Having great skin after 40 may seem like an obstacle course – but it’s totally doable! As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Luckily, with a few simple changes to your routine, you can maintain youthful, glowing skin well into your 50s and beyond.
Renowned esthetician Christine Chin — known to several celebrities including Gisele Bundchen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Karolina Kurkova, and more — has compiled a comprehensive list of the top five most common skincare mistakes people over 40 make. Read on to find out how to avoid these costly mistakes.
Mistake #1: Skipping Face Yoga.
Facial exercises are an essential part of a beauty routine but are often overlooked. They not only help to tighten and firm the skin, but also promote its elasticity. However, facial movements can be tiring and sometimes need to be modified with age. Christine Chin provides the answer with daily facial massage techniques that connect you intimately to your skin in a relaxing way.
With tools like jade rollers and gua shas, you can stimulate your face before you start your day or cleanse it right before bed. A skin care routine with facial exercises is definitely worth it; Take some time each day to pamper yourself and give your skin the attention it deserves!
Mistake #2: Ignoring the true effects of sunscreen.
When we think about the health and beauty of our skin, we usually focus on conventional skin care and makeup products. However, the most important element of skin care must not be forgotten: sun protection.
As of age 40, Christine Chin warns that not using sunscreen during the day can lead to premature wrinkles and pimples. Wearing a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 is an ideal compromise for those who often forget to protect themselves from the sun. Regardless of where you live or the time of year, regular use of these types of products will help keep your skin supple and healthy for years to come.
Mistake #3: Over-exfoliating the skin.
After 40, it’s important to pay attention to how you treat your skin. Unfortunately, while overly strong cleansers and scrubs can leave you feeling deeply cleansed, they can lead to accelerated malnutrition and premature aging.
Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser, or avoid double cleansing altogether, as a harsher approach risks stripping your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and wrinkles over time. Also, beware of overly abrasive toning lotions, which can add extra stress to the skin.
Mistake #4: Overlooking the harmful effects of environmental factors.
When it comes to protecting your skin from the effects of pollution, a mistake many make is not taking preventative measures. This can be a concern as experts agree that even minimal exposure to daily airborne toxins can have harmful effects on our skin over time.
To reduce this risk and streamline your skincare routine, Christine Chin recommends using products fortified with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, green tea, niacinamide, and grape seed. These products can strengthen your skin’s defenses against environmental influences. Remember that these are only prevention techniques; If you already have visible dirt damage due to neglected protective measures, more intensive measures, such as e.g. B. special laser treatments may be required.
Mistake #5: Eating a healthy diet is key to healthy skin.
Eating can seem so automatic and mundane – we often take the opportunity to rest and add a little joy to our lives. But we would all be even less stressed and more radiant if we took responsibility for taking care of our bodies instead. Now, at any age, is the time to start. People who neglect their diet due to laziness or lack of motivation should therefore expect visible long-term changes.
It’s never too late to make adjustments that can slow aging: Stock up on fresh veggies, good fats and co-calcifying veggies, try lemon tea when you need a relaxing break, or stock your bag with essential supplements like vitamin A, C and D3. Also, don’t forget the probiotics. With simple daily changes, you have a great foundation for beautiful skin inside and out.