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 skin care routine for mature skin
- The best nighttime antiaging skin care routine
- Common mistakes to avoid when building a routine for aging skin
Best skincare for mature skin buys:
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:
“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.
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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.”
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.
- Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Glamour-editor review: 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. Slightly sticky, yes, but for a primer that’s exactly what you’d expect for makeup to really stay.
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.
“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.”
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
- Retinoid concentration: 0.01% to 0.2% retinal.
- Form of retinol: Retinaldehyde.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
- ≈30ml.
Why we love it: Made with retinaldehyde – a next-generation retinoid that is much, much faster-acting than regular retinol – this innovative skincare product is available in 5 different strengths. In other words, this formulation is perfect for both beginners and more experienced retinol users alike.
"When it comes to Medik8 Crystal Retinal, I’ve been using it for about two years now - long enough to know it’s not not just a fad. I’ll admit, I made the classic mistake of diving straight in with strength 10 (not my finest moment), and quickly learned why Medik8 recommends starting low and working your way up.
After a short break to rebuild my barrier, I switched to strength 3 and gradually built up tolerance, using it a few nights a week before making it a nightly staple. Now, I’m on a higher strength (6 to be exact) and my skin has fully adapted to it. It’s helped smooth fine lines, even out texture, and gives me that subtle brightness that makes everything - even makeup - sit better. I’ve recommended it to pretty much everyone I know, and even my brother, who used to splash his face with water and call it a day, is now converted. It’s that good." - Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor & Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum
Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum
- Retinoid concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: Retinal.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
- Product size: 30ml.
Why we love it: Gentle enough for everyday use, this retinal serum is designed to improve elasticity to make your skin feel and appear more supple. Suitable for all skin types – and yes, that includes those of us with sensitive skin.
The texture is silky and lightweight, so it sinks in quickly without any greasy residue, making it an easy step to slot into your evening routine. Over time, the formula helps soften fine lines, refine uneven texture and boost radiance, all while avoiding the dryness and irritation that retinol products are often known for.
Tester: Mayola Fernandes, Glamour's Commerce Writer.
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, minimises pores, reduces redness, and enhances o
verall tone and elasticity,” is a common, layer-able addition to anti-ageing 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 moisturisers 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.
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 antiageing 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.
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