Holistic Skincare Regimen for Mature Skin

As people get older, the skin undergoes changes that are influenced by both internal and external factors (and can even begin as early as 25-30 years of age).

The aging process varies from person to person, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and sun exposure can influence how quickly and prominently these changes occur.

Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during menopause, can contribute to changes in skin structure and elasticity.

Genetic predispositions can influence how quickly one’s skin ages and the extent of aging.

Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep can all impact skin health and accelerate the aging process.

Inadequate skincare routines, including failure to moisturize or use sunscreen, can exacerbate skin aging over time.

Chronic stress can lead to the release of cortisol, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and contribute to premature aging of the skin.

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants can impair skin health and contribute to the aging process.

Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances can affect skin health and contribute to premature aging.

• Plant-based skincare products
• Proper hydration
• Regular exercise
• A Whole Food diet
• Deep sleep
• Stress management
• Mindfulness practice 

Plant-based skin care products are best for overall wellness, as they are easy on the immune system and have a far lower risk of creating or exacerbating allergies.

If you are a DIY skin care maker, use the suggested ingredients below for amazing, chemical-free formulations for mature skin (always use trusted formulations, as essential oils cannot be used on the skin without a very high dilution rate!).

If you are not a maker, read the labels of the mature skin care products you are purchasing and aim for items that include many of the essential oils and carriers listed below.

Cedarwood essential oil (Juniperus virginiana) is a cicatrisant, meaning it aids in cell regeneration and healing.

Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum) also has regenerative potential, as well as helpful for dry, damaged skin with free radical scavenging properties (UVB-induced damage).

Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha) is well-known for use on mature skin, as it has regenerating, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.

Palmarosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) is beneficial to thirsty skin and helps to balance sebum production and inflammation.

Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) moisturizes and cools the skin, a wonder in blends for dryness, scar tissue, and skin disorders.

Rose Absolute (Rosa x damascene) is useful in regeneration and healing blends, helping to improve skin texture and reinforcing the skin barrier function.

Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album) is moisturizing and a fabulous addition to any formulation that has strong oils in need of balance.

Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananaga odorata var. genuina) is another powerful moisturizing agent that is much used in mature skincare.

Apricot Oil (Prunus armeniaca) spreads easily and is quickly absorbed, improves skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of dark circles.

Argan Oil (Argania spinosa) softens dry patches and is considered one of the best carriers for mature skin due to properties that help tighten pores and increase skin elasticity.

Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) is deeply nourishing and restores the skin. Repeated applications reveal an increase in hydration of the upper layers of the skin and improvement of the skin’s elastic properties.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao) is one of the most hydrating butters that improves skin flexibility, lightens dark spots and discoloration, reduces cutaneous dryness, and diminishes the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) is quickly absorbed, non-allergenic, and has an indefinite shelf life, helping to support other ingredients in a formulation.

Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa rubiginosa) rejuvenates mature skin and aids in cell regeneration. Very popular for formulations that address skin discoloration and age spots.

Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradox) provides long-term support for the skin, revitalizing skin cells and deeply penetrating the skin. Be sure that the shea butter is raw, organic, and unrefined to guarantee its natural vitamins and healing properties.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce inflammation, contributing to healthier and more radiant mature skin.

Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins E and C, and antioxidants, which nourish mature skin, help maintain its elasticity, and protect against oxidative damage, promoting a more vibrant appearance.

Nuts and seeds contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, which promote skin hydration, collagen production, and protect against oxidative stress, helping to maintain the health and vitality of mature skin.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which help moisturize, nourish, and protect mature skin from oxidative damage, supporting its elasticity and overall health.

Tofu and legumes are excellent sources of plant-based proteins, which provide essential amino acids necessary for collagen production, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity in mature skin.

Additionally, they often contain vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron that support skin health and repair.

Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, which promote skin health by reducing inflammation, supporting collagen production, and protecting against oxidative damage, ultimately contributing to the maintenance of glowing mature skin.

Spinach and kale are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, as well as phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect mature skin from oxidative stress, promote collagen production, and maintain its elasticity and overall health.

Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity in mature skin.

Additionally, they contain antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, supporting its overall health and vitality.

Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals like zinc and magnesium, which support skin elasticity, hydration, and repair in mature skin.

Consuming bone broth may help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Citrus fruits and berries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect mature skin from oxidative stress, promote collagen synthesis, and improve skin texture and tone.

Regular consumption of these fruits can contribute to a more hydrated and radiant complexion in mature skin.

• Men: 13 cups (~3 liters) of water a day
• Women: 9 cups (~2+ liters) a day

• The amount of exercise recommended varies widely based on age and health conditions.
• The average adult (ages 18-64) needs 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (this is just to provide a frame of reference to start with). Visit the World Health Organization here for more info.

• Eating for wellness also impacts the health and appearance of the skin greatly. Try adding one new recipe a week that is specific to mature skin (see recommendations in the above section).

• The goal of mindfulness is to achieve focused relaxation while paying attention to thoughts and sensations and being fully present.
• This can be achieved through meditation, gratitude practice, belly breathing, mindful walking, body scans, and more.

• Fresh outside air has tons of positive impacts on overall health (and most individuals aren’t getting close to enough of it).
• Breathing fresh air increases oxygen in the blood, increases energy, improves digestion, cleans the lungs, relieves stress and anxiety, improves cell function, and improves cognitive abilities…to name just a few benefits (and all of these impact the skin’s glow)!

• If you’re washing your face with an oil-based cleanser as mentioned in the first step, you don’t need another product – this should do the trick for most makeup.
• For some waterproof makeup that is a bit more stubborn, grab some reusable makeup remover pads.

• Sleep experts recommend cutting off screen time an hour before bed (or two hours for the best benefits…time to bust out that library card!)

• It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason, as deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) stimulates cell turnover and collagen production.
• Deep sleep reduces inflammation and combats issues, such as eczema and acne, and is essential for memory, mood regulation, brain health, and immune function.

Drink at least 64 oz of water every day (and more if you can!). Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they contribute to dehydration and dull skin.

Use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect your skin.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose linen clothing .

Use a mild oil cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural sebum.

Use a humidifier to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, especially in dry climates. This will help prevent excess skin dryness.

Use a satin or silk pillowcase to minimize friction on facial skin and soft, breathable fabrics for sheets to reduce irritation.

Opt for lukewarm water when showering and washing your face to prevent stripping natural oils.

Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night to allow your skin to repair and generate.

Adopting daily exercise and omitting alcohol and caffeine will greatly benefit your quality of sleep.