How to take care of your skin between the ages of 60 and 70?

At 60 years old, the skin undergoes significant physiological changes. Indeed, the decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, which begins in our twenties and is accelerated by menopause in women, along with the natural reduction in hydration, makes the skin drier and thinner. The cumulative effects of past exposure to the sun and pollution, as well as hormonal fluctuations, also contribute to weakening the skin and making it more prone to pigmentation spots, loss of firmness, and skin irritations. To promote good skin health, it is important to understand these issues and adapt one's skincare routine. Three steps are particularly essential between the ages of 60 and 70.

• Hydrate and nourish your skin daily.

  Hydration is an essential step in a skincare routine, especially for mature skin. In women, the hormonal drop triggered during menopause leads to significantly reduced sebum secretions. Additionally, the epidermis and dermis thin over time, which exacerbates water loss and weakens the hydrolipidic film. This is compounded by a decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid and levels of natural moisturising factors. To counteract the resulting skin dryness and loss of firmness, enhanced hydration is necessary.

  Among the active ingredients recommended for those aged 60, we can mention ceramides. These molecules, naturally found in the skin, make up about 47% of the lipids in the stratum corneum. A study by GREIVE, conducted on 50 participants aged 70 and under, showed that the daily application of a cream enriched with ceramides could significantly increase skin hydration and improve its barrier function, important properties for mature skin. Ceramides are also capable of playing a significant role in the skin's water retention.

• Exfoliate your skin once to twice a week.

  Exfoliation of the skin is also crucial in the process of ageing. Indeed, as we age, cellular renewal significantly slows down, leading to an accumulation of dead cells on the skin's surface. This accumulation alters the skin's texture and radiance, potentially giving it a dull and rough appearance while exacerbating the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, regularly exfoliating the skin facilitates the absorption of moisturising treatments applied afterwards. There are two main methods of exfoliation : chemical and mechanical. The former, being gentler, are more suitable for the fragility of the skin during the sixties.

  In addition to stimulating cellular renewal, chemical exfoliants can target specific skin concerns. Some of these, such as glycolic acid, also contribute to the improvement of the appearance of wrinkles and brightening of the skin. Others, like gluconolactone, are particularly recommended for sensitive skin prone to easy reddening. Several studies conducted on subjects of varying ages have highlighted the importance of exfoliation in skin care and combating photoaging. These studies have shown that in addition to helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, weekly exfoliation can make the skin softer and may lessen the sun spots.

• Apply a sun protection daily.

  Finally, regardless of one's age, the most crucial advice for skin care is to protect oneself from the sun. The sun is a major cause of skin ageing, and sun exposure is also responsible for the onset of skin cancers such as carcinoma or melanoma. Moreover, as we age, the skin's ability to repair the damage caused by UV rays to DNA and cellular components decreases, thereby increasing the risks. As the skin becomes thinner, it also becomes more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, the immune defences weaken over time, making the skin more susceptible to inflammation.

  Contrary to what one might think, it's never too late to start applying sunscreen. A recent study, conducted on 32 volunteers with an average age of 50, showed that the daily application of an SPF 30 sunscreen could significantly mitigate photoaging. After one year of use, pigmentation spots were reduced by 50%, crow's feet wrinkles by 25%, and the texture of the skin was improved by 40%.

  Using a broad-spectrum sun protection daily not only helps to prevent and reduce sun spots and other signs of skin ageing, but above all, it protects skin health.

• SOUTHALL M. & al. Daily application of a facial broad spectrum sunscreen over a one-year period significantly enhances clinical assessment of photoaging.Dermatologic Surgery(2016).

• FARGNOLI M. & al. Enhancing Skin Ageing, Skin Hydration and Sensitive Skin with Four Specific Skin Care Products: Findings from a Single-Centre, Observational, Prospective Study. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications (2017).

• GREIVE K. & al. A cream designed to replicate the skin's inherent moisturising mechanisms significantly enhances skin hydration. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2018).

• MACLELLAN B. & al. Estrogen-deficient skin: The role of topical therapy. International Journal of Women's Dermatology (2019).

• MOHIUDDIN A. Skin Ageing & Modern Age Anti-Ageing Strategies. International Journal of Clinical Dermatology & Research (2019).