As we know, our skin continues to change as we age. However, that doesn’t mean that once you pass the 50-year mark that good skin days are a thing of the past! Debbie Thomas, founder of The D.Thomas Clinic, shares her tips for adapting your skincare routine to manage these changes, and what common mistakes you should avoid.
How does the skin change after 50, and what specific concerns should we focus on?
“The main change is that everything slows down, regeneration and healing become sluggish. This shows as textural changes like larger pores, wrinkles forming and skin dropping. As skin becomes less robust and healthy, you can see other concerns like pigmentation, redness or irritation becoming more pronounced. These changes are due to hormonal changes within the body.”
What does an ideal daily skincare routine look like for someone over 50?
“You need to focus on repairing and protecting. In the morning use a gentle cleanser, apply an antioxidant serum, one containing ingredients like Vitamin C or Astaxanthin, follow with a hydrating SPF with a factor of 30-50. In the evening cleanse the skin twice to remove all daily grime, use a repairing serum containing peptides and growth factors these help to strengthen the skin, add in a retinol several times a week to promote healthier cell turnover. Finish with a hydration product containing barrier-boosting ceramides.”
How can stress and hormonal changes affect the skin over 50 and how can we manage these effects?
“The first step I recommend to my clients is seeking support in balancing hormones; it is rarely something we can manage ourselves. Up you home care routine, this means more targeted products not a more complex routine.
Consider next-level skin treatments, energy-based treatments like lasers can really strengthen skin for preventative care as well as target more immediate concerns. These treatments leave you looking fresher but natural.”
What are some common skincare mistakes people over 50 make, and how can they be avoided?
“Using too many or the wrong products will often exacerbate skin issues.
Many people get comfortable with a routine or products they have been using for years. But if your skin has changed you need to update your routine to suit.”
Can sun damage from earlier years still be reversed or mitigated?
“Not totally reversed but with the right home care and professional treatments we can counteract many of the symptoms caused by UV damage.”
