Current Favorite SkinCare Products for Aging Skin
It’s been a while since we’ve talked about our favorite lotions and potions, and I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more I crave a simpler skin care routine. With so many options—serums, moisturizers, sunscreens—it can quickly feel overwhelming. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if just one magic “potion” could tackle all our concerns? While that dream product may not exist (yet!), let’s catch up and share our current favorite skincare products for aging skin—those tried-and-true items that actually make a difference.
Current Favorite SkinCare Products for Aging Skin
When it comes to skincare for those of us with mature skin( a little” life experience”), there are a few key ingredients that really pull their weight. Retinol helps keep free radicals at bay and gives our skin that gentle nudge it needs to keep turning over and smoothing out those pesky fine lines. Hyaluronic acid is like a tall drink of water for dry skin—plumping things up in the best way. Peptides pitch in to keep everything firm and bouncy, while good old antioxidant Vitamin C & Vitamin E boost collagen production, brightens things up and keeps environmental damage at bay. And let’s not forget ceramides and niacinamide— help even out tone and shrinks those pesky pores. Together, these hardworking ingredients tackle the usual suspects: dryness, age spots, dullness, dark circles, hydration, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, dead skin cells, sun exposure, wrinkles, skin cancer and the slow slide south (elasticity). Whew—did I forget anything?
Dr. Daniel Sugai on Youtube
I’ll be honest—I’m not the biggest YouTube fan. Most of the videos feel like they take forever to get to the point, and I just don’t have the patience for a 20-minute deep dive on moisturizer. But while I was poking around doing a little product research, I stumbled on Dr. Daniel Sugai (board-certified dermatologist)—and what a breath of fresh air! His videos are short, straightforward, and packed with practical advice. I’ve watched Dr. Dray here and there over the years, and I think Angie from Hot and Flashy does a great job too (fun fact—her dad’s a chemist!). But if you’re like me and want the good stuff without the fluff, give Dr. Sugai a try. He gets right to it—no rambling, no fluff, just solid skincare info.
New Serum I am Loving
At the LTK conference in September, I was gifted a bottle of BYOS serum. I’ll be honest—I had never even heard of the brand, and no, this isn’t sponsored. I get sent my fair share of “lotions and potions,” and let’s just say they range from fabulous to forgettable. But this one is a little gem. I’ve been craving a simpler routine lately. I am kind of tired of the multi-step rituals that require a flow chart. I’d even ditched my prescription (retinoid/retinol because it was irritating my skin off and on. Since trying this serum (morning and night, thank you very much), I’ve hit pause on my usual favorites like the Timeless Vitamin C Serum and Vichy Hyaluronic Acid Serum gel—both still great, but taking a little break. My skin feels calmer, looks brighter, and best of all, no irritation. It has the most wonderful herby-citrus scent that just smells natural. Now, it’s not exactly a bargain—but I had no clue what it cost when I started using it, and I’m kind of glad. I might’ve assumed it was just another pricey potion. Turns out, it’s one I’ll actually keep reaching for. I just ordered another bottle the first lasted about four months or so. I am going to continue this routine for another four months or so to find out if I am nuts or this stuff is that good. I will report back.
Daily Moisturizer/Sunscreen
I have been using the CeraVe Daily Moisturizer/Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen 30 as my go to daily moisturizer (also fragrance-free) for quite a while. My skin can still be oily at times, so it may be too lightweight for those of you that need something heavier or have sensitive skin. It is not waterproof so not good for swimming or sweating. I still like my EltaMD for that. CeraVe has recently come out with an SPF 50 version of the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion which Dr. Sugai reviewed, so I plan to give that a try as well. They also have a tinted version that also protects agains uv rays (Dr. Sugai says this is good for brown spots), so I have just purchased that to try. I will report back on all of these as well. As for night creams I use the PM version of this at night as well.
Facial Cleanser
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost is our go to favorite for cleansing. If I have heavy makeup on I still love the Farmacy green clean for removing eye and facial makeup.
Body Cream
Steve and I both have been using the Cera Vie Face and Body Cream for years. It is my absolute favorite.
Eye Cream
Do we need it? Most experts say it is fine to use your moisturizer around your eyes as well. I can’t honestly tell the difference between various eye creams. I usually try whatever ones I am gifted or when traveling I just use my moisturizer.
Lip Balm
I startee using this Laneige lip mask at night a couple of years ago. I couldn’t recommend this more highly and it lasts forever!
You can find all of my beauty and skincare posts here.
You also might enjoy my friend Mary Ann’s post on the products that work for her after 60 here.
Have any of you tried the infra-red face masks? I have had several companies offer them to me and would be willing to try them if anyone thinks they are worthwhile.
I hope you found Current favorite SkinCare Products for Aging Skin helpful. There you have it—my current lineup of my best skincare products for this well-earned, seasoned skin of mine. I’m always on the hunt for products that actually do what they promise without making my routine feel like a part-time job.If you have some skin care products that are working wonders for you, I’d love to hear about it—sharing is caring, especially when it comes to lotions, potions, and all things glow-inducing. Let’s keep cheering each other on as we embrace aging with grace, a sense of humor, and a really good formulation!
Hi Cindy,
I have cleaned my face with Kate Somerville’s Eradikate for years. My somewhat oily skin feels so soft and clean afterwards, and keeps any breakouts I still get (at 65!!) at bay. I have also been using Maelove’s serums for a number of years. Glowmaker (15% vitamin C, Super Smooth, which has AHA and BHA, NIA 10, Peptide Squad, and Moonlight which is retinol. I use 2 in the morning, and 3 at night. Their products are considered affordable luxury, and it’s a clean company. The bottles are small (and glass) but for me, last between 4-5 months. I can’t tell you how beautiful, and healthy my skin looks since I started using Maelove. I also use CeraVe’s ultralight moisturizer with spf 50 during the day, along with Tatcha’s Silk Peony under my eyes. The idea of streamlining my routine is appealing, but I don’t want to give up on the results I have been getting. Always love reading about other products though. Thanks for sharing!!
Cindy
Hi Cindy!
I’m a little late to the party, but I do have a share!
Last Summer, I went on a quest to find a simpler skincare regime. I found a line formulated by Dr. Heather Rogers. I was blown away to learn she is local, a dermatologist in Seattle’s chic Madison Park neighborhood.
Not being able to tolerate retinal products, her line offers a natural alternative. Her simple skin care philosophy intrigued me enough to give it a try.
At 73, Dr. Rogers’ products are a perfect fit for me. As a breast cancer survivor, I appreciate that they are clean. I no longer need a visit to an esthetician every other month. I feel the price point of her product line is quite reasonable.
Shipping is at once efficient.
Dr Heather’s website education and YouTube channel is a wonderful support to her products.
Her first packaging was very clinical and not so pretty, but I am thinking now that she is entering into the brick and mortar retail world, it has evolved to more efficient and appealing.
Her Day and Night Serums now offer a money saving refill cartilage.
She recently conducted a clinical at Nordstrom, Bellevue Square. I would have loved to meet her, but we were out of town.
I always appreciate how you keep us informed, inspired and feeling young and pretty my friend. 💋😘
♥️Lynne
Can anyone tell me what few products to use on face over 65. I’ve become sensitive to everything. I can’t use anything with retinol. Just a few good basic products. I’ve used expensive and low price. Please email me back with ideals.
I’m 67. Favorites: SuperGoop sunscreen, both face and body. Augustus Bader eye cream, expensive but a little goes a long way. I’m super-sensitive to most eye creams and cannot use face cream on my eyes. I recently had severe irritation around my eyes, no makeup for a week, and doctor-recommended 1% cortisone cream and cold-pressed virgin olive oil as an eye makeup remover, which is fabulous! It costs pennies and moisturizes too. My daughter (33) suffers with intermittent eczema and swears by the Vanicream line. I’ve been using their face wash, and so far so good! Vasanti’s BrightenUp! exfoliator. I’ve bookmarked the EarthTonics and Pevonia sites for later. Thank you for your blog, Cindy!
I have dry eyes and so many eye issues. Can you share more about the eye makeup remover. Thank you!
I really like and use Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum as wll as some of their other serums and their moisturizer. I like Andalou Naturals Brightening Sheer Tint Vitamin C BB SPF 30 because it goes on easily and matches my skin color.
Thanks for the recommendations for skin care. I saw a dermatologist who recommended Elucent (an Australian brand skin care). It has a decent SPF factor in it with AHAs etc, but, my skin is still looking rather off the boil these days. I am going to have a fractionated carbon dioxide laser treatment on the lower half of my face as I have sun damage, brown spots etc in an attempt to improve the overall texture. Apparently laser resurfacing is the gold standard, but the down time is extended and twilight sedation needed.
Hi Cindy.
I’ve got very sensitive skin and must be super careful what and how I use products because as a sufferer of rosacea, it takes very little for a breakout.
I use Cerave cleanser nightly and once a week, Dermalogica exfoliant and masque. Then use L’Oreal’s Age Perfect night-cream.
In the mornings, I wash my face with cold water and moisturise with Olay’s daycream with built-in SPF.
I’m also now using Nivea (blue tin) morning and night, very lightly. I was so impressed with Courtney Blood’s mother’s (Marie) octagenarian skin (Monday Project Co) that I thought I should give it a go. But the reality is that I was a sun-bunny until SPF’s were invented so there is damage, freckles and lines and I paid a huge price a couple of years ago when I lost 1/3 rd of my right ear. Brilliant cancer plastic – surgeon remodelled the ear so one would hardly know, but a big lesson learned too late. Little cancers dating back 73 years pop up with regularity.
So to all your followers, I say use those SPF’s and hats. It’ll be worth it!
A few month ago I consulted with a Licensed Aesthetician in my dermatologist’s office. After evaluating my concerns, she recommended products and treatments that she thought would work best for MY skin. I felt like this was a splurge, but honestly, I’ve wasted so much money on trying to find the holy grail of skincare products, and still being disappointed . There are countless products on the market that have miraculous claims and it’s so confusing trying to figure out what combination of products will work. I really feel like I have simplified my routine by using just a few products that actually work for ME (one of which is the eltaMD tinted sunscreen). Thanks for your recommendation of Dr. Sugai’s videos. I watched one where he gave a glowing review of AlphaRet, one of my new products. I am not overly concerned about my looks – I just want to look my best and protect my skin!
Cindy,
Thank you so much for this post. I easily get overwhelmed with all of the products out there!
I will definitely use the Neutrogena hydroboost and Laniege lip mask as recently my lips are dryer than ever. I so look forward to your posts and mix of topics.
Several months ago I began to use Timeless Vitamin C serum based on your recommendation here and I really like it, however, the strangest thing has happened with the last 2 bottles I’ve purchased. After being open and in use for a few weeks they began to leak from the bottom! There is a pencil lead sized hole in the bottom which has always been there but it is a complete mystery why the leak occurs. Because this tiny hole has been on every bottle I figured the container must be double-walled for some reason. I’m just wondering if you have ever experienced this.
I have read your blog for a couple of years now and want you to know how much I enjoy it.
What a timely post! I sat down a few days ago to reevaluate my skincare routine. One thing I will never change—I’ve used Cetaphil to clean my face for 50+ years. If I’m wearing makeup (not that much since I retired) I clean that off with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm before the Cetaphil. My favorite serum right now is No7 Restore & Renew, but after research I’m planning to try a Bakuchiol serum. I have Rosacea and Retinol and I don’t get along. I’m hoping the Bakuchiol will work out. For a scrub I use the wonderful Dermalogica Microfoliant Exfoliator (thank you Sandy Sallin). For sunscreen I depend on Supergoop products. Thanks for the review of the skincare products!
Love this cosmetic post! At 83 I’m always interested in good skin care products without selling a kidney for them. You hit the spot for me. I’ve used Rodan & Firlds for some time but would like to try CeraVu products but needed a tad bit of encouragement to switch.
Love all your posts. Thx
Lee
I have used Pevonia products for well over 25 years. My esthetician used the products and highly recommended them. They are available through their website and at spas. They are reasonably price although there are some of the lines that are pricey but they have specials so that’s the time to stock-up! I use the dry skin line and also discovered their sunscreen last year. I am a melanoma patient and yet have never been able to wear sunscreen on my very sensitive face (big problem!) until I tried Pevonia’s w/ spf of 40. Not one issue with it! I know I was doing something right when my new hot-shot dermatologist (who I inherited when my other dr retired) asked me last year what I used on my 70+ year-old face and told me to not ever change! Highest compliment I could have ever gotten!
I am a creature of habit and stick with what works… one example is using Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream on my lips every night…originally bought at a cosmetic house party when I was 25… so that’s 50 years ago! I found a retailer , after a bit of a search, and she couldn’t believe my loyalty for this one item. My daily cream is Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF of either 15 (or 30 when sunnier). My skin cream that lasts all day and is non greasy is also Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion and it’s great on over worked hands , and dry legs in winter.
My go to every night for my face and neck is Lise Watier Age Control Supreme. All of these are purchased locally on Seniors Day here on Vancouver Island when the discount is 20% …especially relevant for the Lise Watier product. I dabble in a few other items and always try out the samples that my cosmetic rep at the store sends me away with. But , honestly, I stick with the above products. I am fortunate to have fairly smooth skin , except for above my lip line… this I have learned to accept since expensive dermatology options do not appeal to me , after checking them out 15 years ago. If I am in the sun for longer , I always add a good sun screen . Unfortunately, like many other older women , my hands give away my true age ! Reality!
Are any of these products considered “clean”? I’m trying to be more organic in my skin care options recently. Also read, I don’t recall where now, that Cera Ve had a questionable ingredient in it. I’ll have to do more research & ask my Derm Dr.
Hi Judy
CeraVe is not considered clean
I started using Earthtonics skincare about three years ago when my doctor suggested trying “clean skincare”. These products are handmade at her shop using herbs, oil and hydrosols. I use a number of products daily including the Matcha Cucumber Eye Serum, the Immortelle Mushroom Mylk. During winter months I use the Repair Creme Concentrate for a little more moisture. The Botanical Toning mist is also great under your moisturizer or as a quick boost after you apply your makeup. I had breast cancer a couple years ago & have to be very careful about the products I use & have found these products to be great for aging skin and for anyone that is concerned about what they are putting on their skin.
Hi Teresa
Earthtonics sounds wonderful. What do you use for sunscreen?
Currenly I use Sun Bum Daily Gel. I should probably use the one for your face, but I didn’t care for the tint as I use Merit Complexion Stick for foundation. Love that as well, it blends so well.
I started a routine in my 40’s, and still pretty much have stuck with it. I’m 63 now. I’ve always had very sensitive skin, and was always oily and breakout prone.
In my 40’s, I was starting to see aging as well as breakouts, so I got serious about finding a routine, and sticking with it.
I use Cerave for cleansing morning and night. A few years ago, they came out with a
Cerave SA formula. Here is the description:
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser provides gentle, non-irritating exfoliation without harsh microbeads that can scratch your skin. Our salicylic acid cleanser not only exfoliates the skin, but with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
I went to Sephora, and got samples of different moisturizers. I asked for a week’s worth each time. So great that they do that! Since my skin is so sensitive, trying a product first was essential. (I react with eyes swelling, red skin, peeling skin.)
I ended up really liking Clarins moisturizer. In my 40’s, I used one for combination skin. Wow, within a month, my skin had never looked better!
I have now progressed into using Clarins Super Restorative Day, and Night Cream in the winter. I also use the Double Serum.
I use the Extra Firming Day and Night cream in the spring/summer. Warm weather, and being more active outdoors can still lead to breakouts.
Clarins is expensive, but I buy it on sale. I always use it on clean damp skin, so a little bit goes a long way. Over applying moisturizer can cause breakouts.
When my skin is dull, or bumpy, I’ve sworn by Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel pads.
I’ve just read some reviews of Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads 10% AHA + BHA , and want to try these instead. Much less expensive and less wasteful packaging.
I like Ilia Super serum Skin Tint – even though it smells like mud! And the Ilia Multi Stick for blush.
I like Supergoop sunscreen for my face and neck.
I’ve been using the Cerave moisturizer with spf for years. The protection is enough for my morning walk or out in the garden. It’s one that does not leave a white cast, nor does it irritate my eyes. Many seem to wick up and sting.
I like IT tinted moisturizer with spf for the rest of day. It hits all three – one and done.
I use prescription retinol every other night, followed by a moisturizer. I can’t say I’m local to any one brand.
Some nights I apply nothing. I think our skin needs to breathe. All these products that many women apply nightly, then again in the morning can’t be good for our skin. Personally, I think it’s a money grab.
I am going to try the laneige lip mask. I find my lips are drier now that I’m in my 70s.
Hi Joanna
I really like the Laneige lip mask. My lips are much drier now as well!
Hi Cindy
Can you tell me what sunglasses you are wearing in the top photo?
Thanks,
Cindy J
Hi Cindy
Those frames are no longer available. Mine were so old they were peeling. I recently replaced them with this nearly identical pair from Caddis
i just ordered a slew of products from trinny london and am in the testing phase to see if i like it. stay tuned!
Hi Nancy
Please keep us posted!!
I committed to Cerave products a couple of years ago as I wanted to simplify my routine too so I’m pleased to see they pass muster with both Dr. Sugai and you & Steve. I was also delighted to see the Cerave day lotion now has 50 spf. I’m a reformed 73 yr. old sunbather. And wish I’d known about spf 40 years ago.
Hi Barb
I am a recovered sunbather and paying the price as well!! Me too!!
This is a great resource! Can you also do it for foundation? I have been looking for a light foundation that doesn’t settle in my pores and wrinkles. I have sun damage and am not ready to give up on a little coverage.