Summer Skincare: 6 Ways To Prepare Mature Skin

5 min read

A warm, sun-kissed glow is a lovely way to brighten your summer days. But if you’re over 50, you might find your skin needs a little extra care to enjoy the sun safely while still getting that beautiful bronze.

Before you head outdoors, remember: that healthy, protected skin is always more important than a quick tan. With the right steps, you can enjoy the sun without worry and keep your skin looking radiant and youthful.

Here’s a simple, 6-step guide approved by the American Academy Of Dermatology to help you protect your skin while getting a natural, healthy tan.

The Real Reason To Prepare Mature Skin For Summer

Despite what we know—and we do know better—many of us still forget the sunscreen. According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, while nearly half of U.S. adults worry about premature aging, only 56% use sunscreen regularly.

That number dips to just 20% on cloudy days, when UV rays still sneak through. For women over 50, this matters more than ever: sun exposure is the leading cause of dark spots, fine lines, and skin cancer.

However, adding a few intentional sun-care habits to your daily routine can help protect the skin you’re in, and even reverse some of the signs of past sun damage.

Think of it as skincare with wisdom: simple, steady, and rooted in care.

1. Know Your Skin Before Sun Exposure

At this point in life, your skin needs a bit more love to stay healthy, strong, and glowing. But before reaching for sunscreen, oils, or after-sun lotions, ask yourself: What’s my skin type? And not just “dry” or “oily”—you also need to know how your skin reacts to the sun. That’s called your phototype.

Understanding your skin type is the first step to achieving a safe, even tan without burns or blotchy spots. Dermatologists classify skin into six phototypes, each reacting differently to the sun.

Fair, freckled skin (Phototype I) burns easily and never tans—SPF 50+ is a must. Phototypes II and III, which include fair to medium skin, may tan gradually but still need SPF 30–50 for safe exposure. Olive-toned skin (Phototype IV) tans quickly but benefits from SPF 20–30. Darker skin tones (Phototypes V and VI) rarely burn but still need daily SPF 15–20 to guard against long-term sun damage. 

Knowing your phototype helps you choose the right sunscreen and set a gradual and safe exposure schedule. For phototypes I and II, avoid peak sun hours and start with short sessions. Phototypes IV and V enjoy more freedom—still, sunscreen is non-negotiable. No matter your tone, protection is key to healthy, glowing skin.

2. Hydration: The Key to Truly Luminous Skin

Forget the myth that simply drinking “lots of water” is enough. Yes, internal hydration is essential—but for truly radiant, healthy summer skin, it’s only part of the story.

Think of hydration as a layered ritual, not a one-step fix. Start with the basics: aim for 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day to support your skin from the inside out. Then add a little extra care throughout the day, especially in the heat.

A thermal water spray kept in your bag or beach tote is a simple way to refresh and rehydrate your face on the go—perfect after a walk, a swim, or just time in the sun. And don’t skip that last step: after-sun care. Even if you don’t burn, your skin has been working hard under those rays. A cooling after-sun lotion soothes any inflammation, replenishes lost moisture, and helps maintain elasticity. It’s also one of the easiest ways to make your tan last longer—and look smoother.

Hydration, in all its forms, is your skin’s summer superpower.

3. Exfoliate: The Real Start of Your Summer Glow-Up

Exfoliation isn’t just for skincare enthusiasts—it’s a smart, gentle ritual that makes all the difference, especially for mature skin. As we age, our skin’s natural cell turnover slows, which can leave the surface looking dull or uneven, regular exfoliation helps sweep away those tired, dead skin cells and reveals the fresher, softer layer beneath. It’s also the first essential step toward a smooth, even tan that lasts longer and looks more radiant.

But this isn’t about scrubbing your skin raw. For skin over 50, gentleness is key. Skip the harsh scrubs and abrasive brushes, which can cause micro-tears and irritation. Instead, reach for a fine-grained exfoliant—think sugar, oat, or rice powder-based formulas—and use it just once or twice a week.

Massage in soft, circular motions, paying extra attention to dry or rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. Then rinse and immediately follow with a rich, replenishing moisturizer to lock in hydration and support your skin’s natural barrier.

With regular care, your skin will take on that healthy, sun-kissed glow—no “golden hour” filter needed, just the natural radiance that comes from treating your skin with the respect and intention it deserves.

4. Use Sunscreen: Your Daily Ally (Not Just at the Beach)

Let’s be clear: SPF is not optional, it’s a moral obligation. And no, it’s not just for beach days with straw bags. Sunscreen belongs in your daily routine—weather and location irrelevant. UV rays don’t take holidays.

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF suited to your phototype. Apply 20–30 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours, especially after sweating, swimming, or sand contact. Don’t forget easy-to-miss areas: ears, hands, feet, neck, backs of knees. Protecting skin now means preventing sun damage, spots, and premature aging later.

5. Pay Attention to Diet & Supplements: Your Tan Begins in the Kitchen

What you eat matters. For an even, luminous tan that lasts, antioxidants are essential—they’re your skin’s superheroes against sun exposure.

Include beta‑carotene and vitamins C & E in your diet:

• Carrots, apricots, mango, tomatoes, spinach, red fruits, peppers—eat them daily, ideally in smoothies or salads, starting two weeks before sun exposure.
• These foods enhance skin tone and help defend against UV damage.

Want an extra boost? Try sun supplements containing beta‑carotene, astaxanthin, lycopene, or vitamin E. They don’t replace sunscreen, but they’re like a skincare primer: invisible but impactful.

6. Upgrade Your Summer Skincare Rituals

As we age, our skin naturally loses moisture, making hydration not just refreshing, but essential. That’s why every morning and night, you should start with a hyaluronic acid serum. It’s a lightweight best friend that draws moisture into the skin, plumping fine lines and creating a smooth canvas.

Once the serum is absorbed, layer on a richer yet still lightweight moisturizer. Look for formulas with nourishing ingredients like ceramides or squalane—they restore the skin’s barrier without feeling heavy in the summer heat. This combination balances deep hydration with protection, helping maintain elasticity, softness, and resilience even during long sunny days.

It’s a simple two-step summer ritual, but the results speak volumes: skin that glows, stays supple, and feels cared for—perfect for soaking in sunshine while still honouring your skin’s evolution.

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