How can I maintain glowing skin as I mature into my Crone era

Aging brings so many beautiful changes, including wisdom, confidence, and hopefully, character. Your skin’s radiance may evolve as you get older, but keeping it glowing is completely achievable—and, maybe even enjoyable! I personally love the experience of applying a product that has a texture and scent that I enjoy! I try to be present for that moment and center myself. Let's chat about how to care for mature skin with the right products, routines, and lifestyle tweaks, so you can keep looking and feeling vibrant at any age.

1. Hydration is Your Best Friend

Why Mature Skin Needs Extra Hydration

With time, skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases, which can lead to dryness and more noticeable fine lines. Hydrating your skin helps it appear plump, soft, and naturally radiant. Plus, hydration is a total wellness boost that benefits you from the inside out.

Hydration Tips for Glowing Skin

• Keep Water Handy: Drinking enough water daily is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin looking and feeling great. I’ll often add lemon and cucumbers for a refreshing spa experience. It doesn’t have to be a giant Stanley cup but keeping a water bottle near to hand is guaranteed to help you drink more of it.

• Use a Humidifier at Home: Dry air, especially in winter, can sap moisture from your skin. A humidifier keeps indoor air more balanced, which helps your skin stay hydrated.

• Choose a Moisturizer That Lasts: Look for products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or other humectants—ingredients that draw water into the skin and lock it in for lasting hydration. Hyaluronic acid, for instance, is a powerhouse ingredient that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

2. Exfoliate to Keep Skin Radiant

The Benefits of Gentle Exfoliation for Aging Skin

As skin matures, natural cell turnover slows, which can lead to a duller appearance. Regular exfoliation helps lift away dead skin cells, revealing fresh, glowing skin underneath and enhancing your skin’s smoothness.

Exfoliation Tips

• Opt for Gentle Exfoliants: Aging skin loves gentle care. Choose mild chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), which are effective without the harshness of physical scrubs. I’m looking at you Buf Puf and St. Ives Apricot Scrub!

• Start Slow: Exfoliate once or twice a week based on your skin’s sensitivity. Over-exfoliating can cause irritation, so let your skin be your guide. The most gentle exfoliating ingredient is an enzyme like the pineapple enzyme in Midlife Skin’s Glow Exfoliating Fluid. That’s a great product to start with especially if you’re new to exfoliating!

3. Make Sun Protection Your Daily Ritual

Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Forever Friend

UV exposure is one of the biggest accelerators of skin aging. Sun protection shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays, helping to preserve its smoothness and elasticity.

Sunscreen Tips

• Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Choose an SPF 50 or higher that offers broad-spectrum coverage, which defends against both UVA and UVB rays.

• Apply Daily, Year-Round: Sunscreen is essential every day, whether it's sunny or cloudy. Windows can’t block all UV rays, so protection is still necessary even indoors. In the Pacific Northwest it seems counterintuitive to need sun protection during the dark season, but I always check the UV index in the morning and if it’s going to be higher than zero, you’d better believe that I’m using sunscreen!

• Layer it Right: Sunscreen should be re-applied every 2 hours. Wild, right? There are some spray pump or powder options that will work over makeup. They aren’t enough on their own but are a good option for re-application throughout the day.

4. Boost Skin’s Radiance with Antioxidants

The Importance of Antioxidants for Mature Skin

Antioxidants are your skin’s best defense against free radicals, which can contribute to fine lines and dullness. By incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products, you can enhance your skin’s glow and resilience.

Best Antioxidants for Skin

• Vitamin C: A fantastic brightener that evens skin tone, reduces pigmentation, and boosts collagen production.

• Vitamin E: This nourishing antioxidant helps protect the skin from environmental damage and keeps it supple.

• Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is loved for its ability to even skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier, making it ideal for mature skin.

5. Discover the Benefits of Retinoids

Why Retinoids are Gold for Aging Skin

Retinoids, a class of Vitamin A derivatives, are known to support cell turnover and collagen production, keeping skin looking smooth and revitalized. They’re highly effective at diminishing fine lines and evening skin tone over time.

How to Incorporate Retinoids

• Start with Low Strength: Begin with a lower concentration of retinoid or retinol to allow your skin to adapt. You can increase the strength gradually.

• Apply at Night: Retinoids are best used in the evening as they can make the skin more sun-sensitive.

• Moisturize After Application: To prevent dryness, layer a hydrating moisturizer after your retinoid to support the skin barrier.

6. Nourish Your Skin with a Radiance-Boosting Diet

The Skin-Diet Connection

Nutrition plays a huge role in how your skin looks and feels as you age. Eating a balanced diet with skin-loving vitamins and healthy fats can enhance your skin’s glow from within.

Foods for Glowing Skin

• Omega-3s: These healthy fats, found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, help maintain the skin’s elasticity and hydration.

• Vitamin C-Rich Fruits and Veggies: Think oranges, strawberries, and peppers—all of which support collagen and brighten skin.

• Dark Leafy Greens and Colorful Vegetables: Loaded with antioxidants, they combat oxidative stress and contribute to a youthful glow.

7. Prioritize Quality Sleep

How Sleep Affects Your Glow

Sleep is the time your skin rejuvenates, producing collagen and other key proteins that keep it looking firm and radiant. A good night’s rest can work wonders for the appearance of your skin.

Tips for Getting Your Beauty Rest

• Stick to a Bedtime Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help regulate your body’s internal clock.

• Try Silk Pillowcases: Silk is gentle on the skin and reduces friction, which can help reduce morning lines and keep skin smooth.

• Aim for 7–9 Hours: This is the optimal range for adults, giving your skin ample time to recharge and repair itself.

• Talk to your Doc: Did you know that inability to sleep through the night is one symptom of perimenopause? My sleep definitely improved once I began taking estrogen, so it could be worth a chat with your doctor to see if that’s something that could help you!

8. Stress Less for a Healthy Complexion

The Skin-Stress Connection

Stress is part of life, but managing it well can help your skin stay vibrant. High stress levels increase cortisol, which can accelerate aging and impact skin’s glow. Incorporating stress-relieving practices into your day is a simple way to benefit both your mind and skin.

Stress-Reduction Tips

• Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Taking even a few minutes a day to breathe and relax can have a profound effect on your overall wellness.

• Stay Active: Stress needs to be moved through our systems physically or it can build and build. Even just a few minutes of bouncing around can help! Exercise also boosts circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the skin for a natural glow.

• Take Breaks: Step away from screens and try spending time in nature, even for a few minutes a day, to reset your mind and spirit.

Aging Gracefully: Your Personalized Glow Plan

The journey of aging is a complex one, and your skin can reflect the radiance, confidence, and joy you gain over time. By prioritizing hydration, sun protection, balanced nutrition, quality rest, and relaxation, you’re giving your skin the care it needs to thrive at every stage.

Your glow isn’t just about skincare products—it’s about caring for yourself in ways that celebrate the unique beauty of the crone era. Start with a few of these tips, and let your natural radiance shine through.