What to do to improve your skin after 50

After 50, our skin becomes drier, less elastic, and lines and spots are more visible.

The key to maintaining a healthy glow and reducing those nasty little lines?

Lots of hydration, skin protection, and a few smart skincare choices.

I have become a big fan of two powerful ingredients that can make a difference to your skincare: hyaluronic acid (HA) and peptides.

Understanding hyaluronic acid (HA)

Our skin produces Hyaluronic acid (HA), the magical substance that helps us retain moisture.

As we age, the production of HA slows down, and our skin becomes dry.

HA helps the skin appear fuller and smoother.

How to use hyaluronic acid

*Test it out on a small patch of skin before you start using HA and any facial cream.

• Apply HA in the morning after cleansing.
• Give it a few minutes to absorb before following with moisturizer and SPF. If your skin is very dry, apply Hyaluronic Acid at night as well.

My favorite HA is the one made by La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum.

It contains two types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 and does a super job of hydrating the skin. It also has Madecassoside, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Roche-Posay’s products are excellent and budget-friendly.  

Peptides and your skincare

Peptides are amino acids that help your skin produce more collagen and elastin. They are also anti-inflammatory, improve skin firmness, and, like HA, help retain moisture.

Did you know Apples have peptides? So the apple a day saying is very true! Apples can help with skincare and many other things!

How to use a serum with peptides

*Test it on a skin patch to make sure you are not allergic.

Start by applying them to clean your skin twice weekly, then increase as your skin adjusts. Peptides work well with HA, making HA ideal for morning use and peptides at night.

You can also find peptide serums and creams with HA, such as the one from Ordinary, which I am using now and loving!

Why should you use serums?

Use serums to help retain moisture in your skin.

I started applying serums during the winter when my skin became too dry, and I could not find a cream that kept it moist all day.

I apply face cream over the serums, and my skin feels great all day.

What happens to your skin after 50?

• Reduced moisture retention
• Thinner, more fragile skin
• Loss of elasticity
• Wrinkles
• Increased pigmentation and age spots

The solution:  Hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin.

Simple skincare

• Minimize sun exposure: Wear SPF.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods.
• Use gentle cleansers: Harsh soaps strip natural oils.
• Moisturize daily: Lock in hydration with HA and peptides.
• Add antioxidants to your diet: Fresh vegetables and fruits support skin health from within.

Keep your skin clean naturally with my favorite DIY honey mask

I apply my DIY honey mask once a week  It makes my skin very smooth and does an excellent job cleaning it; honey is antibacterial.

Recipe for honey cleanser

• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• Mix well

Massage lightly onto your face and let it sit for at least 15 minutes  Rinse with warm water- do not use soap to clean it off.

My honey has a story!

My honey comes from a local producer up in the Sintra hills of Portugal It’s exquisite I always buy a few bottles because I never know when the producer will have it.

Did you know you should only use wooden or plastic spoons inside the honey container?

So, my latest skin moisturizing adventure is working well. I can see a big difference since I started using the serums with HA and peptides. I love that they are affordable and of excellent quality.

• I am not affiliated with any of these companies.

Resources:

Cleveland Clinic

NIH

About Peptides

My skincare and facialist expert in Portugal

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