7 Steps for Healthy Skin After the Age of 50

Skincare for women after the age of 50 often focuses on keeping the skin look younger. But instead of trying to maintain a youthful appearance, you need to work on keeping your skin healthy. When your skin is healthy, you look great no matter your age. 

Here are 7 steps you need to take to keep your skin healthy and beautiful after the age of 50. 

1. Maintain hydration levels

To keep your skin healthy and beautiful, you need to drink enough water. Dehydration can make your skin dry, dull, and prone to wrinkles. Moreover, with age, you become more susceptible to dehydration. It is crucial to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Avoid drinking sugary drinks like soda. While soda doesn’t hydrate you properly, it can cause overall body inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of premature aging and other serious health problems. 

2. Don’t neglect skin cleansing

It is important to wash your face twice a day and remove makeup before bed to keep your skin healthy and fresh-looking. Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face. Avoid using hot water because it can damage the skin and increase sebum production. It also isn’t recommended to use abrasive face scrubs because they damage and dry out your skin. 

3. Protect your skin from the sun

Any skincare plan should be based on protection from the negative effect of the sun. Exposure to the sun without protection can leave you prone to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and make the skin dull. Moreover, the history of sunburns increases your risk of skin cancer significantly. No matter your age and current weather, you need to wear sunscreen on each part of your body that isn’t covered with clothing. 

4. Avoid long, hot bathing

A long and hot bath can be relaxing and good for your mental state, but not as good for your skin. Spending too much time in the hot water dries the skin and makes it more prone to wrinkles. If you like bathing, try to lower the temperature of the water and limit the bathing time to 15 minutes. Apply a moisturizing cream on your face and body immediately after a bath to prevent skin dryness. 

5. Use a humidifier

The environment where you live plays a key role in your skin health. Dry air, especially in an air-conditioned environment, can make your skin rough, dry, and decrease its elasticity. Dry air may also worsen your skin’s natural barrier function and make it vulnerable to environmental pollutants. You can add a whole-house humidifier to your heating equipment or opt for a small one in the room where you spend most of the day. 

6. Eat a healthy diet

Diet plays a key role in your skin health. The foods you eat can affect your risk of age spots, premature aging signs, and skin cancer. If you want to improve the health of your skin, you need to eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and younger-looking. A healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals can improve your skin tone, complexion, and enhance its overall appearance. 

7. Exfoliate your skin

Skin exfoliation is an important part of the skin care routine. It isn’t recommended to use abrasive scrubs, so you can choose other cosmetics with exfoliating properties. Over-the-counter cosmetics with fruit acids or salicylic acid perfectly remove dead skin cells, prevent breakouts, and smooth fine lines. You can use exfoliating creams or gels several times a week to ensure skin health and improve appearance.