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We’ve grown weary of the 10-step skin-care routines, so we asked dermatologists to share which steps women over 50 absolutely need to do in their morning skin-care routine. If you want to get a little extra credit, they also mention some items that are recommended—but not a must. “For mature skin, I always recommend a routine that’s supportive, protective and restorative,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. Specifically, “Those with mature skin tend to experience dryness, dark spots and loss of elasticity across the board,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD.
“If someone has a skin condition, such as rosacea, there are other products that should be included” outside of this list, which you should discuss with your dermatologist, notes New York dermatologist Jody A. Levine, MD. The bottom line is that for most people “A great antioxidant, moisturizer and sunscreen can go a long way,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. Build your new routine, whether it’s two steps or five, with tips from our experts.
Featured experts
Must: Moisturizer
The experts agree that a moisturizer is absolutely essential. Dr. Longwill recommends choosing “a formula that nourishes and supports the skin barrier.” She advises “looking for ingredients like ceramides and peptides.” Other ingredients to look out for include hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as they help draw water in, says West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD.
Ones to try: ALASTIN Ultra Light Moisturizer with TriHex Technology ($94), Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream ($54)
Must: Sunscreen
“Sunscreen is an integral component of any anti-aging routine,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “No routine is complete without daily SPF. Prevention is just as important as treatment,” says Dr. Longwill. She specifies that you should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 40 or higher. “This is your best defense against pre-mature aging and environmental damage.” Dr. Levine notes that the sunscreen could be part of your moisturizer for a simplified routine.
Ones to try: ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Tinted Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen ($50), PSD Antioxidant Moisturizer + Sunscreen SPF 50 ($57)
Recommended: Cleanser
If you’re a two-times-a-day face washer, start your routine with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip the skin, so you can “cleanse without disrupting the barrier,” says Dr. Longwill. However, not everyone needs to cleanse morning and night. Talk with your dermatologist to see how often you should be washing for your skin type.
Ones to try: Avène Tolérance Lotion Extremely Gentle Cleanser ($27), LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser ($20)
Recommended: Antioxidant serum
“Antioxidants can help fend off free radical damage, which may accelerate aging over time. They can also help boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen,” explains Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. He notes that vitamin C serums are important for any skin-care routine, but especially for mature skin. Dr. Levine agrees that antioxidants are crucial but notes they can appear in other products you’re already using, like moisturizers, for a more streamlined routine.
Ones to try: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum ($182), Doctor’s Daughter Extremolyte Stem Cell Serum ($108)
Recommended: Eye product
“A dedicated eye treatment can be a great addition to a mature skin-care routine,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Dr. Longwill adds that “a lightweight but effective eye cream can smooth fine lines and reduce puffiness.”
Ones to try: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 ($79), Ourselves HA+ Replenishing Eye Serum ($130)
Recommended: Neck and chest products
Dr. Longwill says it’s best to “Always extend your routine below the jawline” to include your neck and décolletage. She notes “these areas age just as fast and need just as much attention.”
Ones to try: Neostrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream ($98), StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus ($99)
Recommended: Lip balm
“Mature skin may sometimes become dry, cracked or irritated, which can wreak havoc on the lip area,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. He says a medicated lip balm can go a long way in helping lips stay hydrated.
Ones to try: FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Lip Balm ($14), La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips Hydration Restore Lip Balm ($10)
Recommended: Essence or hydrating toner
Dr. Longwill says an essence or hydrating toner can be a nice addition to your routine. It can help “prep the skin and boost moisture absorption.”
Ones to try: Tatcha The Essence ($110), Paula’s Choice Nourishing Milky Toner ($26)
