Skincare for mature black skin

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I'm nearing 50 and starting to look it! Not really a problem in itself as I am what I am but would like to ease better into the next phase of life.

I don't really have a skincare regime and think I need to get one. I've started to use sunscreen regularly and I already drink a fair amount of water.

My nasolabial lines are starting to become prominent but I don't want to go down the filler route. Dark circles and puffy eyes have appeared. My face also appears quite dull. Positively, I don't seem to have wrinkles or crows feet.

Any recommendations for skincare brands for a dark skinned black woman with combination skin?

Not the same age as you, but I'm skincare obsessed. I would recommend following Dija she used to own a facial clinic and she has a book.

Thank you!

I'm nearing 50 too and in the past few months my skin just appears drier and drier. Now I use body lotion, oil and shea butter but it still feels dry by the next morning.

I can’t imagine life without Dr Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Enzyme Cleanser. (No, I don’t like the name.) I’ve been buying it on repeat for several years now and it’s probably the most impactful at home product I’ve ever used. I will say the price has crept up over the years, but it can easily last a year if alternated with a non-exfoliating cleanser.

After that I use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Which I also could not do without.

Then a facial oil.

That’s it.

I’m slightly older than you, and very happy with my skin. (I also eat well, limit alcohol, get fresh air - and don’t feel at all inclined to use anything more interventionist.)

Plus the occasional face mask, of course.

Eating well, is just as important, as what is applied to the skin. I drink a fair amount of water, and have upped my intake of oily fish, such as tinned sardines, mackerel, and red salmon. I only ever use black soap, and unrefined shea butter on my face. It works for me, and is not expensive. I get my supplies from Akoma Skincare.

Thanks all. Some good suggestions, including brands I've never heard of to be investigated.

And the food point is a good one. My diet has been a bit rubbish over the last couple of years.

Food really makes a difference. (Particularly as one gets older, I find.) If I need to look my best I avoid alcohol for a good few days beforehand, and eat an avocado on the day. The first makes skin grey and eyes dull, the second visibly perks your face up.

If you don’t grow your own, commit to a weekly veg box. Lots of fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables - not only demonstrably good for you but shift the focus away from processed and fast food.

Lastly, yoga, sleep, arranging your life to cut out the worst stresses.

I don't have a skin care routine OP. However Karen's facial products and all their other bits are fantastic. If you speak with a Clarins counter they will find you a suitable cream. I've bought my mum the day and night cream. They also do things like firming creams.

I am menopausal, 58. I massage nasolabial lines daily and use konjac sponge for gentle exfoliating. I have also discovered and love Weleda Skin Food, they have a range of products.

I also take Vital Protein Collagen powder in my one cup of coffee a day. I take omega 3 capsules daily and have for many years. I take a multivitamin tablet daily.

I am on HRT, Oestrogen gel and progesterone tablets. I drink lots of water, herbal teas and eat home cooked food, lots of veg and lean meat and fish.

I also exercise daily, nothing over strenuous, 5 minutes weights, abdominals and HIIT on consecutive days, all at home and finish with a sun salutation and affirmations.

For me it’s about more than my skin, it is a holistic approach that addresses ageing and wellbeing.

My 14 year old granddaughter, looking at a picture of me, said “grandma, how come you look the same now as you did in this photo”. The photo is 17 years old.

We are all living longer, I aim to live as long as I do in as good health as I can. But I have to do the work!

Tretinoin (might have spelt that wrong) is your friend here. I’m a couple of years younger but worked for me and I look so much better after 2 months . Then I use vitamin c sunscreen in the day

@Maggispice
For your skincare have you ever included a facial cream that includes argan oil?
Also try one for your whole body too
I also found that when dark marks/smudges first appeared around my hairline after I'd finished facially moisturising if coconut oil was massaged into that area it genuinely made the marks much less noticeable given time.
And I've a friend who swears that using tumeric soap seems to have brightened her face and body complexion and she, I must admit does look good on it!

2.5 litres water every day..

I haven't tried Argan oil. But I think I am being a bit kinder to myself at the moment. I'm nearly 50 and objectively I look ok.

I need to start exercising, be consistent with eating well and practice gratitude.

And, to be honest, the mental symptoms of menopause are affecting me so much more than how I look at the moment.

I am mid 40s now but adopted a skin care regimen when I was mid 30s largely due to influence of East Asian friends of mine.

The most important thing is food intake, sun protection, water and sleep. I am only good at 1 of those 4 😥.

Aside from that I cleanse well - use Vitamin C and Hyaluronic serums (am) and retinol PM. I exfoliate regularly and use face masks. I have also started to use Alpha arbutin as I have dark spots / pigmentation. I am complimented on my skin but have reeeeeeeeeally bad dark spots from old ill-fitting glasses and no idea how to remove those marks.

My issue though is I am completely grey (a genetic thing). And that makes me look old AF in between hair dying.