A new decade brings the opportunity to switch up your skincare routine. Tricia Cusden, the founder of Look Fabulous Forever, shares the beauty changes she made after hitting the big 5-0.

Your skin will change as you age – although it’s inevitable, it’s nothing to be upset about!

ALSO SEE: 6 Things I Changed About My Make-Up Routine When I Turned 50

Women can look fabulous at any age. There are many ways that older skin can be enhanced with a little effort and know-how when it comes to your skincare routine. Keeping your skin clean, exfoliated and moisturised along with simple lifestyle changes can have a dramatic effect on how you look. It will also change how well your makeup performs when applied to your face.

Tricia’s 6 skincare tips for when you hit 50

Find a moisturiser that suits you

Attracting and holding moisture in the skin is the quickest way to make the skin look brighter, healthier and plumper.

“I like to apply a serum first, followed by a layer of face cream,” says Tricia. But when looking for a moisturiser, keep an eye out for products that contain at least one of these ingredients: hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or retinol.

We love Filorga Hydra-Filler Mask, R155 for one application, to top up moisture levels in the skin. Skinderm Pure Exfoliating Glo Pads, R395 also contains both alpha- and -beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate.

ALSO SEE: Our Top Anti-Ageing Skincare Products: Tried And Tested By Experts

Ditch those bad habits

As you get older, you will find that your skin becomes drier and requires more TLC. So beyond choosing moisturising skincare products that provide the extra nourishment mature skin needs, watching what we eat and drink has also been shown to affect how good our skin looks and feels.

I opt for a nutritious diet which is high in antioxidants, vitamins and ‘good’ fats like oily fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocados. These foods do wonders for the natural condition and radiance of my skin.

ALSO SEE: Foods That Can Make Your Skin Oily

Alongside this, increase your intake of water to keep your body and skin hydrated. I try to drink at least 4 large glasses of water a day, but anything more is encouraged.

Protect your face from the harsh glare of the sun

Exposing your face to the sun with little or no protection is one of the quickest ways to damage your skin. It’s been said thousands of times but always bears repeating. The trick to having healthy, glowing skin at any age is to protect it from the sun.

To protect my skin from UVA and UVB damage, I use sunscreen and a day cream or foundation that already contains SPF as an incorporated ingredient. So whatever the weather, my skin is always protected from the sun.

ALSO SEE: Sunscreen: The Real Way To De-Age Your Skin

Exfoliate those dead skin cells 

Regularly ridding your dead skin cells from the surface of your face will instantly brighten and rejuvenate your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, or you suffer from conditions like psoriasis, eczema or acne rosacea like me, ask your doctor or dermatologist for advice on the best exfoliator for your skin type.

Avoid using soap on your face during your skincare routine

Soap strips the skin of its natural oils and makes it feel uncomfortably tight and dry. Instead, I use a gentle cleanser which removes the cocktail of grime and dirt that accumulates throughout the day from polluted air without disturbing the skin’s delicate PH balance.

Apart from a cleanser, my skincare routine involves washing my face every morning using only warm water and a clean flannel as I feel like it ‘wakes’ up my face.

It’s not called ‘beauty sleep’ for no reason

Reducing your alcohol and caffeine intake can make for a better, undisturbed night’s sleep which will, in turn, improve the condition of your skin. I find that regular exercise and relaxation techniques help to clear my mind for a better night of quality sleep.

ALSO SEE: The Evening Beauty Regime That Can Knock 2,5 Years Off Your Age

Words by Lauren Hughes. Extra words Martinique Stevens