Our skin is constantly evolving, which means changes to our regiments are sometimes needed—especially when it comes to finding the best skin care routine for mature skin.
While almost every skin care routine checks the same basic boxes—cleanse, treat, moisturize, repeat—mature skin care routines also typically target concerns like fine lines, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. According to Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, as we age, our skin loses moisture faster, and our collagen and elastin production starts to decline. Introducing antiaging ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can go a long way, but building a consistent daily routine is just as important when caring for mature skin.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for mature-skin products.
We asked dermatologists and skin care experts for their tips to craft the best skin care routine for mature skin. Ahead, you’ll find…
- The best morning skin care routine for mature skin
- The best nighttime antiaging skin care routine
- Common mistakes to avoid when building a routine for aging skin
Featured in this article
.jpg)
The best morning routine for mature skin
Think of your morning skin care routine as your skin’s best defense against your environment and busy day. “The morning routine focuses on protecting the skin from UV exposure, pollution, and oxidative stress.” Paula Brezavseck, PA-C, board-certified physician associate and founder of Azala Skin Clinic, tells Glamour. Here’s what it should include:
“Use a mild, hydrating cleanser (cream or oil-based are good options) to remove impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier,” says Angela Lamb, MD, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice.
.png)
While not essential, a morning serum is a great opportunity to work some extra skin care actives into your routine without overwhelming your skin at night. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from UV rays and free-radical damage from stress and pollution,” says Dr. Palmer. “It also helps to build collagen and fade areas of hyperpigmentation.”
.png)
.png)
If you’re noticing more dryness in your skin throughout the day, you can also opt for a gentler serum for an extra shot of hydration. Look for a formula with peptides or hyaluronic acid—“a humectant that can hold up to 1,000x its weight in water, giving skin a plumper, smoother appearance and reducing the look of wrinkles caused by dehydration,” explains Whitney Hovenic, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
.png)
.png)
“Mature skin is often drier, so apply a good quality, fragrance-free moisturizer daily to trap water and keep skin hydrated,” Dr. Lamb says. “Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin.”
If your daily moisturizer doesn’t include sun protection, make sure to add a layer of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher—yes, even if it’s winter or you’re planning to be inside all day. “Sun protection is essential, especially on the face, neck, and hands, as UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of visible aging,” Brezavseck says.
.png)
The best evening routine for mature skin
While the morning skin care routine is all about prep and protection, nighttime is for recovery. Active ingredients work hard while you’re sleeping (without pesky environmental complications) to resolve common mature skin concerns. “Because the skin’s natural repair processes slow with age, nighttime consistency becomes especially important,” Brezavseck says. Here’s what you should use:
Since you’re washing your day off (sweat, makeup residue, dirt) you can opt for a lightly heavier-duty cleanser at night, like a foaming formula rather than a balm. But since mature skin care is all about preserving hydration, Dr. Lamb still says to avoid harsh soaps.
.png)
Retinol tends to be the centerpiece of the of the antiaging skin care routine and for good reason: “Retinol stimulate cell turnover, increases collagen production and decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has also been shown to regulate oil production and decrease inflammation and hyperpigmentation,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debbie Palmer.
That endorsement might make you want to start drenching your face in retinol nightly, but if you’re totally new to the ingredient—and especially if you have sensitive skin—start slow. Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery, recommends starting out with a pea-sized amount of retinol cream or serum to your whole face once a week. Look out for signs of irritation, and gradually increase use (up to every other night) according to your skin’s tolerance.
This is where you can tailor your nighttime routine to your unique skin care concerns. It’s generally best to avoid pairing retinoids with other chemical exfoliants or harsh ingredients, but if you think your routine needs another active, there are additional options.
Niacinamide—“a multitasking ingredient that improves skin barrier function, minimizes pores, reduces redness, and enhances overall tone and elasticity,” is a common, layerable addition to antiaging skin care routines, Dr. Hovenic says. She identifies growth factors are another nighttime multitasker: “These proteins support cellular repair and regeneration, helping to firm and rejuvenate aging skin.”
“The skin produces less oil and loses moisture more easily with age, making rich, emollient moisturizers and hydrating serums vital,” Dr. Lamb says. A rich night cream is essential to lock in the hydrating benefits of the rest of your skin care routine, and ensure that aging skin doesn’t lose critical moisture while you’re sleeping.
.jpg)
.png)
Common mistakes to avoid in your mature skin care routine
We’ve covered what you should be doing to take proper care of your skin as it matures. Here’s what you should avoid.
Sunscreen is not a special occasion product. If you’re only using it on sunny days spent outdoors, it’s time to find a permanent place for it in your morning skin care routine. Take it from the expert: “I can’t say this enough—apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning to all exposed skin (including the neck and hands) to prevent further UV damage, which is a primary cause of visible aging,” Dr. Lamb says. Brezavseck also notes that skin on the neck and hands tends to show earlier signs of sun damage, so remember to apply SPF anywhere that’s exposed.
Once you start noticing changes in your skin, you may feel like you have to introduce a whole new arsenal of antiaging skin care ingredients at once. But combining too many actives at once—especially harsh exfoliants—will do more harm than good. “Mature skin benefits from a gradual approach, so it’s important to start slowly with new products and avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation and compromise the skin barrier,” says Lua Padova, esthetician at Body+Beauty Lab.
Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective. “One common mistake is trying to use too many products to address your concerns as opposed to addressing your concerns with 2-3 products that are impactful,” Dr. Lamb says. When building your mature skin care routine, start with the basics, observe your results over time, and supplement targeted ingredients for concerns that aren’t improving.
If you take nothing else from this guide to your mature skin care routine: Invest in hydrating products. “As skin matures, priorities change from managing issues like acne to focusing on hydration, support for the skin barrier, and repair,” Dr. Lamb says. That means avoiding harsh, stripping products and locking in moisture with serums, creams, and nighttime emollients. In short: Hydrated skin is happy skin, especially as we age.