The skin-care routine that rocks my world in my fifties

I´ve been taking care of my skin daily since I was a teenager, and boy am I glad I started so young!

I try to inspire my daughters to do the same so that when they´re my age, they also can look and feel good in the skin they´re in.

I´ve been taking care of my skin since I was a teenager. I feel a lifetime of skincare helps me have a smooth complexion in my fifties. #skincare #beauty
I sometimes get samples of Bye Bye foundation or I buy it myself.
Photo: Phillippe Diederich

Skin-care isn´t just about slathering on creams and lotions, although that certainly helps a lot. It also involves daily routines that transcend aesthetics.

Simple healthy habits are best acquired in youth, and work best when you keep them up for life.

But it´s never too late to start.

This is what I do in my fifties to ensure that the inner glow we all have is also apparent on the outside.

Get plenty of shuteye

I´ve always been a sleepyhead, and continue to be.

Of course perimenopause and menopause both threatened to interrupt my shuteye for a while, but I fought back.

In order to get a good night´s sleep I use a NodPod eye mask, earplugs, and calming essential oils.

If I have trouble falling asleep, I listen to a guided meditation.

I also do restorative yoga before bedtime.

Drink enough water

At some point in life, perhaps when I wanted to get pregnant in my thirties, I stopped drinking sodas.

I mostly drink water and make sure to stay hydrated, especially since I work out daily and I live in hot and humid Florida.

I´ve been taking care of my skin since I was a teenager. I feel a lifetime of skincare helps me have a smooth complexion in my fifties. #skincare #beauty
It´s not about not having wrinkles, but loving the skin you’re in.
Photo: Phillippe Diederich

Exercise daily

Whether it´s walking, running, swimming, dancing, going to the gym or practicing yoga, I´ve pretty much stayed active since I was a kid.

I don´t think I´d feel so good in my fifties if I hadn´t kept up a regular bodywork routine.

If you can´t get motivated to start a fitness practice, read my 8 solid reasons why you should move starting today.

Manage stress

Stress really does play a number on your skin and also on your overall health.

I have plenty of stressors in my life, as we all do.

Whether it´s a parenting challenge, a health scare or simply managing my workload, stressors are ever present.

To better deal with these factors, I meditate daily, practice self-reiki and indulge in yoga.

I even became a certified yoga teacher this past year and I can´t begin to tell you how much it´s helped.

Wash my face morning and night

I don´t think I´ve ever gone to bed with makeup on, not even when I was young and wild and free. I feel this is one of the best things I´ve ever done for my skin.

Find a gentle wash that agrees with you and don´t skip out on this important step.

Cetaphil and Cerave are both worth a try. They are affordable and recommended by dermatologists.

Use SPF all the time

Being of the generation that grew up without the benefit of sunscreen, I have a lot of skin damage.

Now I apply SPF on my face every time I go out. I usually use a foundation or CC cream with SPF in it, like Bye Bye Foundation by It Cosmetics.

Living in Florida, I also wear UPF clothing like Swimzip (which I purchase myself).

I´ve been taking care of my skin since I was a teenager. I feel a lifetime of skincare helps me have a smooth complexion in my fifties. #skincare #beauty
FRÉ skin care is designed for women who sweat
Photo: Phillippe Diederich

Moisturize in the shower

I usually moisturize my skin in the shower, to save time and energy.

I tend to dry brush my entire body before I step in the shower, and after I´ve used shower gel, I apply body oil all over and then pat myself dry.

Neutrogena body oil is light and absorbs fast.

This has helped me stay consistent with moisturizing my body for a lifetime.

Use area-specific products

I started using eye cream in my late twenties and recall feeling lazy about it back then.

Thankfully I stuck with the habit and continue to use specific creams for the eye area.

I don´t always use the same one but a favorite is Brighten Me by FRÉ skin care. Use code Lorraine15 at checkout for a discount on any FRÉ product.

Also read: 7 Lifetime beauty habits to look fabulous at 50

I´ve been taking care of my skin since I was a teenager. I feel a lifetime of skincare helps me have a smooth complexion in my fifties. #skincare #beauty

Lorraine C. Ladish

Bilingual and bicultural Spanish-American editor, writer, speaker, influencer, yoga teacher (RYT500) wife and mom. Founder of Viva Fifty! Published author of 18 books. Her most recent book Your Best Age was released by HarperCollins in September of 2017.

Be first to comment

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.