As a woman, age 50 is more than just a monumental milestone. For many, it's a new way of life. It's menopause and it's challenging, but in some cases, it's a chance to discover a new version of yourself, and maybe even a better version. Here, leading board-certified dermatologists share the life-changing habits they developed after turning age 50, because as they say, "better late than never."
Featured Experts
- Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jennifer Segal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
- Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Tina Alster, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- Tracy Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Francisco
- Valerie Callender, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Glenn Dale, MD
Dermatologists' Life-Changing Habits After Age 50
“Cutting out simple sugars and junk food. Well, I’m a work in a progress, but what’s interesting is that once you give up simple sugars, and then you have them, you realize how bad they make you feel. That makes it easier to give them up again and stay off.” —Dr. Doris Day
"I take a daily over-the-counter oral antihistamine—not decongestant—to reduce under-eye swelling and bloodshot eyes, which have become worse over the years." —Dr. Tina Alster
"Starting bioidentical hormone therapy under careful medical supervision helped restore balance in ways that extended far beyond mood or hot flashes. It supported sleep quality, skin integrity, muscle tone and cognitive clarity." —Dr. Marina Peredo
"Exercise and a healthy diet have always been essential parts of my lifestyle, but especially now that I am 51! I exercise for at least an hour every day. Swimming is my favorite, and I also love cardio, yoga and walking. I am diligent about eating healthy, protein-rich foods throughout the day—chicken broth, nuts, cheese, milk, hardboiled eggs—and drinking lots of water. In general, I minimize my caffeine and alcohol intake. It's less fun, but it feels better!" —Dr. Jennifer Segal
"Taking better care of my hair! As a dermatologist and hair expert, I know that chemical treatments to straighten my curly hair should not be combined with hair color, as the combination can lead to hair breakage. So, I chose to address my gray locks and use color only. I also use gentle hydrating hair products, such as CeraVe shampoo and conditioner, and I apply a daily leave-in moisturizer to my hair. In addition, nutraceuticals are essential for a healthy scalp and include Nutrafol Women's Balance and Viviscal Professional." —Dr. Valerie Callender
"I apply an estrogen patch twice per week to replace what’s lost—this is essential after 50. It also offers protection for hair loss, prevents dry skin and helps maintain a youthful appearance." —Dr. Tracy Evans
"After 50, I made the huge difficult life changing, sleep-improving, mood-stabilizing step to cut way back on drinking wine. It had become such a lovely way to end each day, but with menopause, I aged out of being able to sleep well if I had even a half a glass. The sugar craving was tough to break, but I switched to a cup of tea instead and felt like my younger self again. Studies show again and again that alcohol causes osteoporosis and many unwanted insidious effects. It's easier in restaurants now where they have so many great mocktails, but truthfully water is the best. Now when I indulge myself, I know I will not have a good sleep and I plan ahead to make sure to regain balance ASAP." —Dr. Ellen Marmur
"Dropping alcohol—except for the occasional tequila. Alcohol doesn’t really have a place in the anti-aging routine, so giving it up was an easy ask for me.” —Dr. Doris Day
"I apply my C Antioxidant Gel and mineral sunscreen without fail—rain or shine—every day and retinol every night. I also moisturize my hands and body after showering, and I apply La Mer Lip Balm to my lips and cuticles at bedtime." —Dr. Tina Alster
"I prioritize fitness. I committed to a consistent yoga practice. It’s become a daily reset, building flexibility and strength while deeply supporting nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. I also prioritize muscle-preserving movement, especially resistance training. It’s not just about strength; it supports skin integrity, posture, circulation and metabolic health, all of which contribute to a more youthful appearance and overall vitality." —Dr. Marina Peredo
"My skin-care routine starts with Plated Intense Serum, which features a powerful combination of technology to combat aging combined with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. It uses new exosome technology for anti-aging using the most pure platelet-derived exosomes, which are cell communicators to heal and regenerate cells. Then I apply sunscreen everyday, no matter what the weather is! My sunscreen is EltaMD Clear SPF 46. I also never allow sun on my face, neck or décolleté and wear a broad-brimmed hat, even if I’m just driving in my car." —Dr. Tracy Evans
“Wearing a richer moisturizer both day and night, and a higher SPF. I’ve always been good about sun protection, but now that my collagen is breaking down more than it’s building up, I’m super, super protective of it.” —Dr. Doris Day
"From a dermatologic perspective, I became more intentional about collagen-supportive treatments, such as biostimulatory injectables and energy-based devices—not for drastic change, but to maintain structure and skin density. I have also changed my skin-care routine to include products that will focus on DNA repair, which are essential for skin over 50. I use Skinfluence DNA Recovery products for face and body. They have unique formulation of plant-derived peptides that focus on the repair of sun-damaged DNA of skin cells. The recovery of these cells involves extracting the damage and replacing a healthy DNA strand." —Dr. Marina Peredo
"I take a daily vitamin D supplement, which is essential to maintain bone density and healthy bones. Vitamin D is a nutrient the body needs, along with calcium, to build bones and keep them healthy. The body is only able to absorb calcium if it has enough vitamin D, and calcium is a major part of having strong bones, so they go hand in hand. Vitamin D has many other use in the body as well, as it supports immune health and helps keep muscles and brain cells working. I take 600 to 800 IU each day." —Dr. Tracy Evans
"I treat myself to injectables and fractionated laser treatments semi-annually to 'age-in-place.'" —Dr. Tina Alster
“Tracking my glucose. I got a continuous glucose monitor to help monitor how my blood sugar spikes after eating. I learned so much about how both sugar affects my body, and how the order in which I eat foods makes a difference.” —Dr. Doris Day
"Nutrition plays a key role. Embracing a Mediterranean-style diet—one that is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber and lean proteins—has been foundational for reducing inflammation, supporting cardiovascular health and protecting against age-related decline." —Dr. Marina Peredo
“I visit my office more—as a patient. I get regular laser resurfacing and neuromodulators, occasional fillers and Sofwave, and I have treatments that help me avoid even thinking about having a facelift.” —Dr. Doris Day
"Perhaps most underestimated: prioritizing truly restorative sleep. Deep, consistent sleep is when the body repairs, hormones regulate, and the brain consolidates and clears. It’s as essential to beauty and wellness as any topical or treatment. This integrated approach has become essential to how I care for both myself and my patients." —Dr. Marina Peredo
"Weight-lifting and walking. I did this a lot when I was younger, but having kids, residencies and building a busy practice kind of got in the way. It’s so good to get back to it, and I can feel the difference in my body and my mind—and of course in my skin.” —Dr. Doris Day
