Some women prefer to age naturally rather than have surgical procedures done to enhance youthfulness. To do so, they often focus on overall health such as watching nutrition, staying hydrated, exercising, reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, avoiding smoking, drinking less, and using products that are good for the skin. While these approaches are essential for overall skin improvements, makeup can also play an important role in looking radiant through the aging process. Here are some of our best makeup tips for maturing skin:
1) Wear sunscreen – Bare skin needs protection from the sun even on cloudy days. Thus, it’s a good idea to wear it every day. One may choose a foundation with SPF and broad-spectrum protection added or wear sunscreen under makeup that lacks protection. One may also choose to buy a combination moisturizer formulated with sunscreen and apply that to clean dry skin before applying foundation. Not only does sunscreen help prevent skin cancer, but it also can inhibit premature aging from sun exposure. Wearing FDA approved sunscreen helps to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Per the FDA, people should wear an SPF of 15 or higher daily and apply it liberally to exposed skin.
2) Use a lightweight foundation – When it comes to wearing makeup, finding the right products for aging skin can be a challenge. As we mature, skin develops wrinkles due to loss of elasticity and thinning skin. The use of thick and oily products encourages foundation, one’s makeup base, to clog pores and noticeably settle into the cracks of the skin. Dry powder foundations can also accentuate crow’s feet, frown lines, and make wrinkles more visible. Instead of dry powder, opt for lightweight foundation with a dewy finish that goes on smoothly, blends better, and cakes less often. Also, select shades that blend naturally into the skin to avoid the weird makeup line that can occur along the chin or neckline.
3) Avoid brash shades that make you look older – Some colors can make women appear older because they are too harsh and create too big of a contrast. For example, a heavy dark eyeliner can make eyes look weighted and tired. To create a more youthful appearance, trade the black eyeliner for a tamer brown or shade of gray. This will make the eyes appear more open and energized. At the same time, it provides a softness associated with youth. Also, too much makeup can detract from natural beauty. So, it’s best to avoid the Mimi look from the Drew Carey Show.
4) Gently cleanse your face each night before going to bed – This ritual is extremely important. Dr. Lela Lankerani shares on Westlake Dermatology’s website that regular skin cleansing is critical to maintaining healthy looking skin. She explains, “Throughout the day the skin on your face is continually covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and old (dead) skin cells. Daily facial washing removes those impurities to give the skin a fresh look.” And, if you stopped washing your face completely, she warns, pores would become clogged. This would result in serious acne and skin conditions, and the significant aging of skin.
It can be a beautiful experience to age naturally. Rather than take medical risks associated with going under the knife, some women would rather embrace healthful and safe makeup and skincare strategies, procedures, and therapies. Regardless, the natural process of aging is simply part of life, and it impacts everyone growing older. By taking care of our skin, applying tips to encourage a youthful glow, and by using products that are medically good for us, we can expect to age with the upmost grace.