Introduction to mature skin 

Time takes its toll on our skin. As we get older, skin’s consistency decreases, and it becomes thinner, more fragile and uneven. Fine lines and wrinkles that may have first appeared in your 30s can appear more prominent, and your favourite moisturiser from your 20s may not be meeting your skincare needs when you’re in your 40s or 50s. It is all because our body produces less collagen as we get older, elastin loses its functionality and our skin can also become drier. As flexibility and elasticity disappear, fine lines and wrinkles are usually the first signs of ageing to appear, followed by sagging skin and a loss of volume. As UV exposure is responsible for as much as 80 per cent of skin ageing, continued exposure as you age, alongside other environmental factors such as pollution and stress, can also make mature skin more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. 

Looking after your skin to protect it from the sun and external stressors, and replenishing essential nutrients and moisture is important at every stage of your life, but can really make a difference for mature skin. 

What to look for in choosing the best moisturiser for mature skin

Skin type 

Every skin type should use a moisturiser daily to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, and also to replenish and strengthen your skin barrier function – your first line of defence against sun damage, pollution and other external threats. Like your cleansers, toners and even chosen sunscreen, the moisturiser you use should work for your specific skin type though. If you’ve got oily skin, lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas are your best friends, whereas dry skin loves rich, nourishing creams that trap in moisture. 

Ingredients 

Fatty acids

Fatty acids help support the structure and function of the outermost layer of our skin. Those with a fatty acid deficiency can experience trans-epidermal water loss and other issues related to a compromised skin barrier such as inflammation and breakouts. Topping up on omega fatty acids, which can be found in fish, nuts, and topical creams, can also help with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. 

Hyaluronic acid 

Produced naturally by our bodies, hyaluronic acid is part of your skin’s framework and helps it to hold onto water to give it its plump and hydrated appearance. It’s a powerhouse humectant that can bind to up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Like our collagen levels, our hyaluronic acid levels deplete as we get older. UV radiation from the sun and pollution can all play a part in its decline, too. Topping up your supplies with topical serums and creams can help to keep your skin hydrated, looking more radiant, and fine lines and wrinkles can appear softened. 

Amino acids 

Amino acids perform essential functions and roles in your body, including at a skin level. In addition to building muscle and preventing illness, they also help to stimulate collagen production, strengthen the skin’s surface, reduce visible signs of skin damage and protect your skin from harmful substances. 

Salicylic acid

Thanks to its pore-clearing abilities, the beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA) salicylic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare for acne-prone and younger skin. Gently removing dead skin cell build-up in older skin can also help your skincare products and their active ingredients to penetrate deeper. Salicylic acid can stimulate cell turnover, which naturally slows with age, to encourage a brighter, smoother complexion. Overuse can dry out skin though, so be careful how often you use it on naturally drier mature skin.

Formula 

As more mature skin can be prone to dryness, you’ll want to look for better sources of moisture as you get older. While lightweight creams and lotions may have suited your skin in your younger days, you may need richer creams and thicker formulations later in life, especially during the winter months and in drier climates. If you’re not already using a hyaluronic acid serum in your skincare routine, it can be a great addition to help hydrate skin and strengthen your skin barrier to support moisture retention.  

Application 

As your skin produces less sebum while you sleep, it is more likely to dry out while you dream. While you’ll want to use a moisturiser with SPF protection in your morning skincare routine, at night, it’s all about nourishment. Massaging in a rich night cream before bed can help you wake up looking refreshed and also make mature skin, which is prone to dryness, feel more comfortable overnight. Applying your moisturiser while your skin is damp after a bath or shower can also help to trap in moisture. 

Weather

A good moisturiser doesn’t just provide instant hydration, it helps to maintain your skin’s protective barrier to keep moisture locked in and your skin happy and healthy. Unfortunately, pretty much all weather conditions can disturb its happiness. The winter months, colder temperatures and turning up your thermostat can all dry your skin out. Hot weather and even taking a shower with too-hot water can also encourage dehydration and strip your skin’s surface of essential moisture. Whatever the weather, make moisturising a priority. If your skin is on the oilier side or you’re experiencing another heatwave, you can choose a lightweight formula though. 

Different moisturisers for mature skin

FAQs 

How do you moisturise mature skin? 

As your body’s natural levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid deplete with age, the best moisturisers for mature skin focus on hydration and strengthening the skin barrier, as well as reducing the appearance of signs of ageing. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are both great ingredients for this. You’ll also want a daily moisturiser with SPF protection to prevent UV exposure, which can cause signs of ageing, and a rich, nourishing night cream that can help support your body’s overnight recovery, which has more to do now than it did in your twenties. 

What is the best cream for deep wrinkles around the mouth? 

Like the eyes, the mouth is one of the first areas of the face to develop wrinkles. All that eating and talking doesn’t help. To combat smiles lines, look for formulations that replicate a filling effect to help reduce the appearance of deep lines. Hyaluronic acid serums and creams can also help to plump lines, while anti-ageing favourite retinol can stimulate cell turnover and collagen production for a younger-looking appearance. 

What is the best moisturiser for treating melasma? 

First things first, if you’re not sure what melasma is, it’s a stubborn form of hyperpigmentation, which occurs when the cells that produce melanin go into overdrive. Common causes for this include sun exposure and hormonal changes. In addition to using a daily high-factor, broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin from further environmental damage, look for moisturisers rich in vitamin C. It’s an effective antioxidant that helps to reduce melanin production and prevent the oxidation of existing pigmentation, which can make it appear darker. 

Should we use an everyday moisturiser for under the eyes as well? 

As long as your moisturiser doesn’t irritate your eyes, you can apply it on top or underneath your eye cream, depending on its consistency – as per skincare 101, apply your skincare products from the thinnest to the thickest. If your eye cream is heavier than your moisturiser, dab it on last. If it is lighter, apply it first. Both products are designed for different reasons, so they can benefit your skin in different ways. 

Should I moisturise clogged pores? 

It’s understandable to be hesitant about moisturising your skin if it’s prone to clogged pores. When your skin is dehydrated though, it can overproduce oil to compensate for the loss in moisture, which can also clog your pores. Look for non-comedogenic moisturisers instead. Using a detoxifying face mask can also help to draw out dirt, oil and other impurities from your pores.