The Ultimate Guide to Care For Mature Skin

What happens to our skin when we age?

It really depends on the usual factors: diet, lifestyle, exposure to the sun, stress, obesity - even the way we sleep. 

Our skin gets rougher, losing its elastin and collagen which is why it begins to get looser, the epidermis thins and skin becomes weaker and more susceptible to damage. 

Increased and prolonged exposure to UV light is the key culprit in damaging our elastin. These fibers break down, unable to bounce back if stretched. A loss of fat in our cheeks, temple, nose and around our eyes also adds to this problem, loosening the skin and making us look thinner. 

But do not despair! There are still ways to make sure that our skin is nurtured and given the best chance to retain its elasticity, moisture, glow and health for as long as possible. Cue: Mother Nature.

Taking care of mature skin: the basics

Mature skin is more susceptible to damage as we lose our natural barriers over time. The same basic tips for any other skin type are still important as a foundation, to ensure you are supporting your skin’s natural healing processes:

• Cleanse and moisturize daily: clear the surface of your skin from oil and bacteria, and restore its moisture with a hydrating cream or serum.
• Go easy when touching your skin: avoid drying it roughly with towels, abrasive pillowcases or pulling skin when applying products. Mature skin loses its elasticity, so this might perpetuate the problem.
• Keep your water warm: don’t bathe in scalding hot water as you risk drying it out. Keep water warm and your skin hydrated. 
• Avoid products full of chemicals: take notice of what’s in your products and opt for natural where you can. 
• Wear sunscreen: if you don’t already use this daily, regardless of season, add it to your routine! UV rays are incredibly damaging to skin and visibly so, especially as we get older.
• Don’t scratch! Try cold compresses or moisturisers to avoid scarring skin from itching. 
• Avoid irritating clothes: try wearing silk or cotton layers between you and woollen clothes, as these may irritate the skin. 
• Get good sleep: it’s a basic for all-round good health, but particularly for regenerating the skin. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours per day for an adult.

Ensure these bases are covered before you look deeper into ways to care for your dry skin - you might be surprised by how much of a difference they make! 

Taking care of mature skin: the specifics

Once you have the basics down, it’s time to drill into the details. What, specifically, should you be looking for when caring for mature skin, and why?

• Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is an effective agent for resurfacing skin. It has been known to ease fine lines and even help heal discoloration and scars from acne.
• Retinol is often used to help skin tone, hydration, texture and pigmentation. 
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key element in skin structure. We need it for healing wounds and we lose it when we age, so check out products containing HA. 
• Vitamin C is heralded as one of the champion anti-ageing ingredients. Hydrating, brightening and smoothing, it helps protect against the sun, promotes collagen production and may even help soothe sunburn. Consider a serum to ensure quick and easy absorption. 
• Vitamin A comes in two types; retinoids and carotenoids. The liver converts both to retinol which helps the production of new cells: regenerating the skin from the inside out. 

The best natural oil for mature skin

Nature knows best - and that includes skincare. Our skin does a pretty amazing job taking care of itself, but there are things we can do to enhance its processes without adding harmful chemicals to our bodies.

For this reason, we have brought together some of the best oils sustainably sourced in New Zealand from plants extracts grown around the world, so you can feed your skin with nature’s best. 

• Argan Oil: packed full of essential fatty acids and vitamins, argan oil is known for its antioxidant, hydrating properties.
• Black Cumin Seed Oil: a favourite of the Egyptians, this oil was used for its vitamins, minerals and moisturizing qualities.
• Jojoba Oil: similar to our own natural sebum, jojoba oil is easily absorbed and moisturising to the skin. 
• Evening Primrose Oil: high in gamma-linoleic acid which helps to alleviate issues due to dry and inflamed skin.
• Pomegranate Seed Oil: helps the skin to lock in moisture
• Rosehip Oil: renowned for regeneration uses, you’ll find rosehip in many reparative skincare products.
• Açaí Berry Oil: effective for reducing inflammation and promoting cell metabolism. Packed with phytonutrients.
• East Cape Mānuka Oil: our signature for a reason, this oil is key for its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties among many others.
• East Cape Kānuka Oil: kānuka has been used by Māori for centuries for its uses in natural healing and skincare. Kānuka oil is soft on the skin, penetrates deeply, is highly antifungal and smells delightful.
• Lavender Oil: antiseptic and sedative products add to lavender’s soothing effects.
• Sandalwood Oil: protective antimicrobial and antifungal qualities, along with an irresistible scent.. 
• Carrot Seed Oil: ideal for mature skin as it promotes elasticity, regeneration and healing.

Click here to get your own bottle of Skin Oil for Mature Skin, or here to shop our full skin oil range.