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The best anti-aging skin care products for women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond

“Age ain’t nothing but a number” goes the old adage (and iconic Aaliyah album). Still, as two longtime beauty editors, we know that no matter how we feel inside, our faces still keep track of time. The good news is, with consistent use (and healthy lifestyle habits like a nutritious diet, regular exercise and ample sleep), the best skin care products for your specific age can help erase the calendar numbers or, at the very least, make your face look tighter, brighter, plumper and more youthful overall.

Keeping up with skin care as you age doesn’t have to be complicated. Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, notes that anti-aging goals remain consistent throughout life: protect against environmental damage and support the skin’s barrier, cellular health and function. While our skin changes over time, we can adapt our routines to slow the process. Starting in your 40s, King recommends incorporating proven anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, peptides, niacinamide and antioxidants like vitamin C. She also emphasizes the importance of hydrating products: “For most of us, our skin becomes drier as we age, so we need to look for formulations that are more moisturizing and offer more support to the skin barrier.”

Aging is influenced by many factors, including genetics and sun exposure, but hormonal changes also play a massive role for women. According to the National Institute on Aging, most women enter perimenopause between ages 45 and 55. During this time, estrogen levels plummet and, as a result, our skin goes haywire. “We produce less collagen and elastin,” explains King. “There is also less connective tissue as well as thinner epidermis and dermis. This leads to reduced hydration and compromised barrier function, loss of elasticity and resilience.” In layperson’s terms: Skin becomes thin, dry, fragile, dull and wrinkled. Not fun.

Post-40, most women should focus on three skin care goals: Prevent environmental damage, maintain hydration and boost collagen production. Start with essential, foundational products in your 40s, then gradually incorporate more targeted treatments as you age. You may also have particular skin concerns that require specific items. Dark spots? Extreme facial dryness? Eye bags? We’ve got you covered. Ahead, you’ll find the best skin care products for your 40s, 50s and 60s — and beyond.

The best skin care products for women over 40

The best skin care products for women over 50

The best skin care products for women over 60

Anti-aging skin care FAQs

Meet the expert

In your 40s, most women’s skin care priorities are to prevent damage and protect the skin. Your skin is still essentially young, so you’re looking for products to help you avoid further damage (SPF is your friend!), maintain hydration and vibrancy and hold on to as much collagen and skin bounciness as you can.

La Roche-Posay

Benefits: Keeps skin hydrated, maintains natural moisture barrier | Key ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, Ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin | Size: 13.52 oz. | Skin type: Normal, dry, sensitive

Face washes, especially the foaming kind, can sometimes strip moisture from our skin along with dirt and makeup. This non-foaming cleanser has everything to keep things hydrated: ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin and La Roche-Posay’s famous prebiotic thermal water. With over 26,000 five-star reviews, this face wash has become a holy grail for many. It’s silky, gentle and fragrance-free, yet effective enough for sensitive skin. —Marie

Pros

  • Great value
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Fragrance-free
Cons

  • Some users have issues with the pump
  • May need to use a separate makeup remover

$18 at Amazon

TruSkin Naturals

Benefits: Evens out skin tone, fades dark spots and reduces under-eye circles | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, jojoba oil | Size: 1 oz. | Skin type: Oily, normal, combination, dry, sensitive

If you’re not using vitamin C by the time you hit your 40s, now’s the time to add it to your routine. “Antioxidants like vitamin C protect our skin from damage from free radicals from sun, pollution and other sources,” says King. 

As a starter vitamin C serum, TruSkin is a solid bet. Beloved by more than 95,000 five-star reviewers on Amazon, this affordable serum is designed to even out skin tone and texture and to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. One impressed reviewer described it as a “Face lift in a bottle.” 

Though you may want a more potent version later on, this is a good, wallet-friendly option for vitamin C beginners. —Marie

Read more: The best vitamin C serum of 2024

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Highly stable formula
  • Fragrance-free
Cons

  • Complaints about stickiness and pilling
  • Some experienced leakage from bottle if turned on the side

$22 at Amazon

Amazon

Benefits: Reduces dark circles, firms skin, helps with fine lines | Key ingredient: Retinol | Size: 0.5 oz. | Skin type: Normal, oily, dry, combination

In your 40s, the under-eye skin starts to, shall we say, act up, forming dark circles, puffiness and fine lines and generally thinning and becoming crepey in ways it never did before.

RoC happens to be the premier name in over-the-counter retinol, and its eye cream is highly rated with nearly 20,000 five-star Amazon reviews. It also happens to be the best retinol eye cream we’ve tested. It’s a good beginner retinol, gentle (as retinoids go), but still excellent for improving the appearance of both fine lines and dark circles. It’s also dermatologist-recommended. I wish it contained more antioxidant, nourishing ingredients, but for the price, it cannot be beat. —Jennifer

Read more: The best eye creams of 2024

Pros

  • Targets crow’s-feet, fine lines, puffiness and dark circles
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Lightweight texture
  • Absorbs easily
  • Affordable
  • Contains hyaluronic acid to keep eye area hydrated
Cons

  • Does not contain antioxidants
  • May not be appropriate for ultra-sensitive skin

$22 at Amazon

Sephora

Benefits: Skin cell turnover, smooths complexion, evens skin texture | Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, chamomile, retinol, resveratrol, green tea extract | Formulation: Wipes | Size: 30 treatments plus five bonus | Skin type: Normal, combination 

Exfoliating and creating cell turnover is essential for keeping your face healthy and glowing and avoiding that drab, dull look that happens to skin as it ages. This popular chemical exfoliator (our No 1. favorite exfoliator of the year) does its magic via a two-step process. You use the first pad, which is soaked with five different AHA and BHA acids to lift away dead skin cells, then follow up with the second pad, which has retinol to fight wrinkles and lines.

While it’s a celebrity favorite, you don’t have to take Sydney Sweeney’s word for it. When I use these regularly, my skin looks phenomenal, as if I’ve gotten a facial every single day. One time, my husband even asked me what I was doing with my face. I asked him why, and he said that I looked younger (kind of rude, TBH). The improvement in my complexion is noticeable enough that when I stopped using the pads, I actually stopped getting compliments (also rude). 

If you feel like you can’t be bothered to do a two-step product, which I understand, I’m here to tell you that it’s completely worth the extra couple of minutes to get that glow. There are also three types of peel pads, including “Ultra Gentle” for dry and sensitive skin and “Extra Strength” for oily skin, which is good for dark spots. —Marie

Read more: The best face exfoliators of 2024

Pros

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Helps reduce the look of pores
  • Smooths texture
  • Contains 12 antioxidants
  • Reduces fine lines and hydrates skin
Cons

  • Requires two steps so it takes a little more time
  • Individually wrapped which is not eco-conscious
  • Expensive

$92 at Sephora

Savor Beauty

Benefits: High-level broad-spectrum sun protection (SPR 50+), hydrating, soothing | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, 2% niacinamide, bisabolol and allantoin | Size: 1 oz. | Skin type: oily, normal/combination, dry/mature, sensitive

Remember: Sun protection is essential at every age, so get yourself a solid sunscreen, like this one from Korean beauty-inspired brand Savor Beauty. It’s mineral-based, with 12% zinc oxide and a non-nano formula that makes it safe for marine life and coral reefs. 

The reason, however, I’m recommending this particular formula for women in their 40s is because it’s also ultra-hydrating. Sometimes zinc formulas can feel drying, but not this one, as it contains moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid. It also has niacinamide to improve tone and texture, plus soothing antioxidants like bisabolol and allantoin. Overall, a true win for aging skin. —Marie

Pros

  • Water resistant up to 40-minutes
  • Doesn’t leave a white cast
  • Non-comedogenic
  • No unnecessary packaging
Cons

  • Expensive
  • Has a scent, which might be too much for sensitive noses

$76 at Amazon

Current Body

Benefits: Collagen boosting, wrinkle softening, complexion smoothing, redness reducing, brown spot diminishing | Formulation: Flexible silicone mask | Skin Type: All, but especially good for older skin | Device specs: 132 red and near-infrared bulbs

Once women hit their mid-40s, we’re losing collagen by the minute and, since collagen is what makes our skin look young and plump and cute, it’s time to start regrowing it — fast. 

LED face masks work when targeted, long-wavelength LED red light penetrates different layers of your skin, stimulating collagen production and sending your skin’s natural healing process into overdrive along the way. For any kind of results, you have to use the masks consistently, for 10 minutes per day, every day.

That might seem like a drag, but here’s the good news: These suckers WORK. Within days of using CurrentBody’s Light Therapy Mask, my skin looked tighter, particularly around my cheekbones. Within six weeks, the wrinkles on my forehead appeared less deep and so did those around my mouth. Within two months, my complexion was clearer overall. 

CurrentBody’s version is my favorite of all the LED masks I’ve tried for a multitude of reasons. For one, it’s powerful, with 132 bulbs (30% more than many popular masks) that deliver both red and near-infrared light enabling it to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. This mask is FDA-approved. It’s also clinically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles in 28 days. Additionally, it’s more comfortable than many I’ve tried, made of a smooth, highly flexible silicone that’s easy to use and clean. However, while comfortable, the mask doesn’t quite fit as snugly as I’d like, especially around the chin and jaw. This didn’t seem to impact the results, but as many customers note, the fit is a little … odd.

Last, a few safety notes: LED light masks are considered safe when and if you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions — including protecting your eyes during use. Also important: Not everyone is a candidate for LED light therapy — for example, people with photosensitivity should avoid these devices, as should those with specific diseases like lupus and those taking certain medications. It’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before purchasing and trying any LED light mask — including CurrentBody’s. —Jennifer

Pros

  • Flexible silicone is comfortable and easy to wear and clean
  • 132 powerful bulbs deliver both red and near-infrared light
  • FDA-approved
  • Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles within a month of consistent use
Cons

  • Could fit better around the chin/jawline
  • Some users complained nose plate was restrictive
  • Expensive

$380 at Current Body

Once you hit your 50s, new skin care issues emerge: Changing estrogen levels may make your face drier than it’s ever been. You might experience a rougher texture, enlarged pores and an increase in dark spots. As you lose collagen, you’ll probably start to see more sagging around the eyes and jawline. This is the moment to invest time in a consistent routine filled with trusted products made with high-quality ingredients.

Amazon

Benefits: Hydration, plumps up skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, helps reduce “crepey” appearance | Formulation: Cream | Size: 3.52 ounces | Skin type: Dry, dehydrated | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn water

First things first for the over-50 crowd: You need hella hydration and this moisturizer happens to be my favorite (and the best face moisturizer we’ve tested). 

A favorite among the K-beauty crowd, this face cream packs and seals moisture into dry, dehydrated skin to prevent further hydration loss. I love this moisturizer for its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula and antioxidant ingredients. The texture is perfectly rich without being too heavy and the product itself absorbs fast.

Bonus points: In addition to hyaluronic acid, this cream contains vitamin tree water (also known as sea buckthorn), which is filled with vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids that help strengthen the skin barrier and increase hydration even more. The midrange price point is the cherry on top. —Marie

Read more: Best face moisturizers of 2024

Pros

  • Hydrates and plumps dry, dehydrated skin
  • Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Free of parabens
Cons

  • Some users say it feels oily
  • Might not be best for breakout-prone skin
  • Comes in a jar instead of an airtight pump

$17 at Amazon

Naturium

Benefits: Lightens hyperpigmentation and dark spots | Size: 1 oz. | Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, bioactive brightening complex, bio-retinol and niacinamide

This serum from Naturium is definitely a multipurpose product. It focuses on calming the skin and improving tone and texture — it’s not even marketed for or even named as a corrector for dark spots, but it still does the job, and does it well (well enough to win a spot on our best dark spot corrector list). Its main ingredient is azelaic acid, another key ingredient on dermatologist-recommended lists. Azelaic acid is known for being effective against melasma, eczema and acne, which makes this product a great pick for someone who is acne-prone and constantly dealing with acne scars.

Fans boast about its life-changing ability to clear rosacea, fade melasma and stop hormonal acne dead in its tracks. At about $22, this is a great buy, especially if you’re still dealing with any “ghosts of breakouts past” (stubborn hyperpigmentation from old zits). —Marie

Read more: The best dark spot correctors of 2024

Pros

  • Paraben-free and gluten-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Made in the USA
Cons

  • Meant to be fragrance-free but some reviewers complain about the clinical-seeming scent
  • Some users reported irritation

$22 at Amazon

Ilia

Benefits: Sun protection, hydration, disguises skin imperfections | Formulation: Thin cream | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 40 | Size: 1 ounce | Water-Resistant: No | Reef safe: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

At age 50, I started developing a bit of hyperpigmentation on my face and redness around my nose and chin, which means I now look better in makeup than I do without. Still, I despise foundation. It always feels too thick and too “done” for my everyday life, like I’m cosplaying (Kosplaying?) as a Kardashian at camp pickup. But once I came across this excellent tinted moisturizer (with bonus SPF!), I knew I’d finally found the complexion-smoothing solution this no-makeup makeup girl will actually use.

If you’re searching for a light coverage foundation that will leave your skin dewy and noticeably luminescent like you got the best sleep of your life; with the kind of glow that suggests you actually drink all the water you plan on drinking and chase it down with a green juice, then Ilia’s Skin Tint is for you. As a moisturizer-makeup-sunscreen hybrid, it’s made for lazy people. It also comes in 26 shades and contains skin-fortifying ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so you’re treating your face while protecting it. —Jennifer

Pros

  • 26 shade choices
  • Evens skin tone/smooths imperfections
  • Leaves skin dewy
  • Skin nourishing
  • All-day wear SPF 40
Cons

  • Can be a bit greasy
  • Some reviewers complain of watery consistency
  • Expensive

$48 at Ilia

Murad

Benefits: Reduces dark circles, firms skin, helps with fine lines | Key ingredients: Retinol, cotton wool extract, marine kelp | Size: .5 oz. | Skin type: Normal, oily, dry, combination, sensitive

Regardless of age, puffy eyes, dark circles, loss of elasticity and crow’s feet are all things most people deal with — but they get more intense once you hit your 50s. This highly concentrated eye cream by Murad works by using a unique triple-action retinol technology. First, a fast-acting retinoid immediately targets puffiness and wrinkles, while a controlled, time-released retinol keeps it going while minimizing any irritation. Finally, a retinol booster works with the retinol to increase cell turnover even more. 

Ingredients like marine kelp and cotton wool extract keep the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated while the powerful retinol does its work. It’s no surprise why you get fast results with this eye cream. In two weeks, your eyes look brighter and the wrinkles are more relaxed. Youth in a bottle, indeed. —Marie

Pros

  • Helps with puffy eyes
  • Provides 24-hour hydration
  • Firms the skin around the eyes
Cons

  • Expensive for the amount of product
  • Some users have issues with the pump

$89 at Amazon

Drunk Elephant

Benefits: Brightens skin and dark spots, reduces appearance of sagginess and fine lines, gives skin a “glow” | Vitamin C potency: 15% | Skin Type: Any, but may be too harsh for the most sensitive skin | Dosage: A few drops in the morning | Size: Just over 1 ounce in combination of serum and powder | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I started using Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum when I turned 50 and I love it for all sorts of reasons — including the fact that after six weeks of twice-daily use, it both lightened dark spots on my cheeks, noticeably tightened my skin and consistently gave my complexion a pretty, brighter glow. 

But what makes C-Firma highly effective (and truly, at 51, all I want is highly effective) is the unique way it’s packaged: The formula arrives in two parts — a liquid serum along with an accompanying vial of pristine vitamin C powder. You mix the two just before your first use, maximizing the stability of the vitamin C molecules and thus ensuring freshness. Once mixed, the product remains potent for three to six months, depending how you store it (i.e., preferably in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet). 

And there’s more to love: C-Firma contains ferulic acid and vitamin E, which boost its efficacy. It comes in an easy-to-use/easy-to-travel bottle with a convertible pump. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, though the texture may feel a bit sticky for some. Finally, it’s potent — it may even sting your skin a bit.  

At $79, C-Firma is not exactly a steal, but the formula (plus the effect on your skin) is top-notch. My first bottle lasted four months with twice-daily use, so a little goes a long way. —Jennifer

Read more: The best vitamin C serum of 2024

Pros

  • Highest-quality ingredients
  • Innovative packaging means the product stays fresher longer
  • Brightens skin
  • Improves texture of aging skin
  • Lightweight
  • Absorbs quickly
Cons

  • Some may find the texture sticky
  • May be too harsh for the most sensitive skin

$79 at Sephora

Thinning skin becomes especially apparent once you hit 60, and so, on top of trying to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and build collagen, you’re looking for products that will firm and tighten skin. Women in their 60s may also want to treat hyperpigmentation, even skin tone and smooth rough texture.

Skintensive

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, wrinkle-smoothing, collagen-boosting | Formulation: Cream | Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, retinol and sea buckthorn berry | Size: 1.6 oz. | Skin type: Mature, dry, sensitive, eczema-prone

Retinol and bakuchiol are two key ingredients for any firming product, which is why this potent cream comes highly recommended by dermatologists (it’s also one of our best skin tightening creams of the year). Both ingredients help increase collagen production, though bakuchiol is often touted as a natural alternative to retinol, as it has fewer side effects and tends to be less irritating. 

Bakuchiol and retinol actually work well together — really well. In fact, research shows that bakuchiol can actually enhance the effectiveness of retinol while helping to stabilize it. 

Alongside that power duo, this cream also contains sea buckthorn berry, which reduces inflammation in the skin, is rich in antioxidants and hydrates the skin. Users describe having firmer-looking skin that’s also brighter and more moisturized and even-toned with fewer noticeable wrinkles. —Marie

Pros

  • Formulated by Harvard-trained dermatologists
  • Made entirely in the U.S. with straightforward ingredients
  • Designed for eczema-prone and sensitive skin types
  • Contains 3% bakuchiol and 0.25% retinol
  • Made with antioxidant and collagen-stimulating ingredients
Cons

  • Contains coconut oil, which is highly comedogenic
  • Some users complain of a chemical-like scent
  • Some say it feels greasy

$38 at Amazon

Dr. Diamond’s Metacine

Benefits: Reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, evens skin tone and texture | Key ingredients: Growth factors, Hexapeptide, tripeptide, polypeptide, copper tripeptide | Size: 1 oz. | Skin type: normal, oily, combination, dry, sensitive

Growth factors have been around in skin care for a long time, but they’re still not as well known as, let’s say, retinol or hyaluronic acid. For the unfamiliar, growth factors are proteins that communicate to different cells in the human body. They’re famous for their wound-healing powers, but they can also stimulate collagen and improve hydration, elasticity and firmness — all things beneficial to over-60 skin.

World-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Diamond, whose celeb clients include Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox and Katy Perry, created an at-home version of his $4K Instafacial treatment with the Metacine Instafacial Collection. The Instafacial Plasma, a red-hued serum, is chock-full of growth factors and peptides and, over time, mimics the results of his in-office treatment, resulting in glowing, smooth and youthful-looking skin. (It’s meant to be used in tandem with the Instafacial Emulsion, which contains retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.) 

Now, growth factor products typically aren’t cheap, and this one is definitely a splurge, but they’re incredibly effective. After investing in this, you probably don’t need to use anything else. —Marie

Pros

  • Paraben-free and sulfate-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Gentle, non-irritating formula
  • Wears well under makeup
Cons

  • Expensive
  • Tends to run out quicker than emulsion

$200 at Nordstrom

ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND

Benefits: Wrinkle-reducing, strengthens skin | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, calendula, echinacea and hibiscus extracts, shea butter, retinyl palmitate | Size: 1.69 oz. | Skin type: dry, dehydrated, mature 

When it comes to daily skin care routines, we tend to focus more on the p.m. — what we use in the evenings and overnight to repair our skin. However, a good day cream with potent ingredients can work wonders, especially in one’s later years. This day cream is from Annemarie Börlind, a pioneer in natural beauty (the German company has been around for 60 years!). It is an especially good choice for older skin because it’s part of the LL line, which contains vitamins and antioxidant botanical extracts that stimulate skin renewal, protect it from free radical damage and encourage optimal skin cell function. —Marie

Pros

  • Strengthens skin barrier
  • Free of silicone paraffin, mineral oil
  • Cruelty-free
Cons

  • Has added fragrance
  • Not vegan (beeswax)

$60 at Amazon

Shiseido

Benefits: Wrinkle-smoothing, firming | Key ingredients: Glycerin, Chlorella extract | Size: 1.69 oz. | Skin type: All

First of all, let me remind everyone that if you aren’t currently applying skin care below your neck, you better start! (At least if you’re worried about wrinkles, which if you’re reading this article…). Most any product for your face will work for your neck, but the targeted, concentrated ingredients in many neck creams make them more effective for caring for the area. That’s because the skin on your neck and décolletage is thinner than your face and therefore more prone to crepey-ness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and more. 

Shiseido’s Neck Contour Cream is part of the brand’s legendary Benefiance line, which focuses on all aging concerns. By using this regularly I’ve seen less noticeable wrinkles, more hydration and firmer skin. 

No wonder it boasts decade-long admirers, including one who said they “accidentally brushed my hand against my décolletage and couldn’t believe how soft my skin is.” While the cream contains added fragrance, most users love the calming scent. —Marie

Pros

  • Firming and smoothing
  • Dermatologist-tested
Cons

  • Contains added fragrance
  • Has alcohol and silicone, which some people don’t like

$58 at Nordstrom

SkinCeuticals

Benefits: Increases hydration, reduces wrinkles, brings out radiance | Key ingredients: 10% hydroxy acid complex (glycolic and lactic), aloe, chamomile and evening primrose extracts | Size: 2 oz. | Skin type: Dry, normal, mature 

SkinCeuticals is one of the best brands for aging skin, and if you’re over 60, its award-winning Renew Overnight Dry Moisturizer is a perfect addition to your skin care roster. The cream is specifically formulated to address issues like dryness, fine lines and a dull complexion, making it an excellent choice for mature skin.

One of Renew Overnight’s standout ingredients is a 10% concentration of hydroxy acids, including glycolic and lactic acids, which are key for sloughing off dead skin cells and encouraging new ones to come on through. This makes your face look brighter and more radiant and reduces the look of fine lines without the harshness of an exfoliating scrub which might be too intense for thinner, older skin. 

If you’re one of the lucky ones who still have oily skin, you can skip this thick, hydrating cream. But those of us whose skin is parched and in need of some serious T.L.C. can look forward to locked-in moisture while we snooze. —Marie

Pros

  • Makes skin brighter
  • Hydrates dry skin overnight
  • Targets fine lines and wrinkles
  • Promotes skin cell turnover
Cons

  • Expensive
  • Too thick for oily skin

$78 at Dermstore

What’s the deal with collagen loss as we get older?

Brace yourself. Collagen drops 30% during the first five years of menopause, which is likely why women really start noticing wrinkles as they approach or enter menopause, says King. “Collagen is one of the major components of the skin, providing strength and volume. It gives skin its structure and is sometimes described as the scaffolding for the skin,” she says. After menopause, the loss is more gradual, with women losing about 2% every year for the next 20 years. Without that beautiful collagen, you’re more prone to fine lines, dryness, age spots, larger pores, jowls, loose and sagging skin and other annoying stuff.

Which skin care products are important to any person’s routine, regardless of age?

Let’s cut right to the chase — sunscreen is the most important beauty product you can use, no matter if you’re 10 or 100. Protecting the skin from UV rays is vital, as King explains, because “this is the single most important extrinsic factor that ages our skin and increases risk for skin cancer.” (For more sunscreen recommendations, read about the best reef-safe sunscreens of 2024.)

King says that inconsistent use of good quality sun protection is the biggest mistake she sees people make with their skin care routines. Dermatologists like King emphatically recommend using an SPF product every single day, no matter the season.

Second to sunscreen is a quality moisturizer. If you’re on a budget or pressed for time, using just a daily sunscreen and nightly moisturizer will make a big difference in the quality of your skin.

Here’s an example of an effective night and daytime routine, culled from interviews with dozens of dermatologists.

Skin care must haves for day:

*optional: Toner, hyaluronic acid, additional serums, moisturizer

Skin care must haves for night:

  • Face cleanser

  • A resurfacing exfoliant with acids AHA/BHA, 2-3 times per week

  • Antioxidants — specifically a stable form of vitamin C

  • Eye cream

  • Prescription retinol 3-4 times per week

  • A heavier moisturizer to seal in moisture levels

*optional: cleansing balm for a double cleanse, hyaluronic acid, toner, serum, face oil, dark spot cream

Skin care must haves for anytime:

Is it possible to outgrow a skin care product?

Short answer: Yes. It’s normal to be dedicated to certain skin care products. Change can be hard after all! But as with any relationship that’s no longer serving you, it might be best to move on. “Our skin generally becomes drier with age, and acne and oily skin usually decrease,” says King. “So we may no longer need products to combat oily skin and acne as much as we get older, and we may need more moisturizing and hydrating products.” (P.S. If you’re perimenopausal or in menopause and notice that your skin is way more dry than it has ever been before, you know what she’s talking about.)

We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.

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