By the time we reach the fifties our skin has experienced significant change. Whilst celebrating how far you’ve come in reaching this wonderful milestone decade, it is also a good time to switch up your current skincare regime to ensure you’re on track to ensure your complexion is looking its best in the years ahead.  

What happens to skin in your fifties?

During the fifties and the years that follow the underlying structural proteins, like collagen and elastin, that keep skin smooth and plump during our younger years are no longer produced as effectively. Additionally, your complexion will be impacted from extrinsic factors, including years of cumulative UV exposure, and intrinsically due to declining estrogen this change in the skins support system. These factors can result in more pronounced lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.  

The other thing that happens to skin during the fifties is that hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause previously clear, easy to manage skin, to become increasingly sensitive, red, unpredictable, and often prone to breakouts.

Which products are best for you during your fifties 

The skins’ ability to hold onto water effectively decreases with age. This can cause increased trans-epidermal water loss resulting in dehydrated, itchy, and flaky skin. During your fifties the skins natural lipids and production of natural moisturising factors like hyaluronic acid also decrease causing skin to become dry. For this reason, it is important to choose products to help fortify the skin barrier and replenish vital moisture. 

We recommend choosing a pH balanced Cleanser each morning and evening that respects the integrity of the skin’s protective barrier and leaves the skin clean and fresh, never stripped. 

Daily antioxidants that help fight off damaging free radicals that can cause oxidative stress – leading to pronounced hyperpigmentation and other unfavourable skin conditions associated with mature skin – such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E are also highly recommended, as is incorporating a daily serum containing water binding ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid 

Protecting the skin daily with SPF is simply non-negotiable, so spend a little time finding the perfect sunscreen for you and ensure you apply it each morning and reapply as directed if out and about. 

Should I be exfoliating during my fifties?  

If you have been incorporating AHAs into your regime for years and find that your skin is continuing to tolerate these powerful acids, there is no need to stop. Skin cell turnover slows as we age which can leave skin looking dull. Regular exfoliation also helps remove unevenly pigmented surface cells, particularly in mature skin.  

It can be common however for skin during the fifties to become increasingly sensitive in which case you may find a swap to a gentler alternative when it comes to exfoliation.  As an example, for those who have been using Liquid Gold for instance, three alternate evenings a week, if your skin is feeling less than fabulous, try swapping to After Hours AHA Moisturiser  for something a little more nourishing or Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence which is clinically tested for sensitive skin. 

What ingredients should you look out for in your fifties?  

Undoubtedly Retinol is the hero here. An undisputed multitasker that is scientifically validated to address everything from lines and wrinkles, to assisting in preventing the formation of those pesky post-menopausal breakouts, Retinol (Vitamin A) is something that everyone fifty or over should already be using or at least looking to start. Try adding 0.5% Retinol with our Vitamin A Serum into your regime on alternate evenings.  

Nourishing the skin during your fifties and beyond with ingredients that mimic the skins naturally occurring lipids, like antioxidant rich plant oils and essential fatty acids, help to to reinforce the skin barrier, protecting against trans-epidermal water loss and helping to plump and smooth the appearance. We suggest Golden Haze Face Oil which is also the perfect companion product for alternate evenings to active ingredients like AHA’s and Retinol.