A way to keep skin looking healthy is to exfoliate regularly but gently

English actress Helen Mirren (above), 72, and American actress Jane Fonda (left), 79, took to the runway at the L'Oreal Fashion Show earlier this month during Paris Fashion Week.
English actress Helen Mirren (above), 72, and American actress Jane Fonda, 79, took to the runway at the L'Oreal Fashion Show earlier this month during Paris Fashion Week. PHOTOS: EPA-EFE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
English actress Helen Mirren (above), 72, and American actress Jane Fonda (left), 79, took to the runway at the L'Oreal Fashion Show earlier this month during Paris Fashion Week.
English actress Helen Mirren, 72, and American actress Jane Fonda (above), 79, took to the runway at the L'Oreal Fashion Show earlier this month during Paris Fashion Week. PHOTOS: EPA-EFE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

As women age, they face a new set of skin concerns.

Women over the age of 60 experience skin issues such as deeper wrinkles and more fine lines, an increase of pigmentation and age spots, and a loss of collagen that can make the skin look less firm.

Ms Pauline Ng, 30, founder and managing director of spa and skincare label Porcelain, offers some skincare tips for older women.

1 Exfoliate regularly but gently

Older skin tends to be thinner, so regular scrubs can be too harsh. Instead, use a mild enzyme wash or toner once a week.

These will gently remove dead skin cells to prevent dull-looking skin and brighten the skin over time.

2 Wear sunscreen daily

This is important for women of all ages. But for older women, wearing sunscreen in all weather conditions, rain or shine, will help prevent age spots and sun spots from darkening.

Protecting skin from the sun will also help to prevent fine lines. Too much sun causes severe dehydration and premature ageing.

3 Hydration is important

As women age, the skin tends to become drier and this heightens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Use hydrating lotions and serums followed by a well-balanced moisturiser that is not too rich for the skin. Since Singapore is humid, a moisturiser that is too rich or creamy is not necessary.

Also, look for products that contain rose oil, which has superior anti-ageing effects. Formulas with hyaluronic acid for deeper moisturisation are also good. They will help plump up fine lines without the use of fillers or silicons.

4 Go for a peel or facial

Going for a facial or a gentle peel every month or two can help the skin appear younger and healthier. Look for facial treatments that use technology that can penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin for cellular regeneration and anti-ageing effects.

Every two months, go for a gentle peel or clinical exfoliation at a professional salon or clinic. This will help to reduce dullness and make the skin appear fresher and more youthful.

There are other facial treatments which also target ageing skin.

Radio-frequency treatments help to stimulate collagen production and cell regeneration.

Oxygen treatments help to improve cellular health. Brightening treatments such as cryotherapy and lasers help to reduce the appearance of pigmentation.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 19, 2017, with the headline A way to keep skin looking healthy is to exfoliate regularly but gently. Subscribe