How to achieve great skin care over 60
Jules Walters • Published: August 7, 2023
Aging gracefully is an art, and the key to mastering it lies in embracing the changes our skin undergo as we enter our golden years. After 60, our skin requires more attention than during our younger, more carefree years. But the rewards are radiant and healthy skin that belies our years. Let’s explore this journey beyond menopause skin care as we discuss tips to help you achieve the best skin care over 60.
Short summary
- Nurture mature skin with the right skin care products and treatments.
- Create a personalized routine with natural ingredients, serums, sunscreen & more.
Follow expert tips to maintain radiant skin as you age gracefully!
Understanding the needs of aging skin
As we age, our skin naturally becomes more sensitive and requires specialized care to maintain its health and vitality. This includes focusing on hydration, elasticity, and addressing common issues such as wrinkles, age spots, and dry skin. Nurturing sensitive skin with the right skin care products not only protects it, but also wards off potential problems as you age.
Loss of hyaluronic acid and natural oils results in drier skin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.
Sun exposure also contributes to the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. The best skin care routine for women over 60 involves using gentle products rich in ingredients that replace what is naturally lost as we age. Cosmetic dermatology treatments that tackle age-related skin changes can also help.
Choosing the right cleanser for mature skin
Let’s start by selecting the right cleanser for mature skin to maintain a healthy skin barrier and avoid irritation. It’s important to choose a cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils or leave it feeling itchy and uncomfortable.
It’s best to stay clear of harsh soap and cleansing products. Particularly stay away from ingredients like sodium laureth sulphate, sometimes shortened to SLS, which have been shown to damage the skin lining. If you have particularly oily skin, then a small amount of SLS might help. SLS helps to produce foam, which makes us feel clean, but it can strip the skin of its natural oils.
You’ll find gentle cleansers that have been tested and recommended by dermatologists. These cleansers often point out on the packaging that they are made without fragrance or sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. In the case of cleaners, less is more for mature skin.
In recent years, cleaners with micellar water have become popular. Micelles are little molecules that gently remove the day’s dirt and pollutants from our skin.
Nourishing your skin with moisturizer for mature skin
Moisturizing is a vital step in your skincare routine. Look for natural ingredients that our skin normally produces, such as ceramides, squalene, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Think of natural as being what is natural to humans. In her excellent book The Scandanavian Skincare Bible, dermatologist Johanna Gillbro recommends using the fats or oils that already exist in our skin. As she puts it, our skin is happiest with a substance it’s familiar with.
The right moisturizer for aging skin should contain these natural oils. Our skin doesn’t produce sunflower oil, olive oil or shea butter. It does produce ceramides, squalene and the omega fatty acids: omega 3 and omega 6.
A skin cream is basically a mixture of oil and water. We use an emulsifier to hold the oil and water together so they don’t separate.
I’ve also written on how to stimulate collagen production in skin, which acts a bit like the scaffolding in our skin, holding everything up.
In addition to hydration, a daytime moisturizer for women over 60 should also offer sun protection to shield the skin from damaging UV rays, ideally a broad spectrum UV cream of at least SPF30. Sunscreen is essential for mature skin, as it helps prevent sun damage and skin cancer. So, make sure to include a moisturizer or foundation with SPF in your morning skincare routine to keep your skin protected throughout the day.
The power of serums for aging skincare routine
A serum is usually a lighter mixture that contains smaller molecules that can be more readily absorbed by the skin. What really matters in a serum are the ingredients. Serums containing retinol, niacinamide (a form of vitamin B), and the building blocks of hyaluronic acid, N-acetylglucosamine, can help combat fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin tone and hydration in mature skin.
Niacinamide helps keep a strong skin barrier. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps regulate skin cell turnover and boost collagen production, making it a powerful ally in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles.
You can use a serum after cleansing in your skin care routine to provide additional anti-aging benefits and keep your skin nourished, before applying sunscreen and makeup.
You could also consider using an estrogen cream for face, which encourages our skin to make collagen and supports our skin’s thickness.
By incorporating the right serums into your daily regimen, you can ensure that your aging skin remains nourished, firm, and radiant.
Tackling common skin concerns in your 60s
As we move into our 60s, we may encounter common skin concerns like dark spots, increased facial hair growth, and the need for skin cancer prevention. Let’s explore each of these concerns to help you maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin.
Dark spots and pigmentation
Dark spots and pigmentation issues are common for women over 60, especially those with fair skin. These imperfections can be caused by sun damage or hormonal changes and may become more noticeable as we age.
Laser treatments are an option for achieving more consistent skin. It’s best to seek out a dermatologist that specializes in laser treatments for this procedure.
Facial hair growth
Facial hair growth in women over 60 can be caused by hormonal imbalances or it may simply be a natural part of the aging process. Managing facial hair growth may require additional treatments or products beyond your regular skin care routine.
To tackle facial hair growth, consider shaving, waxing or plucking out the unwanted hairs. If it’s more of a concern, there are pharmaceutical products that can help. This is really a personal preference as to how to best to address.
Skin cancer prevention
Skin cancer prevention is crucial for maintaining healthy skin after 60. One of the most effective ways to protect your skin from cancer is by applying sunscreen of at least SPF 30 regularly, avoiding tanning beds, and monitoring your skin for any changes that may indicate skin cancer.
In addition to using sunscreen, consider wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. By staying vigilant and proactive in your sun protection habits, you can safeguard your skin’s health and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Building the ideal skin care routine
To maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin after 60, it’s essential to establish a tailored morning routine that includes cleansing, using nutrients in a serum, moisturizing and applying sunscreen. By customizing your skincare routine to your skin type and specific needs, you can ensure the best outcome for your skin.
In the evening, cleansing and using a cream or serum with a retinol is a good standard routine. Retinol is one of the most studied ingredients in the beauty industry. It boosts collagen and elastin production in our skin, resulting in fewer wrinkles. It’s best to use retinol at night as the sun naturally boosts retinol production during the day.
So in summary, incorporate gentle cleansers, nourishing moisturizers, and powerful serums into your daily regimen, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen as part of your morning skincare routine. By consistently following these steps, you can achieve the best skin care over 60 and maintain a radiant and healthy complexion.
Embracing natural beauty after 60
One of the most empowering ways to approach skincare after 60 is to emphasize our natural beauty rather than striving to look younger. By focusing on healthy skin and using natural skin care products like ceramides and omega 3s and 6, we can feel more positive and confident about our appearance, even if we have oily skin.
Remember, the true secret to aging gracefully is embracing the changes and nurturing your skin with love and care.
Expert tips for maintaining radiant skin
To keep your skin looking radiant and youthful after 60, consider these expert tips: Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight.
Additionally, nourish your skin from within by consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. By following these expert tips, you can maintain a glowing complexion and enjoy healthy skin throughout your golden years.
Summary
In conclusion, achieving the best skin care over 60 involves understanding your skin’s changing needs, selecting gentle and nourishing products, and embracing your natural beauty. By following a tailored skin care routine, addressing common skin concerns, and incorporating expert tips, you can maintain healthy, radiant skin that reflects the wisdom and grace of your years. Remember, the key to aging gracefully is nurturing your skin with love and care, and celebrating the beauty that comes with each passing year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for 60-year-old skin?
For best treatment of 60 year old skin, use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser such as a micellar water.
Consider laser therapy for wrinkles, dark spots and acne scars.
How often should a 60-year-old woman wash her face?
For a 60-year-old woman, washing her face in the morning and every night before bed without soap will help reduce dry skin and keep her skin healthy.
Drink plenty of water too!
How should you take care of skin after 50?
As we age, keeping our skin looking healthy is important. That’s why it’s important to practice sun safety, eat healthy foods, and moisturize daily.
Make sure to cleanse your face twice a day, quit smoking, and get plenty of sleep for the best results.
What skin concerns are most common for women over 60?
Women over 60 commonly suffer from wrinkles, age spots, dryness and thinning of the skin.
These skin issues can be addressed with the right skin care routine. Cleansing, moisturizing and using sunscreen are essential steps to keep skin looking healthy and youthful.
What should I look for in a cleanser for mature skin?
Look for a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils to keep it feeling comfortable.