Skincare By Age: Best Treatments and Routines for Women 60 and Beyond

As we age, our skin goes through many changes. Wrinkles and age spots worsen and our skin becomes thinner and less elastic. You may notice your complexion losing moisture more easily, leaving your skin dry and irritated. There are several reasons these things can happen, including a lifetime of sun exposure, post-menopausal hormone levels, loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid, and certain medications or medical conditions.

Hitting your 60s is a huge milestone that should be embraced and celebrated. There are several MedCosmetic treatments and skincare products that can help keep your skin moisturized and healthy. This will help prevent future problems and protect your skin as it becomes more mature over time.

4 Best Cosmetic Treatments for Women in Their 60s

The best treatment for your 60-year-old skin will vary depending on how your complexion has aged and what problems you want to treat. Although you may think there’s no turning back regarding your skin once you reach your 60s, this is not necessarily true. Let’s see why!

1. Dermal Fillers and Injectables

By the time you reach your 60s, the volume in your face has likely been greatly reduced, leading to wrinkles and saggy skin. Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm, Radiesse, RHA Collection, and Restylane, are great for treating wrinkles and deep folds, as well as pumping volume back into your skin. They can help restore lost volume in the face, improve facial symmetry, provide fuller-looking lips, and reduce the appearance of undereye hollowness and dark circles resulting from lost volume.

Over time, wrinkles on your face may also form from muscle movement and worsen the longer they linger. Cosmetic injectables, like Botox and Dysport, can help smooth moderate to severe wrinkles in your complexion, including the forehead, area around the lips, crow’s feet (outer eye), and glabella (between the brow).

2. Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps lift the skin on the lower face, neck, brow, and decolletage. This treatment uses ultrasound technology to strengthen skin from within by building newer, stronger collagen. With this, you can experience tighter and more lifted skin.

Unlike cosmetic surgery, Ultherapy is completely non-invasive. The ultrasound energy is delivered to your skin’s foundational layer without disrupting the surface of your complexion.

3. Laser Treatments

Age spots can be another cosmetic concern for women in their 60s. These dark patches of skin can be treated with laser therapy, which will break up the melanin in the skin and help lighten the age spots. Excel V+ and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are both go-to treatments for age spots since they’re known for correcting skin imperfections on the face.

The Venus Microlaser Peel uses laser energy to remove inconsistencies on the skin, like fine lines, discoloration, active acne, and scarring. Laser Genesis is another treatment you may consider, which helps improve oily skin, sun damage, enlarged pores, and rosacea.

4. Microneedling

Skin pen microneedling works by creating microscopic channels in your skin to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. This allows your skin to feel and look healthier, as well as reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation.

Unlike other microneedling treatments that can bend or break during treatment, skin pen microneedling uses straight needles to penetrate your skin at a 90-degree angle so that infection and scarring do not occur post-treatment.

Your Morning Skincare Routine After 60

As we age, our skin changes, and we may not be using the same products we did in our younger years. Along with cosmetic treatments, there are also several skincare products for 60-year-old women that can help reduce signs of aging and keep your complexion as hydrated as possible. The most ideal skincare routine for women in their 60s takes into account the unique needs of aging skin, which should include the steps below:

1. Cleanse: A good morning skincare routine should start with a hydrating cleanser to wash the skin without stripping away its natural oils. Because your skin is more sensitive when you’re older, it’s best to use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
2. Serum: Dehydration is a common concern for older adults, and it can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. Applying an antioxidant-rich serum after you clean your face in the morning, particularly one that contains vitamin C, peptides, or other antioxidants, is a great way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
3. Moisturize: Applying a moisturizer in the morning is a great way to further restore your skin’s moisture barrier. When shopping for a day cream, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter.
4. SPF: Sun damage is another issue that becomes more prevalent as we age. To protect the skin from harmful UV rays, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. When applied daily—even on cloudy days—SPF can help prevent wrinkles, age spots, and further sun damage to the skin. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every few hours if you’re outdoors for long periods of time.

Also, don’t forget your neck and chest. Your neck and chest are often neglected when it comes to skincare, but they need just as much attention as your face. Use the same products on your neck and chest that you use on your face, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to these areas as well.

Your Evening Skincare Routine After 60

A good evening skincare routine will also help keep your skin looking its best. Here are some tips for creating the perfect evening skincare routine for women in their 60s:

1. Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip away your natural oils.
2. Toner: A hydrating toner can help tighten the skin of the face to produce a fuller look. This can help combat the appearance of sagging skin as you age.
3. Exfoliate: Exfoliation is important for all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for mature skin. This will help slough off dead skin cells and reveal the brighter, smoother skin underneath. You can use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical peel to achieve this. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much exfoliation can damage your skin. Look for exfoliating products that contain glycolic or lactic acid.
4. Mask: Masks with botanical and other natural ingredients can help contour and tighten skin, as well as reduce redness and puffiness.
5. Serum: Applying a serum with hyaluronic acid after you clean your face can help protect your skin from damage and increase hydration.
6. Moisturize: A good night cream will help keep your skin hydrated and plump. Look for a formula that suits your skin type and apply it generously before bedtime.
7. Eye cream: The delicate skin around your eyes needs special care. Look for an eye cream that contains hyaluronic acid or other ingredients that help with hydration and wrinkles.
8. Lip Balm: Your lips can become dry and wrinkled as you age, so it’s important to keep them hydrated. Apply a rich lip balm before bedtime to help lock in moisture.

Following these simple tips can help you create the perfect evening skincare routine. Just remember to tailor your routine to your skin type and needs to achieve the best results.

What to Avoid in Your Skincare Routine After 60

While plenty of anti-aging products on the market can help improve the appearance of mature skin, some ingredients and formulas can actually do more harm than good. If you’re over 60 and looking to maintain a healthy, youthful complexion, here are a few skincare ingredients and products you should avoid:

• Alcohol-Based Toners: These types of toners will strip any moisture from your complexion, particularly for those with mature skin. If your goal is to hydrate and nourish your skin, opt for a hydrating toner or mist instead.
• Strong Retinoids: Retinoids can be powerful anti-aging ingredients, but they can also be irritating, especially on more sensitive skin, like mature skin. If you’re using a retinoid product, start slowly by using it just a few times a week and build up to daily use as your skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient. Retinoids also come in varying strengths as well, so it is possible to start with a lower strength and slowly work your way up as your skin becomes used to the product.
• Harsh Scrubs: Abrasive scrubs can damage the delicate surface of mature skin, causing irritation, redness, and inflammation. If you want to exfoliate your skin, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant instead.
• Scented Products: Many skincare products, from cleansers to moisturizers, are scented. But for mature skin that is prone to dryness and sensitivity, scented products can be irritating. Look for fragrance-free options or products that contain natural essential oils instead.
• Hot Water: Avoid using hot water when cleansing your face, as it can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness. Use lukewarm water instead to help keep your skin hydrated.

In addition to avoiding these products and ingredients, limiting your exposure to the sun is also best—especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Always wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and avoid sunbathing and tanning salons.

Finally, it’s best to check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. If there are any skin changes to your complexion that you’re worried about, you should call your doctor right away. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that you get your skin checked yearly by a dermatologist for any signs of skin cancer.

By taking care of your skin and using the right cosmetic treatments, you can look great at any age and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion well into your 60s and beyond. To schedule your MedCosmetic treatment or free consultation today, contact Mirabile M.D. at 913-888-7546.