As you get closer to entering your golden years, looking after your skin can jump higher to your list of self-care priorities. Let’s face it, the quality of your skin is usually the initial feature people notice when they see you. It doesn’t make a difference how flawless your makeup is, if you don’t feel good in your natural skin.
BlackDoctor.Org is here to help you discover how to show off a clean, clear canvas to the world with easy-to-follow skin care tips and tricks to help keep the glow over 50. Here’s to saving face!
1. Use Sun Protection
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can make you age prematurely, which ultimately results in wrinkles and shifts to the pigment of your skin.
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To protect yourself, try to make it a daily habit to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when spending time outside during daylight hours. You should also wear protective clothes, get under shade whenever possible, and stay away from tanning beds.
2. Fuel up with Whole Foods and H2O On the Go
No matter what age you are, staying hydrated is key to maintaining optimal skin health. Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day—at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. You can also incorporate water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet to enhance your water intake.
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in the right nutrients is ideal for healthy skin. Try to have a good amount of whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as olive oil or avocado in your day-to-day consumption.
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Some foods may also have anti-aging qualities—for instance, omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other cold-water fish can help protect your skin from damage. Vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, zinc, and silica are also imperative for happy, healthy skin. BlackDoctor.Org highly suggests avoiding processed foods containing high levels of sugar, saturated fats, and sodium—as these can accelerate aging and wrinkles.
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3. Go With Gentle Cleansing
As you get older, your skin starts to gradually thin out and become more fragile. That’s why it’s crucial to use a gentle cleanser that won’t get rid of your skin’s natural oils or provoke irritation. Search for cleansers with “oil-free” labels and avoid products with any harsh detergents or alcohols.
If you’re prone to blemishes, oil-free moisturizers won’t clog your pores.
4. Prioritize The Need to Regularly Moisturize
Using a moisturizer consistently helps keep your skin properly hydrated, which can help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Make sure to use a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 to help offer your skin protection from the sun.
Use rich, shea butter-infused creams to give your dry skin the hydration it requires.
5. Embrace Radiance Through Retinoids
Retinoids are composed of vitamin A and can help combat wrinkles, make skin tone and texture better, and boost a healthy production of collagen, which is a super beneficial protein that helps give your skin its youthful, radiant glow.
The most basic of skincare routines is a dealbreaker. Don’t think twice about it - clean, tone, and moisturize like your life (and skin) depends on it every day. This should become a morning and nightly ritual.
6. Make Lukewarm Showers Your New Norm
If you don’t want to deal with dry skin, try dropping your water temperature to lukewarm in the shower. Try to use a moisturizing cleansing bar and treat your skin with proper moisture through your favorite scented (or unscented) cream or lotion right after getting dry.
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7. Drop Dark Spots Like It’s Hot
As tempting as it may be, try not to go ham popping any acne to prevent any dark spots from forming. To treat hyperpigmentation, test out an acne cleanser with salicylic acid.
To get rid of dark spots and brighten your skin, use products with hydroquinone. It works by inhibiting enzymes that create excessive pigmentation.
Celebrating Your Lifelong Beauty - One Skincare Regimen at a Time
The older you get, the wiser you should be when it comes to your skincare. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can keep your beautiful, Black skin glowing and healthy in richness and vitality, well into your 50s and beyond.
