To start, it’s important to preface that ageing is not something to dread; in fact, it’s a beautiful and natural process that should be celebrated. Every wrinkle, every grey hair, and every change we see in the mirror is a reflection of our lives and experiences.
While we are all aware of the visual changes that appear with getting older, it can also be helpful to know why they happen.
How Skin Changes Beneath the Surface as We Age
Wrinkles are like the poster child for ageing. They often become the most recognisable signs of ageing, showing up like little lines on our foreheads, around our eyes, and on our hands. It’s guaranteed that they will show up sooner or later, but why do we get them?
Sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits behind wrinkles. Think about all those summers spent on the beach without sunscreen or just those everyday moments when we forget to protect our skin. UV rays from the sun break down the collagen and elastin fibres that keep our skin firm and bouncy. When these fibres are damaged, our skin can’t snap back into place as easily, leading to the wrinkles we see in the mirror.
Lifestyle choices also play a huge role in how our skin ages. Smoking, for instance, constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the skin, which deprives it of oxygen and essential nutrients. Over time, this accelerates the ageing process, making wrinkles more prominent. Similarly, drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate the skin, causing it to look dry and lined. Even what we eat matters. A diet that lacks essential vitamins and nutrients can speed up the breakdown of collagen, leaving skin less elastic and more prone to wrinkles. Add the natural pull of gravity and the fact that our bodies produce less collagen as we get older, and it’s no surprise that our skin starts to wrinkle.
Another sign of ageing that many of us notice is the appearance of dark spots, sometimes called age spots or liver spots. Unlike freckles that come and go with sun exposure, these spots tend to stick around and are usually larger and more noticeable. They often appear on parts of our bodies that have seen the most sun over the years, like our faces, hands, shoulders, and arms. What’s happening is our skin’s way of protecting itself. Over time, the skin produces more melanin, which is the pigment that gives our skin its colour. This extra melanin can clump together, forming those dark spots that become more common as we age.
Beneath the surface, other changes are taking place. Our skin cells naturally become thinner, and our melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for pigment, decrease in number. This can give our skin a thinner, more translucent appearance. On top of that, our sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils, become less active. This leads to drier skin that can feel rough and look less radiant. These changes are all part of the natural ageing process, but understanding them helps us respond with the right care and treatment.
Essential Skincare Habits for Healthy, Glowing Skin
Even if we’re just starting to see the first signs of ageing, it’s never too late to adopt a routine that can make a difference. The earlier we start with good habits, the better. That being said, as we near our fifties, our bare minimum skincare regime should look like this:
Cleanse
Washing our face daily is essential for keeping our skin clean and healthy. Using a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils is key, especially for mature skin, which can be more sensitive. Pairing cleansing with mild exfoliation a couple of times a week can help get rid of dead skin cells, encouraging new cell turnover and keeping our skin looking fresh and smooth.
Treat
Treating our skin with targeted products can make a big difference, especially when it comes to dealing with hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a popular ingredient that dermatologists often recommend. It encourages skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and even out skin tone. If you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start slowly, as it can be quite potent and sometimes cause irritation. Another fantastic ingredient is vitamin C. Not only does it help brighten the complexion, but it also combats free radicals that can speed up ageing. Regular use of vitamin C can fade dark spots and give the skin a more youthful, glowing appearance.
Moisturise
Moisturising is another crucial part of keeping our skin looking its best as we age. As we enter our thirties and forties, our body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid starts to decline. This substance is essential for maintaining moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. Without enough hyaluronic acid, fine lines become more noticeable. Using a serum that contains hyaluronic acid can help restore moisture levels. At the same time, a rich, vitamin-infused moisturiser can protect the skin barrier and keep our skin feeling soft and supple.
SPF
And, of course, let’s not forget about sun protection. It might seem like just another step in the skincare routine, but it’s one of the most important. Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature skin ageing. Worse yet, prolonged exposure without protection can lead to skin cancer. To guard against these harmful effects, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, rain or shine. Daily use of sunscreen can prevent much of the damage that leads to ageing skin and keep our complexion looking youthful for longer.
Ageing is a universal experience, and while it brings changes, it also comes with so many wonderful gifts. Instead of worrying about each wrinkle or grey hair, let’s try to shift our perspective. Taking care of our skin is not just about looking youthful; it’s about feeling good in our skin and treating ourselves with kindness and care. By embracing a skincare routine that nourishes and protects, we are not only enhancing our appearance but also practising self-care.
