We were tired of our 10-step skincare routine, so we asked our dermatologist to share the absolute necessary steps for women over 50 in our morning skincare routine. If you want to get a little extra credit, I’ve also mentioned recommended items, but it’s not required. “For mature skin, I always recommend a supportive, protective and resilient routine,” says Dr. Deborah Longwill, a dermatologist in Miami. Specifically, “people with mature skin tend to experience dryness, dark spots and loss of elasticity,” says Omaha, Daniel Schlessinger, Maryland.
“If you have skin conditions such as rosacea, there are other products that are included outside this list,” you should discuss with your dermatologist. The bottom line says that for most people, “great antioxidants, moisturizers, and sunscreen can go a long way,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. Use expert tips to build a new routine, whether it’s two steps or five.
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Essential: Moisturizer
Experts agree that moisturizers are absolutely essential. Dr. Longwill recommends choosing a “formula that nourishes and supports skin barriers.” She advises that she is “looking for ingredients like ceramides and peptides.” Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid and glycerin, including hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help to pull out the water, according to Kenneth Beale in West Palm Beach, Florida and West Palm Beach, Maryland.
What to try: Alastin Ultralight Moisturizer with Trihex Technology ($94), Skin Fix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream ($54)
Required: Sunscreen
“Sunscreen is an integral component of any anti-aging routine,” says NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, Omaha, Maryland. “Without the daily SPF, the routine is not complete. Prevention is just as important as treatment,” says Longwill. She has specified that SPF should be searched for extensive sunscreens with over 40 SPF. “This is your best defense against aging and environmental damage before maturation,” Dr. Levine points out that sunscreen can become part of a moisturizer due to a simplified routine.
Things to try: isdin photo eryfotona ageless ultralight tinted mineral spf 50 sunscreen ($50), PSD antioxidant moisturizer + sunscreen SPF 50 ($57)
Recommended: Cleanser
If you are a washing machine with twice the face per day, start your routine with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t remove the skin. But not everyone needs to cleanse the mornings and nights. Consult with your dermatologist to see how often you will wash your skin type.
Things to try: Avène Tolérance Lotion Extremely Gentle Cleanser ($27), Lovely Skin Luxe Clarifining Gel Cleanser ($20)
Recommended: Antioxidant serum
“Antioxidants can help dodge free radical damage, which can accelerate aging over time, and can also help increase the effectiveness of sunscreen,” explains Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. He points out that vitamin C serum is important for any skin care routine, but especially for mature skin. Dr. Levine agrees that antioxidants are extremely important, but notes that other products they already use, such as moisturizers, can be displayed for a more streamlined routine.
Things to try: Skinsatical CE Ferric Vitamin C Serum ($182), Extreme Stem Cell Serum of the Doctor’s Daughter ($108)
Recommended: Eye Products
“Special eye treatments can be a huge addition to your mature skincare routine,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Dr. Longwill adds, “A lightweight but effective eye cream can smooth out fine lines and reduce swelling.”
Try it: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Update Therapy SPF 35 ($79), Our Own + Replenishment Eye Serum ($130)
Recommended: Neck and Chest Products
Dr. Longwill says it’s best to “always stretch your routine under the chin” to include your neck and décolletage. She says, “These areas are just as fast and require just as much attention.”
What to try: Neostrata Skin Active Active Triple Firming Neck Cream ($98), Strivectin TL Advanced Tipening Neck Cream Plus ($99)
Recommended: Lip balm
“Mature skin can sometimes dry, crack or irritate, which can wreak havoc on the lip area,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. He says medicinal lip balms go a long way in helping your lips stay hydrated.
Things to try: Fixmyskin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Lip Balm ($14), La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips Hydration Restore Lip Balm ($10)
Recommended: Essence or Moisturizing Toner
Dr. Longwill says that essential and moist toner can be added to your routine. It helps to “prepare the skin and increase moisture absorption.”
Things to try: Tatcha the Essence ($110), Paula’s Choice Nourishing Milky Toner ($26)
