From fine lines to a loss of hydration, it’s no secret that ageing can take its toll on our skin. By the time you're in your 50s, it’s only natural to want to invest in indulgent skincare treats, and lavish midlife skin with some well-deserved luxury. Unfortunately, this may be the last thing your skin needs at 50-plus, according to skin expert Dr Christine Hall, who warns that posh products may backfire on you.
‘Midlife is the stage at which evidence-based skincare becomes particularly important,’ says Dr Hall. ‘Beautifully-scented, indulgent creams may feel luxurious, but they often lack ingredients with proven anti-ageing benefits.’
She warns that even a long-standing luxury hero may stop working as well for you in midlife and beyond.
‘Skin can also become more sensitive over time, particularly with hormonal changes and increasing thinness,’ she says. She notes that scents – frequently added to enhance that feeling of a ‘special’ cream – are often a key culprit here. ‘Products that were once tolerated well, especially fragranced formulations, may begin to trigger irritation.’
What should I look for in skincare instead?
So, while fancy bottles and gold-lidded jars may look beautiful displayed on your bathroom shelves, they may not be so beautiful on your skin. ‘The real focus should be on established actives such as SPF, vitamin C, and retinoids, which remain the cornerstone of effective long-term skin maintenance,’ says Dr Hall.
GH RECOMMENDS:
Skin + Me Daily Moisturiser with SPF50
Scoring an impressive 82/100, Skin + Me’s SPF achieved the highest lab result in our GHI tests. Plus, at £22, it won’t break the bank either.
Garnier Naturals Vit C Anti-Dark Spot Serum
Some Vitamin C serums can cost upwards of £100 (ouch!). Luckily, Garnier’s £14 offering is approved by none other than Davina McCall, who reports it’s kept her skin free of pigmentation.
Neutrogena Retinol Boost Facial Serum
Retinol has earned its place as an anti-ageing hero, but it’s another product that can be costly. Luckily, Neutrogena’s £24 serum delivered impressive results in the GHI’s panel tests.
What else should I ditch from my skincare regime at 50?
Beyond expensive products that lack substance, Dr Hall says there are four other key elements to de-prioritise in your skincare routine as you reach 50.
Skin-stripping cleansers
‘With age, oil and sebum production gradually decline. At the same time, transepidermal water loss increases, leaving the skin drier and more prone to dehydration,’ she says.
Dr Hall advises being particularly cautious when choosing a cleanser, warning that foaming formulas, in particular, can do more harm than good. ‘Highly foaming cleansers can leave mature skin feeling tight, stripped, and uncomfortable. When natural oil levels are already reduced, aggressively removing what remains can further compromise the skin barrier.’
Instead, she recommends opting for gentle, hydrating formulas, which are far kinder to midlife skin.
GH RECOMMENDS:
The Cream Cleanser
Over-exfoliation
Exfoliation has its place in a skincare routine; after all it’s great for keeping skin looking and feeling renewed and radiant. That said, Dr Hall warns it should be done sparingly. ‘Mature skin is typically thinner, lipid levels are reduced, and water loss is increased. This means excessive exfoliation can weaken the barrier,’ she says.
‘I’d recommend scaling back on strong or frequent use of AHAs, BHAs. And, in most cases physical exfoliants, such as scrubs are unnecessary. Instead, consider milder alternatives such as PHAs. These can help to gently resurface the skin while being less disruptive.’
GH RECOMMENDS:
Oil-control products
‘Sebum production decreases with age,’ says Dr Hall, which means it’s often time to put your oil-control products down once you reach midlife. ‘Formulations containing alcohol, regular use of clay masks, mattifying primers or foundations, and frequent application of salicylic acid can contribute to dryness rather than balance.’
‘Mature skin will benefit more from nourishment and barrier support than from oil suppression.’
Overcomplicated routines
As we age, we’re often told ‘less is more’, and for skincare it rings true. ‘A complex routine involving numerous specialised products is rarely necessary,’ says Dr Hall.
‘There’s no need for separate products for the neck, chest and eye area. In most cases, a well-formulated facial product can be used across these areas.’
She also points out that excessive routines can irritate the skin. If in doubt, keep it simple. ‘Layering excessive products increases the risk of sensitivity and reactivity, which mature skin is already more prone to developing. A streamlined, consistent routine built around well-chosen active ingredients is typically more effective and better tolerated than an overly complicated regimen.’
