Keeping that natural-looking, glowing radiance couldn't be easier
Here at Boots, we don’t believe in restricting your beauty choices by your age. If you ask us, ageing should be welcomed with open arms. However, when it comes to getting the most out of your skin and maintaining a healthy-looking glow, there are some biological changes that change our skin’s wants and needs once we hit 50. “The average age for women to reach the menopause in the UK is 51,” says Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist at Tarrant Street Clinic. “Around perimenopause, hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and drop with time,” she adds.
These hormonal changes can have a dramatic impact on our skin. “As a result of hormonal changes, women in their fifties tend to have a significant loss of hyaluronic acid, which plays an important part in skin hydration and collagen development. Oestrogen is also an important antioxidant. As it reduces with menopause, skin becomes more vulnerable to external aggressors such as UV and pollution. The turnover of skin cells also slows,” says Dr Hextall.
So, while we believe that skin texture changes and fine lines should be embraced, changes to your skin’s demands and your skincare routine in your fifties are to be expected. Keep scrolling for the best skincare routines to try once you hit 50.
The best morning skincare routine for your 50s
Step 1: Cleanser
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (£9.50)
• Size: 236ml
• Fragrance-free
• Non-comedogenic
As your skin’s natural moisture resources deplete, a skincare routine in your fifties should always champion hydration. “Skin may start to become easily irritated, so focus on protecting the barrier. Over-washing and exfoliating can cause damage, so opt for gentle cleansers and rinse with lukewarm, rather than hot, water. I like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser,” advises Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist.
Try: Liz Earle Beauty Cleanse & Polish (£17)
• Size: 100ml
• Two pure cotton cloths
A cream cleanser that’s suitable for sensitive skin, like this one, is the perfect way to effectively cleanse skin without over-drying. Removing it with a cotton muslin cloth will help aid gentle exfoliation to keep glow levels up, too.
Step 2: Eye Cream
Try: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II (£52)
• Size: 15ml
The skin around the eyes is naturally more delicate and thinner than other areas of the face, making it more susceptible to irritation, damage and dryness – issues that are already more likely to occur in your fifties. This night time eye serum can also be used in the morning to quench dryness, as well as help improve the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.
Step 3: Serum
Try: CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£17)
• Size: 30ml
• Fragrance-free
• Non-comedogenic
With the decline in oestrogen that occurs in mature skin (and around the menopause), hyaluronic acid production is impacted. “Hyaluronic acid has many functions. It maintains hydration in the skin and plays an important part in collagen synthesis,” says Dr Hextall. Using a hyaluronic acid serum, like this one, in the morning will help supplement this loss and deliver plumping moisture.
Try: No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum (£19.95)
• Size: 25ml
As well as providing skin with extra hydration at every opportunity, it’s also important to include antioxidants in your skincare routine in your fifties to protect skin against free radical damage. “Around the time of menopause, the drop in oestrogen leaves skin at greater risk of damage from external aggressors such as UV and pollution. I can’t overstate the importance of protecting skin against them,” says Dr Hextall. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help boost glow, fend off free radical damage and improve the general appearance of skin. Apply this serum every morning to reap the benefits.
Step 4: Moisturiser
Try: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Moisturiser (£16.50)
• Size: 40ml
• Fragrance-free
• Alcohol-free
Even if you’re applying a hydrating serum, it’s still important to apply a moisturiser over the stop to seal everything in. “A decline in oestrogen levels will see a drop in your body’s sebum production, and the skin loses ability to retain moisture,” says Dr Granite. Layering your hydrating serum with a moisturiser will trap moisture drawn to the skin barrier and help prevent trans-epidermal water loss. This fuss-free moisturiser’s ideal for dry, sensitive skin due to its ability to help repair the skin’s barrier.
Try: No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Day Cream (£27.95)
• Size: 50ml
With an impressive concoction of barrier-fortifying ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and peptides, this moisturiser is a great all-rounder for daily use. “Around the time of menopause and in our fifties, our skin pH changes, which can cause issues with irritation and dryness,” says Dr Hextall. This moisturiser helps boost radiance, smoothes and soothes dry skin and delivers antioxidant protection thanks to the inclusion of rice peptides and vitamins A, C and E.
Step 5: Neck Cream
Try: PRAI Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme (£25)
• Size: 50ml
In reality, in order to keep the skin on your neck and décolletage radiant and youthful, you should be taking all of your facial skincare products down below the jawline. “In the clinic, I’m often struck by how different the skin on someone’s face is to their neck and chest,” reveals Dr Hextall. “Always remember the neck and chest. The main issue in this area for the over fifties is loss of firmness due to the reduction in hyaluronic acid and collagen,” she adds. If you find yourself forgetting to extend your skincare onto your neck and chest, investing in a specific cream to apply every day should help you get into the swing of things. This particular cream is rich in hyaluronic acid to help boost glow and firmness.
Step 6: SPF
Try: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dryness Protection Cream SPF50+ (£6.50)
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
“A reduction in oestrogen levels results in an apparent thinning of the skin due to a reduction in collagen production,” says Dr Granite. “This can make skin more prone to sun damage so you may notice more visible pigmentation in areas frequently exposed to the sun.” It’s therefore imperative to apply a separate SPF every single day (yes, even if it’s cloudy). This moisturising cream doesn’t leave a greasy film on the skin and helps to improve radiance and glow.
The best night-time skincare routine for your 50s
Step 1: Cleanser
Try: Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (£47)
• Size: 100ml
• Dual-action cleansing cloth
• Suitable for vegetarians
We already know that adopting a gentle skincare routine in your fifties is important if you want to keep your skin barrier in check. By nature, cleansing has the ability to cause irritation, especially come evening when make-up and the day’s dirt has to be removed. “I recommend using a very gentle cleanser and avoiding harsh soap,” says Dr Hextall. This rich cleansing balm helps deliver hydration and melts away grime and make-up with unparalleled ease.
If you’re using retinol, then it’s best to stick with a gentle cleanser, such as this Emma Hardie one or you could use the same cleanser you use in the morning, such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Step 2: Retinol
Try: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Deep Anti-Wrinkle Night Serum (£24.99)
• Size: 30ml
While retinol comes highly recommended by dermatologists and skin experts for those in their thirties and forties, once you hit 50, it’s important to proceed with a little more caution. “Products that you were previously able to tolerate may start to cause problems in your fifties,” warns Dr Hextall. However, providing your skin is well hydrated and isn’t experiencing any major irritation, products containing retinol can be used. “Retinols increase collagen production and can help treat scarring and unwanted pigmentation. Through increasing surface cell turnover, you can often see improved skin elasticity, brightness, firmness and bounce,” she adds.
The key is in introducing retinol products gradually. Start using this serum straight after cleansing in the evening once or twice a week, and gradually increase how often you apply it as your skin becomes more tolerant. “Put a moisturiser around more sensitive areas like the eyes to begin with to protect skin against irritation,” says Dr Hextall.
Step 3: Eye Cream
Try: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Ageing Concentrate (£27)
• Size: 15ml
• Fragrance-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
While retinol serums for the face might be a little too potent to use around the eye, that’s not to say you can’t reap the skin-smoothing benefits of the ingredient. This eye cream contains retinol, but has been specifically formulated for sensitive skin and areas that are particularly delicate.
Step 4: Moisturiser
Try: No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Night Cream (£27.95)
• Size: 50ml
When using retinol, it’s imperative that you don’t skip moisturiser. “Balance actives with soothing, hydrating products that support and protect the skin barrier. Peptides, such as Matrixyl, can help to support collagen and elastin,” advises Dr Hextall. This rich face and neck cream contains deeply hydrating and restoring ingredients, including Matrixyl 3000, to replenish moisture overnight.
Night-time Add-On: Mask
Try: Liz Earle Hydrating Cream Mask (£20)
• Size: 75ml
• Suitable for vegetarians
Consider using a hydrating mask treatment, in the evening, once or twice a week. When applied for 10 minutes, straight after cleansing, this moisturising pick will help nourish and soothe dry, lacklustre skin thanks to a blend of shea butter, apricot kernel oil, essential fatty acids and borage seed oil. Expect to wake up with a glowing complexion come morning.
For more advice, check out our guide to how to look after mature skin.
