To help you feel self-assured as you get older, we spoke to body and beauty experts to get their instant body boosts
One of the best things about getting older is the confidence it brings – studies show that the experience and understanding we gain with age means we feel more capable and effective with every decade, armed with the resilience needed to negotiate any ups and downs, and a life-honed perspective that allows us to see both the bigger picture and the glass half-full.
Even so, because our skin and body shape naturally changes as we age, we sometimes need to devote a bit of extra time to boosting our body image to ensure this matches our mindset. As body confidence expert Jayne Cox explains: “Having children, going through the menopause, and the slowing of our metabolism can all have an impact on our skin, body size and shape, and while we may feel emotionally and socially more confident, this can be an area women need to embrace so they are able to accept, embrace and celebrate these changes.”
To help you feel happy and healthy at every age and stage, here Dove squad members Cox and beauty expert Tricia Cusden share their tips, mantras and beauty rituals for instant body confidence.
Curb comparing
In our image-driven society it can be hard not to compare yourself unfavourably to the “ideals” that surround us. As we get older, we are often still subjected to unrealistic images of what older women should look like but Dove takes the lead in combating this, as it uses real women in all its advertising. But it’s key to nip unfeasible comparisons in the bud. “When body anxieties pop into your head, focus on a part you like – it’s good to have one ‘prepped’ – and acknowledge this positive,” says Cox. “Or challenge yourself – think ‘Would I say this to a friend?’ If not, why would you say it to yourself?”
Reward your body
How often have you treated yourself to a massage or spa break and thought “I must do this more often”? But it’s easy to build in simple, daily pampering rituals that will allow you to reconnect with and spoil your body, look after your skin, and feel instantly more confident. “As we age, our skin gets drier, so exfoliation and nourishment is essential,” says Cusden. “In the shower or bath, use an exfoliant to get rid of the dead skin cells on the surface and rinse well. Gently pat the skin with a towel, then liberally apply a rich moisturiser onto slightly damp skin to get the best results.” The Dove Youthful Vitality range includes a body lotion and a body cream specifically formulated to address the needs of mature skin, boosting its resilience and suppleness with a luxurious feel and fragrance. The range contains alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) which are perfect for mature skin. They work by helping to remove the dead cells at the surface of skin to boost smoothness and tackle dullness.
Change the conversation
Women can often fall into competitive self-criticism – so as soon as your friend mentions a flaw, you feel you have to share one of yours. “Try swapping this for a compliment spiral – celebrate yourselves and focus on your positives,” suggests Cox. “That way you can bond and feel better.”
Shift your focus to ‘doing’
Rather than looking at your body purely in terms of appearance, consider what it can do – your talents, strengths and the tough times it’s got you through. For example stretch marks that were gained in pregnancy should be seen as a proud reminder of having had your children. “With this simple shift of perspective, you can see your body very differently, as something to be proud of and appreciate,” says Cox.
Give yourself a hand
From handshakes to reassuring pats, gestures to gesticulating, hands form a crucial part of how we communicate with and care for others. In spite of this, they are one of our most hard-working yet least spoiled body parts, subject to the wear and tear of daily life, receiving little of the TLC they merit. “Skin on the backs of the hands can become very thin and feel papery as we get older,” says Cusden. “Apply rich moisturising hand cream every day, especially after hands have been washed or after doing housework. For a really nourishing boost, apply hand cream before bed and then wear fine soft cotton gloves overnight. Your hands will feel wonderful the next morning.” Dove Youthful Vitality Hand Cream contains lactic acid to moisturise the skin deeply*, while giving your hands an indulgent sensorial experience. It also includes Cell-Moisturiser™ technology which helps to clear out dullness by improving the surface skin’s cell renewal, giving you younger-looking, healthier skin.
Get clothes-confident
With some simple style tweaks, you can give your confidence an instant boost, says Tricia Cusden. “Start with good, well-fitting underwear. For 40 years I wore a 36C cup bra. About two years ago I had a fitting and was told I am a 34D cup. What a transformation – all my tops suddenly looked much better, my posture improved and with that my confidence. And don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colours – they make you feel as bold as they are.”
Try something new
As we get older we may have more time on our hands, with kids leaving the nest, or work winding down – so it’s the perfect time to challenge your body to a new activity – whether that’s trying an exercise or dance class, learning a skill or simply challenging yourself to do a different walk or climb a new hill every weekend. “The sense of self-efficacy you get from mastering or at the very least challenging yourself gives an instant confidence boost,” says Cox.
Care for your hands and body
To help support your skin and boost confidence as you age, Dove Youthful Vitality provides a luxurious, pampering experience that addresses the needs of mature skin. The range includes a Body Lotion, a Body Cream and a Hand Cream which all contain lactic acid, an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) that acts to remove the top layer of skin. This boosts smoothness, resilience and suppleness, which helps to clear out dullness by improving surface skin cell renewal. They also include Cell-Moisturiser™ Technology, key moisturising actives made from natural seed oils. These work in combination with each other to moisturise your skin deeply* to make it more resilient. This can result in a noticeable improvement in skin appearance, giving more of an evenness of tone and texture, and leaving skin looking and feeling more youthful while allowing you to indulge in a pleasurable sensorial moment.
