In an era where staying forever young feels like the ultimate goal, there’s ALSO a growing movement towards embracing the beauty of aging gracefully. But…mature skin calls for more than just surface-level fixes; it craves a holistic skincare regimen that cares for both the inside and out.
In this all-encompassing guide, I’m diving into easy, approachable lifestyle tips tailored especially for mature skin. From the wonders of natural ingredients to meal plans crafted to nourish from within, we’ll cover everything from daily skincare routines to environment tweaks and dietary tips.
If you’re a handmade skincare business, stick around till the end—I’ve got some insider info on how you can share these LIFE-CHANGING tips with your customers, helping them achieve that radiant, healthy skin they’ve been dreaming of!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links (at no cost to you). Please read the disclosure for more information.
What is Mature Skin?
Mature skin refers to skin that has aged over time, typically as a result of the natural aging process and various external factors.
Some key characteristics of mature skin include:
- Loss of Elasticity: The production of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, decreases with age. This can result in sagging and the formation of wrinkles.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Over time, the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself diminishes, leading to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, especially in areas with repetitive movements (such as the eyes and mouth).
- Dryness: Mature skin tends to produce less natural oils, making it more prone to dryness and dehydration. This can contribute to a dull appearance and an increased susceptibility to irritation.
- Thinning of the Skin: The outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, may thin with age, making the skin more fragile and susceptible to damage.
- Uneven Skin Tone: Sun exposure over the years can lead to the development of age spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
- Slower Cell Turnover: The turnover of skin cells slows down, resulting in a slower renewal process. This can contribute to a dull complexion and make it more challenging for the skin to recover from damage.
What Causes Mature Skin?
As people get older, the skin undergoes changes that are influenced by both internal and external factors (and can even begin as early as 25-30 years of age).
The aging process varies from person to person, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and sun exposure can influence how quickly and prominently these changes occur.
Mature Skin Cause #1: The Natural Aging Process
As individuals age, the skin naturally undergoes various changes, including decreased collagen and elastin production, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and thinning of the skin.
Mature Skin Cause #2: Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during menopause, can contribute to changes in skin structure and elasticity.
Mature Skin Cause #3: Genetics
Genetic predispositions can influence how quickly one’s skin ages and the extent of aging.
Mature Skin Cause #4: Lifestyle Choices
Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep can all impact skin health and accelerate the aging process.
Mature Skin Cause #5: Skincare Habits
Inadequate skincare routines, including failure to moisturize or use sunscreen, can exacerbate skin aging over time.
Mature Skin Cause #6: Stress
Chronic stress can lead to the release of cortisol, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and contribute to premature aging of the skin.
Mature Skin Cause #7: Nutritional Deficiencies
Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants can impair skin health and contribute to the aging process.
Mature Skin Cause #8: Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances can affect skin health and contribute to premature aging.
What is Holistic Skincare?
Welcome to a journey of self-care that goes BEYOND the surface!
If you’re anything like me, get ready to be obsessed with thinking about how EVERYTHING we do impacts the skin we’re in!
The definition of ‘holistic’ is to think about the WHOLE person rather than just the symptom; holistic skincare considers every detail of the daily experience of an individual to benefit their skin’s health from the inside out.
This is all about understanding that everything in your body, mind, and environment is connected and impacts your overall health and wellness (which directly impacts the skin’s appearance).
Holistic skincare goes far beyond just using the ‘right’ type of product for your skin, and includes all of the following for a well-rounded skincare regimen:
- Plant-based skincare products
- Proper hydration
- Regular exercise
- A Whole Food diet
- Deep sleep
- Stress management
- Mindfulness practice
In this skincare guide, we’ll explore a comprehensive mature skin regimen that not only focuses on external treatments but also delves into these internal factors that contribute to your skin’s health and appearance.
If you’d like additional background information before moving ahead, view this holistic skincare blog post or download the following PDF guide:
Best Natural Ingredients for Mature Skin
Plant-based skin care products are best for overall wellness, as they are easy on the immune system and have a far lower risk of creating or exacerbating allergies.
If you are a DIY skin care maker (and even a handmade business owner), use the suggested ingredients below for amazing, chemical-free formulations for mature skin.
If you are not a maker, read the labels of the mature skin care products you are purchasing and aim for items that include many of the essential oils and carriers listed below.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood essential oil (Juniperus virginiana) is a cicatrisant, meaning it aids in cell regeneration and healing.
Jasmine Absolute
Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum) also has regenerative potential, as well as helpful for dry, damaged skin with free radical scavenging properties (UVB-induced damage).
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha) is well-known for use on mature skin, as it has regenerating, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
Palmarosa Essential Oil
Palmarosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) is beneficial to thirsty skin and helps to balance sebum production and inflammation.
Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) moisturizes and cools the skin, a wonder in blends for dryness, scar tissue, and skin disorders.
Rose Absolute
Rose Absolute (Rosa x damascene) is useful in regeneration and healing blends, helping to improve skin texture and reinforcing the skin barrier function.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album) is moisturizing and a fabulous addition to any formulation that has strong oils in need of balance.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananaga odorata var. genuina) is another powerful moisturizing agent that is much used in mature skincare.
Apricot Oil
Apricot Oil (Prunus armeniaca) spreads easily and is quickly absorbed, improves skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of dark circles.
Argan Oil
Argan Oil (Argania spinosa) softens dry patches and is considered one of the best carriers for mature skin due to properties that help tighten pores and increase skin elasticity.
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) is deeply nourishing and restores the skin. Repeated applications reveal an increase in hydration of the upper layers of the skin and improvement of the skin’s elastic properties.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao) is one of the most hydrating butters that improves skin flexibility, lightens dark spots and discoloration, reduces cutaneous dryness, and diminishes the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) is quickly absorbed, non-allergenic, and has an indefinite shelf life, helping to support other ingredients in a formulation.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa rubiginosa) rejuvenates mature skin and aids in cell regeneration. Very popular for formulations that address skin discoloration and age spots.
Shea Butter
Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradox) provides long-term support for the skin, revitalizing skin cells and deeply penetrating the skin. Be sure that the shea butter is raw, organic, and unrefined to guarantee its natural vitamins and healing properties.
Holistic Skincare Regimen for Mature Skin: Best Foods (with Recipe Ideas)
Mature Skin Food #1: Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce inflammation, contributing to healthier and more radiant mature skin.
Recipe Idea: Lemon Panko-Crusted Salmon
Mature Skin Food #2: Avocado
Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins E and C, and antioxidants, which nourish mature skin, help maintain its elasticity, and protect against oxidative damage, promoting a more vibrant appearance.
Recipe Idea: Best Guacamole Recipe
Mature Skin Food #3: Nuts/Seeds
Nuts and seeds contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, which promote skin hydration, collagen production, and protect against oxidative stress, helping to maintain the health and vitality of mature skin.
Recipe Idea: Spiced Nuts Recipe
Mature Skin Food #4: Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which help moisturize, nourish, and protect mature skin from oxidative damage, supporting its elasticity and overall health.
Recipe Idea: Fresh Chickpea Salad
Mature Skin Food #5: Tofu, Legumes, Dairy
Tofu and legumes are excellent sources of plant-based proteins, which provide essential amino acids necessary for collagen production, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity in mature skin.
Additionally, they often contain vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron that support skin health and repair.
Recipe Idea: Seven Bean Stew
Mature Skin Food #6: Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, which promote skin health by reducing inflammation, supporting collagen production, and protecting against oxidative damage, ultimately contributing to the maintenance of glowing mature skin.
Recipe Idea: Oatmeal Pancakes
Mature Skin Food #7: Spinach and Kale
Spinach and kale are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, as well as phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect mature skin from oxidative stress, promote collagen production, and maintain its elasticity and overall health.
Recipe Idea: Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Spinach
Mature Skin Food #8: Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity in mature skin.
Additionally, they contain antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, supporting its overall health and vitality.
Recipe Idea: Simple Chicken Fajitas
Mature Skin Food #9: Bone Broth
Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals like zinc and magnesium, which support skin elasticity, hydration, and repair in mature skin.
Consuming bone broth may help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Recipe Idea: Italian Wedding Soup
Mature Skin Food #10: Citrus Fruits and Berries
Citrus fruits and berries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help protect mature skin from oxidative stress, promote collagen synthesis, and improve skin texture and tone.
Regular consumption of these fruits can contribute to a more hydrated and radiant complexion in mature skin.
Recipe Idea: Parfait with Maple Yogurt, Citrus and Pomegranate
Holistic Skincare Regimen for Mature Skin: Daily Routine
- Cleanser (Oil-Based)
- In the morning and the evening, use an oil-based cleanser to gently wash away any impurities and dead skin cells.
- Toner
- Spray a gentle toner over a cleansed face two times a day.
- Rose Hydrosol is a recommended toner for mature skin.
- Moisturizer
- A plant-based, 100% oil facial serum is recommended in place of water-based creams.
- Always apply face serum at night, and in the morning if possible with your ‘get out the door’ routine (it needs a bit to soak in before applying makeup).
- If you are a DIY skin care maker, check out this mature skin face serum recipe that is easy enough for beginners (yet produces amazing results!)
- For an all-over body moisturizer, there is nothing better than plain jojoba oil.
- Hydrate
- Men: 13 cups (~3 liters) of water a day
- Women: 9 cups (~2+ liters) a day
- Exercise
- The amount of exercise recommended varies widely based on age and health conditions.
- The average adult (ages 18-64) needs 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (this is just to provide a frame of reference to start with). Visit the World Health Organization here for more info.
- Healthy Meals
- Eating for wellness also impacts the health and appearance of the skin greatly. Try adding one new recipe a week that is specific to mature skin (see recommendations in the above section).
- Mindfulness Practice
- The goal of mindfulness is to achieve focused relaxation while paying attention to thoughts and sensations and being fully present.
- This can be achieved through meditation, gratitude practice, belly breathing, mindful walking, body scans, and more.
- Get Fresh Air
- Fresh outside air has tons of positive impacts on overall health (and most individuals aren’t getting close to enough of it).
- Breathing fresh air increases oxygen in the blood, increases energy, improves digestion, cleans the lungs, relieves stress and anxiety, improves cell function, and improves cognitive abilities…to name just a few benefits (and all of these impact the skin’s glow)!
- Makeup Remover
- If you’re washing your face with an oil-based cleanser as mentioned in the first step, you don’t need another product – this should do the trick for most makeup.
- For some waterproof makeup that is a bit more stubborn, grab some reusable makeup remover pads.
- Under-Eye Salve
- Apply under-eye salve at night (after cleansing, spraying toner, and applying face serum)
- If you are a DIYer, try this handmade under-eye salve recipe
- No Screen Time Before Bed
- Sleep experts recommend cutting off screen time an hour before bed (or two hours for the best benefits…time to bust out that library card!)
- 8+ Hours of Sleep
- It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason, as deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) stimulates cell turnover and collagen production.
- Deep sleep reduces inflammation and combats issues, such as eczema and acne, and is essential for memory, mood regulation, brain health, and immune function.
Holistic Skincare Regimen for Mature Skin: More Lifestyle Tips
Mature Skin Tip #1: Proper Hydration
Drink at least 64 oz of water every day (and more if you can!). Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they contribute to dehydration and dull skin.
Mature Skin Tip #2: Sun Protection
Use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect your skin.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose linen clothing.
Mature Skin Tip #3: Gentle Cleansing
Use a mild oil cleanser to avoid stripping the skin of its natural sebum.
Mature Skin Tip #4: Daily Exercise
Engage in regular physical activity to improve blood circulation, overall well-being, and better sleep.
Mature Skin Tip #5: Humidify Your Home
Use a humidifier to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, especially in dry climates. This will help prevent excess skin dryness.
Mature Skin Tip #6: Bedding
Use a satin or silk pillowcase to minimize friction on facial skin and soft, breathable fabrics for sheets to reduce irritation.
Mature Skin Tip #7: Bathing
Opt for lukewarm water when showering and washing your face to prevent stripping natural oils.
Mature Skin Tip #8: Deep Sleep
Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night to allow your skin to repair and generate.
Adopting daily exercise and omitting alcohol and caffeine will greatly benefit your quality of sleep.
Holistic Skincare Education for Handmade Business Owners
Great news for my fellow skin care business owners!
We both know that our customers can benefit HUGELY from this information because I can tell you right now, that this holistic approach is not being discussed in a typical doctor’s office (yet…but WE are the change-makers!).
Here at DIY Skin Care Business, my goal is for us as educated business owners to be the bridge between skin care *just* being skin care, to it being a SHIFT in our audiences’ overall health and wellness.
I’ve made it INCREDIBLY easy for you to share all of the information above in a bundle of completely editable templates that you can tweak to your liking (or simply just pop in your business name, URL, and you’re done)!
Include the holistic skincare 101 in customer shipments, on your website, sell as printables, or hand out at markets…however it makes sense for you and your brand.
Click below for more information on the templates and start spreading the news about holistic skincare benefits for total mind and body wellness!
Grow Your Skin Care Business!
Browse through the resources below to boost your handmade business visibility and profitability!
