Mature Skin: Is It Really a Skin Type
Mature skin is generally a way of saying that skin is showing signs of aging. As you get older, your skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner. Changes in your skin as you age are normal (and beautiful), but you may be looking for ways to put aging on pause and keep your skin looking youthful.
There are a number of things you can do before you reach the mature skin stage. There are also ways to treat and cover this type of skin if you are already there. We are going to go over everything you need to know about mature skin, what it is, what skincare you should be doing, and how to freshen it up with makeup.
What Is Mature Skin?
Technically skin can't be 'mature,' but time definitely takes its toll on our skin. If you can see fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage, you may have mature skin.
There isn't a set age when your skin suddenly reaches this stage. It all depends on your genetics, lifestyle, skincare, hormones, and diet. Typically, people over the age of 35 begin showing signs of mature skin. As you get older, the metabolism of your cells slows down, and your collagen production decreases. Collagen is what keeps your skin from sagging and gives you that plump, youthful appearance.
You can be doing things that are unintentionally speeding up the rate at which your skin matures, like excessive drinking, eating a diet high in sugary foods, and smoking. All of these things are not great for your body and thus not great for your skin, but smoking is one of the worst. It chronically deprives your skin of oxygen and nutrients.
Nonetheless, no matter your habits, good or bad, everyone ends up with mature skin since there is only so much you can do to avoid aging. Although, prevention is the best way to keep your skin looking younger for longer.
How To Tell if You Have Mature Skin
Several characteristics can help you determine whether or not you have mature skin. One of the most evident signs that you may have mature skin is experiencing a loss of firmness. Young and youthful skin will bounce back easily thanks to elastin and collagen. However, you lose these qualities as you age. A not-so-fun part of aging is that your dead skin cells don't shed as quickly. Therefore, you're not generating new healthy cells, and your skin starts looking rougher.
Another characteristic is signs of sun damage. When you're younger, you can get sunburned and tan, and your skin can still look perfect. However, your skin will show damage when you’re older. A quick way to look old fast is to expose your skin to the sun constantly. Always try to use sunblock when you're going outside. Your skin will thank you later!
Dry skin is another characteristic of mature skin. Your skin doesn't produce as many natural oils when you age, and you become prone to dryness. This decrease in oil will happen even if you have oily skin now. Without proper hydration, you can end up with more fine lines and wrinkles, and your skin can look dull.
Skincare for Mature Skin
Proper skincare is crucial when you're trying to slow down the signs of aging. If you're doing the right routine for your skin, you can prevent getting mature skin prematurely.
The first thing to remember is that hydrated skin is happy skin. Moisturize your face, moisturize your under eyes, and moisturize your lips. Your eye area is one of the first places where fine lines develop. A good eye cream can help the area stay plump and looking youthful. Another important product to use, no matter your skin type, is sunscreen since the sun ages the skin.
If you haven't reached the mature skin stage, you'll want to customize your skincare based on your skin type. You either have dry, oily, combination, or normal skin. As the names suggest, if your face feels rough or gets dry spots, you have dry skin. If you look shiny and feel oily, you have oily skin. If you have some dry areas but an oily t-zone, you have combination skin. If you're lucky enough to have a perfect balance, you have normal skin.
Beneficial Skincare Ingredients For Mature Skin
These ingredients will help skin young and old, but they are especially helpful for mature skin types.
- Retinol: A retinoid helps your skin by speeding up its normal cell-turnover process. It causes your skin cells to shed more quickly, and that helps with fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. There is also research that shows it can help increase collagen production.
- Glycerin: Glycerin moisturizes the skin by pulling the water up from below the skin's surface to the top layers.
- Ferulic Acid: Ferulic acid is an antioxidant, which helps protect your skin from environmental stressors, thus slowing down the signs of aging.
Makeup For Mature Skin
If you are looking for ways to address your new skin concerns thanks to mature skin, you can switch up your beauty routine.
Look For a Liquid Foundation
Since mature skin is drier and hydration is your new best friend, you want a moisturizing foundation. A liquid foundation is the one that provides the most hydration. A buildable foundation formula that won't make you look cakey is ideal, like HIDE Premium Foundation. It's ultralightweight, so it won't settle in fine lines and wrinkles.
Try Warmer Shades
Opt for a slightly warmer shade of foundation and concealer than your skin tone. Typically, you want an exact match for your skin, but it can make you look a little washed out as you get older. Instead, introduce a little warmth to your face with a shade that's warmer than your natural skin tone.
Use Concealer
Your eyes are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. You can have dark circles, puffiness, and age spots. A good concealer is going to be key. You want one that has a hydrating formula and great coverage, like HIDE Premium Concealer. It can completely cover all of your imperfections.
Mature Skin Problems
Mature skin can also come with changes and issues you didn't expect. For example, you may never have struggled with acne before, and now you’re getting a few pimples here and there. When a woman is going through menopause, hormonal changes can lead to breakouts. Your pores can enlarge during menopause, making it easier for them to become clogged and develop acne.
Dry skin is also a common problem for people with mature skin. The dryness ramps up in the winter and can cause skin patchiness and itchiness. This is another reason why you should moisturize your skin regularly to avoid flaky skin.
There is also the possibility of developing skin diseases as your skin matures. Skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea can occur in old age. Certain forms of eczema only appear between the ages of 55-65. If you ever feel like a change could be serious, like new textures or growths, consult your dermatologist.
In Summary
The best way to keep your skin looking young and fresh is to take preventative measures. Good lifestyle choices and proper skincare can do wonders, but eventually, we all will have mature skin.
Once you have mature skin, you should still continue your anti-aging skincare. However, you may also need to switch up your beauty routine and opt for hydrating cosmetics, like HIDE premium products. Makeup can add an extra layer of protection against the sun. HIDE foundation and concealer isn't too heavy and will cover all your problem areas!
Sources:
Smoking and its effects on the skin | DermNet NZ
The Effects of Aging on Skin: Dry Skin, Loose Skin, and More | Web MD