Smart Skin Care by Age: Your Guide to Healthy Skin Naturally
I'm not big on anti-ageing in beauty. It all gets whipped out of proportion, and is then used as a big stick to beat women with.
Too many lines, too many wrinkles, too much something else.
The negativity about getting older, the made up science words, and the routine with a gazillion steps.
That said, there are common threads to follow as our our skin changes. Skin in our 30s is different to skin in our 50s. And most importantly the best way to look after it is different.
So what I have tried to do below is look at skin care themes by decade and provide guidance on the best way to look after your skin, based on my expertise.
Of course it won't be the same for everyone, we are all different. But there are commonalities. You need to decide where you fit and what skin care looks like for you, based on your skin type, your age, history and personal environment.
My objective here is not to give advice on how to make you younger, more to guide you on caring for our skin as we get older, a completely natural process.
I will share the importance of using natural products, the key concerns for each age group, and offer recommended skincare routines to address specific needs.
Let's embark on a journey to discover the secrets of smart skin care for each stage of life!
Skin Care in your 20s
During your 20s, skin is typically at its most resilient, with a healthy level of collagen and elastin. It's also the perfect time to establish good skin care habits to maintain your skin's health.
A focus on gentle cleansing to remove dirt and excess oil, makes sense, as does moisturising to keep skin hydrated.
We know that damage from the sun happens early, and that UV damage accounts for many signs of ageing.
Protection for your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential.
I like natural ingredients that are recognisable, effective and gentle, botanical plant oils, ceramide rich natural butters, and antioxidant packed plant extracts.
I often see a tendency to go mad with the latest must have products that are often too harsh and superfluous for younger, healthy skin.
Ironically, aggressive exfoliating, harsh toners, strong acids, and makeup that irritates often causes skin to become sensitised - bringing with it its own set of problems.
Simple is good, gentle cleansing, moisture and a good SPF.
My top picks:
For gentle cleansing try my Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter.
For hydration, a light feeling face oil is perfect. Pick Rose & Marula for skin that is a little finicky and prone to oiliness and/or breakouts. Pick Rose & Blackcurrant for skin that needs more hydration.
Skin Care in your 30s
Often it is here that we notice subtle changes in our skin, such as fine lines and a slight loss of firmness.
The effects of a busy lifestyle often show; stress, not enough sleep, poor diet.
My customers also begin to talk about an increase in dehydrated skin as environmental effects have an impact.
Prioritise a skincare routine that includes gentle exfoliation to promote cell turnover and reveal a radiant complexion.
Hydration becomes even more crucial, so opt for natural moisturisers with antioxidant plant-based oils to nourish and plump the skin. Antioxidants have the ability to protect, soothe, firm and improve the appearance of skin.
Look for products that are gentle and nourishing. Niacinamide is a good ingredient to look for to combat oxidative stress and support collagen production.
Antioxidant rich plant face oils make a good choice, and combine these or alternate with a cream or balm type product for extra nourishment at night. A specialist eye product will help care for the very gentle skin around the eyes.
My recommendations are:
Either my Face Oil with Rose & Marula or Rose & Blackcurrant depending on your skin preference.
Or my Intensive Balm with Marshmallow & Frangipani, for gentle hydration, a beautiful smile including natural scent, and powerful natural hydrators. For a boost of hydration, try my Pomegranate & Rose oil, gel Mask.
Skin Care in your 40s
My customers in their 40s often report drier skin and more visible lines, coupled with perimenopausal symptoms.
Focus on hydrating and nourishing your skin with richer natural moisturisers that contain ingredients like shea butter or argan oil.
Consider richer creams and serums to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. I also suggest looking for natural products with brightening properties, such as rosehip oil, Coenzyme Q10 and niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of age spots and help even out skin tone.
My top picks: Try my Radiance Cream with Rose & Frankincense, gentle, hydrating and packed with niacinamide and squalane.
Layer with my Facial Essence with Rose & Blackcurrant for extra hydration, and my super gentle Eye Serum with Rose & Starflower.
Skin Care in your 50s
In your 50s, hormonal changes and decreased collagen production often leads to drier, thinner skin with a noticeable change in texture.
Prioritise gentle cleansing and opt for nourishing, emollient-rich natural cleansers that won't strip the skin of its natural oils.
Hydration is key, so choose natural moisturisers and plant oils with ceramides to retain moisture and plump the skin.
Look for natural products with antioxidants like pomegranate seed oil, camellia oil, rosehip and macadamia oils are all good choices to protect against free radicals and support skin repair.
Recommended products: A balm type cleanser like my Carrot & Mango Butter, a combination of moisturisers, coupled with both a face oil and a cream, and my Pomegranate & Rose Mask for treating dry, dehydrated skin.
Skin Care in your 60s
As you enter your 60s, my customers complain of skin that is more delicate, thin, and prone to dryness.
Opt for gentle, non-foaming cleansers to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Hydration is crucial, so incorporate deeply nourishing natural moisturisers, squalane and jojoba oil are two of my favourites.
Consider using products with bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of skin.
Look for natural products with soothing properties, such as calendula, chamomile or jojoba to calm any skin sensitivity.
Top Picks - A balm cleanser like my Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter, an antioxidant packed face oil such as Rose & Blackcurrant, and regular use of a hydrating mask, like my Pomegranate & Rose mask with completely natural retinol alternative bakuchi oil.
Skin Care in your 70s & Beyond
In your 70s and beyond, it's likely your skin is going to need extra TLC.
I suggest opting for ultra-gentle cleansers that won't disrupt the skin's delicate balance.
Focus on intensive hydration with natural moisturisers that contain ceramides or glycerin to combat dryness and strengthen the skin barrier.
Many of my older customers complain about increased sensitivity which is why pure, natural, ingredients with recognisable names are so high up my priority list.
I like to recommend natural products with antioxidants like vitamin E or sea buckthorn oil to protect against environmental damage.
And I definitely recommend using facial oils with nourishing ingredients like argan oil or rosehip seed oil to provide an extra boost of hydration and nutrients.
My recommendations - your favourite products for hydration, face oils, a cream or balm depending on the texture you prefer Rose & Blackcurrant, Intensive Balm with Marshmallow & Frangipani, and my Pomegranate & Rose mask will all work well.
Conclusion
Smart skin care is a lifelong journey, and at every age, natural and organic skincare products can play a vital role in preserving and enhancing your skin's health and beauty.
It doesn't have to be all 'anti-ageing'.
Rather than anti-ageing, and negativity, my simple approach to better beauty is designed to improve feelings of self worth, to celebrate rather than cover up and to deliver an experience that spoils and pampers.
I offer my customers amazing beauty products that work.
This is a mix of functional benefits - better skin, softer skin, more comfortable skin but more crucially, permission to feel good about ourselves, irrespective of age.
Rather than anti-ageing, and negativity, my simple approach to better beauty is designed to improve feelings of self worth, to celebrate rather than cover up and to deliver an experience that spoils and pampers.
By tailoring your skincare routine to your specific age-related needs, you can nourish your skin from within and achieve a radiant complexion that reflects you at your best.
Trust in the power of nature and embrace the transformative benefits of natural skin care at every stage of life.
