At this stage of life, every season makes a difference.  The skin has begun to lose some of its endurance and elasticity naturally, no matter what you've done.  So it is important to take care to tailor a face and body care regime for protection in the summer and winter.  Some even like to have fall and spring regimes as well.

During the winter, you will be combatting dryness and sun deprivation.  Skin with more melanin filters sunlight more, so in the winter, you must try to get 20 minutes of sunlight on as much of your body as you can, each day.  If it is too cold outside, sit near a window in a t-shirt and shorts.  This stimulates your skin to produce more vitamin D.  

Also remember that even if you are not thirsty, you still need water.

This is also a time when many women find that they are sensitive to products that they used normally for years.  Before you have a bad reaction to something, replace all your makeup with hypoallergenic and fragrance free products...or learn to live with less makeup.

Avoid stressing the skin around your eyes.  When you feel the urge to rub your eyes, pat them with a warm, damp washcloth instead.  Break the habit of rubbing your eyes with your bare hands.

Also, beware of "miracle products".  Many of them don't really do anything better than the botanical ones you hopefully started using in your twenties.  Be extremely cautious about products that were not made with darker skinned people in mind.  Never use an alpha hydroxy acid moisturizer.  For us, exfoliation is something for washing and toning, not to sit on the face for hours.  It will cause a sort of chemical burning over time, and this will lead to either a keloid or hypopigmentation reaction.

Skin Phase 5: Menopause and Beyond

At this point, your estrogen will reduce, so you may find your face masculinizing a bit, and wrinkles appearing regardless of what you do.  Now, your objective is to age gracefully.  Don't give up on yourself, but don't worry about what you can't control.  Look out for your health, and keep up your water intake.

During this phase, many are tempted to go overboard in trying to look younger.  Try to be calm, and avoid the traps like wearing hairstyles, makeup, and clothing that doesn't suit you just because younger women are wearing them.

If you're the fancy, fun type, wear makeup in an ornamental way, to compliment what you're wearing.  It's part of the "artsy mature" presentation.  You're free now from the sort of social expectations people have of younger women, and can be a little wild without this being misinterpreted.

If you're the more conventional type, this is the time to go with very natural shades that compliment your skin tone.  Avoid extreme contrasts.