The 5 Skincare Changes Experts Say Every 50-Something Should Make

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(Image credit: Hill House Vintage)

First of all, we want to highlight that by no means are we advocating the concept that anyone has to spend money on new skincare with every birthday. The reality is, although beauty brands would love to have us think that we need a new skincare arsenal every time we hit a new milestone, our skin’s wants and needs remain more or less constant throughout most of our adult lives (with a few tweaks here and there).

The issue lies in the fact that all too often, in our younger years, we neglect our skin, leaving us having to deal with the repercussions later on. And sadly, as with most things in life, the best way to deal with skin issues is through prevention. Don’t get us wrong—skin ageing is one of life’s natural processes, but that’s not to say that lifestyle choices don’t have the power to determine its severity.

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(Image credit: @MSORRIG)

By the time we enter our 50s, our bodies start going through natural processes that will kick-start the skin’s ageing process. "The average age of menopause in the UK is 53. As average life expectancy increases, it means a large part of the female population are spending their time in a period of oestrogen deficiency. Oestrogen is a key hormone for a number of skin functions, and it is common to experience a number of issues, from wrinkles to dryness,” says Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Skin55.

And actually, because of these changes, it turns out that our 50s genuinely are a time to start reconsidering our skincare routines. While we can carry on using the majority of our favourite ingredients and products, experts do have some advice on things that are likelier to make our complexions better (or worse) throughout our 50s. Keep reading for their top advice.

1. Up the Hydration

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(Image credit: @VENSWIFESTYLE)

Wrinkles might be the most overwhelming visual effect of skin ageing, but dryness is at the root cause of most issues. "Skin metabolism decreases as a whole. The skins’ barrier function becomes less efficient, and this results in trans-epidermal water loss, meaning more water is lost from the skin. There is also an overall reduction in sebum and lipid production,” explains Mahto.

It is, therefore, more important than ever to adopt restoring moisturising creams and serums. Because the skin’s natural sebum production decreases, the chances of sebum-induced breakouts also dramatically reduce. "Skin needs more moisture to improve surface barrier protection from hydration loss. Ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid and glycerine are all ingredients that will help,” says Maryam Zamani, facial aesthetics and oculoplastic surgeon at Cadogan Clinic.

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2. Retinol Will Make All the Difference

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We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: Retinol is one of the only proven ingredients in skincare to actually help diminish the appearance of fine lines. "Retinol will help to restore the skin’s appearance and speed up cell turnover. Using it will help to improve tone and increase collagen production (something that diminishes as we get older, contributing to wrinkle formation,” says Zamani. 

If you have already been using retinol consistently, it’s important to keep up your application. However, if you are yet to dabble in retinol products, Zamani advises that now is a great time to start, but be sure to do so slowly. "If you are unfamiliar with using retinol-based products, start with a lower concentration so the skin can get accustomed to it. Then slowly increase the frequency and percentage,” she says.

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3. Pull Back on Exfoliating

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While for our entire lives we have been told by experts that exfoliation is key to achieving a youthful, glowing complexion, as we enter our 50s, it could be time to lay off. "Oestrogen has a protective role in wound healing and reduced levels of this after menopause means that the skin takes longer to heal from injury,” explains Mahto. So what does this mean for our exfoliating routine? Essentially, when we exfoliate, we create micro-tears in the skin, which in turn kick-starts the skin’s healing process. However, as skin becomes drier and is less able to repair itself, exfoliating becomes less effective. "Many people find that their skin becomes dry with age, which means it tolerates certain exfoliants, like salicylic acid, less well. It may be helpful to avoid this,” says Mahto.

4. SPF Is More Important Now Than Ever

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(Image credit: @MSORRIG)

Sun protection is often flogged with "protective anti-ageing” catch lines. However, even as we get older, daily SPF application remains imperative. "Cumulative UV radiation over the years damages elastin fibres in the skin. Its breakdown results in loose skin and an inability to snap back into shape once stretched,” says Mahto.

However, besides wrinkles, there are many other skin issues that tend to occur in our 50s that reap the benefits of SPF application. Mahto reveals, "Rosacea mainly affects women and is common during menopause. It can cause redness, skin sensitivity, flushing and dilated blood vessels.” Broad-spectrum SPF plays a big role in reducing rosacea flare-ups, irritation and inflammation.

"Never forget SPF! It is one of the key factors in helping prevent photodamage. We know that approximately 70% to 80% of skin damage comes from UV rays,” says Zamani. Considering that our skin’s natural defence mechanism is compromised post-menopause, it’s important to keep UV protection as a top skincare priority.

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5. Ditch Foaming Products

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(Image credit: Hill House Vintage)

Going back to increased skin dryness, adapting the products in your line-up to ensure you’re not contributing to the matter is worth it. One of the most important things to keep an eye on is the use of foaming agents in your products. Notoriously, foams contribute to dryness and can actually increase sensitivity. "I recommend using cleansing balms or even cream cleansers rather than foaming products, especially if the skin is sensitive or prone to redness. The skin often requires increased hydration alongside active ingredients to help boost collagen production,” says Mahto.

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Next up, hair experts reveal the styles women over 50 love.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.