A few months ago I rang up an old friend to see how she was doing. We chit-chatted briefly and then she went on to tell me how flabbergasted she was to see a local former fashion model in her late 50s, sporting a full head of grey without makeup.
I was stirred by the comment, and my friend proceeded to show me a recent photo from the lady's social media.
I gasped when I saw the photo.
"Wow, she has grown. She knows herself and is comfortable in her skin. I guess she's gone through many phases and now wants to be her authentic self. Oh my, I'm so happy for her. That's so admirable, and kudos to her. She looks amazing." Was my candid emotional rant!
"Really Milly!" my friend exclaimed.
My friend was perplexed by my reaction, and I saw her trying to process it all. I went on further to tell my friend that I see the new image of the woman as a positive influence for younger girls who are all absorbed with the demands of social media-approved looks, and also for the more mature women who might be struggling with changes.
"I'm so happy about this conversation because that makes me see the woman in a different light," said my friend.
I pointed out to my friend that it's the same way people would probably see me and be completely shocked about my grooming because, for years, I never left my home without makeup. Nothing drastic, or elaborate, but just a matte finished look, which somehow made me more confident.
It's horrible to be judged by our natural appearance, isn't it?
My present skin condition and my daily look.
I have a few acne scars that are not so pronounced, so I'm not too concerned about covering them. It's not that I have an aversion to women wearing makeup, but focusing on skincare makes me less susceptible to skin conditions that I suffered from in the past. Without proper skincare, I'm prone to things like acne, eczema and vitiligo, which were all expensive to correct; under the proper guidance of using dermatology-prescribed products, which thankfully brought my skin back to a healthy state.
Beauty care for me is best when done holistically with a focus on our entire lifestyle and habits. I do not drink more than an occasional glass of red wine, neither do I smoke, and I try to get good sleep, as I know that lifestyle habits can alter the appearance of the skin.
There are noticeable signs of ageing in my skin; Nothing dramatic though apart from slightly looser skin above my eyes, and below my chin, which I think are the two problematic areas for most women over 40 years, and I think I'm doing okay at 47 years old.
However, for mature women like myself, particularly those who might not have to dress up for the office or public eye; It's important that we still maintain a good healthy self-care routine. One that starts from within, meaning what we eat, to what we apply or nurture our skin with, because we need sufficient moisture to maintain a supple appearance.
Imperfections don't bother me because what I see in the mirror goes far beyond my physical appearance, and I see a spiritual soul that makes me own every flaw. So, I like to look at my freshly washed face in the natural light by a window so I can observe the health of my skin.
My Skincare Routine.
"My daily activities involve spending time outdoors or doing activities such as yoga, where my face is exposed to dirt and grime, so cleansing and moisturising is important."
I have a combination skin type that leans more on the dryer side, so I need to use a mixture of water-based and oil-based products. Also, women who look like me are prone to hyper-pigmentation and discolouration, which can take years to correct, so a healthy regime using mild products is a good preventative measure.
Something that these products all have in common is that they contain natural and organic ingredients that are certified as environmentally safe, and are free from synthetic ingredients such as mineral oil.
Here's a lovely set from a New Zealand brand that's gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
A full regime (done at least 3 times weekly, and a half regime that's done daily)
Part A (Cleansing)
(1) Micellar water (which doubles as a make-up remover for those who wear makeup) is applied using a cotton pad to remove excess dirt and oils, in a gentle circular motion.
⬆️(2) I alternate between a foam cleanser or a gel cleanser that is soap-free and mild, which is applied in a gentle circular motion and then rinsed. This helps to remove excess dirt and oils that potentially clog pores and gives a deeper clean than that of the micellar water. This one says hydro-boost, which is highly nourishing.
⬆️(3) A toner that helps to balance the pH of the skin for a healthy glow. This one which is about to finish is a Retinol-based one, however, I already have this glycolic one below as the replacement.
I like to alternate between the two for different functions.
Part B (Moisturising)
⬆️(4) Here is where I use an ampoule with a few drops of hyaluronic acid, that works well for my skin as it seals in moisture which improves the feel, texture and elasticity of my skin.
(5) A face oil. I love these. My friend sent me this one from New Zealand which is turmeric oil, good for achieving an even skin tone.
(6) A light easily absorbing serum that seals the moisture.
(7) This moisturiser absorbs well into the skin and does not leave a film coating on the skin. It's a highly trusted brand here in the UK, and it doubles as a sun protection for me.
This might seem like a lot of steps and a lot of products, however, I use them sparingly, as a little goes a long way. Just a little drop of each and my face remains clean and clear, with the confidence to go without makeup.
With all these steps, I eliminate the exfoliation because my skin is sensitive and I try not to irritate it. An alternative for me is to use this silicone face brush that's not abrasive while using the foam cleanser.
For a Half Routine (Fewer Steps and also more suitable in the summertime or hot humid climates)
I do:
(1) Micellar water cleansing with a cotton pad
(2) Toner with a cotton pad
(3) Hyaluronic Acid
(4) Moisturiser and sunscreen
With this rigid routine, I can keep acne pimples away even during my time of the month when I tend to get the odd pimple.
Overall, I think it's important to figure out one's skin type and use products that are specific to it. I do not have specific brands, because I tend to focus more on each ingredient. Also, I only purchase my cosmetics from outlets like TK Maxx, which offers quality for less.
My reasons for dedicating time to proper skincare are that I feel better about myself when my skin is clean and clearer than when I neglect it and develop conditions like eczema and acne. Also, this helps to boost inner confidence so that I do not rely on the approval of others.
Do you think there's a particular age that's too early to start having a conscious skincare routine, or do you think that products and procedures are developing constantly that could be used for cosmetic enhancement?
All images are mine and the cover photo was edited in Canva