The ultimate beauty routine to get mature skin summer-ready
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Summer is perhaps the most difficult season when it comes to the health and well-being of your skin. While the cold temperatures of winter can lead to dryness, during the summer there’s the increased humidity and high UV index to deal with. While people with eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis notice a flare-up in their symptoms when it’s cold outside, others find summer weather to be the main culprit. Add to that the fact that summer also brings a higher incidence of outdoor allergens and increased sweating, and you get a very clear picture of why the summer months require a different skincare regimen.
Depending on your age, your skin has different needs. Mature skin, typically defined as the akin of people who are at least in their 40s, is often not discussed in-depth, as the industry focuses on the younger cohorts. The ageism of the beauty sector is no secret, but there is now steady progress set to replace this outdated mentality and provide efficient skincare and wellness products for middle-aged and older adults as well. So, with that in mind, here are some of the steps that should be part of your skincare routine when you’re getting ready for the warm months.
Problem and solution
Skin comes with a different set of potential issues regardless of age. In the case of mature skin, you might notice that skin is drier than it used to be and also thinner and more dull. Slackness, hyperpigmentation, age spots and wrinkles are common concerns as well. While they are entirely normal and not a sign of illness, you might feel more comfortable reducing their appearance. If that is the case for you, you need to find products that can target these problems directly. Good skincare isn’t about modifying the look of your face but more about protecting your skin, eliminating any discomfort you might feel, and minimising the damage resulting from external factors.
Hyaluronic acid
One of the most well-known skincare terms, hyaluronic acid is a gooey substance the body produces naturally, and which is found predominantly in the joints, skin and eyes. Starting from your 40s, hyaluronic levels begin to drop, meaning fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable. Topical applications of hyaluronic acid are effective at replenishing it in your skin, which is why it is a well-known ingredient in moisturisers and serums. COSRX, one of the best-selling Korean skincare brands, has one of the best hyaluronic acid serums you can find on the market, with a lightweight formula that attracts and retains moisture for a long time.
Since it uses three different types of the ingredient, it also stimulates the production of your skin’s own hyaluronic acid to improve the resilience.
Collagen
Collagen is another popular skincare ingredient that the body produces naturally. Similar to hyaluronic acid, your natural collagen reserves decrease with age. Doing a daily facial massage can boost production, as well as improve cell turnover and blood flow, and reduce fluid build-up. Korean skincare incorporates the use of supplements as well, with collagen being one of the most popular, alongside ginseng, vitamins C and D and probiotics.
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, promotes skin renewal when applied topically. You can find several repair serums, reactivating masks, creams, eye serums and gels, as well as night creams containing retinoids in Korean Skincare routines. Retinol also stimulates the natural collagen production, leaving the skin rejuvenated and softer. However, it also increases sun sensitivity. If you are prone to forgetting to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, you can use your retinol product as part of your night routine.
Suncare
Being in the sun can lift your mood and provide you with energy. Just as little as ten minutes of exposure around midday can be enough to maintain optimal vitamin D blood levels. Vitamin D is essential for healthy immune function and protects you from osteoporosis. However, spending too much time in the sun is also linked to a heightened risk of serious, potentially life-threatening disease. Too much sun doesn’t just result in redness and sunburn but is also the cause of premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, broken blood vessels, melasma, spots and blisters. In extreme cases, it can also cause eye damage, actinic keratosis and structural skin damage that is completely irreversible.
Make sure you wear sunscreen every day, even if it’s not sunny outside. Even when you’re inside, if you’re close to a window, the harmful rays can still harm your skin. Ideally, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours as well, as the efficiency of the initial application wears off throughout the day. Vitamin C and retinol can reverse sun damage, so you should incorporate them into your daily routine. The former regulates melanin production, preventing it from building up in certain areas of your skin and creating an uneven skin tone.
Blemishes
Blemishes, including sun and age spots, as well as acne scarring (yes, adult-onset acne can occur even in your 40s or 50s), can be pretty pesky and challenging to get rid of. Adding a chemical exfoliant to your routine will help to get rid of the uneven skin tone and give you a smoother complexion. Make sure you don’t exceed three applications per week or less if your skin is sensitive. Exfoliating too much can cause redness, irritation, tightness and peeling.
A brightening vitamin C serum can help as well, but if you feel like you’re not making enough progress, you should visit a dermatologist and get a prescription for a more potent treatment. You will also need a good moisturiser that can restore the skin barrier and provide antioxidant protection. Look for creams or lotions that are rich and can seal in the hydration of the toners, serums and ampoules you use. They will protect your skin and keep it safe from the influence of external factors. Snail mucin creams can provide adequate skin healing, calm irritation and boost collagen production.
As skin ages, it has different needs. The best way to meet these demands is to create a comprehensive skincare routine and stick to it. You should pay attention to your skin and find out what it likes and doesn’t. It can take a little trial and error to find the best products for you, but it is worth the effort.
Image from Unsplash+
This article is for information only. If you have any concerns about the health of your skin or the suitability of skincare products for your personal use, please consult your medical practitioner or a skincare expert.
