The skin behaves differently at different ages and stages of life and as we age it begins to lose its elasticityleads to wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, the skin care routine is also modified to address the concerns related to that phase of life. At 50, for example, when you’re dealing with major hormonal changesit is natural to have dry, sagging, dull skin, uneven texture, wrinkles and fine lines.
Dr Jyoti Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist, MD Dermatology, Panchsheel Enclave, Delhi, says that the skin starts aging so fast that in just 1-2 years, you might start feeling like you have aged 10 years; products that worked in the early 30s may also lose their effectiveness.
The doctor addresses some of the main concerns that patients in their 50s face when the skin does not produce as much collagen and elastin; Read more.
1. Very dry skin: Due to the loss of skin tissue, the skin’s ability to retain water decreases, causing it to show DRIED. Using moisturizers twice a day and alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic and glycolic acid will remove dead skin and hydrate the tissues. In extreme thinning of the skin, the external infusion of moisturizing serums through ultrasound devices or the injection of skin boosters with hyaluronic acid works wonders, says the doctor.
2. Increased pigmentation: According to Dr. Gupta, skin discoloration often occurs in the over 50s. The skin becomes thinner and drier and is more prone to developing scaly patches. Begin to depigment using moisturizers such as glycolic/mandelic/lactic acid combinations along with hyaluronic acid. Use sunscreen to treat stubborn pigment and opt for chemical peels that target melasma, sun damage, and uneven tone or texture.
“We recommend treating your skin from the bottom up, or rather, from the lowest layer of skin up. While topical skin care is great for maintaining the overall health and appearance of your skin, if you want to target signs of aging, include laser treatments that reach below the skin’s surface and keep it smooth, plump and healthy,” she says.
Dullness and dullness is not a single problem, but a combined result of uneven skin tone, dryness and sagging. (Photo: Getty/Thinkstock)
3. Unwanted Facial Hair: Women, as they grow older, see unwanted facial hair and most of these are white or gray. Dr Gupta says a method called ‘FUE’ to extract white hair from the roots may require 3-4 sessions at regular intervals. To reduce the progression of more unwanted hair, a hormonal assessment and proper weight management are required.
4. Sagging skin, loss of volume: It is natural for your skin to begin to sag; but applying filler will give your face an unnatural look — like wearing makeup without applying a good primer, the expert says.
“The sagging skin needs to be treated with HIFU and threads. Once the skin becomes ready, fillers and other enhancers can be done to turn the aging clock back at least five years. Treatments such as lasers, micro-needling, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and chemical peels can be done as maintenance sessions to encourage skin cell renewal. Include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinols, vitamin C, niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, chemical exfoliants, etc. to help with skin exfoliationtightening pores, improving elasticity, increasing skin cell turnover and building more collagen.”
5. Decreased shine and tonicity: This is not a single problem, but a combined result of uneven skin tone, dryness and sagging, says the doctor. “Follow a healthy lifestyle – good sleep of 8 hours a day, sufficient intake of fluids, fruits, vegetables, after a rainbow diet with fruits more colored than white (such as bread/sugar/salt), restricting smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.”, she recommends.
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