Age 55 plus is a period of great change for the skin. Menopause (or postmenopause), hormonal declines, loss of collagen and elastin, loss of facial volume and decrease in skin density cause skin problems to become more visible. This is also the phase when many people notice that their skin is changing faster in a short period of time than in decades past.
Fortunately, there are highly effective skin-improving and skin-rejuvenating treatments available just for this age group. In this article you’ll read about which skin problems are most common, what causes them and which treatments at Ivy clinics are best suited for 55-plus skin.
Why skin changes from 55 years of age
Menopause has a huge impact on the skin. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone drop sharply, causing:
- Collagen production decreases by 30 percent in the first years after menopause
- Facial fat tissue shifts (jawline becomes heavier, cheeks become more hollow)
- The skin barrier becomes thinner and drier
- Wrinkles deepen and skin is less firm
- Pigmentation spots increase due to hormonal fluctuations and previous sun exposure
- The natural ability to recover slows down
Many women find that their skin suddenly “seems to age faster,” is drier than ever and does not respond as well to skincare that worked fine before.
Most common skin problems in 55 plus
Below is an overview of the skin problems most common in this age group.
1. Deep wrinkles and volume loss.
Whereas wrinkles were mainly mimic before the age of 50, from 55-plus they become structural and deeper. Common complaints are:
- Frown wrinkle that remains permanently visible
- Deeper crow’s feet
- Forehead wrinkles
- Wrinkles on upper lip due to collagen loss
- Fallen cheeks and loss of mid-face volume
The skin loses substance, which is visible in both wrinkles and contours.
2. Sagging of jawline, neck and double chin
From 55 plus, we see marked sagging as the skin becomes less elastic and subcutaneous fat shifts. Common complaints:
- Slackened chin-jaw line
- “Hamster cheeks”
- Slack neck and chin
- Accumulation of fat or excess skin under the chin
The jawline becomes less defined and the face takes on a “heavier” appearance.
3. Pigment spots, age spots and melasma
Pigmentation problems are one of the most common complaints in this age group:
- Pigment spots from years of sun exposure
- Age spots (lentigo solaris)
- Melasma, which continues to flare up due to hormonal changes
The skin may become uneven in color and duller in appearance, giving an older appearance.
4. Dry skin, thinning skin and irritation
Due to decrease in estrogen, skin density decreases. Many people experience:
- Dry skin
- Sensitive, easily irritated skin
- Rough spots and flaking
- Less shine and elasticity
This skin responds better to oilier, nourishing skincare and to treatments that restore the barrier.
5. Rosacea, rosacea and visible vessels
As the skin becomes thinner, vessels become visible more quickly. Common ones are:
6. Scars and skin texture problems
Scars that were previously barely noticeable become deeper or more rigidly visible from 55-plus due to decrease in collagen. Consider:
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Atrophic scars
7. Droopy eyelids and tired look
Sagging and fat shift can cause the skin around the eyes to sag. Common:
- Pendulous eyelids
- Lower eyelid sagging
- Puffiness and fat accumulation
Eyelid surgery is on a separate page but is widely considered in this age group.
What helps against skin problems in 55 plus
The skin now needs intensive stimulation, collagen production, skin tightening, hydration and restoration of pigment balance.
1. Main skincare ingredients in this phase
- Retinol or retinoids for wrinkles and skin renewal
- Peptides for increased firmness
- Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
- Ceramides to restore the skin barrier
- Vitamin C in pigment and dull skin
- SPF 50, necessary to prevent further damage
2. Lifestyle that supports the skin
- Lots of antioxidants and healthy fats (omega 3)
- Little alcohol and sugar
- Daily hydration and good sleep
- Limiting sun exposure
Treatments at Ivy clinics for 55 plus
The treatments below are eminently effective for mature skin.
| Treatment | Purpose | Indications 55 plus | Treatment page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youlaser MT (CO2 laser) | Deep skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction and structural improvement | Deep wrinkles, pigmentation, scars, sagging skin | CO2 laser |
| Magma Renaissance | Improve complexion, pigment, redness and fine lines | Sun damage, pigment, rosacea, dull skin | Renaissance |
| Chemical peels (TCA, Jessner) | Tightening, smoothing of wrinkles and refreshment of complexion | Pigmentation, fine lines, roughness, skin aging | Peelings |
| Microneedling | Stimulation of collagen and smoothing of skin structure | Scars, wrinkles, large pores | Microneedling |
| IPL or laser against redness | Vein removal and skin smoothing | Rosacea, rosacea, diffuse redness | IPL |
| Hifu / tightening treatments | Skin tightening without surgery | Jaw line, neck, cheeks, double chin | Skin improvement |
| Fillers | Restoration of volume and contours | Collapsed cheeks, tear duct, jaw line | Fillers |
| Botox | Smoothening of deep mimic wrinkles | Frown, forehead, crow’s feet | Botox |
| Connective tissue massage | Improve circulation, firmness and radiance | Sagging, cloudy skin | Connective tissue massage |
When to Ivy clinics
Visiting Ivy clinics makes sense when you:
- notices a marked increase in wrinkles or sagging
- find pigmentation spots disturbing and want evenness back
- suffer from visible vessels or redness
- your skin feels thin, dry or lifeless
- want more definition in jawline or cheeks
Our skin therapists and cosmetic doctors will work with you to create a plan that suits your skin type, age and goals. Even later in life, much improvement is possible thanks to modern technology and treatment methods.
