The No-Needles Hacks For Keeping Skin Firm, Smooth & Radiant
As we enter our 40s and 50s, our skin begins to reflect the hormonal shifts happening beneath the surface. Collagen production slows, skin becomes drier, and we may notice a loss of firmness, more fine lines or wrinkles. Thinking positively, we are lucky to be living in this era as there are lots of more natural hacks, supported by latest tech and you really don't need to resort to botox or fillers.
I've used a combination of advanced facials, at-home massage tools, and targeted skin care products designed specifically for women 50+. If you are still using the same skin care routine as you used in your 30s then it is time to change!
1. Lift & Tone with Salon Facials
There are a number of affordable salon facials including the one that I use - The CACI non-surgical face lift! It's basically a facial with tools that deliver low-level electrical impulses to the facial muscles, gently stimulating them to tone, lift, and firm — it's a workout for your face. I started these at 50 when I noticed the sag starting. Now more than 10 years on, I am still getting the benefit of a tight jowl and defined eye sockets. You do need to commit to a continuous course to see the benefits. A-list celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez are reported to use them.Think of it as long-term sculpting, not a one-and-done solution. There are many others out there but I have found the CACIs to be the most cost effective.
- Link to CACI - recommend salon in South East
2. Facial Massage Devices: The DIY CACI approach!
You don't need to visit a clinic to experience some of the benefits of facial toning. During Covid when salons were closed, I invested in the NuFACE Trinity massage device and still use this for an interim massage if I am going some where special and want to look more toned! These home devices can improve skin tone and support lymphatic drainage when used for 10 minutes or so a couple of times a week. Over time you will notice more firmness and less wrinkles.
A selection of technology:
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NuFACE Trinity: With two interchangeable heads, one for the whole face and one more targeted for eyes and lip area. Tone muscles and lift the skin. [Affiliate link to Nuface on Amazon]
NuFACE Mini: A good starter option with the single head [Affiliate link to Nuface on Amazon]
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LED masks (red light): Stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation. There are a number of great options with some covering the neck area and also offering cooling solutions for the eyes. Check out this new offering from Shark that's a top seller on Amazon. It has everything both red and blue light therapy and cooling eye solution. Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask
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Gua Sha sculpting tool: This is a great budget option and I do have one. They are great manual massage tools that boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and sculpt the face. This is a special set with the addition of a roller.
3. Skincare designed for our age!
If you haven't updated your skin routine in decades then now is the time to change! There are many options and high performance products that are specifically designed for mature skin — they're often richer, more nourishing, and packed with the latest ingredients that target sagging skin and wrinkles.
- Retinol and Retinal (Vitamin A). Retinal and retinol are both vitamin A derivative used in skincare for their rejuvenating and anti-aging properties, but retinal is generally considered more potent and faster-acting than retinol. I use the Medik 8 Crystal Retinal a couple of times per week at night along with a night cream from Clarins. You need to start with a lower strength and build up over time. [Affiliate link to Medik 8].
- Hyauluronic Acid: Don't be put off by the name, this product is far from being an acid, in fact it plumps and hydrates the skin and is great to use during winter months for extra moisture. My go to face-care hero is Clarins Double Serum. This contains a number of high performing ingredients including the Hyauluronic acid and peptides and is amazing at hydration and I've used it for many years. I use a couple of pumps in the morning and evening [Affiliate link to Clarins Double Serum]
- Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C brightens the skin, evens tone, and protects against environmental damage. Use it in the morning under SPF for a great start to the day! I use a cost effective version from Olay [Affiliate link to Olay product].
- Day and Night Cream: I recommend a good day and night cream in addition to the above. Look for a brand that supports mature skins as this will be a richer and more nourishing cream. A day cream should contain SPF as the sun is one of agings worst enemies. I recommend Clarins Super Restorative Day and Night cream. [Affiliate link to Clarins]
And a final few words...
What ever you choose - consistency is key. You can't reclaim your youth but you can reduce the signs of aging and have firm, glowing skin in menopause and beyond.