This article is in partnership with One Skin.

We are all quite aware that our bodies experience all kinds of changes as we move through life. One of the most noticeable shifts happens in our skin which is often the first thing a woman notices as far as aging goes. Midlife can bring a unique set of skin challenges, as hormonal fluctuations play a major role in how our skin behaves. The good news? Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can help you take steps to support and nurture your skin through this transition.

The Hormonal Rollercoaster: How Hormones Affect Your Skin

During midlife, the most significant hormonal change women experience is a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a vital role in keeping the skin firm, hydrated, and youthful. As those levels start to drop, common skin changes can occur. We’re talking:

• Thinning Skin: Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness and elasticity, so when levels drop, skin becomes thinner and more delicate. This can leave the skin looking more fragile and prone to irritation—not the glowing, resilient skin we’re used to.
  
• Drier Skin: As estrogen decreases, oil production slows down, which means your skin may become drier, more prone to flaking, and less able to retain moisture.
  
• Loss of Collagen: Collagen, is the protein that gives skin its strength and bounce. But as we age, collagen production slows down. By midlife, this can lead to sagging and wrinkles, taking that youthful plumpness along with it.
  

Uneven Skin Tone and Hyperpigmentation: Hormonal shifts can increase melanin production, which might bring along age spots or melasma. The result? A skin tone that’s less even and more prone to those dark spots you never saw coming.

Supporting Your Skin with the Right Products

While lifestyle habits are hugely important, we can’t ignore choosing the right skincare products which play a major role. But, we don’t want just any products. We want products that roll up their sleeves and really do the work. Well, we’ve found them. We’re loving OneSkin’s eye cream and face moisturizer which are formulated to specifically address the very unique needs of midlife skin. OneSkin uses a patented OS-01 peptide that prevents the accumulation of senescent cells, (AKA “zombie cells,” which trigger the release of inflammatory factors) reducing the spread of these dysfunctional cells in the skin. The result? Healthier, more vibrant skin that looks, feels, and acts younger for longer. We’re in!

• OS-01 EYE works to target puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes, uber common concerns as we age. What we love about ONE SKIN Eye is the real results. It was shown to improve skin elasticity in 86% of users with an average improvement of +25.58%, and observed by 82% of users. Buh-bye crow’s feet. 

• OS-01 FACE was shown to improve skin evenness, radiance, pores and firmness in 95.5% of users. This study is super cool—it’s a split-face study where participants applied OS-01 FACE to one half of their face and an identical formulation without the peptide to the other half. So the differences between the two sides was due to the peptide which showed improved barrier function, hydration and texture. It quite literally quenches your skin’s thirst by providing deep hydration and supporting collagen production. All of this helps to improve texture and tone, giving your skin a smoother and more even tone look.

OneSkin is offering A Nutritious Life readers 15% off their first purchase with code KERI.

Supporting Your Skin During Midlife: Beyond Skincare

While it’s true that skincare products can provide essential support, there are lifestyle factors that can also play a significant role in how your skin ages. Here are some additional ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best:

1. Hydrate from the Inside Out

We all know hydration is important for our skin, but it’s even more crucial as we age. As estrogen levels drop, the skin loses moisture more quickly, so keeping your skin hydrated is key. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also boost hydration by eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens.

2. Fuel Your Skin with Antioxidants

The foods you eat directly impact your skin’s health. To help combat the effects of oxidative stress and free radicals (the things that damage your skin cells and contribute to aging), focus on a diet rich in antioxidants. Colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots are packed with these protective nutrients. Also, omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts can help keep your skin firm, hydrated and glowing.

3. Get Moving

Exercise isn’t just good for your heart, it’s good for your skin too! Regular physical activity boosts circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your skin. It can also help reduce stress (which can trigger skin flare-ups like acne and eczema) and promote better sleep, which is key for skin repair. They call it “beauty sleep” for a reason.

4. Manage Stress

Speaking of stress, let’s talk about it because let’s face it, life can get pretty hectic, especially in midlife. But here’s the thing: stress is a major troublemaker when it comes to skin. It triggers  inflammation and can even speed up the aging process. To keep your skin looking fresh, try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine. Yoga, deep breathing exercises, or even a short walk outdoors can make a big difference.

5. Prioritize Sleep

Our skin does a lot of its repairing and regenerating while we sleep, so getting enough rest is essential for keeping that youthful glow. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body—and your skin—recover. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, creating a calming nighttime routine (think lavender essential oil, a good book, or some gentle stretches) can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest. 

6. Wear Sunscreen Daily

We all know the importance of sunscreen, but it’s especially crucial in midlife when our skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage and pigmentation changes. Even on cloudy days, make sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. UV exposure can accelerate aging by causing wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, so protecting your skin is one of the best ways to maintain its health.

Embrace Your Skin at Every Age

The combination of healthy habits and the right skincare is the partnership that your skin craves and will leave you feeling more confident and radiant as you thrive in midlife. While hormonal changes may bring about some challenges, they also give you the opportunity to nurture and love your skin in new ways. By taking care of your body, fueling it with the right nutrients, staying active, and incorporating a skincare routine that supports your skin’s evolving needs, you can look and feel your best.