Natural Skincare for Seniors

Natural skincare is an increasingly popular option as more information comes to light regarding chemicals in various daily-use products.¹ Currently, the United States bans only 11 chemicals for cosmetic use, while the European Union bans over 2,400 substances.² For seniors, choosing healthy options is vital to maintain quality of life. Informing cosmetic acupuncture patients about choosing skincare products can improve treatment outcomes and overall health.¹

An Arsenal of Treatment Options to Consider

As holistic practitioners, we have an arsenal of natural treatments to help our senior patients feel confident in their aesthetics as they age. Facial acupuncture is an ancient technique that encourages the body’s own healing abilities and is extremely effective when followed up with an herbal face mask. There are endless food therapy recommendations that can support beauty from the inside out. Herbal medicine taken internally can resolve imbalances that manifest on the skin.

Microneedling is a procedure with minimal recovery time that can improve skin texture and elasticity. And for those practicing in states that have acupuncture injection therapy under their license, homeopathic injections are a natural alternative to other popular injectables.

With all these tools, acupuncture practitioners are on the rise in the realm of aesthetics.

I recommend a biweekly treatment plan for cosmetic acupuncture patients, alternating between facial acupuncture and microneedling. A series of eight treatments over four weeks is a baseline for maximum results. Before and after photos are strongly encouraged. Keeping these images in the patient’s chart helps the practitioner track their progress. Sharing the images with the patient is essential so they can follow their own improvements.

The Potential Dangers Are Everywhere

With potentially dangerous chemicals found in nearly 50% of U.S. cosmetic products,³ the list of ingredients to avoid is always growing. It is good to know what these chemicals are, what types of products they are used in, and how they interfere with a healthy system. I believe seniors, as a particularly vulnerable part of the population, deserve to know which chemicals they encounter on a daily basis. (Refer to safecosmetics.org for a comprehensive list of potentially harmful ingredients.⁴)

Fragrance (or parfum) is listed in any number of common products. These are named as such because they are trade secrets and in reality are a combination of many unnamed ingredients.² Alcohol denat is also an ingredient treated with chemicals that are unlisted on ingredient lists. This substance is alcohol, which is manipulated to avoid taxation as an edible product and is found in many perfumes.

Petroleum jelly, a widely used product in lotions and cosmetics, is a component of crude oil. The concern with this substance is that it may contain contaminants that are unsafe for use and are potentially not well-regulated in the U.S.⁴

Talc is an ingredient with a known possible link to endometrial and ovarian cancers, but it is still widely used in cosmetic products.²

Parabens are common in cleansers and hair products. They mimic estrogen and have been linked to breast cancer.⁵

Phthalates, often found in color cosmetics as well as cleansers and hair care, are a known hormone disruptor that may even interfere with various cancer treatments.⁶

Retinol or tretinoin is hailed by many dermatologists and estheticians as the “holy grail” of anti-aging. These products are known developmental toxins that are unsafe for use during pregnancy.⁴ Use of these vitamin A-based ingredients increases one’s risk for skin cancer and may be liver toxic if overused.

Empowering patients with this information and encouraging them to do their own research is key for establishing informed consent with regards to skincare.

Nontoxic Skincare Products

When seeking out nontoxic skincare, in my opinion products that are 100% organic are the gold standard. While this label is rigorous to achieve, there are plenty of natural ingredients to look for that have amazing benefits.

Some of the skincare concerns for seniors include skin elasticity, hyperpigmentation, itching, and dryness. Coconut oil is an incredible natural substance with a high lipid density, great for supporting the skin. It is antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which makes it useful for any number of skin conditions.

Aloe vera is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, as well as being a natural humectant, which helps maintain skin’s natural moisture. Rosehip seed oil is ideal for seniors, as it helps prevent sun damage while reducing hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin B₃ is excellent topical for aging skin because it helps prevent wrinkles and strengthens the skin barrier. Neem oil can soothe irritated skin while providing antioxidants. Turmeric can reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.

In my experience, recommending products with these ingredients to your senior cosmetic patients will help support the results of their natural treatments without toxic side effects.

Food Therapy Essentials

I find food therapy is essential for any effective treatment and an asset to longevity-centered skincare. Depending on the condition, encouraging consumption of various nutrients can greatly improve the skin.

Clinically, I notice a huge improvement in the hair, skin and nails with the use of silica. Vitamin A, while can be toxic if overused topically, is a great nutrient to support healthy skin internally. It supports both healing and immunity in the skin and encourages collagen production.

The B vitamins have various positive effects on the hair, skin and nails, with B deficiency causing problems such as acne, dry skin, cracked lips, and wrinkles.

Eating foods high in vitamin C is shown to improve hydration of skin and can reduce the effects of sun damage. Zinc is used because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce oil production. Selenium is a mineral with powerful antioxidant benefits. It helps reduce dandruff and can improve the elasticity of skin.

Lycopene can benefit the superficial structure of skin, improving texture and hydration. Some foods with the highest levels of these ingredients include green tea, hibiscus, citrus, Brazil and walnuts, tomatoes, broccoli, grapes and sweet potatoes.

Recommending these foods to senior cosmetic patients will encourage them to make positive changes outside of treatment and continue to take agency over their own health.

Take-Home Points

I believe cosmetic acupuncture is one of the fastest growing aspects of the acupuncture industry. With individuals living longer than ever, appealing to the senior population is an ideal strategy for new and developing businesses.

Food therapy and herbal recommendations are already central to the practice of holistic medicine. A practitioner armed with the knowledge of toxic chemicals in skincare and healthy swap options gains a priceless level of expertise.

References

1. Panico A, et al. Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products. J Prev Med Hyg, 2019 Mar 29;60(1):E50-E57.
2. Sheikh K. “Many Personal Care Products Contain Harmful Chemicals. Here’s What to Do About It.” The New York Times, Feb. 15, 2023.
3. “Half of U.S. Cosmetics Contain Toxic Chemicals, Study Says.” CBS News, June 16, 2021.
4. https://www.safecosmetics.org.
5. “Exposure to Chemicals in Cosmetics.” Breastcancer.org - Breast Cancer Information and Support, Feb. 1, 2025.
6. Barrett JR. The ugly side of beauty products. Environ Health Perspect, 2005 Jan;113(1):A24.