Skincare in your 50s
Elissa O’Keefe of Science Skincare discusses maintaining younger-looking skin
George Orwell famously said, “At 50, everyone has the face he deserves.” I turned 56 last month, and I’m happier with my skin now than at 16. And I feel like I deserve this face because I’ve invested research, time, energy and money into it for a long time! Here are my five key skin health tips.
#1 Sun protection is the cornerstone of skin health
I’ve worn sunscreen every day for 40 years, and it has helped slow the development of wrinkles and sunspots. I only use a tinted mineralbased (zinc and titanium) sunscreen with an SPF25 because it’s low irritant while giving amazing colour coverage. It also has skin-supporting ingredients to slow ageing.
#2 I buy the best quality skincare I can afford that’s backed by evidence
I’ve never wavered from this. When I was ten, it was a smelly astringent from our poshest department store. If it’s cheap, it probably doesn’t have quality active ingredients you need; if it promises to erase wrinkles overnight, count me out. Look for science-based active ingredients and before and after images that aren’t manipulated.
#3 Vitamins are for the outside too
I don’t take oral vitamin supplements except B12 because I have a lab-tested deficiency. However, I do use products with vitamin A, B3/B5, C and E in my daily skincare regimen. My routine is four steps in the morning and also at night, and it takes 30 seconds. I also stick with one brand rather than mixing ranges.
#4 Don’t be averse to skin treatments or cosmetic injectables
Laser, IPL, skin needling and medical-grade peels are invaluable for plumping and moisturising skin. As we age, we lose bone mass and our faces start to move down. Well-placed dermal fillers can restore structure to cheeks and jawline, while muscle relaxants can soften and prevent wrinkles.
#5 I love being an older woman and owning how my face and body look
I don’t want to look 30; I want to be known for my wisdom, authenticity and kindness, not my absence of wrinkles. I love my crow’s feet – so much laughing and smiling has happened to get these. I’m eating well, reducing alcohol and recently got into electro muscular stimulation (EMS) training, with great results. I also take HRT, which makes me feel less anxious and helps with sleep.