Skin Care in Your 60s, 70s, and Beyond
Have you ever noticed that skin care after 50 seems publicly non-existent? After a certain number of birthdays, the world stops talking to you. No more products, no more articles, no more advertising. It's like they assume you stop caring about your skin. Let's change that!Everyone ages differently. But certain conditions like dryness, thinness, age spots, wrinkles, and sensitivity are common for most. It's easy to look in the mirror and think, "maybe it's too late." But the key is not to focus on younger skin, but on healthy skin.
1. Cleanse. Cleansing your skin morning and night is just as important in your 70s as it is in your 20s. Choose products that remove oils without stripping your skin. Suffering from menopausal acne? Try a cleanser with alpha-hydroxy acid twice a week.
2. Exfoliate. Your skin is constantly regenerating, but cell turnover slows significantly as years go by. Gentle exfoliation can help speed up the process by sloughing away dead skin and pushing damaged cells up and out. Facing dark spots? Consider a daily spot treatment with hydroquinone.
3. Smooth. The key to creating a smoother-looking complexion is moisturizing. Consider double-duty formulations that contain a humectant (to draw in water) and a sealer (to prevent it from evaporating). Incorporating retinols and antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 and vitamins C and E can also help minimize skin imperfections by increasing collagen production.
4. Protect. Sunscreen use can significantly slow the signs of aging, so slather up. It's important to use a product with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. And see your dermatologist if you experience any rough patches, pimples that don't heal, or bumps that bleed easily.