For us mature women, tentatively opening the beauty section of a magazine or newspaper is akin to being repeatedly prodded in the ribs with a skeletal finger.
Not content with reminding us how we’re losing our elasticity, our smoothness and our moisture, youthful beauty writers tend to suggest that hitting 50 is the final nail in our precious skin’s coffin.
But we know better.
Admittedly, as the candles on our birthday cake increase, our skin’s suppleness does tend to dwindle – although that’s no reason to throw a wobbly over wrinkles.
No! We should be accepting of the way our bodies look in our autumn years! After all, real beauty comes from within, don’t you know? Giving nature a little boost certainly does no harm, though.
Although we’re never going to look as good as we did in our 20s, our goal should be to love the skin we’re in now by implementing the latest tips and tricks in our everyday beauty regime.
Far from being miracle workers, however, the tips below are designed to help you embrace your maturity and cast a knowing wink at callous “experts” who forget that old age comes to us all …
Cleanse and moisturise
As you’re no doubt aware, skin becomes drier as we get older, which is due to the production of natural oils and cell turnover grinding to a halt.
Consequently, it’s vital to invest in revitalising cleaners and moisturisers – Proactiv is ideal for soothing and softening skin without clogging pores – to leave your skin feeling hydrated.
Exfoliate regularly
We women have so much to remember that exfoliation is one of the last things on our mind – but its importance simply cannot be brushed aside so easily.
Exfoliate weekly with a dry brush before a bath or shower to see more fresh skin. If you forget, hope a demented Dalek chasing you as it booms “EXFOLIATE! EXFOLIATE!” doesn’t pervade your dreams.
Chemical peels
If you feel like conventional methods simply aren’t working, heading down the clinical route is an increasingly popular option with women, both young and old.
For improving your skin tone and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, a light chemical peel is a fairly painless technique, but requires monthly visits to achieve lasting results.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Although the perception of beauty is subjective, it’s true to say that the first signs of ageing will show around your peepers – and that markedly raises the temptation to wear sunglasses permanently.
Although some claim a good eye cream can turn back time (hi, Cher!), it’s important to remember that you earned those laughter lines, so don’t be afraid to wear a little bit of “experience” …
