I'm hitting my mid 50's with a bang. In the last 5 years I've lost my mum, my kids have left home, I've come through the menopause and suffered all kinds of home related disasters. All of these have had a noticeable effect on my skin, likely linked to hormones, stress and the inevitable negative effects of disrupted sleep (even my beloved Serenity Sleep Mist hasn't been able to help at times!). But I'm not worrying too much, because I know that little rituals that involve potent botanicals are supporting me and my skin naturally every step of the way.
One of the questions I get asked most often is whether there is anything we can do to support our skin as we get older that doesn't involve using products containing ingredients with a myriad of unpronounceable names and the possible side effects that can come with synthetics. Even some of the more natural sounding skincare ingredients can have their drawbacks. Vitamin C, for example, is often praised for helping to brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of age spots, yet for many people it can also cause redness, stinging and irritation. If your skin is sensitive or your skin barrier is already compromised, a gentler botanical approach may be a better place to start.
The question of natural skincare support is one I have become increasingly interested in myself over the last few years. As I've moved through midlife, I've noticed the same changes many women experience; skin that feels a little drier, there's a loss of tone on the body and the face, the skin feels a little less plump and perhaps not quite as resilient as it once was.
The beauty industry would have us believe that aging is something to battle against. Every article and advert seems to promise the latest miracle ingredient and tells us we need to look younger, and every new wrinkle is treated as something that needs fixing.
Personally, I've never felt comfortable with that approach.
At Bloom, our philosophy has always been about supporting the body rather than fighting it. Aging is a privilege denied to many, and whilst I absolutely believe in looking after our skin, I don't believe we should fear the natural process of growing older.
What I am interested in is helping skin stay healthy, comfortable, nourished and resilient for as long as possible and that's where botanicals can be incredibly helpful.
Understanding Collagen as We Age
Collagen is often talked about as though it's some magical substance that suddenly disappears overnight, but the reality is much more gradual.
Collagen is the protein that helps give our skin structure and firmness. From our mid-twenties onwards, production slowly begins to decline, and for many women this process accelerates during and after menopause as oestrogen levels fall.
This is why mature skin can often feel thinner, drier and less elastic than it once did and while no cream, oil or serum can stop this process entirely there are natural oils and ingredients out there that can help strengthen the skin barrier and provide the nutrients skin needs to function at its best. These ingredients can also protect existing collagen and support the skin to be it's absolute best as you age.
Why Sea Buckthorn Has Become One of My Favourite Ingredients
If you've followed Bloom for a while, you'll know that I have a particular soft spot for sea buckthorn.
In fact, it's one of those ingredients that seems almost too good to be true when you start looking at its nutritional profile. These vibrant orange berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, including the rather special Omega 7 which occurs naturally within our skin, yet declines as we age. Sea buckthorn is one of the richest natural sources available and for mature skin that's incredibly valuable.
Sea buckthorn also helps support the skin barrier, which becomes increasingly important as we get older. A strong skin barrier helps retain moisture, protects against environmental stress and keeps skin feeling comfortable and balanced. This is particularly important when considering dryness, as many women tell me that one of the biggest changes they notice during and after menopause is an increased dryness in their skin. In addition to supporting the skin barrier which helps retain moisture, the oil is also rich in natural fatty acids that can help replenish and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling softer and stronger.
The Importance of Antioxidants
When we talk about healthy aging, antioxidants in our skincare should be a key consideration. Every day our skin is exposed to sunlight, pollution, stress, poor sleep and countless other factors that generate unstable molecules known as free radicals. Over time these free radicals can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and accelerate visible signs of ageing - which is why living in a way that addresses stress is as important as spending £££'s on expensive skincare. If you're not sleeping and you're struggling with stress, looking tired and feeling old, then you may need to address the bigger picture before splashing out on topical products.
But back to antioxidants - botanical oils and extracts rich in antioxidants help provide a layer of support against the effects of free radical damage. Sea buckthorn is particularly impressive in this regard, containing naturally occurring carotenoids, flavonoids and vitamins C and E and its distinctive deep orange colour is actually a sign of just how rich it is in these protective plant compounds.
Other Botanicals I Love For Mature Skin
Whilst Sea Buckthorn is undoubtedly one of my favourites, it's certainly not the only botanical that can support aging skin.
Rosehip oil has long been valued for its ability to nourish and replenish. Rich in essential fatty acids and naturally occurring vitamin A compounds, it is often included in formulations designed for mature or sun-damaged skin.
Jojoba oil is another wonderful ingredient. Technically a liquid wax rather than an oil, its structure is remarkably similar to our own skin oils, making it easily absorbed and also deeply nourishing without feeling heavy.
Another oil which we have recently discovered at Bloom and are loving is Tamanu oil. Rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, Tamanu oil provides deep nourishment whilst helping to protect the skin from environmental stress and moisture loss.
Avocado oil is another heroine ingredient that we love. Packed with vitamins A, D and E, along with skin-loving omega fatty acids that nourish dry skin, support elasticity and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.
Frankincense has been used in skincare for centuries and remains one of my favourite oils for mature skin. Not because it promises miracles, but because it aligns so beautifully with Bloom's philosophy of gentle, restorative care.
Ageing Beautifully
As an aromatherapist, I have spent decades studying the remarkable properties of plants and their ability to support our wellbeing and what's become clear to me is that the older I get, the less interested I become in chasing youth and the more interested I become in supporting health and acknowledging, strong, resilient and older women.
I simply want my face to be healthy, looked after and cared for. I want skincare rituals that are applied to the outside but that are chosen with love and support me on the inside too. I want to use botanicals in a way that can give me that glow, both inside and out. I want skincare that is chosen for the way it genuinely supports the skin and embraces each stage of life with confidence rather than criticism.
And when it comes to botanicals and essential oils, they can do that and more
If you have any questions on natural skincare, or ingredients, please do reach out to me on marie@bloomremedies.co.uk
Love as always,
Marie x