4 Products I'm Buying My Mum In Her 70s Who's Never Used Skin Care Before
Nama Winston is a writer and retinol fiend. You can follow her work on Instagram at @namawinston.
I come from a family of strong women, who’ve always believed in presenting themselves well – unapologetically. My sisters and I, well, we got it from our mama.
Mum introduced us to the importance of a sensible and practical skincare regime, using affordable, no-fuss products. Moisturise with an old school cream. Wash your face with soap... or Pond’s cream cleanser. I still sometimes crave that comforting Pond's scent!
Mum’s now in her 70s and her routine hasn’t really changed in all this time. I might be biased, but it’s worked for her. She's ageing naturally with just a few age markers. Her skin’s as resilient as she is.
She's always gravitated towards the cheapest skin care because she never likes to make a fuss. But at 72, I reckon my mum deserves more.
She'll be reluctant - Mum doesn't have a shred of vanity in her. If I tried to sell her into a luxury product, I'd get in trouble for wasting money. (Yes, even though I’m 44.)
So, I asked Adore Beauty’s Senior Editor Amy Clark to help me select a simple, hard-working yet cost-effective routine for older women like Mum that'll make her feel as special as she is. Here's what we came up with.
1. Bioderma Hydrabio Starter Kit for Dehydrated Skin.
Why: Amy says this is "super basic with a focus on hydration," and will cover off Mum's cleanser, hydrating serum and moisturiser (morning or night) steps in one.
Fast facts: This value set contains the brand's best-sellers.
- Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micelle Solution - A super-gentle but effective micellar solution that can remove makeup (Mum doesn't wear that) and sunscreen, while also hydrating the skin.
- Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturising Concentrate Serum - A lightweight face serum containing hydrating ingredients like glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid and a patented Aquagenium Complex. A refreshing, no-fuss product that won't feel heavy or tacky on Mum's skin.
- Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream - A lightweight gel-texture moisturiser for day and night that soothes and moisturises (which is a step up from the nappy rash cream she's using on her face!).
Why Mum will love it:
She'll love this right off the bat because this kit is a multi-tasker, which for her, translates to time-saving. She’ll also think it’s value for money if it does several things. And it is only $39.99.
3. Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+.
Why: Amy says Mum will need to start wearing sunscreen* every morning if she's going to be using products with active ingredients.
Fast facts:
- This is a SPF50+ broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- Has been formulated with hydrating ingredients like Mango Seed Butter and Pomegranate Seed Oil.
- It has a thin, lightweight texture that has been designed to give a matte, non-greasy finish.
- Can be used in the morning instead of face cream (big selling point for a busy woman like Mum!).
Why Mum will love it:
My mum has always said she doesn't need sunscreen. She's always been very conscious of the sun for as long as I can remember, always wearing a hat, and even putting a towel over her ‘window arm’ when she drives. If I tell her this is her sunscreen and moisturiser steps taken care of in one product, she'll appreciate that it's bang for buck.
4. Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream.
Why: "This is her evening retinol product, but it's also nice and hydrating so nothing too hectic," says Amy.
Fast facts:
- This night cream does all the things retinol will do – brighten, smooth and firm. It will also hydrate, thereby giving a glow that only retinol can.
- Works using Retinol Tri-Active Technology to deliver vitamin A in a hydrating, non-irritating formula.
- Added peptide-rich Red Algae Extracts improve skin firmness and elasticity, unveiling a youthful, radiant complexion.
- Use every second or third night to start with after cleanser and with nothing else over the top.
Why Mum will love it:
As a retinol fiend, I'll buy this for my mum and hope she hates it so she gives it to me. But as a good daughter, I hope she loves her first-ever retinol product. At $130, it’s pretty good value for money, too.
Altogether, Mum’s routine would look like:
- Morning - Cleanser if she wants, both serums and moisturising sunscreen.
- Night - Cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser.
- Bonus - The retinol moisturiser every second or third night.
Finally, I’d give Mum a juicy, colourful and hydrating lip balm because she used to love wearing a bright lippie but doesn't like how it bleeds into the fine lines around her mouth.
Lanolips Tinted Lip Balm SPF30 - Red Apple packs a pigmented punch and is much more user-friendly than a lipstick which requires precision. It's also less than $15, bargain!
Love you, Mum. You deserve the best – and that includes for your face!
You can shop Mother's Day gifts here. Plus, read more content on beauty for mature skin below.
*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label.
