Best Korean Skincare for Over 50s
Entering your 50s can bring a unique set of challenges, but thankfully skincare doesn't need to be one of them. We'll take a look at how your skin changes in your 50s, what this means for you and how you can manage and address this using some great Korean skincare products.
Skin Changes in Your 50s
First the not-so-good news; as you embark on your fifth decade, your skin experiences significant changes. Collagen and elastin production decline, leading to loss of firmness and elasticity. Your skin may appear thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Additionally, age spots and uneven pigmentation become more prevalent.
Many people over 50 experience changes in their skin due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decrease in oestrogen levels. This can result in increased dryness, sensitivity, and a slower skin renewal process. As a result, it becomes even more important to focus on hydrating, barrier-strengthening, and cell-renewing ingredients to keep the skin looking and feeling its best.
The good news is that it's never too late to take steps towards healthier, fuller and younger looking skin. Korean skincare has a great selection of specialist ingredients that target the effects of ageing.
Skin Needs in Your 50s
In your 50s, your skin requires nourishment, hydration, and targeted treatments to address signs of aging. Key Korean skincare ingredients can help revitalise and rejuvenate your skin. These are the ingredients you should look out for when picking which K-beauty products to add to your skincare routine:
Retinol (Vitamin A): Known for its anti-aging properties, retinol stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin texture. The Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule is a good place to start.
Hyaluronic Acid: Don't be put off by the name 'acid', this ingredient is designed to lock moisture into your skin. A powerful hydrator, hyaluronic acid retains moisture, plumps the skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Torriden Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains smaller particles that carry moisturise deep into the skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This multitasking ingredient strengthens the skin barrier, fades age spots, and improves skin elasticity. The COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum contains a generous 15% Niacinamide making it a effective way of enjoying the benefits of this ingredient.
Ginseng: Renowned for its rejuvenating properties, ginseng boosts circulation, firms the skin, and enhances its natural radiance. Incorporate the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence into your routine to make the most of this natural herb.
Ceramides: As the skin barrier weakens with age, ceramides play a crucial role in locking in moisture and protecting against environmental aggressors. A ceramide-rich moisturiser, such as the COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream, can help restore the skin’s protective layer.
Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6, help maintain skin elasticity and reduce inflammation. Look for skincare products enriched with plant-based oils such as argan, rosehip, or evening primrose oil.
The Korean Skincare Routine
Korean skincare is based around the concept of a multi-stage routine that cleans, repairs and protects your skin. You may have heard of the 10-step or even 12-step Korean skincare routines. While these are highly effective you can still get great results with a simple 'cleanse, tone, moisturise' routine.
Remember, it takes time to see results. Skincare is cumulative so it's vital to create a strong habit of repeating your routine every morning and evening.
These are the foundations of a routine:
1. Cleanse: Gently cleanse your skin with a hydrating cleanser to remove impurities without stripping moisture. Try the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser if you have sensitive or irritated skin, or the Etude Soon Jung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser to enjoy the restorative power of Panthenol.
A crucial step in Korean skincare is the double cleanse, which ensures that makeup, SPF, and impurities are thoroughly removed without stripping the skin. This is particularly important in your 50s when the skin's natural ability to shed dead cells slows down.
Start with an oil-based cleanser, such as the Heimish All Clean Balm, to dissolve sunscreen and makeup. Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser, like the Etude Soon Jung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser, to remove any remaining impurities and prep the skin for the next steps in your routine.
2. Tone: Hydrate and prepare your skin with a nourishing toner to improve absorption of subsequent skincare products. The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Acid Toner is great for boosting the skin's moisture levels, while the Tonymoly Wonder Ceramide Mochi Toner is a good choice for nourishing and strengthening your skin.
3. Moisturise: Lock in moisture and provide essential nutrients with a rich, anti-aging moisturiser. The Etude Moistfull Collagen Cream is designed to replenish skin's collagen levels to leave it looking fuller, and the Elizavecca Milky Piggy Retinol Cream targets fine lines and wrinkles.
Serums & Essences
You can add in additional steps to focus on specific problems and skin issues. Serums and essences contain targeted ingredients and can be added to your routine between the toner and moisturiser stage.
If your skin is sensitive to traditional retinol, bakuchiol is a great plant-based alternative with similar anti-aging benefits. It helps to reduce fine lines and boost collagen production while being gentle enough for daily use. Try the Neogen Dermalogy Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum for a hydrating and skin-firming boost.
Another great option for specialist ingredients and luxurious self-care is a sheet mask. As the name suggests, these thin sheets are applied to the face and direct the formula where it is needed most. Try Shea Butter for more supple skin, Ginseng to rejuvenate and boost circulation, or take the plunge and experience the smoothing properties of Snail Slime!
Sun Protection
The single biggest cause of premature ageing is damage from the sun. Unfortunately existing damage cannot be reversed, but there is still time to protect your skin from further UVA and UVB harm.
Get into the habit of applying a high (SPF 30+) protection sunscreen every morning as the last stage of your routine. Even on cloudy days, even in winter! Sunscreen is your best friend in preventing further skin damage and signs of premature ageing.
Applying SPF in the morning is essential, but reapplication throughout the day is just as important, especially if you spend time outdoors. A lightweight, non-greasy option like the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick makes it easy to reapply sunscreen without disturbing makeup.
Popular choices include the high-protection and moisturising Etude Sunprise Mild Airy SPF and the hydrating Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh SPF.
Lifestyle Changes for Youthful Skin
In addition to a tailored skincare routine, simple lifestyle changes can further promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin in your 50s. None of these will come as a surprise, but looking great starts on the inside.
Eat Well: Consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health and combat signs of aging.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to boost circulation, promote collagen production, and maintain a radiant complexion.
Prioritise Sleep: During sleep, the skin undergoes a natural repair process, producing collagen and reversing daily damage. Aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, combined with a evening skincare routine featuring nourishing ingredients like ceramides and peptides, can help maintain a youthful complexion.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and lead to dull, tired-looking skin. Incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help keep stress levels in check and benefit overall skin health.
Why Choose Refresh Skincare?
At Refresh Skincare, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your skincare goals at every stage of life. With our carefully curated selection of Korean skincare products, you can trust that you're receiving high-quality formulations tailored to address the specific needs of mature skin.
We're on hand via chat or email to offer advice on which products will get the best results for your skin.
We offer free UK tracked shipping on all orders over £25 that arrives in 2 to 3 working days. If you're not happy with your order you can return it within 30 days. You can save 10% on your first order when you sign up to receive our email newsletter.
It's never too late to start your journey to healthy, beautiful, glowing skin.
More Information
- Read the Refresh Skincare guide to the Best Korean Skincare for Menopause
- Vogue have consulted industry experts to put together their Best Skincare for Women Over 50
- The New York Magazine takes a deep dive into building a results-driven routine in their Best Skincare Routine for Your 50s
- Vitaman focuses on male self-care with their 8 Skincare Tips for Men Over 50
About the Author
Priscilla
Skincare fanatic and co-founder of Refresh Skincare. Follow the author on social media:
2 comments
Hi Narriman! You absolutely can start using Korean skincare products at any age, including at 69. Focus on products with collagen, ceramides and peptides, and add in some hyaluronic acid for moisture. We’ll be publishing a guide to skincare in your 60s and beyond very soon :-)
I want to start using Korean products at 69