Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! This is just one of many skincare tips for older women that we like to follow. Others swear by coconut oil or argan oil, a celebrity brand with unintelligible ingredients, or just simple soap. One thing is for certain, we all want healthy glowing skin.

Shouldn’t Skincare Tips for Older Women Focus on Healthy Skin, Not Younger Skin?

Most women in general, but particularly over 60, are concerned about the onset of an “aging” appearance. These women want to have “younger-looking” skin to match the eternal youth-brand machine they are exposed to every day.

But wouldn’t it be great if instead of talking about “younger looking skin,” we could focus on having “healthy skin” at any age?

Here are a few skincare tips for how women over 60 can achieve healthier skin – and feel better!

Don’t Try to Look “Younger”

One spectacular woman who wrote about the true meaning of beauty after age 60 was Cindy Joseph, an inspiring baby boomer fashion model and make-up expert. 

Cindy Joseph sadly passed away in 2018 but left a legacy of pro-aging tips and a beauty line catered uniquely for mature women. 

She always stressed the importance of using natural products to help women over 60 look and feel great at any age – not by using expensive and (often) ineffective chemical treatments to try to achieve “younger-looking skin.”

As women over 60, we need to embrace the power that we have and say goodbye to the old-fashioned notion that all women should constantly try to look “younger.” Instead, let’s embrace the beauty, character, and honesty that are embedded in our faces.

We have lived beautiful and unique lives, and we should be proud of how we look – smile lines and all.

We are who we are – 60 and proud! With that attitude firmly in place, there are some practical things that can be done!

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkled, spotted skin. Try to limit your sun exposure, wear hats, and use sunblock.

A lot of sun damage doesn’t become fully apparent until later in life – but it’s never “too late” to make a difference in the health of your skin by reducing your sun exposure. Using sunblock and avoiding excessive sun can also reduce your risk of skin cancer.

ANTHELIOS MELT-IN MILK SUNSCREEN SPF 60

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that it is “too late” to start caring about sunblock. If you are in your 60s, you probably have 20-30 more years on this amazing planet. That’s a long time for the decisions that you make not to come back to haunt you!

We especially like using moisturizers that contain SPF. That way we don’t forget to apply sunscreen as it’s already in the moisturizer that we are used to applying every morning. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Moisturizer With SPF 30 is one of our favorites here at Sixty & Me.

Also, you can opt for a foundation with SPF. This is an easy step if you apply foundation every day. That way you won’t forget to slather on the sunscreen since it is incorporated in your foundation. 

This Moisture Surge™ Sheertint Hydrator Broad Spectrum SPF 25 from Clinique is our favorite everyday all-in-one foundation/moisturizer/SPF.

Read this article for a list of sunscreens that are perfect for mature skin.

Wash Your Face Before Sleep

Dry skin is one of the most common challenges for women over 60, because our skin tends to become drier as we lose oil glands the older we get.

One of the best ways to reduce dry skin is to wash your face every night before bed – but don’t use soap, as soap will pull away the natural oils from your skin that are needed to keep your skin healthy. Drink lots of water as well!

Pure Skin Face Wash

The Pure Skin Face wash from Balance Me thoroughly cleanses your skin without leaving it irritated. Natural ingredients like moringa oil, rice bran oil, and frankincense help restore the bright radiance of the skin.

Take the Day Off™ Micellar Cleansing Towelettes for Face & Eyes by Clinique

Using gentle convenient towelettes can be exactly what you need if you want a simple way to wash your skin before going to bed.

Use facial products that are made for your skin type. Make sure to check the packaging of the face wash products, they will typically mention which skin type it is good for – oily, dry, sensitive, or combo. 

And don’t forget to apply a moisturizer or night cream after washing your face.

Read 8 BEST NIGHT CREAMS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Stop Smoking

In addition to all the other health benefits of giving up smoking, is healthy skin. If you are a smoker, you probably have more wrinkles than other people your age who do not smoke. Try to stop. If you need help to quit smoking, there are many helpful resources you can use.

Some books like Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking have proven to be effective in giving up the nicotine habit for good.

If it’s proving too difficult to quit, consider nicotine patches and nicotine gum to help wean yourself off cigarettes. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to set a plan to get you off the smokes and on your way to better looking skin.

Don’t Soak Too Long in the Tub

A hot bath can be a great way to relax – but if you spend too long in the bathtub, you might be drying out your skin. If you love a long and leisurely bath, use some lovely bath oil or lather on some body moisturizer when you get out of the bath when your skin is still a little damp.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin is an oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier.

Read WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MOISTURIZERS FOR DRY, MATURE SKIN?

And THE 7 BEST MOISTURIZERS UNDER $15 FOR MATURE SKIN (#7 IS MY FAVORITE!) + BONUS!

Use Natural Skincare Products

Many skincare products are packed with chemicals and heavily processed ingredients. You can often get better results with natural skincare products that contain herbs, or even coconut oil or olive oil. The same ingredients that can be healthy in the kitchen can also help you achieve healthier skin.

Read 7 BEST NATURAL PRIMERS FOR AGING SKIN.

A PERFECT WORLD™ Age-Defense Skin Guardian with White Tea

The antioxidant-rich White Tea extract is the key component of this Origin cream that leaves your face instantly smooth and hydrated.

DERMA-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

The all-natural vitamin C serum from DERMA E is packed with ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, to soothe, smooth, and protect your skin.

Read 10 NATURAL PRODUCTS TO USE FOR AGING SKIN (+ FACE MASK RECIPE!).

Give Your Skin the Nutrition It Needs

Our skin has unique nutritional needs. Beyond the usual advice of eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, there are several specific foods that can help you to achieve naturally radiant skin.

Some of my favorites include dark chocolate (over 70% cacao), coconut oil, and red bell peppers. See the full list of foods in my skin care over 60 nutrition article.

Green & Black’s Organic Dark Chocolate Bar 70% Cacao

Instead of trying to look “younger,” women over 60 can look great and feel better by accepting who we are and by living life as the vibrant, comfortable, and strong people that we are.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you seek to make your skin look younger or healthier? What are your favorite natural skincare tips for older women that you can offer to the rest of the community? Do you use any specific products for healthy skin over 60? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.