We know the drill: Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and use sunscreen daily. But new formulas and brands we’ve never used or heard of now make choosing and using skin care tougher for women age 50+. The beauty industry is clearly not content to sit on its $445 billion booty! Here are tips from five top female dermatologists to transform you into a confident pro.
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2. Spice up the basics. Take your skin to the next level. Dermatologist Doris Day, a clinical associate professor at New York University’s Langone Medical Center, advises: “Switch to a gentle hydrating cleanser, exfoliate with a sonic brush or AHA [alpha hydroxy acid] scrub once a week and add an antioxidant serum with peptides and growth factors before your moisturizer, day and night.”
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3. Have separate day and night skin regimens. “It’s not harmful to use one for both, but it’s not optimal,” says dermatologist Fran E. Cook-Bolden, the founding associate director of the Skin of Color Center and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and also the director of the Ethnic Skin Specialty Group. “Night is for repair, healing and recovery. SPF isn’t necessary. In fact, it might exacerbate breakouts. Choose active botanicals and oils with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits if your complexion is struggling with persistent dryness or your usual moisturizer doesn’t seem to be doing enough.”
