Over 50 Skin Care Routine: Beauty Regimen for Women in Their 50s & After

Whether you've always been a skincare fanatic or a total minimalist, approaching the big 5-0 can have a drastic impact on your complexion. While you don't want to turn back time or look 21 again, you're probably wondering how to age with grace and enhance your natural beauty.

Your 50s can be a challenge for your skin as it becomes more prone to fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, dullness, and sagging. Not the mention the hormonal changes that menopause brings for women!

So what can you do to find the right balance of natural beauty and youthful radiance?

We're here to bring you a round-up of the best lifestyle tips and skin care for women over 50, that will help you navigate this next few decades with ease.

Why & How Does Skin Age In Your 50s?

We all feel and see the effects that time has on our skin, and we expect a certain amount of wrinkles and sagging as we grow older. It's a natural fact of life!

But why can some women seem years younger than they actually are, while others struggle with premature aging? Is it all down to good genes?

Although your mom and dad's skin types may have an impact on how yours will age, there are also lifestyle factors and skin care products that can help or hinder your skin's aging process. Understanding how and why skin ages can help you to understand what lifestyle and products will (and won't) work for you.

As we age, our skin loses moisture because oil production and skin cell turnover slow down, and collagen and elastin fibers become brittle and prone to breakage. This leaves our complexion prone to fine lines like crow's feet and laughter lines, as well as more deep-set wrinkles as the collagen degradation process continues.

Around the age of 50, you will also feel the effects of menopause on your skin. The decrease of estrogen during menopause can impact the pigmentation in your dermis, leading to age spots and melasma. It can also slow down collagen synthesis in the body, affecting your skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. Skin becomes thin, dry, damaged, and easily bruised, and you will be more prone to sagging skin and the dreaded turkey neck.

External factors can also contribute to skin aging. Light from the sun and your computer screen can cause oxidative stress and collagen degradation. Pollution also plays a part in aging the skin, especially if you live in a buzzing metropolis like New York City or Los Angeles.

What we put into our body is also going to show on our skin in later life. Alcohol, smoking, and poor nutrition can all cause oxidative stress and lead to pigmentation, dryness, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

So, although we can't stop the hands of the clock, there are measures we can take in our lifestyle and our skincare routine to help protect and nourish our skin.

The Best Skincare Routine For Your 50s & Beyond

We've rounded up the following skin care and lifestyle tips from dermatologists and beauty experts to create your go-to cheat sheet for a younger-looking complexion. Let's take a closer look at the best ways to look after your skin after the age of 50:

Cleanse & Don't Skip The Toner

The first step for both your morning and nighttime skincare routines may have to adapt as you age. Because your skin will be a little more dry and brittle than it used to be in your 30s, you should look for a hydrating, gentle cleanser that will protect the skin barrier and won't strip it of its natural oils. Avoid a foam cleanser and opt for a cleansing balm or gel instead.

Follow up your cleanser with a hydrating toner that will maintain your skin's pH balance and prepare your face for the next layers of skin care.

Exfoliate To Keep Your Skin Radiant & Youthful

Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin that can make your complexion appear ruddy and dull, making you look older. Dr. Steven J. Pearlman, a plastic surgeon in New York City, describes a "roof of dead skin" that makes you look older when you don't exfoliate. What do dead skin cells look like? 1

However, it's important to be gentle when exfoliating as your skin is more sensitive and thin than it used to be!

Between one and three times a week is enough. Physical exfoliation with scrubs can be harsh on delicate skin, so opt for gentle chemical exfoliating products with AHAs and BHAs instead. Try a weekly peel with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid, and follow it up with a soothing and hydrating serum to help calm any potential irritation.

Target Your Skin Concerns With Serums & Treatments

Now is the time to use those ingredients and treatments for your specific skin concerns. Mature skin concerns may include:

• Blemishes – That's right, it's not just your teenage years! You can also get pimples and blemishes at any age!
• Pigmentation – Age spots, liver spots, sun spots, hormonal melasma, and hyperpigmentation are common in your 50s and beyond.
• Redness – Women over 50 are prone to rosacea and other types of inflammation, so you might want to look for products to reduce redness on face.
• Fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging

Serums and treatments work best after you tone and exfoliate, while your epidermis is receptive to absorbing their ingredients. Serums and treatments generally contain a high concentration of active ingredients to reach deep into the skin's layers and treat the root of your problems.

Let's take a look at the 4 best ingredients to look out for in your skin treatments.

1. Antioxidants

Best for: age spots, pigmentation, sun protection

Antioxidants are essential for your skincare routine at any age, but they can be especially beneficial in your 50s thanks to their skin-brightening effects.

An antioxidant-rich botanical or vitamin C serum benefits your skin's appearance by reducing oxidative stress in your skin cells. This, in turn, can improve radiance, lighten and brighten dark patches of skin, and even protect your skin against future sun damage.

That's why antioxidants are perfect for your morning routine, as a vitamin C serum can act as an extra layer of protection to complement your sunscreen.

Vitamin C is also a co-factor of collagen, helping to support your body's production of this essential protein for your skin. Dr. Trisha Patel, a dermatologist at Dallas Presbyterian, cites antioxidants, vitamin C serum, and sunscreen as her go-to trio for maintaining a youthful glow.2

Did You Know You Can Target Pigmentation & Age Spots From Within?

To maximize your skin care routine's antioxidant content, you can also use an antioxidant supplement to boost your skin from the inside out. Taut Bright's powerful antioxidant formula is perfect for anyone struggling with pigmentation, age spots, or hormonal melasma.

Formulated with L-glutathione, the "mother of all antioxidants," vitamin C, and five other powerful antioxidants, Taut Bright works to detoxify your skin from the inside out.

Two capsules a day offer the perfect dose of skin-loving ingredients that can fade pigmentation for a naturally fairer, flawless, luminous look!

2. Collagen Peptides

Best for: fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin

If you haven't heard of collagen peptides before – it's time to meet your skin's new best friend!

Collagen is the protein that forms the structure of your skin, responsible for its density, elasticity, and smooth texture. In anti-aging skincare, you will find hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are sourced from animal bones or fish scales and broken down into nano-sized molecules so your body can absorb them into the bloodstream. These hydrolyzed peptides are then able to trigger collagen synthesis in the body.

Collagen can be found in many serums and treatments, to supercharge your skin and fight wrinkles at the surface level. It is also available in powder and liquid supplements, which work from the inside out.

Studies have shown that collagen supplements are effective at boosting your skin's elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen supplements also speed up the wound healing process, which in turn can help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks .3

According to Dr. Whitney Bowe, renowned dermatologist and skincare guru, we lose approximately 1% of our collagen each year. Dr. Bowe recommends supplements as the best way to counteract this loss from the inside out.4

Why Choose Taut Liquid Collagen?

Taut Premium Collagen Drink is a high-quality, tried-and-tested formula that you can rely on.

When choosing a collagen supplement, you need to look for one that has a high potency of collagen peptides (10,000 mg or higher) and good bioavailability (the rate at which it can be absorbed into your body).

Every bottle of Taut Collagen Drink contains 13,000 mg of premium marine collagen peptides, sourced from red snapper wild-caught in the Indian Ocean. Our marine collagen peptides have a high bioavailability, meaning that they enter your bloodstream almost immediately where they can get to work at triggering collagen synthesis throughout the body.

Our advanced formula also contains a dose of elastin peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, grape seed extract, and vitamin B6 which work synergistically to hydrate, repair, and brighten your skin.

Even better, Taut Collagen Drink is non-GMO, preservative-free, and gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with plant sugar (Stevia leaf).

3. Retinol

Best for: acne, wrinkles, dull skin

Retinol is a popular form of vitamin A for skin, and one of the most highly praised ingredients in anti-wrinkle serums and treatments. It works by speeding up cell turnover, which can help clear acne and blemishes, unclog pores, boost skin elasticity, improve skin tone, and reduce wrinkles. No wonder it's so popular!

You can find this anti-aging ingredient in over-the-counter retinol serums, or if you have more severe skin concerns your doctor or dermatologist might recommend a prescription retinoid product.

Whether or not you can use retinol, however, might depend on your skin type. People with dry skin or sensitive skin should proceed with caution, as retinol can irritate the skin and cause stinging or burning sensations. Not to mention the dreaded skin purging process!

We recommend that sensitive skin types start by using retinol just once or twice a week, and gradually increase as your skin adapts to the product.

4. Hyaluronic Acid

Best for: dry skin, wrinkles, cellulite

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, which means that it can attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water. It occurs naturally in the body, where it is used to cushion joints, keep eyes lubricated, and most importantly, keep skin hydrated and healthy.

HA supports collagen and elastin in the dermis, helping maintain skin elasticity. Unfortunately, just like our collagen and elastin, our natural supplies of HA decline as we age.

That's why this is an essential ingredient in your skincare routine, particularly as you get older. Replenishing your HA supplies can do wonders to hydrate dry skin, plump and fill fine lines, and improve your skin's overall tone and texture for a more youthful glow.

You will find HA in serums, lotions, fillers, and supplements.

Taut Hydrate hyaluronic acid supplements are a great way to replenish your skin's moisture and youthful glow.

Clinical trials show that ingesting HA daily for 3-6 weeks helps to significantly increase skin moisture content in the skin, which can help to smooth out wrinkles and slow down skin aging.5 

Taut Hydrate contains 120 mg of 99% pure, plant-based hyaluronic acid, as well as 120 mg of grape seed extract, which is a powerful antioxidant. Together, HA and grape seed extract can work from the inside out to hydrate and brighten your skin, for a reduction in fine lines and a supple, healthy glow.

Moisturizer Is Your Best Friend

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your skin loses some of its ability to retain moisture during menopause, and dryness is unfortunately inevitable.6

Dry skin is the enemy of youthful radiance, and any dermatologist will tell you that a good quality moisturizer is essential for your skincare routine.

Moisturizers work by forming a barrier layer that prevents water from evaporating out of your epidermis In doing so, they can reduce dryness, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and brighten your skin tone.

Lotions containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides are particularly beneficial for mature skin thanks to their ability to retain moisture and plump the skin.

Your morning moisturizer should also contain antioxidants like vitamin C or chamomile, while your night cream can contain anti-aging ingredients like collagen or retinol, which can get to work while you sleep.

You should also include a hydrating eye cream at this step of your skincare routine, which can tackle this sensitive area of skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of crow's feet.

Treat Yourself To A Face Mask

Aside from your morning and nighttime skincare routine, you can also benefit from a weekly or biweekly treatment with something extra special.

Face masks form a protective barrier layer on your face, allowing their active ingredients to spend more time soaking into your skin. Masks are a great way to improve your skin's radiance, boost your skin's moisture, minimize blemishes, enhance elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Try A Sheet Mask Infused With Collagen

Taut Collagen Mask is a sheet mask saturated with hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and botanical squalene, which works to tone, hydrate, and brighten your skin in one 15-minute treatment.

It works like a superfood for your dermis, with deeply nourishing and soothing ingredients that can help you achieve a noticeable improvement in your skin's tone and texture. Consider it your go-to treatment for instant red carpet radiance!

Never Skip Sun Protection, Ever!

Sunscreen is the most important and undeniably essential final step for any skincare routine, and no, there are no exceptions!

Make sure you wear broad-spectrum sun protection, ideally SPF 30 or higher, every day of the week. Sun exposure and UV rays, even on a cloudy day, promote the production of free radicals in your skin cells which damage the collagen and elastin in your skin. These also create pigmentation and sun spots, worsen dryness and wrinkles, and lead to skin cancer.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, only half of Americans check their sunscreen labels. The term "broad-spectrum" on your sunscreen label means that the product protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays, while other unspecified types may only provide protection against UVB rays. Protection from both is essential to protecting yourself against skin cancer.7

Dr. Nada Elbuluk, assistant professor of dermatology at NYU, recommends always carrying SPF 30 sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply throughout the day.8

Try Facial Exercises

Ever heard of face yoga exercises? It's true that there are ways to tone the muscles in your face and neck, which can have an impact on your skin!

There are 57 muscles in your face and scalp, so with some facial exercises, massages, and stretches, you can actually help tighten sagging skin, wake up some underused facial muscles, and improve blood flow for a healthier glow.

Know When To Visit Your Dermatologist

Sometimes over-the-counter skincare products might not hit the mark, or you might want to take your skincare to the next level. This is where your dermatologist can come in, to provide professional treatments and advice that can be particularly helpful as you get older.

Some treatments that benefit mature skin include:

• Chemical peels – exfoliating treatments that can boost your skin's radiance and reduce wrinkles.
• Microneedling – is a treatment that rolls tiny needles over the skin, creating pinpricks that trigger collagen production to repair your complexion naturally, This can do wonders to plump the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Fillers – are injectables filled with hyaluronic acid, that can target wrinkles, fill lips, and reshape areas of the face like your nose or cheekbones.
• Botox – are injectables filled with bacteria (botulinum toxin) that freezes muscles in the face, reducing your range of motion which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles and helps prevent new wrinkles from forming.
• Light therapies – if needles aren't your thing, you can also use LED light therapy to boost collagen production.

According to Dr. Anne Chapas, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York, small, regular, preventative treatments can help maintain youthful skin that looks natural at any age.8

Create Good Habits

Last but not least, it's not all about good skincare. A healthy complexion starts from within, so if you want to maintain a radiant glow you will also need to make sure you are keeping up good habits and taking care of your body.

Sleep is essential to a healthy glow. Your skin cells have a circadian rhythm, and they repair and rejuvenate while you sleep, so make sure you get 8 hours of shut-eye each night.

Your diet is also particularly important for your complexion, especially during menopause. During menopause, your estrogen levels decline, which impacts your skin's tone and texture. That's why foods containing estrogen such as soy, tofu, and primrose can have antiaging benefits for your skin in your 50s and beyond.

Last but not least, avoid sugar, alcohol, and smoking, and don't forget to stay hydrated – the benefits of drinking water for skin are endless!

Repair Your Skin From Within

Here at Taut, we believe that healthy, radiant skin starts from within. In order to look and feel our best, whatever our age, we need to prioritize our health and start from within.

Each of our supplements has been carefully formulated to reflect this belief, using only the best ingredients that have been scientifically proven to benefit your skin's health. Supplements, alongside a good diet and skincare routine, can help you achieve a healthy, radiant complexion in your 50s.

Our Ultimate Transformation Program is the perfect bundle for anyone looking for a noticeable improvement in their skin. It contains a 24-day supply of our favorite anti-aging skincare products; Taut Liquid Collagen, Taut Hydrate, and Taut Collagen Mask.

These three products work synergistically over the course of 24 days to hydrate and brighten your complexion, using collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to tackle skin aging. With this bundle, you can visibly reduce wrinkles, plump your skin from within, and achieve a 100% natural and youthful glow!

References:

1. Nécolleté™: An Unmatched Non-Surgical Solution
2. 10 Dermatologist Tips for Younger Looking Skin
3. Collagen Supplement Enhances Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
4. Are There Benefits to Collagen Supplements?
5. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period
6. Caring for your skin in menopause
7. Skin care secrets