As we age, our skin undergoes a variety of changes that can affect its appearance and texture. Facialist Julia Hart talks skincare routines, product recommendations and salon treatments.
🕒 4 min read
Ageing gracefully
Skin changes are a natural part of the ageing process and can include hyperpigmentation, which manifests as dark spots or uneven skin tone; dryness, as our skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes; fine lines, which are often the first visible signs of ageing; and skin laxity, where the skin loses its firmness and elasticity.
Understanding these changes is the first step in adapting your skincare routine to meet your skin's evolving needs.
How your hormones affect your skin's collagen
Hormones – particularly declining oestrogen levels – are at the root of many age-related changes, including decreased collagen production (resulting in thinner and less elastic skin). We lose around 1 per cent of our collagen per year from our late 20s, but the more profound hormonal changes around menopause result in slower skin cell turnover (leading to a build-up of drier skin cells that can make the skin appear dull), thinner hair and brittle nails.
Golden rules for radiant skin
Whether you're looking to enhance hydration, even your skin tone, or improve skin firmness, here are my top tips and expert advice – including product and treatment recommendations – for mature skin.
Be gentle
As our skin ages, it's tempting to go for more aggressive products or treatments, but because mature skin is thinner and weaker, this is counter-productive. Instead, we need to focus on keeping skin strong. Avoid too many acids and stronger retinol products and opt for gentle formulas that will lock in moisture and protect.
I like the Replenish Collagen Boosting Serum, which I recommend for daily use before your moisturiser (always use your lightest product first, and the heavier formulas last.)
Protect and hydrate
To help skin glow, we need to protect our skin barrier. When our skin's barrier becomes unbalanced, our skin loses its moisture content, which leads to dehydration and makes fine lines and wrinkles look more prominent.
Morning or night, I recommend the Replenish Day Cream SPF15 and Replenish Night Cream. Both are richly nourishing and contain phytoestrogens to give back what time takes away.
Use targeted skincare
Opt for active ingredients that are effective yet gentle (like vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid) and don't forget to include your neck and chest. Both are extensions of your face! A rich product like the Replenish Neck & Décolletage Cream is beneficial, as our necks do tend to get quite dry, and can help to provide a little confidence boost.
Marine Collagen
Support for your skin, bones and joints
- High levels of hydrolysed marine collagen
- Low molecular weight to aid absorption
- Added vitamin C to support collagen formation
Use daily UV protection
UV damage is the number one cause of prematurely aged and pigmented skin, but you can prevent a lot of damage with daily protection. Make it a habit, even in the winter, as UVA rays (which damage elastin, the protein responsible for skin's elasticity) are present all year round. Upgrade to the Daily UV Defence SPF50, packed with extra vitamins to support the skin's radiance.
Enjoy a daily facial massage
Get your blood flowing! I am a huge fan of self-massage, as it can really work wonders on the skin, muscles and connective tissue. I always tell my clients to take their time when they apply their day and night creams: a gentle massage around the jaw and forehead can help relieve tension and give your face a lift. Enjoy it!
Take steps to reduce your stress
Worry and stress age us far quicker than anything else. Equally, try to improve your sleep quality, as this is another vital element for healthy skin. Exercise (anything that gets you moving and the blood circulating) is great for both.
Go pro with a facial
The right facial treatment can be a huge boost to your skin and mood. Some of the amazing cellular regenerating treatments like microcurrent, light therapy and cold lasers all have a cumulative effect and will keep the batteries topped up in your skin cells. Their other advantage is that they don't damage facial fat cells (unlike some treatments that use too much heat.)
Nourish your skin from within
Plenty of fresh, unprocessed foods are essential for the health of your entire body. The bonus is healthy, smooth, and glowing skin with fewer skin problems like acne, eczema, and sensitivity – and definitely fewer wrinkles. I also recommend a collagen supplement to support skin, joints and hair.
Although caring for mature skin is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a consistent routine, your skin will thank you for it.
