Expert advice from the actress Taraji P. Henson, the dancer Wendy Whelan and the aesthetician Teresa Tarmey.
It’s no secret that as we age, our skin changes, becoming drier, thinner and less elastic. When it comes to a beauty routine, this calls for a gentler hand and extra-nourishing ingredients. T asked three women about the habits and products that work best for them: Teresa Tarmey, a London-based aesthetician whose clients have included Kate Moss, Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton; the actress Taraji P. Henson, whose three decades of film and television acting mean she’s an expert at preparing for a close-up; and Wendy Whelan, the associate artistic director of the New York City Ballet, who previously enjoyed a record-breaking run as a principal dancer with the company that spanned from her 20s through her 40s.
Teresa Tarmey, 50, aesthetician
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UV rays break down way more collagen than people think. SPF is nonnegotiable. I like Heliocare’s 360 Mineral Fluid SPF+50 Sunscreen Cream. I’m very strict about it. I’ll say to clients, “There’s not much point in me doing this treatment if you aren’t going to wear SPF.”
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Retinol is another no-brainer. People chase new trends, but you’ve got something staring straight at you that’s been proven to be effective. If you haven’t tried it before, or your skin is sensitive, start with a lower concentration — my line’s 0.3% retinol gel is good for beginners. Then you can move on to something stronger after six or so months.
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When people age, they often feel they need to switch to a cleansing balm for more moisture, but I find they leave a residue.Cleansing shouldn’t be about treating the skin, though if you’re really dry, you could try a cream formula like CeraVe’s.
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I’m a huge fan of at-home lymphatic drainage massages. It’s easy, free and makes a big difference, especially as we tend to get puffier as we age. You can use your hands, or buy some cryo sticks and pop them in the freezer.
