Anti-aging skin care at 60: what really works and why

The anti aging skin care industry spends millions researching miracle creams and telling us about them. All a bit confusing, right? Those high-tech ingredients make it sound like a chemistry class.

Women age 60 and older have different skin care needs than younger women.

The most important of those needs is hydration. We can achieve smoother, more supple skin by using every method available to hydrate the skin inside and out. Probably the most important aspect of maintaining our body’s health is maintaining its moisture content. We can survive weeks without food but only days without water!

Dermatologists tell us that the aging process begins almost unbelievably at the age of 20! It’s no wonder, then, that at the age of 60 there can be some unwanted changes. Without giving you a biology lesson, I will briefly explain the structure of facial skin and the changes that occur. By understanding these facts, it will become clear why miracle creams, expensive as they are, are not the answer.

The top layer (the one everyone sees) is the epidermis, the cells that are produced at the base of this layer take up to thirty days to reach the surface and must be swollen and full of moisture. The next layer down is the Dermis, where we find Collagen and Elastin responsible for supporting and filling the skin giving it strength, resistance and the ability to stretch but, more importantly, the ability to prevent sagging. The subcutaneous layer is below and is mainly fatty content but vital for maintaining facial contours.

What happens…?

As you can imagine, removing moisture from the equation results in; slowing down of cell replacement, surface cells get tired and dry, skin looks thinner and paler. Collagen and elastin production is also reduced, leading to loss of support, elasticity, and eventually sagging! Without the fat content of the subcutaneous layer, the overall effect is flatter, thinner, drier and prone to wrinkles.

In essence, the message is to hydrate the skin both internally and externally!

Water intake throughout the day is vital not only for all bodily functions but also for the maintenance of the body’s largest organ, the skin. Test the skin on the back of your hand by pinching it for a moment. If it returns to its place, it is sufficiently hydrated. If the skin is slow to return to its flat position, your skin is somewhat dehydrated. Drink more plain water and less coffee, tea and alcohol, as these are dehydrating.

Your skin care should emphasize day and night thorough cleansing and peeling to remove old, dry cells from the skin’s surface. Your day and night skincare products can be optimally absorbed. Anti-aging serums used daily provide moisture and help the skin prevent moisture loss.

A healthy night’s sleep is important as the skin is in repair mode at night. Treat your skin to a sumptuous anti-aging balm or night cream that will hydrate, nourish and plump your skin while you sleep. Wake up to new, fresh, more supple skin. Use the day to get fresh air and regular light exercise and your skin will thank you by showing a healthy color.

the best news is that there are a plethora of remarkable anti-aging skin care products on the market, in all categories and price ranges. They don’t have to be expensive, but they do have to be used regularly. Choose the right combination and you can achieve better hydration, rejuvenate skin cell production and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.