What is mature skin?
Mature skin is primarily characterized by a slowdown in the cell renewal process. As we age, the process of cell regeneration and renewal slows considerably, resulting in drier, dehydrated, duller, and less protected skin with more pronounced expression lines.
The age at which skin can be considered mature is very relative. Generally, skin is considered mature from the age of 35, but several external and internal factors can accelerate or slow skin aging. Genetics, hormones, UV rays, diet, tobacco, and pollution are the main factors that have the greatest impact on the rate and level of skin aging over time.
Generally speaking, mature skin no longer organically produces as much natural sebum, and the level of hyaluronic acid also decreases, leaving the skin barrier much less protected, and the moisture that promotes skin hydration is no longer produced or retained with the same intensity.
Collagen and elastin — which are responsible for cell cohesion — break more easily and lack the same regenerative capacity, causing the skin to lose consistency, become thinner and more fragile, and lead to a greater appearance of wrinkles, furrows, and visible expression lines.
On the other hand, the number of blood vessels supplying the dermis also decreases, directly affecting the blood supply essential for tissue regeneration. Consequently, the skin becomes more vulnerable and susceptible to the development of bruises, varicose veins, capillary hemangiomas, and other similar conditions.
Another characteristic of mature skin is altered pigmentation. All the sun exposure accumulated over the years manifests in the form of spots on the face, décolletage, arms, hands, and other areas of the skin.
Finally, it's important to note that, within mature skin, you should always consider your underlying skin type and condition in order to adjust or reinforce your routine based on your different needs. Therefore, it's recommended to first check out the routines created by the jcApotecari staff for each skin type ( oily , dry or dehydrated , sensitive , normal, or combination ). For example, if you have very sensitive or reactive skin, you'll need to be more careful with retinol use, even if it's suitable for mature skin. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, you'll always need to ensure the formula contains the hydration base that dry skin needs to function.
Characteristics of mature skin
- Marked and visible expression lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation and spots
- Rough, fragile and thin skin texture
- Loss of elasticity and firmness
- Lack of luminosity
- The complexion looks paler and even yellowish
- Mild alterations in vascularization (e.g. spider veins, capillary hemangiomas)
Routine to care for mature skin
The 6 steps to follow to get the most out of a mature skincare routine—both day and night—are as follows:
If you have questions about the correct order of application, consult our guide.
Recommended products
Discover all the formulas recommended for mature skin types here.
Dos and Don'ts
✔ Apply formulas with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants that provide moisture, hydration, and protection to preserve and enhance the skin's youthfulness and health as much as possible.
✔ It is recommended to use formulas with retinol (retinoic acid), as it stimulates and accelerates cell renewal and collagen production while smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. It is recommended to use them at night and avoid sun exposure.
✔ Choose products containing vitamin C and other antioxidants to increase protection against free radicals and external stressors responsible for photoaging.
✔ Include products with AHA acids to promote the cleansing of dead skin cells and thus intensify the regenerative process that the skin needs to stay young.
✔ Promote the use of formulas containing urea, hyaluronic acid, or oils such as argan or rosehip to repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
✔ Implement a rich and nourishing nighttime facial care routine to provide the extra hydration your skin needs while taking advantage of the peak skin repair time.
✔ Use a high SPF sunscreen daily against UVA and UVB rays, as the skin is less protected when exposed to the sun.
✔ Use specific, intensive, and targeted products that improve skin firmness and elasticity.
✗ Avoid aggressive cleansers that reduce sebum production and can dry out or leave the skin unprotected. Cleansing for mature skin is intended solely to cleanse, balance, and provide moisturizing and hydrating active ingredients.
✔ Include supplements that repair the dermis and strengthen the skin barrier from the inside (e.g. collagen)
✗ Avoid products with high levels of perfume, alcohol, soap, or low-quality essential oils as much as possible, as these are irritating substances that weaken the skin barrier.