"Your skin looks good. It's nice and hydrated," said my aesthetician D when I visited for a facial. "What are you using on your face?"
I was glad to hear that my skin wasn't as dry as the previous visit. Now that I'm postmenopausal my entire body often feels parched from head to toe. My eyes are so dry, including my corneas, that my ophthalmologist prescribed eye drops for morning and evening.
Being of a certain age, I am always looking for the next great ingredient or beauty product that is going to keep my post-50 skin happy and hydrated.
Drum roll, please. I think I may have found it!
"I would love for you to try our Peak 10 Skin products," said founder Connie Elder. "We are of a similar age—58 for me—and while our products are perfect for any age, they are especially effective in dry climate or for maturing skin. Our brand is focused on healthy, hydrated skin. We believe aging is a gift to be enjoyed."
Connie asked me about my skin, which is very dry, and then recommended a few Peak 10 Skin products. I tried Hydro 1000, Lipid Defense, Eye Workand the Works moisture cream.* All contain hyaluronic acid.
I've been using Connie's products for about six weeks and, as you heard from my aesthetician, these products are working. I like this skin care line. It is very light on the skin, and you only need a dab of each product for the entire face and neck.
An Interview With Connie Elder
Since Connie is a boomer entrepreneur, I interested to learn about how she started her skin care business. I also asked her to share more about the benefits of hyaluronic acid and bestow her beauty tips for post-50 women.
Q: Tell me about your background.
Connie: I spent more than two decades in the medical field after college, as well as two stents of consulting work with international skin care companies on business development. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and loved skin care, as well as helping others feel better about themselves.
In 2000, I started a line of shapewear, bras and skin care … everything underneath. The brands were sold on QVC shopping channel and other e-commerce sites from 2002 until 2015. Our shapewear brand was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. After selling the brands to a NYC-based apparel company, I moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, and decided to focus on developing a new skin care brand, Peak 10 Skin.
Q: What prompted you to create the Peak 10 Skin?
Connie: My passion for skin care and the desire to educate people about product ingredients was a driving factor. I wanted to focus on one project, and skin care has always been my passion. I knew with the move to the high country, where the climate is dry and challenging on the skin, there would be a great opportunity to develop new formulas that would address the local climate and maturing skin everywhere.
Q: What is the best way to maintain healthy skin for post-50 women?
Connie: Mature skin, especially 50+, most often becomes dehydrated, dry and dull in appearance. To keep skin healthy and more youthful looking, hydration is the key! What's the difference between a grape and a raisin? Hydration! Our formulas focus on elevating the health and hydration of the skin. Hydrated skin is stronger and has many benefits, including a more youthful appearance.
We use high levels of proven effective ingredients to stimulate new cell growth, hydrate and protect the skin, while slowing the signs of aging. We do not dilute these ingredients with a lot of fillers. Therefore, our products are more concentrated, and a little goes a long way. I strongly encourage people to be smart and look closely at the ingredients list on products they use. How long is the list? Where do the active ingredients fall in the list?
Q: Tell me about the benefits of hyaluronic acid for aging skin?
Connie: Hyaluronic is a natural component found throughout the body. It is one of nature's greatest moisturizers. Hyaluronic pulls in moisture from the surrounding air and uses it to protect and keep the skin well hydrated. This provides a healthy environment for our bodies to repair and regenerate damaged skin cells.
Q: Do you have any advice for taking care of aging skin?
Connie: Skin care is health care. As with our overall health, we have to pay more attention as we age to achieve positive results. Taking a few more steps, being diligent with our routine and being aware of what products you use on your skin will make a world of difference.
Simply washing your face and applying a moisturizer will not maintain or slow the aging process after 50. I strongly suggest adding a hydrating serum (hyaluronic, vitamin C, peptides) under your moisturizer, as well as an eye cream. Layering an oil over your moisturizer can be helpful as well to protect from your skin from moisture loss.
The most important thing you can do for your aging skin every day is to hydrate inside and out! The health benefits of hydrating both are incredible and rewarding. Dehydration is the root of many health issues including aging skin.
Q: How can women purchase your products?
Connie: Our products are available at Peak10skin.com. We are available for individual consultation and questions by phone or email. We know that it can be very confusing sometimes to select the right skin care products. We pride ourselves on providing great customer service.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Connie: Sunscreen is necessary in all seasons! While we all know sun damage can cause premature aging, I recommend everyone educate themselves on the health risk and dangers of UV rays. Getting an unexpected sunburn early each spring, while having lunch on the deck of your favorite restaurant or while taking an afternoon walk—all adds up.
My advice is to always wear sunscreen. Use an SPF30 tinted moisturizer before you leave to walk the dog, drive to work, etc. Wear a foundation or powder with SPF on your face.
Be aware of the areas we often neglect—back of your hands (while driving), your neck and chest. These areas are constantly getting sun during the winter and summer.
Thanks, Connie!
How do you keep your skin hydrated during your life after 50? Leave a comment and share a beauty tip or two.
* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received complimentary samples of Peak 10 Skin products. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
This post originally appeared on aboomerslifeafter50.com.
