As our skin matures, it reflects all the chapters of our lives – the smiles, the outdoor adventures, and everything in between. Caring for your skin as you get older isn’t about trying to look twenty again; it’s about giving it the right support and nourishment so you feel vibrant, healthy, and comfortable in your own skin.
Here is my summer skincare routine to help your skin look and feel its absolute best, without needing fillers or harsh treatments!
Hydrate from within
We’ve all heard it a thousand times, but true hydration really does start on the inside. As we get older, our skin naturally produces less of its own oils and struggles to hold onto moisture. Drinking plenty of water is a great start, but you also need healthy fats in your diet to act like a seal, locking that moisture into your skin cells.
This is where Omega-3 essential fatty acids come in. They help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, keeping it plump and preventing it from drying out. Try to include plenty of Omega-3-rich foods in your meals, like walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or wild-caught fish. If you feel your skin needs an extra bit of help – especially during dry spells – a high-quality, pure fish oil or a plant-based algal oil supplement can make a world of difference in softening dry patches and keeping things supple. Flax, Hemp or Udo’s oil also works beautifully – all can be added to a smoothie or yoghurt and granola in the morning.
Smart sun care
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the kindest things you can do for it. Strong UV rays speed up the breakdown of collagen, which is what keeps our skin firm, and can lead to uneven skin tone or age spots.
Your best ally here is a good quality mineral suncream. Unlike standard chemical sunscreens, mineral formulas sit gently on top of the face using natural ingredients like zinc oxide to reflect the sun’s rays away like a mirror. Look out for Green People, Suntribe, Biosolis and Badger suncreams – all mineral, safe for you and for the ocean life.
My favourite is Dr Hauschka’s Tinted SPF 30 – it gives a fabulous glow even if you don’t have a tan!
I’m also trying to make a habit of wearing a hat or a cap when I’m out walking on a summer day – even on the shady days.
Gentle exfoliation
Our skin’s natural renewal process slows down a bit over time, meaning dead skin cells can sit on the surface longer, making our complexion look a little dull or uneven. Gently clearing these away makes an instant difference and helps your regular creams absorb much better.
The trick with mature skin is to avoid anything harsh or abrasive – no gritty scrubs that scratch or irritate the face. Instead, opt for something kind to the skin barrier:
Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream: This is a real classic and one of my personal favourites. Instead of scrubbing, you use a gentle ‘press and roll’ motion with wet hands. It uses almond meal and soothing herbs to lift away impurities while keeping your skin’s natural moisture entirely intact.
Olae PHA Exfoliant: Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) are fantastic for mature skin. They have a larger molecular structure than other exfoliating acids, meaning they work slowly and gently on the surface without causing redness. Even better, they actually draw moisture into the skin while they work. I use this PHA Exfoliant twice a week – it’s very gentle but I really notice the difference if I stop.
Natural oils and plant actives
Once your face is clean and fresh, feeding it with natural oils leaves you with a gorgeous, dewy finish.
Olae Anti-Aging Oil: This is a beautifully crafted fantastic value French Oil designed specifically to deeply nourish mature skin, helping with elasticity and smoothing out fine lines. It contains so much Astaxanthin that it’s bright red – which is a great thing for your skin (again, it gives a lovely glow)
Trilogy Bakuchiol: If you want the smoothing benefits of Retinol but find it makes your skin dry, peeling, or sensitive to the sun, Bakuchiol is your answer. It’s a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol that helps refresh skin texture and boost radiance without any of the irritation.
Hydrating masks
Think of a face mask as a weekly top-up to give your skin a concentrated dose of moisture. It’s a simple ritual that yields wonderful results. I love using a mask in the bath.
Dr. Hauschka Revitalising Mask: This is an absolute lifesaver for tired or parched skin, helping to even out the complexion and soothe any redness. A favorite trick of mine is to apply a thin layer in the evening and simply leave it on overnight. You’ll wake up with skin that looks beautifully rested and plump.
Urtekram Agave 3-Minute Mask: If you’re short on time or heading out for the evening, this organic mask gives your skin an express shot of cooling hydration in just three minutes.
If you like natural skincare, call in to Organico or visit our website – we have a very comprehensive selection of brands – from locally-made WaSi skincare (their Lemongrass soap is a bestseller!) to Irish Tallow Skincare to favourites like Weleda, Dr Hauschka and Trilogy. We’re passionate about everything to do with natural skincare.
