Turning 50 can feel like a big milestone. While some may see it as the start of middle age, it doesn’t have to mean slowing down or losing your glow. With some simple lifestyle changes, self-care practices, and a positive mindset, you can look and feel your absolute best at 50 and beyond.
What does “glowing” mean at 50?
When we think of having a “glow,” it’s usually associated with great skin, bright eyes, and an overall vitality. As we age, it’s normal for the skin to lose elasticity and hydration, which can make it look duller. The eyes may also appear tired. But with the right habits, you can help slow signs of aging and recapture a radiant glow from within.
Great skin
Glowing skin at 50 starts with proper cleansing, moisturizing, and protection from the sun. Look for gentle cleansers without sulfates and moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Using sunscreen daily is crucial for preventing further skin damage. Getting sufficient sleep, staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, and managing stress will also give your skin a healthy look.
Bright, vibrant eyes
Our eyes can convey so much vitality, but may start to seem dull or sagging with age. Combat this by getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly. Apply cool tea bags or cucumber slices to de-puff eyes. Stay hydrated and limit excess salt intake. Daily eye cream can help moisturize and protect the delicate eye area.
Inner radiance
True glow comes from within. At 50, focus on your personal growth and self-care. Pursue hobbies that bring joy. Make time for loved ones. Get regular massages or facials. Develop a skin care routine you look forward to. Take up yoga, meditation, or journaling to reduce stress. When you feel happy and fulfilled, you’ll project an unmistakable glow.
What skincare products can help me glow at 50?
Using the right mix of skincare products is key for creating a glowing complexion at 50. Here are some of the most effective options:
Gentle cleanser
Cleanse without stripping skin by using a mild cleanser once or twice daily. Look for formulas with antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers.
Chemical exfoliants
Exfoliating 2-3 times a week reveals brighter, smoother skin by sloughing off dead cells. At 50, choose gentle chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or lactic acid over abrasive scrubs.
Daytime moisturizer
Look for an anti-aging moisturizer with SPF 30+ to hydrate and protect during the day. Key ingredients to enhance glow include niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin C.
Night cream
Use a rich night cream without SPF to nourish skin overnight. Opt for intense hydrators like shea butter or retinol creams to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen.
Eye cream
The thinner skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to wrinkles and crepiness. Using a daily eye cream containing peptides or growth factors will moisturize this area and help minimize fine lines.
Face oils
Nourishing facial oils pack a glow-boosting punch. Try antioxidant-rich oils like pomegranate, rosehip, or seabuckthorn oils. Use a few drops before moisturizer or mix with your night cream.
Face masks
Give your complexion an instant boost 1-2 times per week with a hydrating or brightening face mask. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils.
Serums
Target specific concerns with specialized serums used before moisturizers. Try brightening vitamin C serums, smoothing hyaluronic acid serums and firming peptide serums.
What lifestyle habits promote glowing skin at 50?
Caring for your overall health is just as important as any product for glowing skin. Adopt these daily habits to help you look and feel radiant:
Moisturize from within
Hydration is crucial for a plump, dewy complexion. Drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water daily. Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon and yogurt.
Eat skin-nourishing foods
Nutrient-rich foods give skin the tools it needs to glow. Eat plenty of healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil. Enjoy bright produce like berries, leafy greens, tomatoes and carrots for antioxidants.
Know your supplements
Talk to your doctor about supplements that support skin, like fish oil for fatty acids, vitamin C for collagen production and probiotics for gut and skin health.
Don’t skip sun protection
Daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days. Limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing and consider taking an oral antioxidant supplement for added protection.
Exercise regularly
Working out for at least 30 minutes a day increases blood flow and oxygen delivery for a natural glow. Any activity counts, like walking, swimming, cycling or dance classes.
Reduce stress
Find healthy stress relief through yoga, deep breathing, meditating or keeping a journal. Stress takes a toll on health and prematurely ages skin.
Get enough sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Rest is essential for cellular repair and metabolizing skin-nourishing collagen. Reduce blue light exposure before bedtime.
Don’t smoke
Avoid smoking or quit if possible. Smoking depletes nutrients and accelerates facial aging. Non-smokers have smoother, more hydrated skin.
How can I achieve a glowing complexion after 50?
It’s completely possible to achieve smooth, radiant skin in your 50s with the right combo of topical products, in-office treatments and lifestyle measures:
Serums with glow-boosting ingredients
Look for hardworking serums packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, vitamin C to brighten and peptides to stimulate collagen.
AHAs and BHAs
Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) increase cell turnover for clear, glowy skin. Start slowly, 1-2 times per week.
Retinol cream
Retinol is the gold standard for smoothing wrinkles and building collagen. Introduce gradually into your night routine.
Facial massage
Take 5 minutes to massage your face with an oil or moisturizer using upward, outward strokes to boost radiance.
LED light therapy
Some derms offer in-office LED light therapy to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen. Ask your doctor if it could benefit your skin.
Chemical peels
Regular light chemical peels remove dead skin layers to reveal fresh, glowing skin. Glycolic, mandelic and lactic acid peels work well for aging skin.
Microneedling
Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin to generate new collagen. Optimal results require multiple treatments.
Fractional laser
Fractional laser resurfacing uses targeted beams to treat uneven pigment and improve skin texture. Downtime is roughly 5-7 days.
HydraFacial
This popular facial cleanses, exfoliates and infuses skin with hydrating serums for an instant glow. Monthly upkeep is recommended.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy injects your own plasma into the skin to stimulate collagen and cell turnover. Multiple sessions are required.
Healthy lifestyle
Getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, exercising and reducing stress creates the optimal foundation for glowing skin.
What makeup tips can help me look glowing and radiant at 50?
The right makeup techniques can enhance a radiant, youthful glow. Here are tips for applying makeup flawlessly in your 50s:
Hydrating primer
Start with a nourishing primer containing hyaluronic acid or silicone to hydrate skin and fill in fine lines.
Creamy concealer
Conceal dark circles, spots and imperfections with a creamy concealer that won’t accentuate fine lines. Warm peachy tones counteract dark circles.
Lightweight foundation
Opt for moisturizing liquid foundations and tinted moisturizers that feel lightweight. Avoid powder foundations which can look cakey on mature skin.
Lite bronze and blush
Warm up dull complexions with a bronzer and touch of coral or rose blush on the apples of cheeks. Go easy; you want a lit-from-within glow.
Soft highlighter
Apply a luminizing highlighter to cheekbones, the inner corners of eyes and above the brows. Cream or liquid highlighters look more natural than glittery powders.
Curling mascara
Give lashes some lift with a volumizing, curling mascara. Apply to top and bottom lashes for a wide-eyed look.
Defined brows
Frame the eyes and brighten your whole face with brushed up, defined brows. Use a brow pencil and gel to fill in and tame.
Subtle lip color
Finish with a moisturizing lipstick or tint in a rosy nude or pinky shade. Avoid “bleed” with liner. Choose creams over matte lipsticks.
Setting spray
Lock in makeup and freshen skin with a hydrating makeup setting spray. Avoid powder to prevent visible settling into fine lines.
What clothing colors and styles create a glowing look?
Your clothing choices impact how radiant you look from the outside in. Use these tips to dress to glow at 50:
Wear jewel tones
Rich colors like emerald, sapphire and amethyst enhance skin’s vibrancy. They make the complexion appear brighter by contrast.
Choose lightweight fabrics
Fluid fabrics like silk and jersey drape beautifully on the body for an effortless glow. Stiff fabrics tend to cling unflatteringly.
Accentuate your best assets
Play up your favorite features with strategic clothing choices. Show off glowing decolletage with wrap dresses or V-necks. Flaunt great legs in a skirt or shorts.
Cover problem spots
Conceal parts of your body that make you self-conscious. Wear leggings under dresses to smooth legs. Choose tops with three-quarter length sleeves to minimize arms.
Fill your closet with solids
Solid colored clothing acts as a backdrop that lets your radiance take center stage. Too many prints can look distracting and cluttered.
Stick to classic silhouettes
Opt for simple, elegant silhouettes like wrap dresses, button-downs and tailored trousers. Trendy cuts come and go; classics stand the test of time.
Shop petite sections
If your height is under 5’4″, stores’ regular sizes may overwhelm your frame. Find better proportions in petite sizes.
Tailor for perfect fit
Well-fitting clothing highlights your silhouette for instant polish. Invest in tailoring pieces like blazers, trousers and dresses.
How can I achieve inner glow and confidence at 50?
Outer beauty shines brightest when you feel happy and fulfilled inside. Here are tips for cultivating inner glow:
Practice self-care
Make time for activities that replenish you like massage, hiking, reading, taking a bath or coffee with friends.
Set meaningful goals
Having aims provides a sense of purpose. Identify goals important to you, not others. Break big goals into smaller steps.
Don’t compare yourself
Focus on being the best version of yourself vs. measuring up to others. We all have unique strengths and beauty.
List what you like about yourself
Boost confidence by keeping a list of qualities you appreciate about YOU. Add to it regularly.
Step outside comfort zone
Build self-assurance by challenging yourself regularly. Take a class, travel somewhere new or try karaoke night with friends!
Pursue a passion
Make time for hobbies that bring you joy and put you in a state of flow. Gardening, photography and dance are glow-inducing passions.
Spend time with positive people
Surround yourself with supportive, inspiring family and friends who make you feel great about yourself.
Consider therapy
If you struggle with confidence, therapy can help you identify and overcome obstacles to inner glow.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Treat yourself kindly; accept both strengths and limitations. You’re only human.
Conclusion
Recapturing your glow at 50 is absolutely possible by adopting the right self-care regimen. With consistent skin care, makeup, style and lifestyle habits, you will look and feel your radiant best. But true glow also comes from positive self-talk, pursuing passions and surrounding yourself with supportive people. When you feel happy, confident and purposeful, you’ll project a beautiful glow that comes from within.
