Beauty News

Top skincare tips for women over 50

Skincare advice that all women over 50 years should know.
Anti-Ageing skincare tips

Things start to change as our skin ages. Products that worked well in the past may not suit us any more.

We talk to Annie Porter (68), one of the founders of New Zealand skincare brand Nellie Tier, who knows all about mature skin. Here is her top tips for beautiful looking skin after 50.

How does skin change as a woman matures?

Ageing brings a loss of elastin and collagen – the two proteins that support the skin’s strength and shape. Oil production and cell turnover also slow down. Skin loses tone, becomes more fragile, drier and less elastic. The signs of historical abuse, ie sun damage and smoking, also become obvious.

Products to try: Olay Regenerist Revitalising is deeply hydrating and non-greasy. It includes a Hydration Cream SPF15 $34.99, a Night Cream $54.99 and an Eye Cream $34.99.

What needs to change in their skincare regime?

Top of my list would be hydration – it can transform the way your skin looks and feels. Equally important is proteins – look for products loaded with antioxidants and vitamins to help neutralise free radicals and protect from environmental damage. I love ingredients like pomegranate, rosehip, rice bran, green tea, sea buckthorn and marine collagen. These have wonderful healing and rejuvenating qualities. At Nellie Tier, we also add essential oils for their therapeutic qualities. Rose, jasmine, clary sage, frankincense, carrot seed and rose geranium have all been used for centuries in the pursuit of healthy mature beauty – they are not just pretty smells.

What sort of ingredients may be too harsh or active?

Avoid anything that dries your skin or threatens its fragility. Switch soap for cleansing oils and creams. Choose exfoliators that aren’t abrasive. Use warm water rather than hot. Plaster on the sunscreen and be aware that wind, cold and artificial heating are detrimental.

Nellie Tier Face Polish, $29, and Nellie Tier Hydrating Mask, $45.

Do we need to rethink how often we exfoliate and mask?

Both are still important. Regular exfoliation encourages the growth of new healthy cells and allows for the better absorption of other products. Mature skin is fragile, so make sure your exfoliator is gentle. I use my Nellie Tier Face Polish $29 at least twice a week. Older, drier skin needs all the moisture it can get so I follow up with our Nellie Tier Hydrating Mask $45.

Products to try: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Premiere Intense (back left) – Includes a Moisture And Renewal Activation Cream SPF30 $184, to boost cell turnover.  Avon Anew Platinum (left foreground) – Skin firmness is targeted by this range, which promises to smooth complexions. There’s a Day Cream SPF15 $50, a Night Cream $50 and an Eye And Lip Cream $40 (right).

What’s a common mistake older women make?

A lot of women reach their mid-sixties and simply can’t be bothered any more.

What is beautiful mature skin?

Healthy – all the lotions and potions in the world are not going to help without good diet, sleep and exercise!

Products to try: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Intense Nutrition range. There’s a Pro-Calcium Night Cream $39.99, Day Cream $39.99, Night Cream $39.99 and Serum $44.99.

What skincare advice would you give your granddaughters?

Put on sunblock every day and don’t smoke!

Take a look at these top five budget beauty tips here.

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