As we age, our skincare needs evolve dramatically. Gone are the days when a quick splash of water and any old soap would suffice. I am now over 50, well to be honest I am over 60, but I started to really pay attention to how I was washing my face over a decade ago. I now have a routine where I double wash my face.
First I use this Clinique Take off the Day Cleansing Balm: https://amzn.to/42Eik8K It will last you for months if you use a small amount nightly (take a fingertip amount and rub over dry face, then use damp washcloth to wipe off all your makeup). Next I wash my face with a small amount of CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: https://amzn.to/42CNrBB I also use this in the morning to wash my face. It leaves skin feeling silky and soft.
But don’t worry – with the right techniques and products, you can keep your skin looking radiant and healthy well into your golden years. Honestly, I wish I had started having a better routine earlier, but it’s never too late!
Understanding Mature Skin
Before taking a close look at cleansing techniques, it’s crucial to understand the changes our skin undergoes as we age. After 50, our skin experiences significant transformations:
Collagen Production Slows Down
Collagen, the protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and firmness, decreases dramatically. This leads to less skin elasticity and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Becomes Thinner and More Delicate
The dermis, or middle layer of skin, thins out. This makes our skin more fragile and susceptible to damage, requiring gentler care.
Oil Production Decreases
Our sebaceous glands produce less oil, often resulting in drier, flakier skin that’s more prone to irritation.
Cell Turnover Slows
The rate at which our skin produces new cells and sheds old ones decreases. This can lead to a duller complexion and uneven skin tone.
Hormonal Changes Impact Skin
Menopause brings significant hormonal shifts that can lead to increased skin sensitivity, dryness, and even adult acne in some cases.
These changes mean we need to adjust our cleansing routine to support our skin’s new needs. The goal is to clean effectively without stripping away essential oils or causing irritation.
Choosing the Right Cleanser
The foundation of any good skincare routine is the cleanser. For mature skin, we need to be particularly choosy.
Here’s what to look for:
Gentle, Hydrating Formulas
Opt for cleansers labeled as “gentle” or “hydrating.” These are less likely to strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help maintain skin hydration.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it excellent for hydrating mature skin. Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air into your skin. Ceramides are lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.
My number one pick is here: https://amzn.to/42CNrBB
pH-Balanced Cleansers
As we age, our skin’s pH tends to become more alkaline. Using a pH-balanced cleanser (around 5.5) can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier function.
This is crucial for protecting against environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss.
Cream or Oil-Based Cleansers
These types of cleansers are excellent for mature skin as they clean effectively without over-drying. They’re particularly good for removing makeup and sunscreen.
Oil-based cleansers work on the principle of “like dissolves like,” effectively breaking down oil-based impurities and makeup without stripping the skin.
The balm that takes your makeup off gently and effectively: https://amzn.to/40IjGwT
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Stay away from cleansers containing sulfates, alcohol, and artificial fragrances. These can be too harsh and drying for mature skin. Sulfates, while effective at removing dirt and oil, can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.
Alcohol can be extremely drying, and artificial fragrances can cause irritation, especially in sensitive mature skin.
The Art of Cleansing
Now that we’ve covered what to use, let’s talk about how to use it. The technique is just as important as the product when it comes to cleansing mature skin.
Step 1: Use Lukewarm Water
Hot water might feel good, but it can strip your skin of its natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water, which is gentler on mature skin. The ideal temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), which is close to your body temperature.
Step 2: Apply Cleanser Gently
Use your fingertips to apply the cleanser in soft, circular motions. Avoid harsh scrubbing or pulling at the skin, which can lead to irritation and sagging.
The skin around your eyes is particularly delicate, so be extra gentle in this area.
Step 3: Take Your Time
Spend about 30-60 seconds massaging the cleanser into your skin. This confirms thorough cleansing and can help improve circulation. Improved blood flow can help bring nutrients to the skin and remove waste products, promoting a healthier complexion.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Make sure to rinse all the cleanser off your face. Residue can lead to irritation or clogged pores.
Pay extra attention to areas like the hairline, jawline, and around the nose where product can accumulate.
Step 5: Pat Dry
Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, which can irritate the skin. Leaving your skin slightly damp can actually be useful, as it allows for better absorption of any products you apply next.
You can use these cloths to wash and dry: https://amzn.to/4jJPIRF These are reusable.
The Double Cleanse Method
If you wear makeup or sunscreen (which you should!), consider adopting the double cleanse method. This two-step process confirms your skin is thoroughly clean without over-stripping it.
First Cleanse
Use an oil-based cleanser (the Clinique product is oil based, find it here: https://amzn.to/42IM18W or micellar water: https://amzn.to/3WHbnjp to remove makeup and sunscreen. Oil-based cleansers are particularly effective at breaking down stubborn, water-resistant products.
Micellar water contains tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water, which attract dirt and makeup like a magnet.
Second Cleanse
Follow up with your regular gentle cleanser (https://amzn.to/4hi6XYG) to remove any remaining impurities. This step confirms that your skin is truly clean and ready to absorb any treatments or moisturizers you apply next.
This method is particularly effective for mature skin as it’s thorough yet gentle. It removes all traces of makeup and environmental pollutants without compromising the skin’s natural barrier.
Frequency of Cleansing
How often should you cleanse? For most people over 50, twice a day is enough:
Morning Cleanse
A gentle cleanse to remove any oils or products that accumulated overnight. This prepares your skin for daytime products and makeup.
Evening Cleanse
A more thorough cleanse to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime. This is crucial for allowing your skin to repair and regenerate overnight.
If you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, you might find that cleansing only in the evening and rinsing with water in the morning works better for you. Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.
Exfoliation for Mature Skin
Exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, but it needs to be done carefully on mature skin. As we age, our skin becomes more delicate and prone to irritation, so gentle exfoliation is key.
Chemical Exfoliants
Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or very fine physical exfoliants. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s particularly good for mature skin because it’s gentler than other AHAs like glycolic acid.
It exfoliates and hydrates the skin. Here is my current favorite by Paula’s Choice: https://amzn.to/4hDXxXe
Physical Exfoliants
If you prefer physical exfoliants, look for products with very fine, round particles. Avoid anything with sharp edges, like crushed walnut shells, which can cause micro-tears in the skin. After age 50 skin is much more delicate so I personally avoid these in favor of the chemical exfoliants.
Frequency
Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and always follow up with extra hydration. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity.
Post-Exfoliation Care
After exfoliating, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day. Here is a cost effective option: https://amzn.to/4jJHVn2
Common Problems to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes in our cleansing routine. Here are some common pitfalls, problems, issues, problems, issues, problems, issues and how to avoid them:
Over-cleansing
This can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Stick to cleansing twice a day unless you’ve been sweating heavily.
If you feel the need to freshen up during the day, try using a hydrating mist instead of cleansing again.
Using Water That’s Too Hot
This can lead to dryness and irritation by disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. Always use lukewarm water.
If you enjoy the feeling of warm water on your face, save it for a relaxing facial steam once a week as opposed to daily cleansing.
Scrubbing Too Hard
Gentle motions are key. Your skin isn’t a dirty pot that needs scouring!
Treat your skin like the delicate organ it is.
Imagine you’re washing a silk scarf – that’s how gently you should treat your face.
Neglecting Your Neck and Décolletage
These areas show signs of aging too and often get overlooked in skincare routines. Extend your cleansing routine to include them. Also moisturize them. I use my products on my neck every time.
The skin on your neck is thinner and more delicate than facial skin, so it needs extra care.
Not Moisturizing Immediately After Cleansing
Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration. This helps prevent water loss and keeps your skin plump and hydrated. You have about a 60-second window after cleansing where your skin is most receptive to moisturizer.
Adapting Your Routine
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. You may need to adjust your routine based on various factors:
Seasonal Changes
You might need a more hydrating cleanser in winter when the air is drier. In summer, you might prefer a lighter, foaming cleanser if your skin tends to be oilier.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Menopause can cause skin changes that require adjustments to your routine. You might experience increased dryness or sudden breakouts.
Be prepared to switch up your products as needed.
Skin Conditions
Issues like rosacea or eczema may require special care. If you develop any persistent skin issues, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
Travel
Changes in climate and water quality when traveling can affect your skin. Consider bringing travel-sized versions of your regular products to maintain consistency in your routine.
Listen to your skin and be willing to make changes as needed. What worked for you a year ago might not be as effective now. Regular reassessment of your skincare routine is key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to explore some advanced techniques:
Facial Massage
Incorporating a gentle facial massage into your cleansing routine can improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. Use light, upward strokes with your fingertips as you cleanse.
This can help reduce puffiness and give your skin a healthy glow.
How to Do a Simple Facial Massage:
- Start at the center of your face and work outwards.
- Use gentle, upward strokes along your jawline to your ears.
- Massage in circular motions around your cheeks.
- Gently tap around your eyes with your ring finger.
- Finish by massaging your forehead in upward strokes.
Cleansing Devices
Sonic cleansing brushes can be effective for mature skin when used gently and not too often. They can help with thorough cleansing and mild exfoliation. Here’s a gentle one: https://amzn.to/42CTeav
However, be cautious not to overuse them, as this can lead to irritation.
Start by using a cleansing device once or twice a week and see how your skin responds.
Facial Steaming
A gentle steam once a week can help open pores and boost hydration. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much heat can lead to broken capillaries. Here is steamer that is easy to use: https://amzn.to/411hvpl
Limit steaming sessions to 5-10 minutes, and always follow up with a hydrating mask or moisturizer.
How to Safely Steam Your Face:
- Cleanse your face first.
- Boil water and pour it into a bowl.
- Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, about 12 inches away from the water.
- Steam for 5-10 minutes.
- Pat your face dry and immediately apply a hydrating product.
Building on the Basics
Proper cleansing sets the stage for the rest of your skincare routine. Once you’ve mastered cleansing, you can more effectively incorporate other anti-aging products like serums and retinols.
A clean canvas allows these products to penetrate better and work more effectively. Think of cleansing as the foundation upon which you build your entire skincare regimen.
Incorporating Serums
After cleansing, apply serums while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps the active ingredients penetrate more deeply.
Look for serums with ingredients like vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration, or peptides for firming.
Using Retinoids
If you’re using a retinoid (a vitamin A derivative), apply it after your skin has completely dried post-cleansing. Start with a low concentration and use it every other night to allow your skin to adjust.
Always follow with a moisturizer to minimize potential irritation. I use a prescription retinol but you can start out with an over the counter one like this: https://amzn.to/3CDdtKr
Moisturizing
Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. For mature skin, look for ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide.
These help to strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Sun Protection
No matter how good your cleansing routine is, it’s all for naught if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun. Always finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Exercises to Reinforce Learning
To help you internalize these techniques, try the following exercises:
Cleansing Diary
Keep a journal for a week, noting how your skin feels after cleansing with different products and techniques. This can help you identify which products and methods work best for your skin.
What to Note in Your Cleansing Diary:
- Product used
- Water temperature
- How long you cleansed
- How your skin felt immediately after
- How your skin felt a few hours later
- Any noticeable changes in your skin (positive or negative)
Temperature Test
Try cleansing with different water temperatures and note the effects on your skin. This can help you find the ideal temperature that cleanses effectively without causing irritation.
Timing Practice
Use a timer to confirm you’re cleansing for a full 30-60 seconds each time. This helps you develop a consistent routine and confirms you’re giving your cleanser enough time to work effectively.
Product Comparison
If you have multiple cleansers, use a different one each day for a week and compare the results. This can help you decide which cleanser is most effective for your skin type and concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Choose gentle, hydrating cleansers specifically formulated for mature skin.
- Use lukewarm water and soft, circular motions when cleansing.
- Consider the double cleanse method for thorough yet gentle cleaning.
- Don’t over-cleanse – twice a day is usually enough.
- Always follow cleansing with immediate moisturization.
- Be willing to adapt your routine as your skin’s needs change.
- Proper cleansing is the foundation for effective use of other skincare products.