Those of you who have been reading for a while know I can be a bit of an over researcher. When I decide on a topic for a post I take a deep dive and read everything I can find relevant to the topic. I am certainly no skincare expert but one of my goals is to take better care of my skin and experiment with some new products. So let’s explore our best options and I will share the products I am using and the ones I plan to try. Let’s take a look at Favorite Skincare products after 50.
It’s a good idea to switch up your skincare routine when you hit your fifties and beyond. ” the fifth decade of your life inevitably brings about the more conspicuous markers of aging—deep wrinkles, sun spots, crepey texture, and loss of volume.” The experts agree, there are certain ingredients to look for in your skincare after 50. The first is glycolic acid, which unclogs pores and improves texture. The second is hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture. The third is retinol, which will help increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production The fourth is vitamin C, which works to lighten the appearance of age spots. That being said, it can be confusing what to apply when. I love this simple graphic from Cosmopolitan (I had to adapt for size and color). You can read the entire article here about what order to apply skin care products.
Let me preface my choices by saying I do not have sensitive skin. The skin on my face still tends to be a bit oily and prone to occasional breakouts even at 66. Most of the products I use are in the inexpensive to mid-price range. I am currently using Neutrogena Hydro Boost as a cleanser and am very happy with it. I am not currently using a toner because I am afraid if I complicate my routine too much I won’t do any of it. I am currently using the VICHY serum. I like it because it is affordable and works well for me. I devoted an article to my selection in this post Skincare After 50 Hyaluronic Acid Serums. if you are looking for more good options.
I have been using the Timeless Vitamin C Serum. for about six months and am a big fan. You only use a pump. I need to reorder but it has lasted until now.
I devoted an entire post on SELFCARE AFTER 50 HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST VITAMIN C SERUMS I would highly recommend you read the entire post when you have time but basically, this is what you need to know. Some of the fancier brands do not contain the proper amount of ingredients. Do your homework.
I use the ROC eye cream (also price-friendly). I use prescription Retinol from my dermatologist. I can really tell when I quit using this (when I get lazy). If you are sensitive to the higher concentrations you might want to read:
Allure’s Best Over the Counter Retinol Products
New York Magazine Best Retinol Products for every Skin Type
Prevention Best Retinol Face Creams
I do not use face oil because I would break out like a teenager! I mix my Retinol cream with my Vichy Serum at night. For Sunscreen I use the Elta MD tinted version. FYI it was first recommended to me by the girls that work in my Dermatologists office. None of them cared for the expensive version (you know who they are) sold in the office.
All of my favorite products are linked below the graphic. You might also enjoy Sephora’s list of best skincare products for Women over 50.
One product that I didn’t mention above is the Buxom lip scrub. I swear by this stuff. I use it every night before I go to bed and it has really helped with peeling and chapping. Someone also recommended the wonder cloth for washing the face. Love them, gentle with a hint of texture. They wash beautifully! I am also a big fan of the Cera Vie Moisturizing cream for an all over body cream. I know some use it on the face but that would be a disaster for me. I use it after showering.
SHOP NINE SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR MATURE SKIN
More in depth information on Skincare After 50 can be found here:
Best Skincare Products After 50 according to Celebrities
HUFF POST SLEEPING IN YOUR MAKEUP?
The Best Skincare for Women over 50 Vogue
CAN YOU USE RETINOL AND VITAMIN C TOGETHER? THE ZOE REPORT
THE SKINCARE EDIT HOW TO LAYER RETINOL AND VITAMIN C
My esthetician Carol in a recent conversation said when you are over 50 you don’t need facials you need treatments. I have been lax in getting back in to see Carol but it is on my list!
If you are over 50 These are the Facials that Deliver the Best Results
What Vitamins do you Really Need
Vogue the best skincare for women after 50
Thank you so much for reading Favorite Skincare products after 50. I am certainly no expert when it comes to skincare I just try to do my homework and not make foolish purchases. As always please share what you love and what is working for you. We love your suggestions!
This is awesome! I am 66 years old with really good skin thanks to good genes and I have always taken good care of it. Both were gifts from my Swedish mother. She taught me to wash makeup and the day away every night. Always on the lookout for new and improved methods, I have added a couple of your suggestions to my routine and already feel there is a difference. If you’re looking for a facial oil, try Apricot Oil. Recommended by Bobbi Brown, inexpensive and easily found on Amazon or Walmart. Just one or two drops, as any more than that you feel like an oil slick on your face. Thanks for this post and for helping us figure out who, what, when of skincare routines!
Hi Holly
I must check out Apricot Oil. I am so nervous about trying anything with oil in the name. Very bad past with acne breakouts! You are so lucky to be blessed with good skin.Thanks for sharing your tips!
I’ll need to come back and reread this and take a look at some of the links as I need to tweak my skincare routine a. It.
We always need to keep tweaking!!
Hi Cindy – I know you stay away from face oil, but the graphic for morning and evening routines includes moisturizer. Any recs for facial/neck moisturizer? thanks!
Hi Elizabeth
I just use the vichy serum. I used to use the olay moisturizer but they changed up the recipe and I don’t care for it. Check the comments. Our readers always have great suggestions. I cannot use any kind of oil on my face. I probably need to find a good nighttime moisturizer that is oil-free. I am on the look out!
When it comes to skin care, a visit to the dermatologist has been my firstchoice, with so many options on the market it can be very confusing on what to use and what’s not. For years I had severe melasma, occasional breakouts, sun damage snd acne scaring,, which got taken care in a single session of mandelic acid peel and a full year on prescription retin-A. I also had occasional breakouts until the age of 52, I find now that double cleanse is a must for me. I use the Versed balm ( bought from target ) with a steaming hot towel followed by the Anti aging 3 pack serum from Amazon which I do prior to getting in the shower and don’t wash my face in the shower Applying hyaluronic acid prior to shower was recommended from my doctor. Your skin will look plump and 15 younger after the Hyaluronic acid soaks all the steam from the shower. Skin care can only get so deep so rather than an expensive product, consistency is the key. Once a week I shave or exfoliate. Now at 54 years old my skin looks better than it did when I was in my 20s. A friend of mine thought me to use hand cream as a make up primer to conceal pores and wrinkles and I have to confess, it works like magic.
Hi Liana
I need to look up the mandelic acid peel. I am not familiar with it. I did have fraxel laser this past year which really helped, but it is a work in progress. Too many years in the sun. I like the suggestion about the hyaluronic acid in the shower. So much good info! You are the best!
I started shaving in earnest last summer. While out hiking, I struck up a conversation with a wonderful lady, older than me. I was *so* ashamed of myself, she was telling me a story about when she was in the Peace Corp and all I could think was “wow, your face is so seriously fuzzy!!!” My forehead, neck, whole face, now gets mowed every week.
I am still embarrassed about this, but I tell this story for our collective self care efforts.
Hi Cindy,
I’m older than you by a few years. I feel like I should be doing more. I’ve tried some of the products you’ve recommended, but I confess I don’t see a difference. I believe the early years of sunbathing in sunny California have done their damage. My morning routine is to wash using my Clarisonic with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. I follow with Thayer’s witch hazel and Olay Total Effect 7 in One with moisturizer and sunscreen, then I use IT CC correcting full coverage cream + anti-aging hydrating serum with SPF 50+UVA/UVB. My night routine is in limbo right now. I may try some of your suggestions.
Thank you,
Karen
Hi Karen
I totally agree there are no miracles that is for sure. My goal is to try and prevent further deterioration! I too spent way too many years in the sun and am paying for it royally. I used the Olay serum until they changed the formula. Have you noticed the change? I used it for years. I use the It as well but cut it with the chanel. Great suggestions…thanks for sharing
Cindy, this is so helpful! I’ve never understood what all I need or in what order to apply it. Thanks so much for doing the homework for us! Also, I always enjoy your blog!
Hi Lynne
I will check out bioessence…always love your suggestions!
Hi Lynn
Neither did I! It is confusing!
Hi Cindy,
I mostly use products from the Eminence or Algenist lines. I found Algenist when they first launched it at Sephora and learned that it was developed in SF using algae! I really like the liquid collagen in that line.
My tinted moisturizer is Suntegrity which has an SPF of 30 but I like that the one you share, Elta, is 40 so might try next time.
Thanks for doing the research for us. Speaking for myself, I get in a rut with the same products and don’t venture out of my comfort zone very often, especially when skin care is not inexpensive.
Hi Wren
We always get in ruts don’t we? It is unavoidable. I am going to check out Eminence. It sounds like a possibility!
the link to what type of facials to get did not work….thanks for the other information
Thanks Cindy for such a great post. I’ve been using Bioessence line…clean beauty…love it so far. Will be looking into the tinted moisturizer! Cheers!🍷
Hi Debbie
I must check it out so may have suggested it!
Hi Christine
I did not link to any facials. I am going to interview Carol in an upcoming post and we can hear it from the expert! She is our age and knows her stuff.
Thanks for the post Cindy very interesting. I like Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask for lips especially at night and for eyes at night Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. My daughter recommended Trader Joes Spa Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil for cleansing as I had horrible heat bumps on my forehead and that has helped a lot and smells wonderful 🙂
Hi Francesca
I like the idea of tea tree oil. I am going to try it when I next go to Trader Joes and will report back! I have heard good things about Tatcha as well.
I keep my routine simple. I wash my face at night, then apply prescription strength retinol followed by either a night cream or rose hip oil. In the morning I wash my face and apply Neutrogena Mineral sunscreen and head off for my morning walk. It leaves a white cast but I don’t care when I’m walking. After I shower I apply, Cerave sunscreen & cream, then foundation or tinted bb cream followed by mascara. Easy peasy! I’ve bought serums, toners and primers and found they are a waste because I don’t take the time to apply religiously.
What is the difference between facials & treatments?
Great information!! I just started using Cera V on my body. My skin is not oily anymore and I love the way face oil gives me a bit of a glow and really smooths out my crepy neck. I am going to buy your sunscreen as I am almost out. Definitely, pinning this!
Mary Ann, what face oil do you use? I’m desperate to smooth out my crepy neck! Also, I always enjoy your blog!
Thank you so much for sharing all this information! My face is oily and I’m prone to break outs, too. I have been using Neutrogena, the clear soap at night and witch Hazel in the mornings. And sunblock, too. I’m 66 and want to do more but it’s so confusing! Thank you again!
Hi Ramona
It is confusing. That is why I thought that graphic from Cosmo might be helpful. If you have a chance read the articles I linked to as well. They have helped me better understand.
Thank you for this. I’m 60 with oily skin as well. Wanting to target dark spots and my turkey neck with little results. I’ll keep trying 👍🏼