The million dollar question ... What is my skin type? This question may sound simple, but it is not always. Because if your skin feels tight, is it dry, dehydrated or just mixed? Moreover, your skin type can vary due to different circumstances (hormones, medication, weather conditions, age, stress,...). Still, it is important to ask yourself which skin type you have. Because measuring is knowing: the ideal skin care is different for everyone and only ideal for you if it is adapted to your personal skin type.

HOW DO YOU RECOGNISE A MORE MATURE SKIN?

A mature skin is a skin that begins to feel the effects of aging. The skin is less elastic and voluminous, making the skin feel less tight. Wrinkles and fine lines become more visible, and pigmentation spots may also appear, making the skin look less even. Mature skin usually feels dry.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MATURE SKIN?

Skin aging takes place in two ways: intrinsic skin aging and the influence of external factors, whereby both processes reinforce each other.

The natural process of skin ageing, also called intrinsic skin aging, is beyond our control. It results in reduced collagen production and the amount of elastin in the skin decreases, two important structural molecules in the skin. In addition, there is a slower cell division, which means it takes longer for the skin to recover. Blood flow in the skin also decreases, leading to a decrease in the supply of oxygen and the removal of waste products. Furthermore, the menopause has an influence on the composition of the skin. Because of the hormonal change induced by the menopause, skin folds become more marked and wrinkles more visible.

External factors play a major role in accelerating the skin aging process. UV radiation is the most important factor here, so the sun is the skin's greatest enemy. Wrinkles and grooves become more pronounced and additional wrinkles are formed. In the long run, sun rays cause irreversible effects, so good sun protection is of great importance. Smoking is also an important part of skin aging, it significantly reduces the blood supply in the skin and increases oxidative stress. Alcohol consumption dehydrates both the body and the skin, which can lead to premature wrinkles. In addition, long-term stress, air pollution, nutrition, aggressive treatments (scrubs, alkaline soaps, irritating creams, peelings, etc.) and lack of sleep have a negative impact on skin aging.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY MATURE SKIN?

• First of all, you can respond to external factors. You can protect your skin from the sun, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. 
• Use a pH-neutral cleansing product to clean the skin. Especially avoid soap products and perfumes - they dry out the skin. Go for products with natural oils, such as coconut oil. This ensures that the oily substance of the oil-rich product is rinsed away, but still leaves an extra layer on the skin.
• Also, watch the temperature of your water - hot water causes blood vessels to dilate and natural oils to dissipate more rapidly. So shower short and warm, not hot.
• Don't bother with rough flannels and special cleaning tools, as they do more harm than good. The best way: Use your clean hands - it's easy! Also, after your cleansing ritual, make sure you don't rub your face dry with a rough towel, but pat it dry with cotton wool or a soft cloth. However, once a week it is advisable to exfoliate your skin to remove flakes. Choose a fine scrub.
• After cleansing, apply a nourishing cream to your skin. When doing so, look for formulas based on natural oils - as mineral oils can cause breakouts. Do this as soon as possible when your skin is still warm and moist - after all, you don't want to end up with dry, itchy skin.
• Last but not least: mature skin often goes hand in hand with drier skin, so use a serum for extra fats - the weak point of dry skin. Those extra fats ensure that the elasticity of your skin is maintained (read - preventing lines and wrinkles).

MY BEAUTY RITUAL

STEP 1: CLEANSING

When cleansing your face, be extra alert for two things. Look for a product without perfume and oil base. CÎME has two ideal candidates to fulfill these tasks.

• Recette de Pureté is a gentle yet effective cleansing oil and make-up remover. With clean hands, it removes make-up residues in the blink of an eye - even waterproof! When you rinse off this oil, a fine layer of oil remains on the skin, which will delight the more mature & drier skin.
• An alternative is Rosée de Roses. This micellar water based on rose water and rose extracts does not contain ingredients that dry out your skin - think synthetic perfume - but does contain ingredients that nourish the skin, namely tiny particles of coconut oil. Although Recette de Pureté is more suited to mature skin, it is a good alternative if you are tired and don't want to spend a lot of time cleansing.

STEP 2: TONING

To bring the pH level of your skin back into balance after washing it with an oil cleanser, mousse or soap, you should tone your skin with a toner. For this, too, you can choose Rosée de Roses. After all, this toner locks in the moisture of the skin. It is important not to skip this step because your serum and facial cream cannot work as well on skin with an unbalanced pH value.

STEP 3: REVITALIZING

Mature skin can often use a revitalizing boost, which is why the use of a serum is recommended. The Kissed by a Rose serum nourishes and revitalizes the skin and stimulates cell regeneration. The natural fats in the formula ensure that the elasticity of your skin is maintained - the weak point of mature skin. In addition, the wild rose oil in the formula helps against red lines.

STEP 4: NOURISHING

For mature skin, CÎME's Under My Skin day and night cream is a winner. It contains extracts of sea buckthorn berries that are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids - such as Omega 7 - which feed and repair the skin. The wild rose oil gives a fresher complexion and reduces fine lines. So although this cream is very rich, it feels light. So no sticky effect, but long-lasting nourishment and hydration.