Women over sixty are largely invisible in beauty advertising. This is not only exclusionary, bad mannered and unrealistic, it is bad business. Mature women as a group have more disposable income than other women, and more time (there are of course many exceptions) to enjoy the morning and night time ritual of skincare. The needs of mature skin differ dramatically from younger skin. It requires and thrives on richer textures and ingredients, it relishes a good oil and the boost of mild acids.
Skincare in your sixties is not and should not be about looking younger – advertising campaigns with 15-year-old models prancing about in skirts as tight as their just-born skin are patronising and unrealistic. What should be the aim at every age is healthy skin. Healthy skin is not young skin – it is glowing skin, clear, comfortable and soft to the touch. It’s the sort of skin that light bounces from rather than absorbing dully. It is neither excessively dry nor excessively shiny. This is the skin that turns heads, and makes the person inside it feel best – you can have it at any age with the right care.
A good treatment product at bed time will make the difference by morning. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Peeling Serum (1 in photograph; €46 at selected pharmacies) contains hyaluronic acid for instant, palpable hydration which minimises fine lines and plumps the skin, and glycolic acid, which exfoliates dead skin away without friction. Skin is brightened and cell turnover is stimulated to keep the surface of your skin smooth and glowing.
If lines do bother you, and you would like something non-surgical to minimise them, Indeed Labs Snoxin II (2, €32.99 at Boots) is highly effective. It has a temporary softening effect on lines which becomes noticeable about two hours after application, and lasts for around eight hours. It also benefits skin over time. Apply directly onto clean skin, and pop your moisturiser or oil over the top. You don't need a line-targeting product to make a quick difference, however. The right mask will plump the skin and give it radiance immediately, making it perfect for special occasions or bad skin days. Vichy Liftactiv Hyalu Mask (3, €45 at Boots) is a five minute quick fix – your skin will drink it in and be prepped for makeup or just given a boost for a bare skin day.
If I recommended adding just one product to your skincare routine, it would be a good oil, but this doesn't mean you need to part with moisturiser. Try L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Rich Repairing Balm (4, €29.99) for a rich, restorative barrier at night and apply your oil directly on top of it.
Dr Lancer Omega Hydrating Facial Oil (5, €80 at fetchbeauty.com) rubs into the skin and all but disappears, making it a true dry oil. It is even sufficiently shine-free to apply makeup over, if you feel the need for intense moisturisation before makeup. Another great option is Caudalie Premier Cru The Precious Oil (6, €58 at Arnotts), also a dry oil, designed especially for more mature skin, and suitable for use day or night.
