Treating Midlife Skin in Three Steps
Midlife, typically defined as the period from the 40s to the 60s, marks a significant phase in skin health. The decline in collagen and elastin production, which begins in our 20s, accelerates, compounded by decades of sun exposure, leading to visible signs of aging such as uneven skin texture and tone. The capacity of the skin to retain moisture diminishes, increasing susceptibility to dryness and irritation. It's a time when the skin's resilience is tested, necessitating a tailored approach to skincare that addresses the complexities of aging.
What changes does midlife skin undergo?
Inflammation and sensitivity become more pronounced during midlife, with conditions like rosacea becoming prevalent. Studies and consumer insights reveal that midlife individuals are significantly more inclined towards products that alleviate such conditions, with a notable percentage reporting heightened skin sensitivity. This demographic exhibits a distinct preference for skincare solutions that offer soothing, hydrating, and desensitizing benefits, incorporating ingredients like Encapsulated Azelaic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide Lipid Complex, and Golden Algae.
The stark reality of collagen loss becomes inevitable during midlife, with an estimated 30% decline in the first five years post-menopause. This period also witnesses an increase in hyperpigmentation and a slowdown in cell turnover, making skin appear duller and less vibrant. Prescription Tretinoin, alongside peptides like Matrixyl 3000 and ingredients aimed at tackling hyperpigmentation, becomes crucial in mitigating these effects, promoting a brighter, more uniform complexion.
The Three-Step Approach
And Begin is a new skincare brand encouraging a shift to self. Founded by the dermatological team behind the personalised prescription skincare authorities, Skin + Me. And Begin is a brand whose purpose it is to champion midlife women whilst perfectly meeting their skincare needs.
Since 2020, they’ve helped thousands of people with their skin concerns with our innovative personalised prescription products. During this time they’ve gained a huge amount of experience and understanding in how to best treat diverse skin needs including how midlife skin presents its unique set of challenges and requirements.
The brand’s solution is the development of a 1,2,3 approach to formulation to address the needs of midlife skin and treat it effectively. Striking the balance between using effective evidence-based concentrations of retinoids and tretinoin whilst minimising potential side effects (which are more pronounced in midlife when the skin's natural oil component is reduced under hormonal influence, the skin is thinned and the epidermal barrier weakened) is more important in midlife skin than ever.
The Revolution’s name spells out the brand’s intention of a new way of doing things. The three components of its 1,2,3 Age Management System work in synergy with one another to elicit a tangible and progressive change in midlife skin. “Our consumer is informed about skincare ingredients and wants transparency, efficacy and visible results, albeit with luxurious self-care and indulgence,” comments Sophie van Ettinger, Chief Marketing Officer.
Core Prescription Ingredients:
Expertly chosen and evidence-based potent ingredients that elicit visible and meaningful improvement to lines, hyperpigmentation and firmness.
Cosmeceutical Actives:
A defined complex of powerful ingredients at proven percentages; the benchmark cosmeceutical combination to address midlife age concerns and advance radiance, smoothness and luminosity.
Soothing Hydrating Blend:
Because plumping hydration and a calm, healthy complexion must be met. A personalised blend that deeply nourishes and moisturises, improving skin tolerance to the Core Prescription Ingredients. This key benefit sets The Revolution aside from standard prescription skincare.
And Begin’s approach is that Tretinoin is prescribed at effective evidence-based concentrations, alongside Encapsulated Azelaic Acid, but delivered in a unique base that adds in proven Cosmeceutical Actives to further enhance effectiveness and a Soothing Hydrating Blend so that the skin can tolerate the highly active formula. The benefit of this is two-fold:
The hydration ensures the optimum effectiveness of the active ingredients, allowing for better tolerance and minimal side effects.
Skin is not sensitised, so regular application is encouraged. (All too often women report giving up on Tretinoin or retinoid use because the side effects are too difficult to manage).
The Benefits of Tretinoin and Azelaic Acid when Treating Midlife Skin
Tretinoin, a cornerstone of the And Begin skincare offering, has been extensively studied for its multifaceted benefits on midlife skin. It is celebrated for its ability to significantly enhance collagen production in the dermis, the foundational layer of the skin, making it a pivotal ingredient for boosting skin's elasticity and firmness. Moreover, tretinoin accelerates the turnover of skin cells on the epidermis, facilitating the removal of dead or damaged cells, which in turn, brightens, smoothens, and revitalizes the skin's appearance. Its efficacy extends to addressing hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and improving melanocyte function, thus reducing pigmentation. Additionally, as a gold-standard prescription retinoid, tretinoin plays a crucial role in the medical management of acne and breakouts, reducing spots and comedone formation through its increased cell turnover and anti-inflammatory effects, underscoring its comprehensive role in midlife skincare.
Azelaic Acid stands out as a versatile and well-tolerated ingredient pivotal in managing age-related skin conditions, particularly during midlife. Its role as a tyrosinase inhibitor allows it to effectively regulate melanin production, addressing the challenge of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation that often becomes more pronounced with age. Beyond its pigment-regulating capabilities, Azelaic Acid boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective against rosacea and acne—conditions that can intensify with hormonal changes in midlife. Additionally, by regulating skin cell turnover, Azelaic Acid enhances skin texture and pore appearance, contributing to a brighter, more even complexion.