I’ve interviewed enough dermatologists to know that the sharp drop in estrogen around menopause comes with a corresponding decline in collagen. As a 46-year-old woman—and professional beauty obsessive—I don’t find that biological fact particularly cheering. The best skin care for women over 50 isn’t necessarily more complicated than a routine for a woman decades younger—it’s just a bit different.
The foundation— “and it is not glamorous,” Gambhir says—is a solid but basic topical regimen, followed religiously. And while trend pieces and FYPs can generate buzz around promising new ingredients, Gambhir recommends sticking with the classics. Gambhir recommends a rotating sequence of collagen-stimulating lasers, Thermage, Sculptra, PRP, and microneedling.
Still, she maintains that a thoughtful, consistent skin-care routine is nonnegotiable for keeping skin healthy and fresh. Ahead, experts share their best advice for every step of the woman over 50’s skin-care routine, along with the best products for every job. The best skin care for women over 50 begins with daily face washing.
Mature skin should be treated with a mild, non-irritating cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils or irritate dry and sensitive types. For those on the dryer side, New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, cautions that because dry skin is usually sensitive, it’s best to use a face wash that provides good barrier protection with ingredients like ceramides. To help maintain the pH balance of the skin after cleansing, celebrity facialist Joanna Czech recommends using a pH-controlling toner, which can also supply an extra layer of moisture and “act as a carrier” for the skin-care steps that come next.
The new class of hydrating toners is also worth considering. Tatcha The Rice Wash Why We Love It: Tatcha’s creamy cleanser gently washes the day away with an amino acid base, while Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid deeply nourish the skin and replenish its water reserve. The wash is also enriched with Japanese rice powder, which gently sloughs off daily buildup for more radiant skin.
That’s not the case with Tatcha’s Rice Wash,” says Maral Kibarian Skelsey, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist based in the Washington, D.C., area.“I love how the rice powder granules gently exfoliate and make the skin glow,” she adds. Editor’s Experience: This is like the cleanser—one of those formulas that remind you that getting an above-average face wash can make all the difference. I love how creamy it is, making it exceptional for fall and winter when skin is prone to dryness.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
