Aging is a beautiful privilege. The lines and wrinkles that form on our skin as we get older are markers of the life, we have been lucky to live.
Beauty standards are always tied to “reversing the clock” to the skin of your younger years. But we are here to cheerlead for you to embrace the skin you are in now and feel confident to love the way you look.
Skin Changes in Your 50s
In your 50s, the skin undergoes several noticeable changes due to factors like ageing, more hormonal shifts, and environmental exposure. Here are common changes your skin will inevitably face:
Decreased Collagen Production - Skin may lose firmness and elasticity, leading to sagging and the appearance of deeper fine lines and wrinkles.
Dryness and Sensitivity - Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can lead to decreased oil production, resulting in drier skin. Skin may become more sensitive or reactive to products, making it important to choose gentler formulations.
Uneven Skin Tone and Texture - Age spots, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation may become more pronounced due to prolonged sun exposure over the years. Skin may feel rough or more textured due to accumulated dead skin cells or slower cell turnover.
Loss of Volume - Fat loss beneath the skin can lead to a hollowed appearance in areas like the cheeks and temples.
Menopause and Skin Changes
Menopause can significantly affect the skin due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the further decrease in eostrogen levels. Menopause typically begins around 50 years of age; however, the onset can vary widely from person to person. Genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions all influence the onset of menopause.
Phases of Menopause
Perimenopause: This is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, which can start several years before the last menstrual period. Symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood changes may occur during this time.
Menopause: Officially defined as having occurred when a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period.
Post menopause: The period after menopause has occurred, where symptoms may continue but often diminish over time.
Here are some additional common skin changes during menopause:
Thinning Skin - Hormonal changes affect skin thickness and your skin becomes more fragile and susceptible to bruising and injury.
Menopausal Acne Flare-Ups - Hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased oil production in some women resulting in adult acne, particularly around the jawline.
Changes in Pore Size - Loss of elasticity may cause pores to appear larger.
Recently Kiri (AMPERNA® founder) interviewed @midlifeinvintage to discuss all things perimenopause, menopause and skin.
Tips for Managing Skin Changes During Menopause
- Moisturise Regularly: Use hydrating products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides.
- Gentle Cleansing: Use mild, non-stripping cleansers to avoid further dryness.
- Sun Protection: Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protect against sun damage and pigmentation.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Incorporate gentle exfoliants to promote cell turnover but avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate sensitive skin.
- Retinoids: Retinoids can help improve skin texture and reduce fine lines but introduce them gradually to avoid irritation.
- Hydrating Serums: Look for serums with antioxidants and peptides to support skin health.
An Ideal Skincare Regime for Your 50s
By understanding the natural changes and adapting your skincare routine, you can help maintain healthy strong skin during menopause.
Creating an effective skincare routine for someone in their fifty’s involves focusing on hydration, nourishment, and protection. Here is a simple yet effective routine using AMPERNA® skincare products:
AM Skincare Routine
- Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the natural oils from the skin. AMPERNA®'s [BALANCE] Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser is a light gel formula infused with sage and cucumber extracts to help cool and nourish the skin.
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Serum: Vitamin C serum brightens the skin and protects it against free radicals. AMPERNA®'s [REPAIR] Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum combined with Hyaluronic Acid, is deeply hydrating, restoring smoothness and suppleness to your skin.
Targeted Serum: [SUPAGLOW] Pro+ Advanced Brightening Serum effectively targets dark age spots and uneven skin tone. This potent yet gentle blend of ingredients including Oxyresveratrol and Alpha Arbutin target the three pathways to pigmentation, helping to even out skin tone and overall skin brightness. - Moisturiser: Choose a hydrating moisturiser that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides to support skin barrier function. AMPERNA®'s [HYDRATE] Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion absorbs deeply without weighing heavy on the skin.
- Sunscreen: Daily SPF is crucial to protect against sun damage and prevent premature aging. [HYDRAPROTECT] Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF 15 is a lightweight non-greasy physical SPF formulated with zinc oxide and other skin-loving mineral ingredients.
PM Skincare Routine
- Cleanser: Use the same gentle cleanser to remove makeup and impurities.
- Exfoliation (1-2 times a week): A chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs) promote cell turnover and improve skin texture. AMPERNA®'s [EXFOLIATE] 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion is a leave-on exfoliating lotion containing 10% glycolic acid.
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Targeted Serum: Retinol (1-2 times a week) At night, opt for a serum with retinol or bakuchiol to help reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
AMPERNA® has two retinol options in the range: [SUPERFOLIATE] Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX and [SUPERADIANCE] Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT which is our pregnancy safe retinol.
Both of AMPERNA®'s retinol options are gentle to use on sensitive skin, containing niacinamide, liquorice root extract, zinc and copper gluconates.
On the nights you do not apply retinol you can apply the same serums as the morning.
- Moisturiser: Use the same AMPERNA® [HYDRATE] Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion in the evening to lock in moisture and retain hydration without weighing down the skin.
Professional In-Clinic Treatments
(Bi-monthly, depending on your skin and overall skin health goals)
As you enter your fifties, professional in-clinic beauty treatments can be an excellent way to enhance your overall skin health.
Managing skin changes during menopause involves adapting your skincare routine and lifestyle to address specific concerns. Simultaneously, non-invasive skin treatments can effectively address signs of ageing, improve skin texture, and enhance overall radiance. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Chemical Peels - Exfoliate the skin to improve texture, tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and age spots. Options range from light peels for mild exfoliation to deep peels for a more significant skin rejuvenation.
Microdermabrasion - A non-invasive treatment that uses tiny crystals to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a brighter complexion.
Fractional Laser: Targets specific areas to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Reduces pigmentation, redness, and sun damage. Both Fractional Laser and IPL stimulate collagen production and can significantly improve skin tone and texture.
Skin Microneedling - A treatment that uses needles to create tiny micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Microneedling improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and can help with scars and enlarged pores.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy - Uses your own blood to extract growth factors, which are then injected back into the skin. PRP promotes collagen production and can improve skin texture and tone.
Radiofrequency Treatments (RF) - Radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of the skin and stimulates elastin and collagen production. RF can help tighten skin and improve the overall appearance over time.
LED Light Therapy - Uses specific wavelengths of light to target different skin issues, such as redness, acne, and aging. LED is non-invasive and can improve skin texture and tone with multiple sessions.
The Best Skincare Ingredients for Your 50s
In your fifties, choosing the right skincare ingredients is crucial for addressing common concerns such as dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Here are some of the best ingredients to look for:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Retinoids
- Peptides
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Squalane
- Ceramides
- Glycolic Acid
- Resveratrol
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Omega Fatty Acid
- Coenzyme Q10
Skin Confidence in your 50s – An Overview
Feeling confident in your skin at 50 is all about embracing who you are and taking steps to nurture both your body and mind. By implementing the below steps, you can cultivate a sense of confidence and appreciation for yourself at 50 and beyond. Remember, confidence comes from within, and embracing your unique journey is key!
Here are practical tips to help boost your confidence:
Embrace Your Age - Shift your perspective to view aging as a privilege and an opportunity for growth. Celebrate your experiences and wisdom, acknowledging and accepting a positive mindset. Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations. Focus on what you love about yourself. Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life and body. Reflect on your strengths - whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. Focus on these qualities instead of perceived flaws.
Skincare Routine – Invest in yourself without guilt. Create a skincare routine that addresses your specific needs, using quality products that help improve your skin's appearance and make you feel more comfortable. Treat yourself to professional in-clinic treatments to rejuvenate your skin. Regular self-care practices, such as spa days or at-home pampering, can boost your mood and confidence.
Healthy Lifestyle - Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to support your skin and overall health. Regular physical activity boosts endorphins, improves circulation, and helps you feel more energetic and confident.
Connection - Spend time with supportive friends and family who uplift you. Share experiences and remind each other of your worth. Get involved in activities or groups that interest you, helping you connect with like-minded individuals.
If you are struggling with self-esteem, consider speaking to a therapist or life coach who can provide guidance and support.
