The number one rule in skincare is to know your skin.
It’s easy to get lost in the endless barrage of videos, ads, and articles about skincare. But not every product will be great for you, even if your favorite beauty expert swears by it. In other words, what works for others might not work for you.
The differences in skincare routines for oily and dry skin is one example. Oil-absorbing products are recommended for people with oily skin. Meanwhile, emollients are best for people with dry and flaky skin. If you have combination skin, you’ll have to “divide” your application of skincare products according to oiliness or dryness.
But there is more to skin than oiliness and dryness.
As you age, your skin’s features and needs also change. For instance, you might notice the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. The skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner with age, too. Though these features are natural manifestations of aging, it isn’t wrong to take time to take care of your skin.
And while we’re on the subject of aging, it is worth noting that a combination of your genetics, hormones, skincare, lifestyle, and diet contributes to the way your skin looks. There is no fixed time when one might develop signs of mature skin.
Nonetheless, it’s still great to know which products work best for your skin.
Recently, the trend of going natural has reached the world of beauty, from eating foods for healthy skin to patronizing organically produced skincare products. But what exactly does “organic skincare” mean? Does mature skin benefit from organic products?
What is organic skincare?
You might be familiar with organic produce, but organic skincare is relatively new. Luckily, that’s no problem because the same principle applies to both types of products. “Organic” refers to products from naturally sourced ingredients, i.e., those produced without chemicals or pesticides. So, just like the vegetables, organic beauty products are sourced, produced, and formulated with organic ingredients.
Does that mean organic is synonymous with natural?
Organic vs. Natural
“Natural skincare” covers products made with ingredients that come from natural sources but are not necessarily organically produced. In other words, even if the ingredients are plant-based, they may have been sprayed with artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals.
To help combat the confusion about organic products, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has regulated the use of the “organic” label on cosmetic products. Other countries have similarly regulated beauty product labels, such as France’s ECOCERT and Germany’s BIO.
The USDA has four levels of certification:
- 100% Organic – contains only organically produced ingredients and is allowed to display the USDA “organic” seal
- Organic – contains at least 95% organically produced ingredients and is also allowed to display the USDA “organic” seal
- Made With Organic Ingredients -contains at least 70% organic ingredients but not allowed to display the seal
- No organic seal or label – contains less than 70% organic ingredients and not permitted to use the seal nor term “organic” anywhere on the packaging but permitted to list organically produced items in the ingredient section
Is organic skincare good for mature skin?
Parabens, sulfates, and phthalates are some of the most common chemicals in hygiene and cosmetic products. Parabens are preservatives found in lotions and sunscreens. Sulfates are detergents found in shampoos and bath gels, while phthalates are found in plastics and perfumes.
A few studies have linked these chemicals to an increased risk of cancer. Though research about the link between cosmetics ingredients and cancer is young, these harsh chemicals may cause allergic reactions and free-radical damage, so opting out of chemical-based products still has a host of benefits.
Again, when choosing products, consider your skin type and test the product on a small patch of your skin for several hours before using them on your face. Visiting a dermatologist is also a good idea, especially if your skin has special conditions.
Benefits to mature skin
Mature skin benefits a lot from hydration and protection from the sun. Moisturize your under eyes and your lips to keep these areas plump and youthful-looking. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is a necessity because UV rays damage the skin a lot.
Organic products are easier on the skin because they do not have allergy-inducing chemicals. Mature skin is prone to breakouts due to the hormonal changes caused by menopause. Additionally, dryness is a problem for most people who have mature skin. Using chemical-based moisturizers and cleansers might be effective, but they come with the risks mentioned earlier. Still, if you are allergic to certain fruits or vegetables, you need to check the list of ingredients before buying an organic product.
Bonus: Skincare tips for mature skin
Natural ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract are great for mature skin. Look for these ingredients in products with the USDA organic label, or at least look for products free of parabens and artificial preservatives.
Last but not least, remember that there is no age limit for caring for your skin. Using organic skincare products will not only slow down the aging process but also prevent complications like allergies.
