When you have mature skin, especially if it is also dry, you probably know by now that it requires a bit of extra TLC. With a propensity to face a host of specialized challenges, clearly not just any old skincare products will do. But did you know that one regimen step in particular can usually all but completely assuage your mature dry skin woes? It’s true! A rich, revitalizing moisturizer can not only help pull the reins on the clock, but it can also help you kick dry skin and any associated irritation like a total boss. Lucky for you, no need to decipher between the innumerous formulas in the beauty aisle. We’re gushing over our favorite moisturizer for mature dry skin down below. Read on!
IN A NUTSHELL
Main Takeaways: Mature dry skin requires specialized care, specifically in the form of a well formulated moisturizer – one that is chock-full of nutritious ingredients to condition, protect, and smooth your skin.
Good to Know: While aging gracefully is an admirable pursuit, so is caring for the health and wellness of your skin’s largest organ. Time-tested and science-backed ingredients, such as retinol and evening primrose oil, are ideal for treating mature dry skin.
Recommended Products: Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer.
Mature Dry Skin Issue
Every skin type has its issues. To demystify mature dry skin, we’ve detailed the three major challenges often encountered by those with this special skin type and why they occur.
Dryness
Probably the most obvious issue experienced by this skin type is right in the name. Dryness can be a maddening symptom that may lead to things like flaking and cracking. In addition, it can be super uncomfortable. Further, untreated dryness can damage the skin’s lipid barrier and even lead to things like infection.
Irritation
With dryness often comes irritation. Mature dry skin can be temperamental and tends to experience sensitivities. Again, this is usually the result of a compromised lipid barrier. As the protective layer between your skin and the outside world fails, things like pollutants, allergens, and other irritants can more easily penetrate your skin and wreak havoc. This can lead to things like redness, rashes, itching, and burning; all signs that your skin is bothered and in need of support.
Laxity
As skin ages, it experiences a decrease in collagen and elastin, the proteins in skin that effectively act as building blocks and help keep it firm and smooth. But without the strength, structure, and stretchiness that these things provide, the skin loses its texture and shape. Your complexion may begin to sag and fine lines and wrinkles will become more visible.
Ingredients to Avoid for Mature Dry Skin
Artificial fragrance
If the name didn’t cue you into its nefarious nature (er, “artificial”), let us be unequivocally clear: artificial fragrance is a no-no. With a tendency to cause irritation, these ingredients can make the effects of dryness even worse.
Drying Alcohols
Fast drying alcohols, like isopropyl alcohol and alcohol denat, can weather and strip your mature dry skin, so avoid these at all costs. But don’t go writing off all alcohols in your skincare! Fatty alcohols, like cetyl alcohol, can actually help your skin retain moisture.
Sulfates
Sulfates disrupt the skin barrier and can cause irritation. They can exacerbate dryness and cause mature skin to appear increasingly lifeless and dull.
Best Ingredients for Mature Dry Skin
Retinol
With decades of research and practical application in the field of anti-aging skincare, retinol is one of the best ingredients for mature skin. A form of vitamin A, an antioxidant known to increase cell turnover and the production of collagen, this powerhouse ingredient will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It also helps to firm and lift the skin, resulting in a youthful appearance. It is known to be harsh and irritating to the skin, so look for formulas with a small dosage of retinol that is supported by soothing botanicals.
Vitamin E
This antioxidant has long been regarded as an answer to both aging and dry skin separately. So it’s kind of a no brainer to apply it when both conditions apply to your skin. Full of healing properties, and with an ability to protect your skin from moisture loss and cell damage, vitamin E can be invaluable when designing a regimen equipped to support mature dry skin.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Regarded as a “holy fruit” in some parts of the world, sea buckthorn produces a deeply hydrating oil that is perfect for mature dry skin. Featuring a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, sea buckthorn oil can visibly improve not just the appearance, but overall wellness of your skin. Look for products with this benevolent occlusive to strengthen the skin barrier, protect against environmental stressors, and moisturize for a happy and healthy complexion.
Squalane
This vegan alternative of squalene is an intensive moisturizer derived exclusively from plants. With an ability to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it offers impressive anti-aging properties and expertly balances your complexion, helping to impart a more rested and youthful appearance.
Glycerin
This usual suspect can be found in every kind of skincare product on the market, from cleansers to moisturizers, and even serums. Glycerin belongs to a class of ingredients known as humectants; these hydrate the skin by attracting moisture to its cells from external sources (most often the environment). Glycerin provides a refreshing dose of hydration to plump up and revivify mature dry skin for a youthful glow.
Aloe Vera
Another humectant, aloe vera delivers life-giving hydration to skin. But more than that, aloe soothes and calms aggravated skin, relieving temporary redness and other signs of irritation, making it a strong ally for mature dry skin.
Evening Primrose Oil
Used for centuries for its health and beauty benefits, evening primrose oil has a particularly high amount of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other essential fatty acids. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce the appearance of occasional redness and wrinkles and is extremely moisturizing when applied to the skin.
Best Moisturizer for Mature Dry Skin
Many anti-aging moisturizers contain harsh ingredients that, while great for mature skin, can be problematic for complexions that suffer from dryness and the associated sensitivities. When choosing a moisturizer for your mature dry skin, you want something that is high in antioxidants, well balanced, and crafted from mild botanical ingredients to support your complexion rather than stressing it out. When you throw in the signs of aging that come with spending time on this planet, you likely have a good handful of skincare concerns to address. Fleur & Bee has your back with a moisturizer that literally checks every box!
Youth Fairy is a rich, silky-smooth cream that will smooth and protect your skin while moisturizing deeply for a complexion that’s ready for anything! Packed with 18 nourishing actives like vitamin E, sea buckthorn oil, squalene, and a blend of hydrating humectants and protective antioxidants, you can say bye to dryness and hello to that youthful glow we are all after. Best of all, Youth Fairy contains a small yet highly effective dose of retinol that is tolerable across all skin types without experiencing any of the irritation or harshness commonly associated with retinol.
Achieve smoother, younger looking skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, with a moisturizer designed to not only help your skin look better, but be fundamentally healthier as well. Support your skin barrier, defend against environmental stressors, and watch your skin thrive – no matter what your age with Youth Fairy retinol moisturizer.