For women, the 50s are a time of many changes, like menopause, when a woman’s hormonal balance is altered by decreased estrogen production. One effect of that is an accelerated aging of the skin, which is why it’s so important rethink your beauty routine once you pass age 50. Here are a few ways to adapt your beauty routine from head to toe, to ensure you’re giving your body what it needs.

What impact does menopause have on the skin?

Starting at about age 30, the levels of collagen and elastin in our skin start declining, as do the levels of fatty acids in our bodies. Because of that, our skin becomes more fragile, loses its radiance, and gradually dries out. It also tends to sag, which also promotes the appearance of wrinkles and changes the overall shape of our bodies.

In addition to menopause, two other periods in life also have an influence on our skin.

1) Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the period that generally begins about four years before menopause, signalling the beginning of hormonal changes. Here are a few signs that perimenopause has begun:

• Thinning of the skin
• Duller, drier skin that’s less firm
• More and deeper wrinkles

2) Post-menopause

During post-menopause, our bodies are still adapting to the changes that happen during menopause. Although many menopausal symptoms are lessened or disappear altogether after menopause, others seem to increase. Changes to the skin during this period include:

• Accelerated aging of the skin
• Greater dehydration of the skin
• Weakening of the skin’s natural barriers

What type of beauty routine should you adopt after age 50?

After age 50, daily cleansing and weekly exfoliation of the face are more important than ever. Here’s how you can maximize the effectiveness of this four-step skincare routine:

1. Wash your face with a gentle, non-irritating moisturizing cleanser.
2. During the day, apply a light, moisturizing day cream with active anti-aging ingredients like proxylane or hyaluronic acid. At night, choose a richer cream (especially if you have dry skin) with firming ingredients like collagen, peptides or shea butter, which are more easily absorbed while you sleep.
3. Use an anti-age serum to enhance the protective effects of your day cream and to help your night-care product do its nourishing and regenerating jobs more effectively.
4. Complete your beauty routine by applying a moisturizing mask once or twice every week.

Our suggestions for the postmenopause

For your hair

Yes, your hair will show signs of aging, too. For example, during menopause, it tends to lose its colouring and density, gradually becoming both dull and brittle. Want to give it more suppleness, shine and life? Here are a few tips…

What products should you choose?

• Give your hair a boost by using gentle products that nourish it while adding both texture and volume.
• Avoid damaging your hair by using chemical-free products when possible.
• If you have silver hair, choose products that enhance shine and prevent nasty yellowing.