The best skincare routine for mature skin, according to dermatologists

Our skin is constantly evolving, which means changes to our regiments are sometimes needed — especially when it comes to finding the best skincare routine for mature skin.

While almost every skincare routine checks the same basic boxes — cleanse, treat, moisturise, repeat — mature skincare 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 anti-ageing 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. We asked dermatologists and skin care experts for their tips to craft the best skincare routine for mature skin. Ahead, you’ll find…

The best morning routine for mature skin

Think of your morning skin care routine as your skin’s best defence 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:

Gentle Cleanser

“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.

Serum

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.”

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum

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TULA Skin Care Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum

If you’re noticing more dryness in your skin throughout the day, you can also opt for a gentler hydrating 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.

Kate Somerville HydraKate Power Plumping Primer

Kate Somerville HydraKate Power Plumping Primer

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Glycerin.
• Skin type: All skin types.
• Fragranced? Lightly fragranced.
• Cruelty-free? Yes.

Why we love it: As someone who lives for products that make life easier, this one is a total win. It’s a 3-in-1 serum – aka – a serum, moisturiser and primer packed into one chic, colourful bottle. The hyaluronic acid gives skin that juicy, plumped-up feel, while the primer element creates a smooth, radiant base, so makeup glides on like a dream.

Yes, it’s one of the pricier serums on the list, but here’s where the girl math comes in: you’re essentially getting three products in one, and the bottle is far bigger than most. For me, anything that’s going to save me time (and shelf space) is worth the investment – oh, and the results are pretty good too. – Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Commerce Writer.

Courtesy of brand

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid

Moisturiser

“Mature skin is often drier, so apply a good quality, fragrance-free mature skin moisturiser daily to trap water and keep skin hydrated,” Dr. Lamb says. “Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin.”

Courtesy of brand

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturiser

Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream

SPF

If your daily moisturiser 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. Shop more of the best sunscreens here.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

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Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen (SPF 36)

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:

Cleanser

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.

Courtesy of brand

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser

Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser

Retinol or retinoids

Retinol tends to be the centre-piece of the of the antiageing 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 serum nightly, but if you’re totally new to the ingredient — and especially if you have sensitive skin — start slow.