After 50, many people notice their skin feels thinner, itchier and slower to bounce back. Most of these changes are normal, and a gentler routine can make a real difference to comfort as well as looks.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against American Academy of Dermatology guidance and peer-reviewed research
How does skin change after 50?
Skin gets thinner and loses moisture more easily, so dryness, itch, easier bruising and slower healing become common[1]. For women, collagen drops quickly after menopause: the AAD says skin loses about 30% of its collagen in the first five years, then about 2% a year after that[2]. Gentle bathing, daily moisturizer and sun protection help most[1].
Caveat: Some changes are not just aging. A new or changing spot, a sore that will not heal, or itching with a rash should be checked by a clinician.
Sources: AAD: 60s and 70s · AAD: menopause skin · Verified 2026-09-28
In this article
What is normal for skin after 50?
The AAD lists the changes most people notice as they move into their 60s and 70s: thinner skin that loses moisture more easily, dryness and itch, a more papery look, more wrinkles and age spots, easier bruising, less sweating and slower healing[1].
For women, menopause speeds this up. According to the AAD, skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause, and then about 2% a year for the following 20 years[2]. That is why skin can seem to change quickly in the early 50s and then settle into a slower pace. We cover the hormonal side in Menopause and Your Skin.
Why is my skin so dry and itchy?
Dry skin (xerosis) is one of the most common skin problems in older adults. It is linked to changes in the skin barrier, lower oil production, medications and dry indoor air, and it can drive itching and scratching that damages skin further[3].
The AAD's practical fixes[1]:
- Take 5 to 10 minute showers or baths in warm, not hot, water.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Apply a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing, while skin is still damp. Ointments work better for very dry skin.
- Keep indoor humidity around 45% to 60% with a humidifier.
- Wear gloves for housework and gardening.
Why do I bruise more easily now?
As skin gets thinner, everyday bumps show up as bruises more readily, and cuts take longer to heal[1]. Sunscreen and protective clothing help protect the skin you have[4].
If you bruise without any bump, have large or frequent bruises, or take blood thinners, mention it to your doctor rather than assuming it is just age.
Is it still worth protecting your skin from the sun?
Yes. The AAD recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin, shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and protective clothing at this age too[1]. The best trial on sunscreen and aging enrolled adults younger than 55 and found daily use slowed visible skin aging[5]; there is little reason to think protection stops mattering later.
This is also the decade to take skin checks seriously. The AAD advises checking your skin regularly and seeing a dermatologist if a spot is new or changing[1].
Can nutrition or supplements help aging skin?
Your body needs vitamin C to make collagen, and good sources include red peppers, oranges, kiwi, broccoli and strawberries[6]. Most people who eat fruit and vegetables get enough. Read more about why collagen and vitamin C are paired.
Collagen supplements are popular in this age group, but a 2025 meta-analysis of 23 randomized trials found no significant benefit in high-quality or independently funded studies, even though pooled results looked positive[7]. If you enjoy taking one, see it as an optional extra alongside moisturizer and sunscreen. We go through the individual studies in the collagen skin trials.
The honest summary
- Thinner, drier skin that bruises easily is common after 50[1].
- Menopause brings a fast drop in skin collagen, then a slower decline[2].
- Short warm showers, fragrance-free products and moisturizer on damp skin help most[1].
- Keep up sun protection and regular skin checks[1].
Our option
Vita Globe Radiant Skin Bundle
Our Radiant Skin Bundle is an optional extra for people who like a daily beauty-from-within routine. It works best alongside the gentle care above, not instead of it. The Radiant Skin Bundle pairs our Hydrolyzed Collagen Gummies with our Biotin 5,000mcg Gummies (5,000mcg of biotin per two-gummy serving). Suggested use is two collagen gummies and two biotin gummies daily. Both are gluten-free and non-GMO, and every product in the bundle is tested by an independent third-party lab.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my skin getting thinner with age?
Collagen and moisture both decline with age, and for women the drop is steep in the early years after menopause[2]. Thinner, drier skin is a common part of aging[1].
What is the best way to moisturize mature skin?
Apply a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing, and use an ointment on very dry areas[1].
Why does my skin itch at night?
Dry skin is a common cause of itch in older adults[3], and dry indoor air can make it worse. If itching is severe, persistent or comes with a rash, see a clinician.
Should people over 50 see a dermatologist?
Anyone with a new, changing or unusual spot should. The AAD also encourages regular self-checks[1].
Do collagen supplements work after 50?
The highest-quality trials have not shown a clear benefit[7]. Sunscreen and moisturizer have stronger evidence.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-60s-and-70s
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Caring for your skin in menopause. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/skin-care-during-menopause
- White-Chu EF, Reddy M. Dry skin in the elderly: complexities of a common problem. Clin Dermatol. 2011;29(1):37-42. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.07.005
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin care in your 40s and 50s. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-40s-and-50s
- Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(11):781-790. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated July 31, 2025. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional
- Myung SK, Park Y. Effects of collagen supplements on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Med. 2025;138(9):1264-1277. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.04.034
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
