The day cream guide : here's which one to pick for mature skin

Everyone ages at a different rate: some people age faster due to genetic factors, while others due to excessive sun exposure, a bad diet or smoking. However, towards the age of 50, we're all left with deeper lines, as the skin's cell renewal begins to slow down. Wrinkles deepen around the forehead and eyes, laughter lines appear around the mouth and age-related liver spots become more apparent. Throw in a menopause-related drop in oestrogen, which causes collagen and elastin production to decrease, and our skin is left in a fragile state.  And at this point in our lives, our skin has different needs to what it did when we were in our 20s ; it needs to be hydrated to replenish the hydrolipidic film, the cell renewal process needs helping along, while the collagen production also needs encouraging. 

To turn back the clock in our fight against sagging skin, we need to use a treatment that both repairs damage and offers anti-ageing action. Mature skin needs a day cream that moisturises, helps improve the definition of our facial contours, increases the skin's elasticity and brightens the complexion. Most anti-aging face creams have a high lipid content, which will nourish and replenish the epidermis. Look out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which retains moisture in the skin, vitamin C to help fade any hyperpigmentation, and retinol to increase cell production. A nourishing and moisturising day cream should be applied to the face, neck and cleavage on a daily basis. 

Look out for a day cream with a built-in SPF to help prevent sun damage that could further age your skin. If your cream doesn't contain sun protection, be sure to apply it separately, afterwards. Equally, consider using a serum before applying your day cream to encourage your skin to synthesise collagen and elastin ; the two proteins found in abundance in younger skin; and work as a pre-emptive strike against the effects of ageing. A specific night cream will help to repair your skin while you sleep. Night creams are often much richer than day creams, with deeply nourishing and restorative ingredients. Massage one into your face before bedtime, let it work its magic, and by morning your skin should be much softer and hydrated.