The best skin care routine for your 60s, according to dermatologists (2024)

CeraVe

Texture: Thick, hydrating gel | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Other benefits: Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic | Product type: Cleanser | Problem addressed: Cleansing sensitive skin

You'll first want to start off your routine by choosing face wash and cleansers that are gentle and aren't too stripping and drying since our skin becomes drier as we age, according to Dr. Marcus. "It's crucial to focus more on hydration, gentle cleansing and ingredients that support barrier function and skin repair," she said.

Our experts agree hyaluronic acid and ceramides, present in CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser, are the key ingredients for achieving hydrated, plump skin in your 60s.

If your skin feels tight after cleansing, then your face wash is likely too aggressive and might be stripping too many of your skin's precious oils. Consider cleansing your face only at night if your skin feels too dry in the morning for a second cleanse.

$20 at Ulta Beauty$18 at CVS Pharmacy

Garnier

Texture: Watery | Ingredients: Water, glycerin | Other benefits: Oil-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free | Product type: Cleanser | Problem addressed: Makeup removal for sensitive skin

After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, micellar water can be used to clear away any residual dirt, oil and makeup without harsh scrubbing that can irritate sensitive, aging skin. Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, recommends Garnier's SkinActive Micellar Water.

But micellar water isn't like the stinging and drying alcohol-heavy toners of your youth. Because it's made without oils, alcohol and fragrances, skin feels cleansed without being overly dry. Use it both in the morning and at night — no need to rinse.

$12 at Ulta Beauty$12 at CVS Pharmacy

THE ORDINARY

Texture: Liquid serum | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Other benefits: Fragrance free | Product type: Serum | Problem addressed: Hydrates dry skin

Skin becomes drier and thinner as we age, which is why, according to Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, certified dermatologist and Medical Head for ClinicSpots in Hyderabad, you should "opt for gentle cleansers, hyaluronic acid serums, and richer moisturizers" to care for mature skin.

Hyaluronic acid, in particular, is the key ingredient in skincare. It infuses loads of hydration and plumps up the skin in the process. Skincare products incorporate this miraculous little ingredient, found in everything from eye creams to facial cleansers.

But you don't have to splash out on three-figure products to take care of your skin. In fact, all our experts agree that ingredients matter much more than brand or price tag.

"Expensive doesn't always mean better," Dr. Chacon said. "Many affordable products contain the same active ingredients as their pricier counterparts. It's more important to look at the ingredients list than the price tag."

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Olay

Texture: Rich cream | Ingredients: Niacinamide, B3 vitamins, hyaluronic acid | Other benefits: Fragrance free | Product type: Anti-aging cream | Problem addressed: Locks in skin moisture

When reaching for a moisturizer after cleansing, you might've noticed that many anti-aging moisturizers are quite thick and creamy. There's a simple reason for that: They lock in more moisture than lighter creams.

According to Dr. Marcus, "Rich, creamy textures can be beneficial to mature skin because they act as a barrier, reinforcing and lubricating increasingly delicate skin."

Because mature skin is drier, you'll want to slather on a thick and emollient moisturizer to lock in hydration for as long as possible. But what you reach for ultimately depends on your skin type and personal preference. "Some may find heavy creams too occlusive, so opting for lighter lotions or serums that still offer potent ingredients might be preferable," Dr. Kopelman said. "Look for products that absorb well without leaving a greasy residue."

And if you have oily skin? "Opt for gel-based moisturizers or serums if oily skin persists in your 60s," Dr. Chekuri said.

Nordstrom

Texture: Rich cream | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, time-released retinol, vitamins C and E, peptides | Other benefits: Free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates | Product type: Moisturizer | Problem addressed: Anti-aging moisturizer

Alternatively, you can reach for a moisturizer with anti-aging retinol in it. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that's used to improve skin's texture by speeding up cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which in turns helps with reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin's elasticity and fades some hyperpigmentation. Some little miracle ingredient, right?

Dr. Marcus recommends Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream because of its unique "time-released encapsulated retinol" that helps promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. "The rich, emollient texture of the cream also helps to nourish the skin barrier and decrease the risk of potential irritation from retinol," she said.

All the experts we spoke with cautioned that one should introduce retinol into their skincare routine slowly, and take special precautions to wear sunscreen throughout the day since retinol makes the skin very sensitive to the sun.

$65 at Sephora

CeraVe

Texture: Lightweight cream | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, B3, niacinamide; Homosalate, Meradimate, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide (sun protection) | Other benefits: Oil free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free | Product type: Sunscreen | Problem addressed: Protects against sun damage

Every dermatologist we spoke with emphasized the importance of SPF in a skincare routine at any age. According to Dr. Natalie M. Curcio, M.D., founder of Curcio Dermatology in Nashville, it's the most important skin care product you can use to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.

The most important thing is including some type of sun protection into your routine that's easy for you to stick with consistently, said Dr. Elle de Moll, M.D. and board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut.

"I'm a big believer in using what you like," Dr. de Moll said. "I feel like patients hate to tell me that they use spray sunscreen, but honestly — you're way more likely to use what you like —and that counts for a whole lot more!"

CeraVe's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is an easy way to incorporate SPF into your skincare routine without having to think about it. Formulated with hydrating and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, B3, and niacinamide, this product is a game-changer for maintaining supple, dewy skin.

$20 at Ulta Beauty$27 at Staples

Sephora

Texture: Lightweight, liquid cream | Ingredients: macadamia and kukui seed oils; Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene and Oxybenzone (sun protection) | Other benefits: Free of parabens | Product type: Moisturizer | Problem addressed: Adds color and moisturizes while preventing sun damage

Laura Mercier's Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30 is Dr. Chacon's pick for those who want a little bit of tinted coverage as well as sun protection.

As we mentioned earlier, retinol is one of those superhero ingredients that you'll find in a lot of anti-aging beauty products designed specifically for mature skin. But using retinol comes at a price, and it's that your skin becomes super sensitive to sunlight. "Sun protection is crucial: Retinol makes skin more sensitive to sun, so use SPF 30+ daily," Dr. Chekuri said.

Products with a minimum SPF of 30 should already be part of your skin care routine, but especially so if you're using retinol. Laura Mercier's Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30 is a good option if you want some color to your complexion without wearing a face full of makeup. The formula contains hydrating oils to calm aging, overly sensitive skin exposed to retinol, while the sun protection ingredients shield your skin from UV radiation damage.

$54 at Nordstrom

EltaMD

Texture: Lightweight, silky cream | Ingredients: Niacinamide, B3, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide (sun protection) | Other benefits: Non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free | Product type: Sunscreen | Problem addressed: Prevents sun damage

No skin care routine is complete without sunscreen, and EltaMD is the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brand.

"While creams directed at anti-aging or wrinkle reduction are important, the most important product to prevent wrinkles and skin damage from UV light is sunscreen," said Dr. Curcio.

Both Dr. Curcio and Dr. Chekuri recommend a sunscreen with an SPF minimum of 30, even on cloudy days, that's reapplied every two hours when outdoors, especially on exposed skin.

Individuals with sensitive skin, oily or acne-prone skin, and rosacea can all benefit from using EltaMD's UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46.

$43 at BeautifiedYou.com$86 at Dermstore

RoC

Texture: Silky cream | Ingredients: Retinol, shea butter, glycolic acid, squalane, niacinamide | Other benefits: Non-greasy, non-comedogenic, fragrance free | Product type: Retinol cream | Problem addressed: Prevents and repairs wrinkles

Skin becomes drier and thinner as we age, which is why it's especially important to pay attention to the ingredients in the skin care you reach for in your 60s and beyond.

Ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are important in a lot of ways. Dr. Kopelman says that niacinamide is good for protecting your skin's barrier and reducing inflammation while hyaluronic acid provides "hydration and plumping."

Our experts agreed that you'll want to stick to using intense retinol serums and creams at night when you're out of the sun. Pairing a retinol with an ultra hydrating night cream, like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream, is a good way to make sure that hydrating ingredients balance out the intense effects of the retinol.

But if you're new to retinol, our experts recommend easing into it, using it two or three a week to start. "Use it sparingly; a pea sized amount is enough for the entire face," said Dr. Marcus. "Apply a moisturizer on top, and if necessary, use the retinol sandwich method, in which a layer of moisturizer is applied to the skin, followed by retinol, followed by an additional layer of moisturizer."

$30 at Ulta Beauty$29 at CVS Pharmacy

Neutrogena

Texture: Lightweight cream | Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Other benefits: Fragrance-free | Product type: Retinol cream | Problem addressed: Under-eye wrinkle repair

Eye creams are necessary for hydrating the thin, delicate skin around your eyes, especially as you age. They can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, under-eye bags, dark circles, puffiness and more. You can find eye creams with and without retinol, and those eye creams can be a good introduction to retinol products.

All of the experts we spoke with agreed that it's not necessary to use multiple retinol products as part of your skin care routine. In fact, they tend to recommend against it as it can sometimes lead to over-irritation of the skin.

"If you're new to retinol, a moisturizer or eye cream with retinol might be a good starting point as they're often less concentrated," according to Dr. Chacon.

Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream is a good entry point into retinols, especially if you're concerned with crow's feet, fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. This product is packed with hyaluronic acid, which not only keeps your skin hydrated and plump but also helps to generate fresher, more youthful cells.

$28 at Ulta Beauty$27 at CVS Pharmacy

SolaWave

Technology: Red light therapy | Price: $$ | Benefits: Portable, affordable, easy to use | Product type: Red light wand | Problem addressed: Repairs fine lines, wrinkles, scars and acne

Red light therapy uses low wavelength red light to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scars, acne and redness.

The Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand is Dr. Marcus's pick for skin care devices that can work in conjunction with your favorite products to improve your skin's texture and appearance.

The Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand is a red light therapy device that is best used daily when paired with your preferred serums to stimulate collagen, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and decrease redness and inflammation of the skin.

"Its warming, vibrating properties also help to enhance penetration of active ingredients into the skin," Dr. Marcus said.

$169 at Bluemercury$105 at Daily Steals

NuFACE

Technology: Microcurrents | Price: $$$$ | Benefits: Portable, fast and easy to use, at-home face lift | Product type: Microcurrent device | Problem addressed: Tightens skin

For those who want pain-free alternatives to invasive clinical treatments, Dr. Chacon recommends the NuFACE Trinity, a microcurrent device that's like getting an at-home face lift.

The NuFACE Trinity created what's been dubbed the "five minute face lift" thanks to the microcurrents within the tiny device that strengthen facial muscles over time. When used five times a week for over a couple of months, the devices can improve your facial contour, skin tone and lead to wrinkle reduction.

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