The Tightening Face Mask Type That Derms Say Women Over 50 Should Use For Firmer-Looking Skin
If your goal is to age gracefully, a consistent and nourishing skincare routine is vital. Along with cleansing your face daily, frequently moisturizing and applying sunscreen, another great way to encourage firmer-looking, more radiant and youthful-esque skin is with a face mask worn in your down time, dermatologists tell us.
We checked in with doctors and skincare experts to learn more about one type of tightening face mask that can help make your skin look more supple, draw less attention to wrinkles and promote a timeless glow for mature beauties. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and writer for My Psoriasis Team and Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, M.D., dermatologist at My Eczema Team.
READ MORE: How Many Skincare Products Should You Really Be Using? We Asked A Dermatologist
Tip #1: Choose A Hydrating, Antioxidant-Filled Mask
When shopping for face masks, you may see terms like 'brightening' or 'exfoliating,' Factor notes, but the most important ones to look for to have a dewier look over 50 are 'hydrating' and anything that indicates it was made with 'antioxidants.'
"Hydrating masks deliver much-needed moisture to dehydrated skin," Factor explains, adding that for anyone with more textured or wrinkled complexions, these especially "soothe, nourish, and, as their name implies, super-moisturize." She also points out that this type of mask can "help fill in wrinkles and fine lines, remove dead skin cells, lighten dark spots, and shrink the appearance of pores among other benefits." Hydrating and antioxidant-rich face masks "allow the ingredients to penetrate better into your skin in a short amount of time," she says.
Chacon agrees, and says that the typical aging process (having duller-looking skin, forming more wrinkles) can be "slowed down by using a face mask that increases collagen formation and/ or uses antioxidants to counteract free radical damage." To emphasize the youthful appearance of the skin, she says, these masks "minimize puffiness."
#2: Use Your Face Mask 2-3 Times Per Week
Any great anti-aging mask will "deposit antioxidants, brighten and hydrate the skin, which is great for fine lines and wrinkles," Factor says. In order to find the absolute best mask for your skin and personal goals, meeting with your dermatologist can help. In general, she stresses that for best results, use a hydrating and antioxidant-rich mask "two to three times per week for a month."
By doing this, Chacon adds, "skin tone will be improved overall." You'll notice that your "skin feels and looks smoother and has a beautiful glow, and you'll also look more rested," she continues. Overall, Factor concludes, by regularly applying face masks with anti-aging properties over 50, you can "help diminish fine lines and reduce wrinkles and brown spots." In other words, these signs of aging can look less noticeable, and your glow will be more apparent and emphasized after frequent use.
