How To Age Gracefully

You’ve heard the saying, “with age comes wisdom.” What you may not have heard is the unspoken follow-up: It also comes with mature skin. As you get older, your skin goes through various changes, including losing radiance and developing your first fine lines and wrinkles. Thankfully, your years of growing wiser can pay off—you have the reasoning skills to determine that your aging skin needs an upgraded routine. If you know how to age gracefully, you can learn to love the skin you’re in, regardless of your age.

Using the right skin care products, making a few lifestyle changes, and having patience can help you maintain a youthful-looking complexion. Consider our nine tips on aging gracefully, complete with anti-aging product recommendations, below.

TIP #1. DRINK MORE WATER TO BOOST HYDRATION

When it comes to aging skin, one of the best ways to maintain a healthy glow is to boost your water intake. According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking plenty of water helps your skin remain hydrated. Try to drink eight glasses of water per day as a reasonable and effective goal, per the Mayo Clinic. You can also set reminders on your phone or keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.

TIP #2. AVOID SMOKING TO PREVENT WRINKLES

Smoking is known to adversely affect your overall health, and it can also cause your skin to develop premature signs of aging. Per the Mayo Clinic, smoking can speed up the aging process in relation to your skin, contributing to wrinkles.

TIP #3. KEEP VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGING AT BAY WITH SPF

Sun protection is non-negotiable when taking care of your skin. Spending prolonged periods of time in the sun without the proper protection can damage your skin down the road and lead to visible signs of aging. According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), you should make it a point to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher regularly and as directed. You can also stay sun-safe and cut down the steps in your routine by using an anti-aging moisturizer with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. This essential helps to hydrate, brighten skin, and reduce wrinkles in just one week. It's also formulated with SPF 30 to provide the ultimate level of sun protection.

Wearing sunscreen shouldn’t be your only line of defense when it comes to sun protection. Per the FDA, you should limit your amount of time in the sun (especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which are peak hours), seek shade, and cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat.

TIP #4. USE AN ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE ROUTINE

As your skin matures, so should your skin-care routine. Your complexion requires products that are formulated with powerful ingredients, such as pro-retinol (targets wrinkles) and hyaluronic acid (replenishes skin with hydration). This is where the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect line comes in. It consists of skin care products that are formulated with the aforementioned ingredients and more that can help address your anti-aging concerns. It’s complete with facial cleansers, moisturizers, night creams, and serums to give your skin the TLC that it needs. Whether you’re tackling dark spots or crow’s feet, there is a product from this line that can help.

TIP #5. USE A RETINOL SERUM TO ADDRESS DEEP WRINKLES

Wrinkles are a tell-tale sign of aging skin that can take a toll on your complexion if they’re not addressed properly. So, you’ll want to seek out a retinol serum. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and repair sun-damaged skin, per the Mayo Clinic. Consider adding the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol to your routine. This pick is formulated with our highest concentration of pure retinol to address aging skin. It also works to smooth and brighten your skin, resulting in a more luminous complexion. After day one, skin feels moisturized and refined. Over time, wrinkles are visibly reduced.

Retinol packs a mighty punch, so it’s important to gradually introduce it to your routine. Week one, start by applying two to three drops to clean, dry skin twice a week. During the second week, use it every other night. Week three, you can apply it nightly if your skin can tolerate it. Follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the a.m. to protect the skin, since retinol can cause sun sensitivity.

TIP #6. USE A NOURISHING EYE CREAM TO KEEP YOUR SKIN FIRM

With age, the tissues around your eyes and some of the muscles can weaken, which can lead to sagging skin and puffiness, per the Mayo Clinic. You’ll need to choose a nourishing eye cream to maintain firm and radiant skin in this area. Try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Eye Renewal Eye Cream to minimize and diminish five signs of aging, including dark circles, eye puffiness, under-eye bags, crow’s feet, and crepiness.

TIP #7. LAYER ON A FACIAL OIL TO GET EXTRA HYDRATION

As your skin matures, natural oil production can decrease, which can lead to dry skin. So, it’s always a smart idea to keep a facial oil handy. Facial oils are made with a mixture of plant oils that provide your skin with a glowy seal. Depending on the formula that you use, they can work to soften and balance your complexion. After applying your moisturizer, smooth four to five drops over your face and neck until fully absorbed.

TIP #8. PAMPER YOUR COMPLEXION WITH AN OVERNIGHT MASK TO BOOST SKIN’S RADIANCE

Aging skin can sport a dry, dull appearance and using an overnight mask that’s designed to provide your skin with lasting hydration can help. That’s where the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask comes into play. This luxurious leave-on mask is formulated with pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. It helps to improve your skin’s firmness and visibly reduces wrinkles over time, leaving you with a youthful-looking complexion.

We also appreciate that this offering absorbs quickly, so you don’t have to worry about the mask staining your pillowcases while you get beauty sleep. As the last step in your nighttime routine, smooth this mask over your face, neck, and jawline until fully absorbed.

TIP #9. PRACTICE SELF CARE

If you’re balancing a busy schedule, it can be difficult to focus on your needs. That’s why we love the idea of practicing self-care in your routine, since it allows you to pamper your skin and get some “me” time. Try giving yourself a relaxing bath or a facial massage with your oil.

Next up: Now that you have the info on how to age gracefully, let’s talk about how to transition your makeup routine. Here are 10 Makeup Tips For Women Over 50.