What is mature skin? Skin changes as you age, but the aging process will be different for everyone based on their genetics and environment.

Mature Skin Definition Explained

Maturity in the skin happens when changes in the body make it more challenging for the skin to retain its youthful glow. It can be the result of aging when collagen and sebum production slows down. You’re also more at risk for dehydration, which can affect skin appearance. Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can also manifest.

All of these changes can lead your once plump, supple-looking skin to have a dull, drier complexion. While matured skin isn’t technically a skin type, people of a diverse range of ages and skin types can struggle with maturing skin.

Here’s what YOU need to know about it to better care for your gorgeous complexion!

Is There A Starting Age For Mature Skin?

Skin maturing could happen any time after 25, but it’ll really depend on your unique genetics and environmental factors. Surprisingly, your biological age doesn’t necessarily matter when it comes to this kind of skin. Some people could start seeing the maturity in the skin as young as 30, while others may not see it until they’re 60 or older.

Why Skin May Look More Mature?

Many factors that can lead to mature-looking skin include:

1. Ultraviolet (UV) Damage Or Photoaging

Sun damage is one of the major contributors to mature skin. It can damage cell DNA, leading to pigmentation, decreased elasticity, and premature skin aging.

2. Lack Of Sleep

Getting enough sleep helps your body repair skin cells to support a healthy-looking complexion. On the other hand, lack of sleep can diminish your skin’s natural protective barrier and increase intrinsic aging.

3. Stress

Chronic stress can cause the skin to mature early, as it increases cortisol in the body, which inhibits collagen production in the skin. Collagen helps skin retain its structure and fullness, and while collagen production naturally slows down with aging, stress can accelerate this process!

4. Not Enough Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle can also reduce collagen production, not to mention accelerate cell aging, leading to mature or sagging skin. Another reason to make regular exercise a priority!

5. Tobacco And Alcohol

Smoking and drinking can contribute to DNA damage and aged skin, so reducing your consumption of these substances can help prevent mature skin!

6. Chronic Health Conditions

Some health conditions, such as diabetes and certain medications, play a role in producing mature skin. Declining estrogen, which typically happens with menopause, can also accelerate the skin aging process.

People with dry skin are also more likely to experience this kind of skin due to premature lines and wrinkles, which is why knowing your skin type and taking the best care of your skin is so important!

The Characteristics Of Mature Skin

What does mature skin look like, and how do you know if you have it?

Mature skin usually has a duller complexion. It may be dry and pale, have open pores, or hyperpigmentation. People with matured skin may also have noticeable wrinkles due to thinner or drier skin.

You may also have an uneven skin tone or sagging if you have this kind of skin, which makes it slightly different from dry or sensitive skin.

The Many Myths About Mature Skin

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation and myths out there for people wondering what this kind of skin is. Here are a few myths!

• You automatically have mature skin if you’re over a certain age type. Not true! Age is just a number. You don’t need to start using products made for mature types just because you’re of a certain age. Instead, pay attention to your skin’s specific needs and type!

• Once the aging skin formation has started, there’s nothing you can do about it. You can still nourish and support your skin to reverse many of the issues commonly seen in mature skin, such as fine lines, loose skin, and dryness. You should never stop taking care of your skin just because you see signs of maturity!

• With the right products for skincare, you can ignore lifestyle advice. Your skin requires holistic care. Fixing one aspect but ignoring another isn’t going to give you your best chance for beautiful skin. You still need to exercise, eat healthily and drink enough water for beautiful skin. 

• Once you see results, you don’t need to continue taking care of your skin. You should always continue healthy habits to support your skin. If you stop taking care of yourself, mature skin can return or worsen.

• If you have oily skin, you’re less likely to have mature skin. Oily skin is indeed more protected than dry skin and is at lower risk for wrinkles. However, oily skin is still at risk for sun damage and reduced collagen production with aging, just like other skin types.

How Can You Take Care Of Mature Skin (And Prevent It?)

While you can’t reverse the aging process, you can help improve the appearance of maturity in your skin. 

Preventing damage and protecting the skin is super important to help both prevent and take care of mature skin. So how can you do that?

#1 Know Your Skin Type

It’s impossible to take the best care of your skin without knowing what it needs. Finding out your skin type and adjusting your skincare regimen accordingly can help you prevent the maturity in your skin!

#2 Always Use Sunscreen

Even if it’s winter, use sunscreen. 90% of visible changes to the skin are caused by the sun. Knowing your skin type will help you choose the best sunscreen for your complexion!

#3 Take Advantage Of Helpful Ingredients

Some of the best skincare ingredients for mature skin include alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), retinol (vitamin A), hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and green tea extract.

#4 Reduce Stress

Stress can mess with collagen production through the hormone cortisol, making it essential that you manage your daily stressors and get plenty of sleep!

#5 Eat A Healthy Diet

Nutrition is a “key factor” in influencing skin health and appearance, so don’t skip your fruits and veggies!

What Changes Have You Noticed In Your Skin?

Have YOU noticed any changes in your skin that could indicate that you have mature skin? Let us know in the comments. When you’re wondering what is mature skin, it could be time to evaluate your skincare needs to identify the best regimen for your skin health!