Oct
Skincare, Trends & Opinions
The Biggest Skin Care Regrets for Women in Their 60s and Beyond
As we age, the mirror often becomes both a friend and a foe. While there’s wisdom and strength in the face staring back at you, there’s also the unmistakable mark of time. For many women in their 60s and beyond, the battle isn’t with wrinkles alone but with the choices they made — or didn’t make — earlier in life. The biggest skin care regrets aren’t about missed serums or the latest creams; they’re about long-term habits that either helped or harmed your skin. One stat might surprise you: 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun! That’s right, so if sunscreen wasn’t your best friend, it’s time to get acquainted.
Our skin, the body’s largest organ, reflects the care we’ve given it. And while you can’t turn back the clock, knowing what to avoid and what to embrace as you move forward can help your skin thrive at any age. Let’s talk about some of the biggest skin care regrets women in their 60s face, and how to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes going forward.
Not Prioritizing Sunscreen Early On
One of the most common regrets I hear from women in their 60s and beyond is neglecting sunscreen. Most of us didn’t grow up slathering SPF on our faces daily. We spent time outdoors, blissfully unaware of the long-term damage that could be caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. The consequence? Wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin — all accelerated by the sun’s harmful rays.
When we’re young, we don’t notice the immediate effects of sun exposure. However, as time progresses, the cumulative damage starts to reveal itself. That’s because the skin’s ability to repair itself diminishes with age. Wearing sunscreen should have been a daily ritual, rain or shine, but many women regret only using it at the beach. If you’re one of them, it’s not too late. Start now. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and make it part of your morning routine. You may not be able to erase all the sun damage, but you can certainly prevent more.
Neglecting the Neck and Hands
Our face tends to get the most attention when it comes to skincare, but what about the neck and hands? These areas are often neglected, even though they are just as exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, the skin on the neck and hands is thinner than the skin on the face, making it more prone to aging. Women in their 60s often express regret for not treating their neck and hands with the same care as their face. The result? Wrinkled, sagging skin and age spots that don’t match the youthful face they’ve worked so hard to maintain.
Thankfully, you can start giving these areas the love they deserve. Use the same products you apply to your face — like moisturizers, serums, and SPF — on your neck and hands. And it’s never too late to consider treatments like retinol or chemical peels to rejuvenate the skin.
Skipping Moisturizer in Your 20s and 30s
“Hydration? Who needs it when you’ve got young, supple skin?” This is a sentiment I’ve heard often from women reflecting on their younger years. Many women regret skipping moisturizers when they were younger, thinking their naturally oily or combination skin didn’t need the extra moisture. But as we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness, fine lines, and dullness. For women in their 60s, this lack of hydration early on can result in skin that feels tight and dry, with more prominent wrinkles.
The solution? Start moisturizing religiously, especially after cleansing, to lock in hydration. Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain water, or ceramides, which restore the skin’s barrier. Remember, it’s never too late to start a good hydration habit.
Underestimating the Power of Retinol
Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, is widely recognized for its anti-aging properties. However, many women didn’t start using it until later in life, if at all. Retinol boosts collagen production and accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to smooth out wrinkles and brighten skin tone. But, there’s a learning curve. It can cause irritation, redness, and peeling if not introduced slowly and correctly.
For women in their 60s, not incorporating retinol earlier is a common regret, as the benefits could have been more visible had they started sooner. If you’re in your 60s and haven’t tried it yet, don’t worry — you can still introduce it into your routine. Start with a lower concentration and work your way up, using it a few nights a week to minimize irritation.
Over-Exfoliating or Not Exfoliating Enough
Exfoliation is one of those things that’s hard to get just right. When you’re young, you may be tempted to scrub your skin with harsh exfoliants, thinking it’ll keep your complexion clear and glowing. Unfortunately, over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, leading to irritation, redness, and premature aging. On the other hand, some women avoid exfoliation altogether, which can result in dull, congested skin as they age.
The key is balance. Women in their 60s often regret not finding the sweet spot between exfoliating too much and not enough. For aging skin, it’s best to opt for gentle chemical exfoliants, like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to remove dead skin cells without the harshness of physical scrubs. Try incorporating an AHA or lactic acid treatment a couple of times a week, and you’ll notice a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Ignoring Professional Treatments
DIY skincare can only take you so far. Many women in their 60s express regret for not seeking professional treatments earlier. Whether it’s facials, laser treatments, or injectables like Botox, there are many options that could have slowed down the visible signs of aging. Professional treatments can provide deeper exfoliation, collagen stimulation, and even skin resurfacing that home treatments just can’t match.
If you’ve been wary of professional treatments, now might be the time to reconsider. Consult with a dermatologist to determine what might be best for your skin type. Even in your 60s, treatments like micro-needling, chemical peels, and light therapies can have a significant impact on your skin’s appearance and texture.
Falling Into the “Quick Fix” Trap
One of the biggest regrets I hear? Falling for skincare gimmicks that promise overnight results. We’ve all been there — you buy the latest cream that claims to erase wrinkles in a week, only to be disappointed. Over time, these quick fixes add up, not only in dollars spent but in the time wasted when you could have been using scientifically-backed treatments.
Remember, skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no magic bullet for aging skin, but a consistent routine using proven ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid will yield long-term benefits.
Relying on Makeup Over Skin Care
In the hustle and bustle of life, makeup often becomes a woman’s go-to for covering up imperfections. But relying too much on makeup while neglecting skin care can lead to bigger issues down the line. Many women in their 60s regret not focusing more on nourishing their skin rather than covering it up. The skin gets thinner and more delicate with age, making the effects of neglect more noticeable.
It’s not that makeup is the enemy, but it should complement a good skincare routine, not replace it. Focus on caring for your skin first, and you’ll likely find that you need less makeup to achieve that healthy glow.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
While we can’t change the past, we can certainly learn from it. Even if you have some skin care regrets, the best thing you can do is move forward with knowledge. Aging skin can still glow with proper care, and with today’s advancements in skincare, there are more options than ever to help you look and feel your best.
