As we age, the natural tendency of our skin to dry out becomes more pronounced due to decreased oil production and an inability to retain essential moisture and healthy fats. As a result, women over the age of 40 may need to modify their skincare routines by adding more hydrating products while eliminating harsh and irritating ones.
We spoke to dermatologists and skincare specialists who recommended five types of products to avoid for women over 40 dealing with dryness, dullness, sensitivity, and irritation, all in pursuit of a more radiant, hydrated, and supple complexion. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at MyPsoriasisTeam, and Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
1. Fragranced Moisturizers
One of the most common culprits for dry, dull and itchy skin when it comes to moisturizers are "occlusive ingredients," Chacon explains, which can block pores and lead to breakouts. A major ingredient to "watch out for are synthetic fragrances," she warns, which can "irritate the skin." These types of products possess the ability to obstruct the entrance of the pilosebaceous units, which are the follicular openings linked to the sebaceous glands on your facial region that produce oil.
Chacon points out that synthetic fragrances in moisturizers need to be avoided for healthier skin. She recommends looking for "fragrance-free moisturizers that are free of parabens and irritants." Regardless of what skin type you have, Chacon says "it’s best to do patch test before applying thoroughly on to the face."
2. Comedogenic Oils
Comedogenic ingredients can be found in many skincare products, including coconut oil. These need to be avoided, Garshick says, as they can also block your pores. Coconut oil has long been praised for its efficacy in moisturizing and refining the skin. However, Garshick warns that coconut oil may exacerbate irritation in certain skin types.
"While coconut oil is thought of for various skin benefits, there is not enough evidence to fully support its role for anti-aging," she says. "Importantly, in some individuals it can worsen the potential for acne," she adds. While coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties for the skin, it is not the optimal choice for combating signs of aging in one's appearance.
3. Makeup Remover Wipes
The way you remove your makeup at the end of the day can make or break your skin's ultimate look over 40, Chacon says. She adds that makeup remover wipes that commonly contain alcohol are best to be skipped when it comes to aging skin. "I’d recommend avoiding makeup removing wipes for skin care over 40 due to the harshness of the alcohol contents in the wipes," she explains.
"Alcohol makes for a great anti-bacterial agent, but it also can lead to stripping of the natural essential oils needed for healthy skin and a complexion," Chacon points out. Instead, she said she'd "recommend using cotton balls or a soft face towel and a mild face wash." She "prefers cotton balls over a towel," as they are "single use, which decreases the chance of buildup of makeup and bacteria in subsequent washes."
4. Face Washes with Alcohol
Chacon notes that with face washes with alcohol as a major ingredient can also contribute to flaky, itchy complexions. "Alcohol has been shown to irritate sensitive skin and make it drier," Chacon notes. "It can also cause flaky patches on your face if you have dry skin." This, she says, is why she urges anyone with a naturally dry complexion or textured, wrinkled skin to "avoid products that contain alcohol as an ingredient."
Alcohol in face washes "may disrupt your skin's barrier over 4o," she adds. "A damaged skin barrier is at risk of excessive drying since moisture escapes skin." She says that this can mean the "entry of irritants causing skin to inflame and develop redness." Essentially, alcohol-based products used often on aging, dry skin "will result to dryness, redness and may progress to irritation."
5. Cleansers with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
One other ingredient Chacon suggests looking out for as the weather gets colder is sodium lauryl sulfate. Sulfates are often found in cleansers and face washes and can heavily irritate mature skin. "This is a common ingredient in soaps and facial cleansers, but it's also known to irritate sensitive skin and cause itchiness or redness for some people," Chacon notes. "If you have dry skin and use products with SLS in them, try switching to something gentler."
She recommends visiting your dermatologist for personalized recommendations, and that when in doubt, choosing "hydrating products" rather than ones that dry out your skin (like those that contain SLS) is best. "Dry, tight skin is common in the winter, and it's often worse if you live in a place with low humidity," she acknowledges. "But there are some ingredients you can avoid if you want to help your skin this winter."
Ultimately, according to experts, by steering clear of moisturizers with fragrances, comedogenic oils like coconut oil, makeup remover wipes, face washes with alcohol and cleansers with sodium lauryl sulfate, you'll already be on the right track to healthier and more hydrated skin.
