Midlife Skin Rules With Facialist Joanna Czech

My approach towards healthy skin is never just about having a particular skincare routine, it’s holistic. When I advise my clients, I encourage them to consider their stress levels, sleep quality, water intake, nutrition and exercise – all these factors directly affect how we look, feel and how our skin behaves. A balanced diet, in particular, is so important. So many of us eat more than our recommended daily intake of sugar, which can trigger inflammation and degrade collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and bouncy.

My motto is: ‘Don’t bring the streets to your sheets.’ Do you really want to bring all the grime and pollution from your day into your bed? Product efficacy is increased by at least 20% at night while your skin is in repair mode, so it’s the best time to target specific concerns. After cleansing, use formulas that prioritise cellular renewal and rejuvenation. 

The key difference between face and neck skin is the thickness of the lipidic layer. The skin is much thinner on the neck, and you have about 30-40% fewer sebaceous glands, which explains why you’re less likely to get spots here, but the signs of ageing show up faster. I don’t necessarily advocate using a separate cream, I just take my facial skincare all the way down to my neck and décolletage. 

I’m all about long-term benefits rather than quick fixes and if you’re looking to add an at-home device to your routine, I’d recommend the LYMA Laser. I incorporate it into all my treatments because it visibly reduces inflammation right away and enhances product penetration, delivering immediate results. I’ve seen it improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and minimise pores.

Proper facial massage takes about 90 minutes, addressing both the skin and muscles. It stimulates blood flow and carries oxygen and nutrients to the tissue, resulting in a brighter-looking complexion. When you do it repeatedly, it’s like a workout for your face. But even if you have less time available, it can still be beneficial. If you find you wake up with puffy eyes, apply your eye cream from the inner corner outwards to drain the fluid. I recommend using your ring finger in a patting motion, staying slightly longer on the outer corner where we develop crow’s feet. 

Everyone’s skin has different individual needs, what works for your friend may not work for you. The number of products out there is overwhelming, so I’d seriously recommend having a personalised skin analysis, so you can build a routine based on professional advice. Don’t apply olive oil all over your body because some celebrity told you to. Likewise, we can live without snail mucin and salmon sperm. I’m not into skincare trends – instead, pay attention to how your skin feels and listen to the experts. 

The key to great skin is being disciplined and consistent with your routine, not just doing it from time to time. If you want to be in shape, you don’t work out just once a month. Adopt a slow, but consistent approach and treat your skin with respect – avoiding overstripping it and purging. Formulas that support and protect your skin will help you look younger for longer. 

Healthy skin means balanced skin, it doesn’t necessarily mean lineless. Rethinking your idea of what optimal skin health looks like can help you be more realistic with your expectations. Our elastin levels naturally deplete as we age, but it’s still possible for your skin to appear glowy and even, in midlife and beyond. 

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