The Do’s and Don’ts of Mature Skin Care

Aging is one of life’s inevitabilities. It happens whether we anticipate it or not. The good news is that although we cannot choose to stop aging, we can certainly determine how we respond to it. Choosing a healthy lifestyle is an important decision for slowing down the signs of aging. Regular exercise, quality sleep, a nutritious diet and learning to relax are all wonderful ways to feel younger even as our bodies get older.

Skin ages just as the rest of the body does. As with other bodily systems and organs, our skin’s functionality tends to decrease as we get older. As the years go by, the skin simply doesn’t rejuvenate itself the way it used to. The natural elasticity we once took for granted tends to deteriorate. Fortunately, this is something we have the tools and knowledge to combat. By following some tips for aging skin, it becomes possible to slow down the effects of time and, in some cases, to turn back the clock.

Caring for aging skin is not the same as caring for the skin of a teen or twenty-something. Mature skin care is different because aging skin has changing needs. For instance, a woman who has battled against oily skin for the first two, three or four decades of her life may begin to see a change as the years pass. Her oily skin is gone and she’s battling dryness instead. Accordingly, caring for mature skin often involves changing lifelong habits.

Consider these do’s and don’ts of mature skin care. Caring for aging skin doesn’t have to be more complicated that taking care of young skin, but it may mean using different products or protecting against different skin care concerns. With these tips for aging skin, you just might be able to take years off of your appearance.

DO: Find a Good Serum or Moisturizer

If you haven’t been using a serum or moisturizer for the last several years, now is the time to add it to your routine. A reliable serum should be part of mature skin care because it contains a high concentration of active ingredients. Most of the ingredients have anti-aging properties. Peptides, antioxidants and skin brighteners are the components women should be looking for when it comes to caring for aging skin. Serums tend to be among the more expensive skin care products. However, only a tiny amount is necessary on a daily basis. This means that a one ounce bottle can easily last for several months. Because the formula in a serum is so concentrated, the rule of less is more definitely applies. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a serum or moisturizer that is right for you.

DO Find Ways to Boost Collagen

While it’s true that collagen naturally breaks down over time, there are still things you can do to fight this process. Part of caring for mature skin is looking for ways to maintain collagen. Usually this means adding a moisturizer or other product that contains retinol to your skin care routine. Retinol helps speed up the rate at which skin turns over new cells, giving skin a brighter, younger look. Products containing vitamins C and E may also help protect collagen.

DON’T Forget About Sun Protection

Even if you’ve made mistakes with sun protection in the past, it’s never too late to make it part of your mature skin care routine. Use sunscreen every day, and don’t forget to ask your dermatologist about ways to lighten sun spots and other discolorations. You’ll be surprised at how quick and easy it is to correct these problems even after years of sun exposure.

DON’T Ignore Your Neck and Chest

Many women make skin care a priority for the face, but completely neglect the neck and chest. After several years, this begins to take a toll. While the face may still look young, the neck and chest may show signs of premature aging. However you may be caring for mature skin on your face, perform the same rituals on the neck and chest to protect these areas and keep them looking younger.

DON’T Neglect Regular Appointments with a Dermatologist

Dermatologists can help your skin look its best at every stage. Even better, your dermatologist can diagnose and treat skin conditions ranging from minor concerns to serious illnesses. Build a good relationship with your skin care doctor now to ensure that any emerging problems are taken care of before they can affect the quality of your life. You can also ask for recommendations regarding skin care products and which ingredients are right for your skin.

Aging is inevitable, but it’s possible to fight the outward signs by following tips for aging skin. Use these ideas to guide you toward healthy, glowing skin.