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The right anti-aging skin-care routine isn’t necessarily the most complicated. When it comes to mature skin, “The best routine is consistent and balanced, protecting the skin in the morning and repairing it at night,” says Patricia Conrad, esthetician at The Spa at The Belgrove Resort Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida.
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According to the pros, a routine that protects and repairs starts with the basics—including a gentle cleanser—and leaves room for targeted, active ingredients that don’t irritate the skin. Moisture is key, particularly for mature skin that’s prone to dryness, and SPF is a perennial must.
Though the steps are relatively simple, finding the right products requires a bit of finesse. Here, gentleness and efficacy go hand in hand, since skin becomes more prone to irritation as its barrier weakens over time.
Ahead, estheticians and board-certified dermatologists share the best practices–and products—for every step of an ideal anti-aging skin-care regime. (Plus, they reveal where to save, and where to go ahead and splurge.) Here’s to smooth, radiant skin ahead.
In This Story:
- What’s the best skin-care routine for aging skin?
- In what order should you use anti-aging skin products?
- Meet the Experts
Start With a Gentle Cleanse
A good cleanse helps other products be more effective—and can also be cost-effective. “The most important thing to understand about this step is that it’s only designed to do one thing: prep your skin for the actives to follow,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Thousand Oaks, California. “Don’t put too much effort, energy, or money into this step. A cleanser may have wonderful anti-aging ingredients, but they won’t be on your skin long enough to do any good.”
Of course, active ingredients will come into play later on, particularly with serums. But for this initial step, Dr. Pierre tells mature patients to find a formula that’s gentle, non-irritating, and—if needed—able to remove makeup. Dr. Peter Bittar, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, emphasizes the importance of fragrance-free cleansers. “Fragrances often irritate the skin, which can make it harder to use actives such as retinoids,” he says.
Clinique
All About Clean Foaming Cleanser
“Clinique All About Clean Cream Cleanser is gentle and hydrating, making it ideal for mature, drier skin,” says Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. Made with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, Clinique’s fragrance-free cleanser lathers into a foam, washing off makeup as it cleans.
CeraVe
Renewing SA Cleanser
Dr. Bittar recommends CeraVe’s fragrance-free cleanser, which exfoliates and smooths the skin as it washes away dirt, oil, and debris. Thanks to its star ingredient—salicylic acid—the formula also helps clarify pores. “If you are dealing with blackheads or want an exfoliating action, a salicylic acid wash can go a long way,” Dr. Bittar says.
Finish Skin Prep With a Toner or Essence
After cleansing, a toning step can remove any leftover impurities from the pores and balance the skin’s pH level, while essences—which have a slightly thicker texture—tend to be more hydrating. “For aging skin, toners and essences should be alcohol-free and infused with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides,” says Nikki Miller, professional esthetician and director of Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin. “This helps prep the skin for better absorption of subsequent products.” She adds that the lightweight products can also plump the skin.
Bubble Skincare
Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner
Bubble’s drugstore gem has a creamy but lightweight texture, and it’s packed with ingredients that plump and hydrate aging skin. While plant-based ceramides and fatty acids tend to the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid and maple sap water deliver deep hydration—and the product’s dewy finish is an antidote to dullness. And yes, the toner is alcohol-free.
Chanel
No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Essence Lotion
Designed to plump and illuminate the skin while evening out its texture, Chanel’s alcohol-free, Revitalizing Essence Lotion blends niacinamide with red camellia extract. The botanical ingredient—extracted via Chanel’s proprietary method—prevents and corrects enlarged pores, dullness, loss of elasticity, and other signs of aging.
Use a Serum to Target Specific Signs of Aging
With the skin thoroughly prepped, it’s time to get active. “Serums are lightweight and designed to absorb deeply, delivering potent anti-aging actives where they’re needed most,” Dr. Mraz explains. According to Audrey Zmigrodski, licensed esthetician and director of Spa and Warm Springs Pools at The Omni Homestead Resort Spa in Hot Springs, West Virginia, the best serums for mature skin contain ingredients that target concerns such as wrinkles, elasticity, and uneven tone. “Look for serums with retinol—or bakuchiol for sensitive skin—peptides, antioxidants, and niacinamide,” she says. “Apply the serum after toning and before moisturizer to maximize absorption.”
Because aging skin tends to have a more fragile skin barrier, making it particularly prone to irritation, Zmigrodski recommends “pulsing” serums. “Pulsing skin-care products refers to rotating certain active ingredients or products in and out of your routine, rather than using them consistently every day,” she says. “This will help minimize irritation, maintain skin balance, and enhance [the products’] effectiveness over time.” She typically recommends using a retinol serum two to three times a week, alternating it with serums focused on hydration or barrier repair.
Medik8
Crystal Retinal Serum
According to Dr. Pierre, the key to finding a good retinoid for aging skin is to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin. Medik8’s Crystal Retinal simplifies that process, offering the product in various strengths suited to sensitive skin and those new to retinal, as well as experienced retinoid users.
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
Loaded with antioxidants and lauded by dermatologists, SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum is one of Dr. Bittar’s top recommendations. “This is the gold standard of vitamin C serums, especially for mature skin,” he says. “It’s one of the original products to stabilize vitamin C with vitamin E and Ferrulic Acid. It carries a substantial price tag, but it is one of the few skincare products that I believe is actually worth the splurge.”
Apply an Eye Cream (Without Tugging)
“The skin around the eyes is delicate, and typically shows the first signs of aging,” says Miller. “Choose eye creams with peptides or caffeine to reduce puffiness, firm the skin, and smooth fine lines.” Hydration is also key, she adds, and the ideal eye cream will have a rich yet non-irritating formula. Miller recommends applying eye cream after serum and before moisturizer, day and night—and going about it gently. “Tap gently with your ring finger to avoid pulling the delicate skin,” Zmigrodski instructs.
Blue Lagoon Skincare
BL+ Eye Cream
Designed specifically for the eye area, Blue Lagoon’s BL+ Complex uses an advanced system to deliver collagen-boosting microalgae and silica deep into the skin. Also made with ceramides, bakuchiol, and niacinamide, the cream has a rich, melting texture that makes it a treat to apply.
Alastin
Restorative Eye Treatment
“Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment combines peptides and hydrators to smooth fine lines, reduce puffiness, and brighten under-eye skin,” says Dr. Mraz. Made with Alastin’s exclusive TriHex Technology, which stimulates collagen and elastin production, the treatment also contains niacinamide and anti-inflammatory green tea extract.
With Moisture, More Is More
“Moisturization is a crucial step in improving the vibrancy and health of mature skin,” Dr. Bittar says. “As we get older, our skin gets drier, which leads to a dull appearance.” He says that the best moisturizers for aging skin not only hydrate, but also include active ingredients—such as niacinamide, panthenol, or hyaluronic acid—that tend to be common signs of aging. And in this category, it’s okay to double dip.
“I often recommend investing in a moisturizer with built-in sunscreen to help simplify your morning regimen, and buying one without SPF for evening use,” Dr. Bittar says. According to Miller, night creams should focus on repair and regeneration, and the best ones help mimic the effects of a restful night’s sleep.
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30
“This is my favorite face moisturizer,” Dr. Bittar says. “I keep a bottle at home, in my bag, and even in my car. It has ceramides and glycerin to hydrate, niacinamide to help soothe and brighten tone. The UV version has a built-in SPF 30 that doesn’t pill up and goes on super smooth.”
Osea
Advanced Protection Cream
With a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, Osea’s gentle cream contains plant-based amino acids and bio-retinol to hydrate and firm the skin. The luxuriously thick cream also contains antioxidant-rich undaria seaweed, softening marine extract, and a biomimetic lipid complex to support the skin’s moisture barrier. What’s more, a dash of turmeric contributes to a brighter complexion.
SPF Is a Daily Must
This last step is crucial. “Sunscreen is the single most important anti-aging product,” Dr. Mraz stresses. “It protects against UV rays that accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin.” As collagen and elastin break down, she says, the skin becomes prone to more visible wrinkles, increased skin laxity, and UV-induced hyperpigmentation.
Dr. Bittar often tells his patients that sunscreen is “a fountain of youth in a bottle.” Like most dermatologists, he says that a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more is ideal, as SPF 30 blocks 97% of UV light. But he stresses that reapplication is the key to efficacy for any sunscreen.
“What most people don’t realize is that sunscreen only lasts about two hours, so if you put on your sunscreen at 9 a.m., then go out to lunch at noon, then your morning application is no longer protecting you,” he notes.
EltaMD
UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen
Dr. Bittar often recommends tinted sunscreen to streamline a morning routine, since it can double as a foundation. “Almost all EltaMD’s sunscreens are super lightweight mineral sunscreens that come with or without tint and go on incredibly smooth,” he says. “This one is specifically designed for sensitive skin and has antioxidants—vitamins C and E—to help with photoaging as well.”
YSE Beauty
SPF 30 Primer Skin Glow
If you want to get your glow on while delivering a dose of sun protection, giving the YSE sunscreen a go is your best bet. Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and spirulina maxima extract, this is formulated to boost skin's hydration and improve the look of hyperpigmentation, while SPF 30 shields against UV rays, and light-reflecting microspheres deliver a smoothing, primer-like effect.
Everything You Need to Know
What’s the best skin-care routine for aging skin?
“The best routine is different for each person’s specific needs, but most ideal routines for aging skin are composed of sunscreen, a retinoid, a gentle wash, a solid moisturizer, and a vitamin C serum—in that order of importance,” Dr. Bittar says. “If you have all of these components in your regimen, your routine is already in great shape.” Below, Dr. Bittar outlines his go-to routine for aging skin:
AM:
- Gentle face wash or salicylic acid face wash
- Vitamin C serum
- Moisturizer with SPF 30+ sunscreen
Throughout the day:
Reapply sunscreen every two hours
PM:
- Gentle face wash
- Retinoid treatment
- Moisturizer
In what order should you use anti-aging skin products?
“In general, you should use your products from lightest to heaviest,” Dr. Bittar says. He typically recommends using a cleanser, followed by active ingredients in a toner, serum, and/or cream, and layering on a moisturizer. “Finally, sunscreen goes on top,” he says.
To keep skin care simple, he also recommends splitting a routine into the morning and evening components outlined above. “Stick with only a few steps in each to make it easier to stay consistent and to make sure that your actives work well together,” he advises.
Meet the Experts:
- Dr. Peter Bittar, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute.
- Patricia Conrad is an esthetician and massage therapist at The Spa at The Belgrove Resort Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Nikki Miller is a professional esthetician and the director of Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin.
- Audrey Zmigrodski is a licensed esthetician and the director of Spa and Warm Springs Pools at The Omni Homestead Resort Spa in Hot Springs, Virginia.
- Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut.
- Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Thousand Oaks, California.