Age is not just a number with your skin.

Showing your skin some love goes a long way in retaining a youthful and healthy look. A quick search on skincare tips for dry skin will instantly offer search results that lead you a multitude of skincare regimen and tips. Thanks to the innovative technology in the beauty industry, several products have been developed to suit different skin types and skin age.

Take moisturizers as an example. There is not a single type of moisturizer that suits all skin types. It will also depend on the maturity of your skin. People in their teens need a non-comedogenic and oil-free cream because their hormones make their skin produce more sebum daily. On the other hand, adults will benefit more from moisturizers that contain  sunscreen, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and natural skincare ingredients.

Keeping your skin hydrated and preventing it from drying is a form of self-pampering.  It aids in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. More importantly, regular moisturizing helps eliminate dead skin cells and maintain your skin’s natural elasticity even as you mature.

As you grow older, your epidermis or the outermost layer of your skin begins to shed and grow thinner. Your skin then becomes more susceptible to the damages brought by external factors like pollution, irritants, and poor hygiene.  It is also why you begin to see dark spots, fine lines, sagging. Your skin also becomes more prone to drying.

That said, choosing the right kind of moisturizer for your age is helpful in slowing down the signs of aging and protecting it from external factors that could damage your inner radiance.

There are some main things to remember before you pick a moisturizer that suits the maturity of your skin:

• Skin Type

Each skin type reacts differently to beauty products. If you happen to use a moisturizer that is incompatible with your skin, it could lead to irritation and render the product ineffective in achieving softer and smoother skin. Hyaluronic acid is best for dry skin, while retinoids are effective in healing acne-prone skin as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Ceramides and fragrance-free variants are suitable for sensitive skin.

• Age

There are some changes you need to do with your skincare routine once you reach your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Your 20’s is the best time to invest in a day and nighttime skincare ritual. Wear sunscreen when you go out and apply moisturizer. During your 30s, wearing sunscreen should still be an important part of your beauty arsenal. Start exfoliating more regularly. Once you reach this age. your skin tone starts to become uneven and dark spots begin to appear. Your fine lines and wrinkles become even more apparent once you hit 40. Pair your moisturizer with a serum for deeper moisturizing.

• Allergies to any type of skincare ingredients

You can consult a dermatologist to see whether you have sensitivity to any ingredient or product.  DIY face masks are a great alternative, just make sure to do thorough research on which ingredients are great for your skin type.

• Lifestyle

Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure can diminish the quality of your skin. You might need a more intensive type of moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Whereas, getting a good night’s sleep, eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water will help your skin glow and stay healthy from within.

Choosing a Moisturizer for Mature Skin

What to Look For…

Product-wise, these are the details you need to focus on if you want to find the best type of moisturizer for your skin:

Sun Protection

The less you protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays, the more it becomes vulnerable to premature aging, dark spots, and dullness. Moisturizers infused with sun protection not only lock in moisture for your skin but also prevents premature aging and uneven skin tone, regardless of your age. 

Retinol

Retinol is a known ingredient that boosts the production of collagen, which is vital in retaining your skin’s elasticity. It also helps your skin retain hydration longer, tones it, reduces fine lines, and regulates oil production and acne. Preferably, use a night cream that contains retinol before you hit the sack.

Peptides

Night creams that contain peptides also aid in stimulating higher levels of collagen and reducing skin maturity. It also promotes the production of amino acids to prevent your skin from wrinkling and sagging.

Skin Type-Appropriate

By now, you should already know your skin type. Do you have sensitive, dry or oily skin? Do you have a combination of dry and oily skin or do you have normal skin? If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturizer with a thicker consistency to penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. Hypoallergenic moisturizers are suited for sensitive skin, while non-comedogenic means that they will not clog your pores. 

Antioxidants

Similar to moisturizers with sunscreen protection or SPF, antioxidants reduce damages caused by UV exposure. It fights off free radicals that cause your skin to lose its natural moisture barrier and skin health. 

Oil and Butter

Oil and butter-based moisturizers contain thicker consistency which is good for ensuring your skin stays soft and smooth. These types of moisturizers are also typically made from natural ingredients and minerals that are good for keeping your skin healthy from the inside out.

Crowdsource

When it comes to the brand name, consider opting for one that does not do animal testing. Try to ask friends and family for any recommendations. Better yet, research about a product you are interested in and see what previous customers have to say about its effectiveness. 

Do your skin a huge favor and invest in an excellent daytime and nighttime moisturizer. Doing so will help lock in not just your skin’s moisture, but also make you look as though you haven’t aged a day.

 

 

 

Written by Katie Pierce, a teacher-slash-writer who loves telling stories to an audience, whether it’s bored adults in front of a computer screen or a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds. Writing keeps her sane (most of the time) and allows her to enjoy some quiet time in the evening before she walks into a room of screaming kids (all of whom she loves dearly) the next morning.