At Hark & Zander, we are passionate about keeping our skin healthy. Through changes in the weather, life stage, skin texture, it’s important to keep an eye on things and be ready to change routine as needed. A prominent example of this is the need to give our skin what it needs to be healthy as we get older.
As we age, our skin goes through a variety of natural changes that can affect its appearance, texture, and overall health. While skincare routines may work well for a certain stage of life, what worked in your 20s might not be as effective in your 40s, 50s, or beyond. That’s why it’s crucial to update your skincare routine as you age—not just to keep your skin looking radiant, but to ensure it stays healthy, nourished, and resilient in the long term.
Today we’ll look at some key reasons why updating your skincare routine as you age is essential for maintaining healthy skin:
1. Your Skin Type Can Change Over Time
When you’re younger, your skin may have been naturally oily, dry, or combination. As you age, however, your skin’s oil production and hydration levels can shift. Many people experience a decrease in oil production as they get older, leading to drier skin. Conversely, hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, can cause some women to experience increased oil production or even breakouts.
This shift means that your old skincare products might not be providing the hydration or nourishment your skin needs. For example, a lightweight, oil-absorbing cleanser that was perfect in your 20s might leave your skin feeling tight and dry as you age. Instead something like our Purifying Oil Cleanser may be better suited to cleanse gently while still helping to retain those natural oils.
By updating your skincare routine to better match your current skin type, you can address dryness, dehydration, or oiliness more effectively.
2. The Skin’s Ability to Absorb Products Changes
As you age, the structure of your skin changes. Collagen production declines, the skin barrier weakens, and cell turnover slows down. This means that your skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture and nutrients can decrease. As a result, your skin might become less responsive to the active ingredients in your skincare products.
To counteract this, it’s important to incorporate products that are designed to enhance absorption. Hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help improve moisture retention (like our Hydrating Gel Toner with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera).
Similarly, using products that support and strengthen the skin barrier—such as ceramide-rich moisturisers—can help maintain skin health and improve the effectiveness of other products. We love to head in with our Restoring Good Night Crème as its luxurious thick formulation serves to protect the skin overnight while providing nourishment.
3. Promoting a Youthful Complexion
The most visible signs of ageing—such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots—are often the result of both internal (genetics, hormones) and external factors (sun exposure, pollution). A skincare routine designed to address these concerns can help prevent premature ageing and minimise existing damage.
As you age, you may need to introduce products that specifically target these concerns. For instance, antioxidants like vitamin C can help brighten and even out skin tone, while retinoids can promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. However, actives (such as retinol) can be very intense on skin of any type or stage. Instead, you could try a natural retinol alternative that can offer you the same results but without some of the side effects that come along with using harsher actives. A team favourite is Bakuchiol, found in our Restoring Good Night Crème, which is super high in Vitamin A which can visibly improve the appearance of skin for a healthier looking glow.
Sunscreen is always important, and this remains true as we age. UV exposure damages the skin and accelerates the ageing process. Consistently applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) helps protect against further damage and keeps your skin looking healthy and youthful.
4. Ageing Skin Needs Extra Nourishment
As we age, our skin’s natural oils and moisture diminish, leading to dryness, and sometimes a lack of radiance, and a rougher texture. Adding nourishing, hydrating, and barrier-repairing products to your routine becomes crucial for maintaining skin’s suppleness (read here for extra information about how to maintain your skin’s elasticity).
Incorporating richer moisturisers, oils, and masks can help replenish lost moisture and restore a smooth, plump appearance. Look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane, which attract moisture to the skin and help lock it in. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, are also beneficial in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, helping to maintain its vitality. As an added (but necessary) boost, follow up your morning and night routine with a light layer of our Hemptonic Face Oil which contains natural plant oils that nourish and replenish the skin as well as giving it a nice healthy looking glow.
5. Maintaining Skin Health Long-Term
It’s not just about how your skin looks today—it’s about setting your skin up for long-term health. Developing a skincare routine that addresses the changing needs of your skin over time ensures that you are actively protecting and caring for it as you age. Proper skincare can help maintain the skin’s elasticity, firmness, and overall appearance, while also supporting its ability to repair itself.
By focusing on long-term skin health, you’re preventing problems before they become more difficult to manage. For instance, regular use of products that encourage collagen production and skin cell turnover can help slow down the appearance of deep wrinkles and sagging over time. Some of these signs can be addressed with a serum, targeted to any issues your skin might have. We love our MiracleFirm Smoothing Serum, which has been scientifically researched to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, softening and smoothing the skin which natural active botanicals replenish the skin for long term health.
6. Adapting to Environmental Stressors
As we age, our skin also becomes more susceptible to environmental stressors, including pollution, UV rays, and changing weather conditions. A well-rounded skincare routine that includes antioxidants, SPF, and gentle cleansers can help protect against these stressors. Adding ingredients like green tea extract (found in our Hydrating Gel Toner) can help to fortify the skin’s defences, while regular hydration ensures that your skin can withstand the harsh elements of the environment.
Conclusion: Start Now for Healthy, Beautiful Skin Tomorrow
Updating your skincare routine as you age shouldn’t be just about slowing the signs of ageing or trying to achieve a certain appearance. It’s about taking a proactive approach to skin health that will help to ensure our skin stays healthier for longer. Our skin evolves with age, and adjusting your routine ensures that your skin gets the right nourishment, protection, and care it needs at every stage of life.
If you would like to read more about skin health and skincare practices, check out our entry on the differences between hydration and moisture in skincare!
