Mature Skin: Traits and Treatments

If you’ve noticed that in the past few years your skin has become drier, less supple, and more prone to wrinkles, then you are probably transitioning to a new skin type. You are now dealing with the mature skin type which means you now have new skin issues to address. Keeping your skin looking healthy and vibrant is possible; you just need to make a few changes in your skincare and makeup routine.

Written by Elizabeth Jacobs, Green Health Research Contributor

Mature Skin Treatments: Skincare

Mature skin should be treated gently and with care. It is important to use non-abrasive cleansers and to avoid the use of traditional bar soaps. Bar soap is too drying to mature skin and using a gentle, creamy liquid cleanser will get your skin just as clean without irritating side effects. After washing your skin in warm water (hot water is too drying), gently pat it dry with a towel. Rubbing your skin with a towel is not a good idea as this tugs on the skin and can damage it. Avoid the use of alcohol-based astringents, as alcohol can dry the skin, and as you age astringent becomes less necessary to control oil.

The next step is moisturizing: as your skin ages it is important use heavy moisturizers than you did when your skin was younger. As we age our skin loses moisture at a higher rate, so the moisture you used years ago probably won’t be enough for your skin now. Look for moisturizers that contain antioxidants such as Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) and Vitamin E (also called tocopherol) which neutralize free radical damage and protect your skin from hazards such as wrinkles and skin cancer. Be sure that you’re using a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 daily to protect your skin from any sun damage and dark spots.

Mature Skin Treatments: Cosmetics

Check cosmetic packages as well to see if they include any antioxidants in their ingredient list. Many types of makeup available today do offer antioxidant benefits, and it’s always important to read the label on any product that is going to be on (and naturally be absorbed by) your skin for any significant length of time. Also look products that contain aloe and witch hazel, which naturally protect and tone your skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two more common ingredients which also benefit the skin by acting as natural sunscreens and helping to heal skin damage.

Avoid products containing bismuth oxychloride, an ingredient that gives many different types of makeup a pearly sheen. Bismuth oxychloride is a compound made of copper, lead, and chlorine byproducts and can cause the skin to itch, become dry, and breakout. As we age our skin requires greater care, but this doesn’t mean that this care has to be difficult or time-consuming. Remembering a few simple guidelines is all it takes to have great skin for the rest of your life.