The Best Skincare For Women Over 50, According To Dermatologists

As you age, skin becomes more prone to fine lines, pigmentation and inflammation, and some vitamin C serums only tackle the discoloration. We named this serum from SkinCeuticals the best vitamin C serum because it’s one of the most potent products out there with a high concentration of vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid. It doesn’t just brighten skin; it also works to reduce inflammation and free radical damage to reveal a more smooth and even complexion.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Gregory Brown is a huge fan of LED face masks, saying that this type of light therapy can help to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture by promoting cell turnover, reduce age spots, brighten hyperpigmentation and more. While all of those concerns can be addressed with topical skincare products, incorporating an LED mask can help to enhance their efficacy. This one is FDA-cleared to help treat signs of aging using red, infrared and blue light. An additional feature of the TheraFace Mask is that it’s enabled with vibration therapy to help alleviate facial tension.

This milky essence features hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and microalgae. It also helps to strengthen the skin barrier with lipids, fatty acids and sterols. When all those ingredients come together, this helps to smooth out texture while also giving skin a more plump look and feel. Dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo vouches for the luxurious feel of this milk, too.

Dermatologist Dr. Anar Mikailov recommends a face oil for mature complexions. “Mature skin tends to be drier, so a facial oil can add a layer of occlusion to help minimize transepidermal water loss,” he says. While this product is labeled a serum, it contains 22 nutrient-rich botanical actives, including grape seed oil, hazelnut seed oil, rose flower oil and more. After cleansing, rub five to six drops in your hands to activate the serum and gently press the formula into your skin.

This high-potency cream has all the collagen-producing and line-smoothing benefits of retinol without being too harsh or aggressive—plus it’s our top pick in our roundup of the best retinol creams. Oat, willow bark and licorice extracts help to soothe the skin while a triple peptide blend helps to strengthen and firm it. Doft says that if you add just one product to your routine in your 50s, it should be a retinol like this one to help strengthen skin and increase elastin production.

Swiss beauty brand Cellcosmet is loved by celebrity aestheticians and editors alike thanks to its inclusion of proprietary cellular extracts that boost hydration and firm the skin over time. It also includes a marine-derived postbiotic complex that strengthens the skin barrier to protect it from the harmful effects of pollutants and blue light. It’s expensive, but a little goes a very long way, and customers say the rich cream absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave any greasy residue and gives their skin a beautiful glow.

Featured in our best eye creams story, this vegan, cruelty-free product is packed with powerful ingredients that target dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and more. It contains lilac stem cells and hyaluronic acid to lift, brighten, plump and depuff the skin. The gentle formula has been ophthalmologist-tested and is safe for use on the eyelids, brows and temples.

A great option for those struggling with extreme dryness or irritation, Tata Harper’s face mask contains 1,000 different sizes of hyaluronic acid to enhance penetration into the skin. It also contains tremella mushroom to lock in moisture and help with collagen production. Use this regularly, and chances are you’ll start to see a more plump and smooth complexion. People with easily-irritated skin will also appreciate that the gel formula can feel calming on the skin.

Brown says that microcurrent tools like this one help to stimulate the muscles, toning and lifting sagging areas. “Like an LED mask, using one of these can help complement skincare products that contain active ingredients by enhancing their efficacy,” he says. This cult-favorite device is beloved by aestheticians and Forbes Vetted editors alike (see our in-depth Trinity+ review here). It glides smoothly over the face with a light vibration that almost feels soothing and relaxing. This set comes with a conducting gel as well as a serum to apply afterwards.

While the skin on the neck may seem identical to the skin on your face, Brown says it’s not. “Neck skin behaves much differently physiologically,” he says. “There are limited treatment options available for improving the quality of the skin in this area, so skincare is crucial.” He recommends a targeted treatment like this one from Alastin, because it nurtures and helps tighten the skin, also brightening the appearance of pigmentation.

Doft recommends diligent sunscreen application because it helps to reduce further UV damage. EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 earned top marks from our tester with sensitive skin who appreciated the finish and easy application (read our full review of the best face sunscreens). The formula also contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E to help strengthen and nourish the skin.