Many women are in no hurry to revise their usual shower rituals. Even despite the recommendations of dermatologists. After 40 years and beyond, skin care becomes especially important: you want to keep it soft, smooth and clean, but giving up long, hot showers often seems too radical a step. However, according to experts, it's time to rethink this routine.
Let's start with the basics: If your skin is showing signs of aging, it's a good idea to limit both the length and temperature of your showers. “Hot water strips away natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and prone to cracking and peeling,” explains dermatologist Danny Engelman. “It's best to shower in warm water, not hot water.”
Advertising.
View this post on Instagram
When it comes to time, shorter is better. According to dermatologist Divya Shokin, the optimal shower duration is five to ten minutes. “Long, hot showers are a silent saboteur of the skin's barrier integrity,” she says. How can you make the most of that time? Here's a step-by-step guide from dermatologists to help keep your skin supple, hydrated, and protected.
Delicate cleaning
The best body cleansers for mature skin are simple, soothing to the skin barrier, and as “pure” as possible in terms of formula. Dermatologist Dara Spearman recommends choosing products that moisturize and support the skin barrier. “I usually recommend cream or oil cleansers over gel cleansers, which often contain alcohol and can dry out the skin,” she says. “Also, choose fragrance-free formulas, especially for sensitive skin.”
Shower gel COCO MADEMOISELLE, CHANEL
Regarding the composition, Dr. Shokin recommends paying attention to glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oats and shea butter. These ingredients are often found even in classic drugstore brands. Dermatologists advise against using harsh accessories when cleansing. “Washers and loofahs can accumulate bacteria,” explains Engelman. “This increases the risk of infections, including folliculitis. Your hands are enough to clean.”
Moroccan Argan Oil Shower Gel, ARGAN+
Moderate exfoliation
After cleansing, exfoliate, but only occasionally. “Exfoliate once or twice a week at most to stimulate cell turnover and remove dead skin cells,” advises Engelman. “Exfoliating too much weakens the skin's barrier function and can lead to inflammation.”
In general, for mature skin, it's best to choose chemical exfoliants over mechanical ones. “Mild acids, especially AHAs, help maintain skin elasticity without harsh friction,” she explains. Shokin agrees: “Chemistry wins.” Lactic acid is ideal, as it moisturizes and exfoliates at the same time, and low concentrations of glycolic acid can also be effective for skin that tolerates them well. Salicylic acid should only be used if there are rashes on the body. If you choose mechanical exfoliation, you should prefer ultra-fine particles and minimal pressure.
AHA Body Scrub, Q+A
After-shower lotions and creams
After a shower, time is of the essence when it comes to staying hydrated. And the key is not to over-dry your skin with a towel: “After a shower, gently pat your skin dry, don't rub it, leave it slightly damp,” advises Spearman.
Perfect Body body cream, COLLISTAR
Then, for three minutes, Shokin recommends applying products with ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, urea, glycerin, and niacinamide. “These ingredients restore lipids, the levels of which decrease with age,” she explains.
Skin Food face and body cream, WELEDA
Choosing between a lotion and a cream depends on the texture and level of dryness of your skin. “Lotions are lighter, creams are thicker and contain more oils,” says Shokin. “For mature skin, especially post-menopausal skin, creams are usually more effective, especially in the winter or in dry climates.”
Body Partner body cream, CLARINS
Secure the effect with body oil
While dermatologists agree that body oil is an optional final step, its effectiveness in keeping skin soft and smooth is beyond question. “Oil isn't always necessary, but it can make a huge difference to very dry or hormonally depleted skin,” says Shokin.
Coconut face and body oil, JOKO BLEND
It is especially beneficial for dull or crepey skin, as well as for those who use retinoids or live in dry climates. It is important to understand that oil itself does not moisturize – it “seals” moisture, not adds it, so it should be combined with moisturizers. The best way is to apply products in layers: first a cream or lotion on damp skin, and then seal the result with a thin layer of oil. When choosing, you should pay attention to squalane, jojoba oil or sunflower oil. They provide a light, silky texture without feeling heavy.
Dry body oil Honeymoon in Bali, MAMASH
Based on material from: Vogue.com