Want the A to Z of caring for ageing skin? Relax, you’ve got it right here.
Fine lines. Wrinkles. Age spots. It’s impossible to stop the ageing clock (we apologise there’s no magic formula), but looking after your skin as you grow old is a doddle. Whether you’re ready to go to war on wrinkles or just learning to love them, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to look after your mature skin. Let’s get down to business.
What causes skin ageing?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Signs of ageing actually start in our mid-twenties (would you believe?) when our natural collagen production decreases. Collagen is a protein found in our bones, skin, muscles and tendons, providing strength and structure. So, what can we expect from this magic ingredient in our skincare?
Long story short, the more collagen we lose, the more those pesky fine lines and wrinkles appear. And lifestyle factors like smoking, eating high-in-sugar foods, pollution, and exposure to the sun (always remember your sunscreen!) can also reduce the amount of collagen in our skin – speeding up the ageing process.
But wait, it’s not all doom and gloom! Nailing the right skincare routine (and knowing what to put on your skin) is the key to caring for mature skin.
How to look after mature skin
Aside from stocking the bathroom shelves with cleansers, toners, moisturisers and serums (adds entire skincare collection to basket), there are other things you can do to look after ageing skin. Drinking plenty of water (the OG skincare hero), eating well and layering on sunscreen daily are all small changes you can make to keep ageing skin looking tip-top. And for the moment you’ve been waiting for – here’s what you should be putting on your skin for that dewy, youthful glow. Ready?
The ultimate mature skin routine
Is that expensive moisturiser you bought not giving you the results you want? Here’s a thought. What if the order you’re using your skincare products isn’t helping your skin (and your purse) the way it should? How and when you apply your products makes a big difference in every skincare routine, so let’s set the record straight and get some steps nailed down for ageing skin. 5,6,7,8 – we’re not sorry this time.
Step 1: C is for cleanser
What type of cleanser is best for mature skin?
Upgrading your foam cleanser to a cream cleanser is the first stop along the line to hydration station. Creamy cleansers gently remove excess oils on your skin, leaving only the good oils. Thanks to a milky texture and smoothing formula, products like our Anew Sensitive+ Cream Cleanser are great for nourishing and hydrating skin, so you’re OK to use them daily to banish skin dehydration. Pat a small amount of cleanser into your hands and apply it to a damp face. Rub in an upward, swirling motion and rinse with lukewarm water – magic.
Step 2: Tone it up
Which toner is best for ageing skin?
An often-forgotten step in a maturing skincare routine, it’s time to tone up the volume with a PH-restoring cleanser. The Anew Vitamin C Radiance Tonic is great because it uses fewer harsh chemicals, so your skin still benefits from mild exfoliants like glycolic acid. Add a few drops to a cotton pad and sweep across your face after cleansing – avoid delicate areas like the eyes and lips. Got it?
Does dry, mature skin need a toner?
Yep, a toner works wonders for mature skin. Great for removing any impurities left behind by cleansing, a toner also helps to brighten up dull-looking complexions – perfect for restoring a radiant-looking glow.
Step 3: Be savvy with serum
Not sold on serum as part of your skincare mix? Listen up. Serums contain a high concentration of skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Their lightweight, moisturising formulas help restore plumpness and moisture to delicate areas affected by ageing like cheekbones and the under-eye area. Our Anew Vitamin C Radiance Maximising Serum – with the antioxidant power of 30 oranges in 1 bottle – is ideal for restoring a radiant-looking, youthful glow to your complexion. Apply a few drops after toning before moisturising to lock in that vit C goodness.
Step 4: The eyes have it
The skin around the eyes is often the first to show those pesky signs of ageing (oh, hi there, crow's feet, puffiness and dark circles), but don’t despair, there’s a magic formula to help (well, kind of).
What helps with ageing skin around the eyes?
We know there’s nothing like a routine. And getting enough sleep (and going to bed at the same every night) can help reduce dark circles and puffiness. A lack of sleep can cause your complexion to appear paler when morning comes. And a pale complexion makes the blood capillaries underneath the eye area appear more pronounced. So, if you take anything away from our helpful ramblings, it's this. Spending enough time in the land of nod can help improve skin radiance.
Oh, and drinking enough water keeps skin hydrated and eye bags at bay. About two litres a day should do it.
Yes, we did promise you a magic formula, so here goes...
Think an eye cream can’t make a difference? Think again. Finally, you can younger-looking eyes off your wish list thanks to our hot-off-the-press, Protinol™ powered Renewal Power Eye Cream. Not only does it instantly blur and brighten the look of the eye area, but it also helps to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – it’s just that good. Apply twice daily for mesmer-eye-sing results. We’ll see you at the checkout...
Step 5: Make time for moisturising
Moisturisers have been a long-time staple of skincare routines, and for a good reason! Although they may not have the sex appeal of a serum, they do a good job of locking in skincare oils, skincare acids and more!
What is the best face moisturiser for older skin?
Moisturising is a super important step in an ageing skincare routine. Why, you ask? Oil glands aren’t as active in maturing skin, so using moisturisers like the Anew Platinum Day Lifting Cream SPF25 and Anew Platinum Night Replenishing Cream helps support the natural renewal process of your skin as well as serving your skin with a hit of hydration day and night – how good is that?
Are face masks good for older skin?
Yes, they are! Skin at any age needs a little TLC, so popping a facemask on (once a week should do the trick) is a great way to add hydration and nourishment to your complexion. Skin loses oil as it ages (you knew it already), so look to a clay mask to restore a radiant-looking glow. Psst! Don’t forget to check out our go-to face mask guide for even more skin-spiration!
Skincare for mature combination skin
Simply put, combination skin is a mix of skin types, so the products and formulas you put on your face need to cater for things like dryness (around the cheekbones and jaw) and excess oil (around the T-zone) at the same time. Throw in maturing skin, and it can be tricky to know what to do. Fear not, we’ve got you covered!
Skincare ingredients for mature skin
First things first, you’ll want to choose a non-foaming, ceramide-packed cleanser that won’t dry out those problem areas even further. If your skin is particularly sensitive, look for fragrance-free formulas.
For your toner, it’s best to use a formula with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) as they buff away dead skin cells while increasing cell turnover and skin radiance. A few words of advice before you commit to acid toners.
- If you’re new to skincare acids, try it and see how your skin reacts before building it into your routine.
- Make sure you use sunscreen after use, as acids make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Avoid layering your skincare acids with other ingredients like retinol – you’ll avoid skin irritation that way.
Specific day and night moisturisers are the key to keeping skin supple and hydrated from AM to PM. For those of us with combination skin, clogged pores can be a concern, so use a light moisturiser during the day and save those thicker, retinol-based formulas for bedtime.
When it comes to serum shopping, pick one that drier parts of your complexion can tolerate. That means formulas with retinoids or niacinamide – both great options to restore glow and an even-out skin texture.
And there you have it, the ultimate way to care for mature skin. Perfect skin – it’s as easy as 1,2,3.
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