Aging can make you shine, especially when you embrace it with confidence. Let go of the notion that saggy skin and wrinkles are inevitable after turning 50.
The not-so-secret hack? It all comes down to how we take care of our skin. Harnessing nature’s power, we have everything we need to maintain our skin’s health and vitality.
More than fancy skincare products, your lifestyle plays a role, too: what you eat, how often you exercise, and how you protect your skin outdoors are all unconditional. The best part? Most of these habits don’t cost a thing. Read our natural tips to keep your skin moisturized and get that radiant glow.
1. Get Enough Sleep
Don’t skimp on beauty sleep! Adequate sleep plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. Studies have found poor sleep disrupts collagen production, the protein that keeps your skin plump and wrinkle-free.
Lack of sleep also leads to dryness, dullness, and uneven tone. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body ramps up cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Moisturizing your skin maintains its elasticity. Choose a moisturizer with natural ingredients to keep your skin supple and protect it from daily aggressors. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts and retains water in your skin. As hyaluronic acid levels decrease with age, use moisturizers with this ingredient to lock in the glow.
On the other hand, reparative moisturizers are packed with vitamins and go beyond hydration. Vitamin C protects the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors, while vitamin E strengthens your skin’s barrier. I make my own natural moisturizers so that I can control all the ingredients better. If you are looking at shop brands, ensure these ingredients are included.
3. Wear Sunscreen
Sun protection is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine. Sunscreen helps prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It shields you from harmful UV rays that cause damage and accelerate skin aging.
For women over 50, it is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, chest, and hands. Reapply every two hours when going outdoors.
4. Stay Hydrated
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it requires hydration to function correctly. Drink plenty of water to improve your skin’s texture, elasticity, and overall health. This natural hack supports the skin’s moisture barrier and prevents dehydration and irritation.
Staying hydrated is a skincare hack many don’t realize is so impactful. It also improves blood flow to the skin, delivers nutrients and oxygen, and detoxifies the body.
5. Cleanse Gently
As the skin ages, it becomes more delicate and sensitive, making it important to use gentle cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils or cause irritation.
When choosing a cleanser, look for skin-protective ingredients like ceramides, which create a strong barrier for the skin. Avoid skin cleansers that contain alcohol, synthetic ingredients, or fragrances. These ingredients can dry out the skin, making it prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Again, I make my own cleansers, in fact, I make all of my own bath and beauty products.
6. Exfoliate Weekly
Exfoliating weekly can benefit women of all ages who want to maintain healthy skin, but it’s important to approach it with care, especially for mature skin.
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. This process can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promote a brighter, more even complexion. However, don’t overdo it; over-exfoliation can lead to redness, dryness, and potentially worsen signs of aging. For your exfoliation routine, consult a dermatologist to determine the ideal frequency based on your unique skin type and climate.
7. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with several benefits for the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. It is essential for maintaining healthy-looking skin and has been shown to help eliminate acne and prevent hyperpigmentation (dark skin patches).
So, how do you take Vitamin C? One way is through oral supplements—they keep the body hydrated and glowing and are safe for all skin types. Another is through Vitamin C serums, which protect the skin from aggressors like pollution by enhancing its natural barrier.
8. Get Enough Exercise
Did you know that exercising gives you a post-workout glow? Exercising improves blood flow, which nourishes skin cells with vital nutrients and oxygen. Increasing blood circulation promotes a radiant complexion and reduces blemishes.
Combining a regular exercise routine with a fitting skincare routine allows you to enjoy a healthy, glowing, and age-defying complexion for a lifetime.
9. Practice Stress Management
Stress triggers negative effects on the skin, such as acne, dryness, and premature aging. Managing stress improves overall well-being and skin health. Combine stress management with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to boost your skin’s health.
Keeping a journal is one way to reduce stress. In your free time, write down thoughts, worries, or things you’re grateful for to help declutter your mind. Moreover, breathing techniques and meditation engage the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “rest and digest” response. These practices combat stress and promote relaxation.
10. Sleep On Silk Pillowcases
Silk pillowcases are made from natural fibers containing amino acids that benefit the skin. They are gentle and soothing for sensitive skin or delicate conditions like eczema. The reduced friction between the skin and the pillowcase minimizes sleep lines and wrinkles, preventing skin aging.
Silk pillowcases also help prevent dryness and regulate temperature, making you comfortable through the night. This reduces the likelihood of sweating in your sleep, which can prevent acne breakouts and clogged pores.
11. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is key for women over 50. A healthy diet, which includes whole foods from all major food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and healthy fats), can help maintain the skin’s health and appearance.
As we age, nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids become even more important for skin and overall health. These skincare superfoods keep skin glowing, maintain muscle mass, and strengthen bones.
12. Massage Your Face
Facial massages aren’t just about pampering. They improve blood circulation and provide lifting and tightening effects to your skin. This relaxing technique also enhances the absorption of your skincare products.
Facial massage techniques include gua sha (for reducing puffiness and boosting circulation), jade rollers (for relaxation and product absorption effects), and lymphatic drainage (for eliminating toxins and brightening skin). They are a simple yet valuable addition to any skincare routine.
13. Use Witch Hazel Toner
Over 50 and looking for a natural toner? Witch hazel is your best bet. This botanical extract, derived from the Hamamelis virginiana plant, has astringent, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing properties. It contains tannins, which act as a deep cleanser by removing surface oils and bacteria from the skin.
Witch hazel toners can also soothe redness, minimize blemishes, and reduce acne. It’s a gentle yet effective way to keep your skin looking fresh and balanced.
14. Limit Sugar Intake
Sugar crash? Your skin takes a hit, too. Sugar overload isn’t just bad for your waistline, it can also ruin your skin. Excess sugar causes inflammation, which can worsen acne, rosacea (facial redness, flushing, and bumps), and eczema.
Sugar also breaks down collagen and elastin, the key players in keeping your skin firm and youthful. To reduce your sugar intake, you can ditch sugary drinks, focus on unprocessed foods, add fruits and veggies to every meal, and read nutrition labels to look out for hidden sugars like high-fructose corn syrup.
15. Try Collagen Supplements
Collagen, a protein, is the building block of healthy skin. It works with hyaluronic acid and elastin to keep your skin plump, elastic, and hydrated. As collagen production naturally declines with age, it leads to wrinkles and thinning skin.
The good news is that collagen supplements can help. Studies show they improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration while reducing wrinkles and roughness. Plus, they’re totally safe for oral consumption.
16. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is nature’s gift for glowing skin. This plant has been a beauty essential for centuries, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to nourish and protect skin.
Aloe vera gel is a natural, lightweight moisturizer that hydrates skin without clogging pores. It soothes and protects against damage, leaving skin soft and supple. After toning, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel.
17. Shield From UV Damage
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can send your skin into a meltdown. It causes sunburn, wrinkles, weakened immunity, and premature aging.
Luckily, aloe vera can act as a natural shield. Apply it to your skin before sun exposure for a lightweight, hydrating barrier. For a more nourishing blend, mix aloe with natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or essential oils. Furthermore, green and black tea contain polyphenols, which can help minimize negative skin reactions after UV exposure.
18. Avoid Drinking Alcohol and Caffeine
Drinking too much alcohol and caffeine can negatively affect mature skin. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, increases upper facial lines, and causes under-eye puffiness, while coffee can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to puffiness and dullness.
The solution? Simple swaps. Opt for hydrating beverages like water or herbal teas. Healthy drinks make your skin radiant and promote a more youthful complexion.
19. Make DIY Face Masks with Natural Ingredients
Making homemade face masks can nourish and address skin concerns without booking an expensive spa visit. Use ingredients like avocado (rich in healthy fats and vitamins), honey (natural skin cell regeneration), aloe vera (soothing and anti-inflammatory), turmeric (calms acne and reduces scarring), and others to create a personalized face mask.
Remember to patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face, and cleanse thoroughly afterward for best results.
20. Add Essential Oils to Your Skincare Routine
Essential oils are nature’s tiny powerhouses for caring for skin. They are natural plant-based compounds that can elevate a skincare routine. Their various properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits, all contribute to a more radiant complexion.
Certain essential oils are particularly well-suited for mature skin: Lavender oil reduces redness, while frankincense oil reduces fine lines and wrinkles. However, essential oils are potent and must be diluted before use. To avoid irritation, mix 1-2 drops of your chosen essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil.
21. An Effective Homemade Wrinkle Cream That Works!
This DIY wrinkle cream recipe is fantastic; it’s one of the first overnight creams I ever made. Aside from being considerably cheaper than commercial store-bought creams, it’s much gentler on your skin and often far more effective.
Get The Recipe: Effective Homemade Wrinkle Cream That Works
22. How To Make A Natural DIY Face Serum For Glowing Skin
I use a DIY face serum to age gracefully and achieve radiant, firm, and hydrated skin. It’s very intensive and highly concentrated. If you use it under your face cream, it will help it penetrate the skin. It will also boost hydration by forming a barrier to reduce water loss.
Get The Recipe: How To Make A Natural DIY Face Serum For Glowing Skin
