If you want skin that looks naturally radiant after 50, say goodbye to these 7 bad habits

When it comes to glowing skin after 50, we tend to chase after the latest miracle cream or high-tech serum. I get it—I’ve been there too, squinting at ingredient lists and wondering if peptides are the same as retinoids (they’re not, by the way).

But here’s something I’ve learned from years of trial, error, and a little digging into the science: your skincare routine matters, but what you stop doing is just as important—if not more so—than what you start.

Let’s look at the seven sneaky habits that could be dulling your natural radiance—and what to do instead.

1. Over-cleansing

Ever felt that squeaky-clean, tight feeling after washing your face?

That’s not a good sign. It usually means you’ve stripped away your skin’s natural oils. As we get older, our skin doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. The protective barrier becomes more fragile, and when you overdo it on cleansing—especially with harsh, foaming products—you risk disrupting that balance.

I made this mistake in my early forties, chasing that "fresh" feeling after runs or gardening. My skin looked parched and felt irritated no matter what I slathered on afterward.

Now I stick to gentle, non-stripping cleansers—especially in the mornings. At night, I only double-cleanse if I’ve worn sunscreen or makeup.

Less foam, more glow.

2. Skipping sunscreen (yes, still)

I know, I know—you’ve heard it a thousand times. But ask yourself: are you really wearing it every day?

I used to think, “It’s cloudy” or “I’m just working indoors today,” and give myself a free pass. Turns out that was a big mistake.

As noted by the American Academy of Dermatology, “Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds,” and UVA rays—which accelerate skin aging—pass through windows too.

The damage isn’t always visible right away, but over time, it shows up as fine lines, dullness, and uneven tone. The fix? Find a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that you don’t mind applying daily. And yes, reapplying counts too.

Radiant skin starts with protection.

3. Ignoring your neck and chest

When I started noticing the fine lines on my décolletage, it hit me: I had spent decades treating my face like royalty and everything below like a forgotten stepchild.

The neck and chest have thinner skin and fewer oil glands, which means they’re more prone to dryness and wrinkles. Yet they’re often left out of our skincare routine entirely.

Dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting put it perfectly when she said, “Your face doesn’t stop at your jawline.”

So now, whatever goes on my face—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, even the occasional exfoliating mask—goes all the way down to my collarbone.

It’s a simple shift, but it makes a world of difference.

4. Using too many products

In an age of 10-step routines and “glass skin” tutorials, it’s easy to get carried away. I’ve been guilty of impulse-buying the latest trending serum only to realize it didn’t mix well with my moisturizer or made me break out.

Here’s the deal: mature skin is often thinner and more sensitive. Overloading it with acids, retinoids, brighteners, and oils—especially all at once—can backfire.

More isn’t always better. It’s just… more.

If your skin looks irritated, flaky, or dull despite all your efforts, it might be time to simplify. Stick to the basics: cleanse, treat (with one or two targeted products), moisturize, and protect.

A 2025 study in the Journal of Dermatology found that people adopting minimalist routines (3–5 products) saw a 40% reduction in irritation and breakouts compared to those using multiple active ingredients simultaneously.

And give each product time to work before layering on another.

5. Sleeping on cotton pillowcases

This one surprised me at first, but once I made the switch, I never went back.

Cotton pillowcases can pull at your skin, causing friction that contributes to fine lines over time. They also absorb your nighttime skincare products, meaning less stays on your face where it belongs.

Enter silk or satin pillowcases. They create less drag, stay cool, and feel incredibly luxurious—like you’re doing something kind for your skin while you sleep. Which, in a way, you are.

As dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman has noted, “Sleeping on silk helps prevent wrinkles and keeps skin hydrated.”

Bonus: they’re better for your hair too.

6. Letting stress run the show

Ever noticed how your skin acts up during busy or emotionally heavy seasons?

There’s a reason for that. Stress floods the body with cortisol, which can disrupt your skin’s barrier function, slow down collagen production, and increase inflammation. That means more breakouts, sensitivity, and yes—dullness.

I’ll be honest: I used to underestimate the role stress played in my skin’s health. But once I started incorporating daily grounding practices—like taking walks without my phone or doing 5-minute breathing exercises before bed—I noticed a visible shift.

Even something as simple as getting enough sleep or saying “no” to one more obligation can make your skin say “thank you.”

7. Not drinking enough water (or drinking too much of the wrong stuff)

Hydration isn’t just about lotions and serums.

Your skin reflects what’s going on inside your body, and if you’re consistently under-hydrated, it’ll show up as dullness, fine lines, and flakiness—especially after 50 when skin naturally loses moisture more easily.

A friend once joked that after 45, you can basically see who drinks water and who doesn’t. Harsh? Maybe. But I’ve found it to be mostly true.

And it’s not just about what you’re missing—it’s also what you’re consuming too much of. Alcohol and caffeine, while fine in moderation, can be dehydrating. Try to balance them out with plenty of plain water or herbal teas.

One study had 49 healthy women add 2 liters of water to their daily intake for a month—and saw significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and reduction of fine lines, without changing any lotions.

Your glow might just live at the bottom of your next glass of H₂O.

Final thoughts

Here’s the thing: radiant skin isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, self-respect, and letting go of habits that no longer serve you.

As someone who used to buy every product under the sun and still felt frustrated by the mirror, I can tell you—glow is less about chasing trends and more about tuning into what your skin actually needs.

So if you’ve recognized one (or more) of these habits in your own life, don’t stress. It’s never too late to shift your routine.

Start small. Be patient. And remember—your skin is not just a surface; it’s a reflection of how you treat yourself.

And after 50, I say it’s high time you started treating yourself like someone worth glowing for.