firm the skin, prevent wrinkles and make you appear younger looking.
  • When using products opt for those that not only boost collagen and elastin, but can help make the face look more youthful by containing plumping properties. Look for silicone and hyaluronic acid.  You can find products that contain these ingredients by research and reading labels.
  • Be sure to use a moisturiser with sunscreen or add an SPF on top of your moisturiser before makeup. This will help fight the UVA rays that can cause fine lines and premature aging effects.
  • Consider a humidifier in the bedroom over-night. They can really help improve moisture levels whilst you sleep.
  • Exfoliate regularly with a gentle scrub. This will remove dead skin cells and help speed up cell renewal and the skins regeneration process.

It’s all in the ingredients~

Important ingredients to look out for:

Here, I have listed a few common ingredients that may result in some improvement in the appearance of ageing of your skin.

  • Retinoids, this is the term for Vitamin A compounds, such as retinol, and retinoic acid.  These ingredients have long been used to topically help repair sun-damaged skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid). It is a potent antioxidant, which means it can help protect the skin from free radicals- unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles.  This vitamin may help protect skin from sun damage and reduce fine lines.  Wrinkle creams containing Vitamin C must be stored in a way that protects them from sunlight and air.
  • Hydroxy Acids. Alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) include glycolic, citric and lactic acids.  They are used to remove dead skin cells (exfoliate).  Using AHA products regularly prepares the skin to better absorb other products and stimulates the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin.
  • AHAs, Beta hydroxyl acids and a newer form called polyhydroxy acids have also been shown to be effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Coenzyme Q10. This ingredient may help reduce fine lines around the eyes and protect skin from sun damage.
  • These molecules occur naturally in living organisms.  Certain peptides are able to stimulate collagen production and have been shown to improve skin texture and wrinkling.
  • Tea Extracts. Green, black and oolong tea contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Wrinkle creams are most likely to use green tea extracts.
  • Grape seed extract, is a great product jam packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  More importantly grape seed extract also promotes collagen production too.
  • A potent antioxidant, this substance is related to vitamin B-3 (Niacin).  It helps reduce water loss in the skin and may improve elasticity.

What Next?

I say, go out and get yourself some fantastic products and embrace your fine lines and wrinkles. If you would like to see the great range of products I love to use you can visit my online shop here. I also do a fabulous age well facial treatment so why not take a look and get in touch with me.

Love your skin because after all it’s going to represent you for a lifetime.

Kay