Unfortunately, society tends to focus on younger age groups but there are actually 34 million people over 50 in the USA. That is the single largest population group! This group is out there and living better, longer lives. Ironically, this powerful, wealthy, group is often not targeted by marketers and social media. Now that I am in my fifties, my friends and I decided to share our learning and our tops tips for beauty and health.
- Nourish your Face
First, most simple and boring, experts recommend more water consumption after 50. This means 9 plus cups of water every 24 hours. More water helps to keep you from becoming dehydrated, helps with skin elasticity, keeps electrolytes balanced, aids in digestion, transportation of nutrients, and kidney function. Most of us have drier skin after 50 so now is the time to add nourishment. Here are some key tips:
- Use a creamy cleaner. Be sure to select one that meets your skins needs – dry, oily, sensitive, other… Tip: you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a really good option. We liked this list from Byrdie as they focus on gentle and inexpensive quality cleaners.
- Lock in moisture with thicker moisturizing creams and oils. You should apply these every night and in the morning under your eye makeup. If you’re not sure what to use or your not happy with what you have been using, check out this list from health.com.
- Add beauty oils to your daily regime. As we age our skin actually produces less of the healthy oils that keep our skin balanced and plump. A good facial oil can help balance your skin’s pH, and many of them have antibacterial properties and contain antioxidants which will improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and the overall texture of your skin. There are two organic beauty oils we recommend and yes, they happen to be Amalie items. The first is SHINE Brightening Facial Oil. Brighten dark spots, fade blemishes, & moisturize dry skin with SHINE brightening face oil. SHINE naturally fades dark spots & blemishes on the skin, for a more even skin tone. Vitamin C from pomegranate, arbutus from bearberry, glabridin from licorice fade blemish marks & brighten dark spots, while vitamin E rich argan & jojoba oils moisturize. Day or night, this oil blend is sure to please, with its light, silky texture, and soft jasmine fragrance. SHINE hydrates and nourishes, naturally diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The second is REWIND Ageless beauty oil. REWIND helps skin maintain elasticity & moisture, while preventing future signs of aging with protective antioxidants. Artisan, seasonal beauty is more than just hype: it’s the purest form of skincare available. We base all of our formulations on the latest peer-reviewed & published research. REWIND is no exception. As soon as you open the bottle, you’ll catch a whiff of sage, flowers & maybe even cookies–that’s honeysuckle and lavender; no artificial anything here.
- Try products with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid plumps up skin and helps your skin to maintain its moisture. I find that they also minimize the size of your pours. Tip: be sure you you apply all creams, oils and potions to you face, neck and upper chest.
2. Consume less Calories to Maintain Weight
There is a basic fact that is often not shared by doctors or others. When you are over 50 your body consumes fewer calories. Under 50 the average woman consumer 2400 calories a day but when you are over 50 your body consumes only around 1800. This number gets even lower as you get older because older people tend to be more sedentary. Keeping your calorie consumption low doesn’t mean you stop eating but that you shift what you eat. Boring, but calorie counting is best until you can build your new food menu. Eating more fruit, vegetables, fish and chicken is a good general guideline. Cut back on processed foods, foods with high carbs and refined sugars. Tip: When eating out most restaurants give you huge portions of food. You do not have ton eat it all in one sitting. Ask for a takeout box and take it home for the next day. If your on the road or in a city with people in need give the warm meal to someone who is hungry.
3. Keep it Moving and Add Weightlifting
It’s important to get regular exercise at any age but especially as you get older. Personally, I get tons of cardio by walking, running, riding a bike and gardening but adding weightlifting helps immensely. Weightlifting helps to convert fat to muscle, builds bone health (minimize osteoporosis) & general strength. Adding muscle helps to eliminate the giggle and muscle requires your body to burn more calories. You can find weight training on line or join a gym. My friends and I like the BodyPump classes offered at the gym as they work every muscle group and are set to music. They allow you to choose your weight levels so that you can get a customized workout without the cost of a trainer. I also have friends who love using the kettlebells. Want to learn more about the benefits of weight lifting check here. Tip: Buy some free weights (3-5 pounds) and start working out at home. Once you have the hang of it you can determine if you want to take a class or buy heavier weights.
4. Protect your Skin
As we age you start to see things appear on your skin. Brown spots, freckles, moles and new wrinkles may start to show up. All of those early days without sunscreen come back to haunt us. You can’t remove all of the damage done but you should be aware of it and protect your skin going forward. Sunscreen should be used 365 days of the year! Yes, it’s an extra step but if your skin is exposed to the sun, you need to protect it. Be sure to pick sunscreen that has an SPF 50+ protection level. It may take some time to find the perfect lotion for you but it’s worth testing things out and finding the perfect formula. There is a big trend to combine beauty functions today so you can try a sunscreen with tint, foundation with sunscreen or a sunscreen with shimmer. Tip: Be sure to use sunscreen on your hands, face and neck/décolleté as these parts are exposed to sunlight most often
5. Build your Tribe
Women tend to have a network of friends and family that are vital to their happiness. In your 50’s you may now be an empty nester, single or even a widow so solidifying your network and building your tribe will keep you balanced, supported, engaged and more alive. New friends bring new thoughts, interests and challenges. Not only can you help yourself by building a strong tribe but you can help one another. Tip: If your married, encourage your husband to do the same. Most men have fewer people in their inner circle and once they retire this can put strain on your marriage.
In summary, our bodies do change as we age but as long as we know what the changes are we can counteract them with new behaviors. Who says you can’t be fifty and fabulous!
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