Erase 10 Years

By Lydia Westfield

ERASE 10 YEARS: The Mature Woman's Handbook to Younger-Looking Skin

A revolutionary guide to beautiful skin after 50, written by a woman who's been there.

What if the secret to radiant skin isn't trying to look younger, but embracing your age with confidence and the right skincare knowledge?

In this comprehensive yet conversational guide, health journalist Lydia Westfield shares the culmination of her three-year journey interviewing dermatologists, testing countless products, and researching the science of mature skin. The result is a handbook specifically designed for women over 50 who want evidence-based skincare strategies that actually work.

Inside "Erase 10 Years," you'll discover:

• Why your trusted skincare routine suddenly stopped working—and what to do about it
• The "Core Four" products every woman over 50 needs (and the ones you can skip entirely)
• Science-backed ingredients worth your investment, and how to use them properly
• Morning and evening routines tailored to mature skin, with options for every time constraint
• Targeted solutions for specific concerns: deep wrinkles, sagging, age spots, thinning skin, and more
• Professional treatments worth considering—and how to find qualified providers
• How nutrition, sleep, stress management, and movement visibly impact your skin
• Makeup techniques that enhance rather than age your appearance
• The emotional journey of embracing your changing reflection with confidence

Unlike beauty guides written for younger women or clinical texts lacking practical advice, "Erase 10 Years" offers relatable wisdom from someone who understands the unique challenges of mature skin. Westfield's warm, friend-to-friend approach makes complex skincare science accessible while acknowledging the emotional aspects of aging.

Whether you're just noticing the first significant changes in your skin or have been struggling to find solutions that work for years, this book provides a refreshingly honest roadmap to your most radiant, healthy skin—not by fighting your age, but by supporting your skin's changing needs with knowledge and intention.

The goal isn't to look 30 again—it's to look like the most vibrant, rested version of yourself at exactly the age you are now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lydia Westfield
• Release date: Apr 7, 2025
• ISBN: 9798227830036

Book preview

Foreword

Dear Friend,

I never planned to write a beauty book. Not in a million years.

Let me start by introducing myself. I'm Lydia Westfield, and like you, I've lived a life full of laughter lines, worry furrows, and everything in between. I'm not a dermatologist with a string of degrees or a celebrity esthetician with a skincare line to sell you. I'm a woman who stared in the mirror on my 53rd birthday and barely recognized the tired face looking back.

It wasn't that I minded getting older. I've earned every one of these years, thank you very much, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. But I didn't recognize the dull, saggy skin or the deep creases that made me look perpetually exhausted. The woman in the mirror looked like she'd given up, and that wasn't me at all.

That morning, standing in my bathroom with the harsh fluorescent light highlighting every pore, I decided. I wouldn't accept this is just what happens as an answer. I'd spent my career as a health journalist, interviewing experts and translating complicated medical jargon into plain English. I knew how to research and how to separate fact from fiction. So I decided to turn those skills toward understanding what really happens to our skin as we age and what actually works to make it look better.

What followed was three years of investigation that changed everything I thought I knew about beauty and aging. I interviewed dermatologists and plastic surgeons. I spoke with makeup artists who specialize in mature skin. I dug into scientific journals (with my reading glasses firmly in place!) and tested countless products. Some were worth their weight in gold; others went straight into the trash.

Along the way, I discovered something surprising: so much of what we've been told about skincare after 50 is simply wrong. Or outdated. Or designed for women half our age. The beauty industry has been focused on 20-somethings for so long that they've forgotten there are women with decades of life experience who still want to look in the mirror and feel confident.

This book is for you—yes, YOU—my fellow woman who has lived long enough to know what matters and what doesn't. You don't need another photo-filtered Instagram influencer telling you about her anti-aging secrets when she's barely old enough to rent a car. You need real talk from someone who understands that your face tells the story of your life, and while you love that story, you'd like the telling of it to be a bit more flattering.

I've organized this book the way I wish someone had organized the information for me—straightforward, practical, and without any condescending nonsense. We'll talk about what's happening to your skin (hormones, my dear, they have a lot to answer for), what ingredients actually work (and which ones are just expensive moisturizer), and how to build a routine that fits your life, not some idealized 20-step Korean beauty regimen that nobody has time for.

We'll also talk about when to splurge and when to save, how to work with the changes in your skin instead of fighting them, and yes, even a bit about injectables and procedures if you're curious. No judgment here—just honest information so you can make choices that feel right for you.

My promise is simple: nothing in this book will require you to be someone you're not. We're not turning back the clock to your 20s (who would want to relive all that insecurity anyway?). We're simply learning how to look like the best version of yourself right now. Rested, vibrant, and ready for whatever comes next.

So pour yourself a cup of tea (or glass of wine—I won't tell), get comfortable, and let's chat about how you can Erase 10 Years from your appearance without erasing the wisdom those years have given you.

You're beautiful, my friend. Let's make sure your mirror reflects that truth.

Warmly, Lydia

Chapter 1: Understanding Your Changing Skin

What Nobody Tells You About Aging

Let's start with some straight talk. Remember when you hit your 30s and everyone warned you about how your metabolism would slow down? How would you suddenly wake up one day and your favorite jeans wouldn't zip? Well, nobody gives us the same heads-up about our skin. There's no welcome to your 50s handbook that explains why your favorite moisturizer suddenly isn't cutting it anymore.

So let's have the conversation that we should have had years ago.

First, what's happening isn't your fault. It's not because you skipped sunscreen that one summer in the 80s (though we'll talk about sun protection later), and it's not because you haven't been drinking enough water (though hydration does matter). It's primarily biology, and understanding what's actually happening to your skin is the first step toward making it look its best.

The day I turned fifty, my skin seemed to have a crisis of confidence. Products that had worked beautifully for years suddenly left me feeling dry and looking dull. The fine lines I'd noticed in my forties became more pronounced, and new ones appeared seemingly overnight. I found myself standing in department store beauty sections, overwhelmed by promises of miracle creams and revolutionary serums, wondering if any of them would actually work for me.

Sound familiar? If you're nodding right now, you're exactly why I wrote this book. Because once I understood what was really happening to my skin, everything changed. Not overnight, mind you. There's no magic wand for aging (despite what some expensive jar might promise you). But with the right knowledge, I could make informed choices instead of expensive guesses.

The Biology Behind the Changes

Our skin changes throughout our lives, but the shifts that happen after 50 are particularly dramatic. Here's what's going on beneath the surface:

Collagen and Elastin Production Slows Way Down

Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure, while elastin is what helps it snap back into place when you smile or frown. In our 20s, our bodies produce about 1% less collagen each year. By the time we hit menopause, that production falls off a cliff. Within the first five years after menopause, women lose about 30% of their collagen. That's why those fine lines suddenly seem to appear overnight.

Skin Cell Turnover Takes a Vacation

When we're young, our skin cells completely renew approximately every 28 days. By the time we're in our 50s and beyond, that process can take 40-60 days or even longer. This slower turnover means dead skin cells hang around longer on the surface, creating that dull, lackluster look that makes us reach for another cup of coffee.

Oil Production Decreases

Remember when you couldn't leave the house without blotting papers? Those days are gone. After menopause, our sebaceous glands produce much less oil. While this might mean fewer breakouts (silver linings!), it also means our skin feels drier, tighter, and sometimes flaky or rough.

Fat Pads Shift and Shrink

The youthful fullness in our cheeks doesn't just disappear. It actually migrates south, creating jowls and nasolabial folds (those lines from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth). Meanwhile, the fat pads under our eyes thin out, creating hollow areas that can look like perpetual shadows.

Hormonal Changes Rewrite the Rules

Estrogen doesn't just regulate our reproductive systems. It also helps maintain skin thickness, moisture, and elasticity. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile. This is why post-menopausal women often notice more transparent skin that bruises easily.

What This Means for Your Mirror

All these biological changes translate into visible differences that can seem to appear suddenly, though they've been years in the making:

Dryness and Dehydration

This isn't just a matter of discomfort. Dry skin looks older because it emphasizes lines and wrinkles. When skin lacks moisture, light reflects off it differently, making it appear dull rather than radiant.

Loss of Firmness and Elasticity

Gravity has been pulling on all of us equally our whole lives, but now with less collagen and elastin to resist it, skin begins to sag. You might notice this especially around the jawline, neck, and upper arms.

Uneven Skin Tone and Texture

Those sunny days of our youth often come back to haunt us in the form of age spots and hyperpigmentation. Slower cell turnover means these discolorations stick around longer, creating an uneven tone that can add years to your appearance.

Increased Sensitivity

Many women find that their skin becomes more reactive after 50. Products you've used for years might suddenly cause redness or irritation as your skin barrier function weakens.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

We all know about these, but not all wrinkles are created equal. Dynamic wrinkles (from repeated expressions) and static wrinkles (visible even when your face is at rest) require different approaches, which we'll discuss in later chapters.

Your Skin Type Might Have Changed

One of the most confusing aspects of skin aging is that the skin type you've had your whole life might suddenly change. The woman who's battled oily skin for decades might suddenly find herself reaching for rich creams. Or you might develop combination skin for the first time, with dry cheeks but an oily T-zone.

Take this quick assessment to determine your current skin type:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

Don't apply any products.

After 30 minutes, press a tissue to different areas of your face.

Look at the tissue and feel your skin:

If the tissue picks up oil from all areas, you likely have oily skin.

If there's oil only from your forehead, nose, or chin, you have combination skin.

If there's no oil on the tissue and your skin feels tight, you have dry skin.

If there's minimal oil and no tightness, you have normal skin.

If your skin is red, itchy, or burning, you may have sensitive skin regardless of the other types.

Don't be surprised if your results are different from what you've always thought. Our skin evolves as we do.

What's Actually Within Your Control

Now that I've outlined all these changes (and perhaps made you want to pull the covers over your head), let's talk about what you can actually influence. While we can't stop the aging process entirely, we can absolutely affect how our skin ages.

The Good News: Up to 90% of Visible Aging Is Environmental

Studies suggest that only about 10% of how your skin ages is determined by genetics. The rest comes down to external factors, many of which you can control:

Sun exposure (the biggest culprit by far)

Smoking (if you still do, please stop for countless reasons)

Diet (yes, what you eat shows up on your face)

Sleep quality (they don't call it beauty sleep for nothing)

Stress levels (cortisol is not your skin's friend)

Skincare habits (this is where we'll focus most of our attention)

This means that with the right knowledge and habits, you have enormous power to improve how your skin looks and feels, regardless of your age or how well you've cared for it in the past.

It's Never Too Late

I want to emphasize this point: it is never too late to improve your skin. I've interviewed dermatologists who have seen dramatic improvements in patients who didn't start a proper skincare routine until their 70s. Your skin is a living organ that continues to respond to how you treat it throughout your entire life.

The changes might not happen overnight (remember, our cell turnover has slowed down), but with consistent care and the right ingredients, you will see improvements. The woman who starts using sunscreen daily at 65 will have better skin in a year than if she hadn't started at all.

So toss out any thoughts of why bother now? or the damage is already done. Your skin will thank you for every positive change you make, starting today.

Age-Specific Changes: What to Expect When

Let's break down what typically happens decade by decade. Remember, these are general patterns. Your personal journey might look different based on genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits.

In Your 40s: The Subtle Shift

Your 40s are often when you first notice significant changes, though they're usually gradual enough that you might attribute them to being tired or stressed.

Common changes include:

Fine lines around the eyes (crow's feet) and forehead are becoming more noticeable

Slight loss of volume in the mid-face (cheeks)

Skin takes longer to recover from breakouts or irritation

Pores appearing larger, especially on the nose and cheeks

Slight unevenness in skin tone, with old sun damage beginning to surface

This is when many women first feel the need to switch up their skincare routine. Products that worked in your 30s might not provide enough hydration or address the new concerns that are emerging.

What's happening: Collagen production has slowed but not dramatically dropped off. Cell turnover is beginning to slow down. Estrogen levels may fluctuate as perimenopause begins for some women.

In Your 50s: The Menopausal Impact

The 50s bring more noticeable changes, often accelerated by menopause. This decade is when many women experience the most dramatic shift in their skin's appearance and behavior.

Common changes include:

Significant increase in dryness and dehydration

Deeper wrinkles that remain visible even when your face is at rest

More pronounced loss of elasticity, especially along the jawline

Thinning skin that may bruise more easily

Increased redness or sensitivity

More visible sun damage in the form of age spots or blotchiness

This is when many women find themselves completely revamping their skincare routine. Heavy moisturizers that might have caused breakouts in the past now feel necessary for comfort.

What's happening: Estrogen levels drop significantly during menopause, which directly impacts skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. Collagen production decreases by as much as 30% in the first five years after menopause. Oil production decreases dramatically.

In Your 60s and Beyond: The Structural Changes

As we move into our 60s and beyond, the changes become more structural than surface-level.

Common changes include:

Further loss of firmness and more visible sagging

Deeper expression lines around the mouth and between the brows

Significant loss of volume in the cheeks, temples, and lips

Drier, more fragile skin that may crack or become irritated easily

More pronounced age spots and areas of hyperpigmentation

Visible broken capillaries, especially around the nose and cheeks

What's happening: The fat pads that provide youthful fullness to the face continue to shift and shrink. The skin's barrier function weakens, making it more susceptible to irritation and