After years of testing various skin creams, serums, toners, and lotions, I've reached a point where I'm consistently repurchasing my entire skincare regimen. While overall health, including drinking enough water, exercising, getting sufficient sleep, managing allergies, and eating leafy greens, plays a significant role in how my skin looks, skincare products most definitely contribute. A few things to note about my routine: I get Botox 1-2 times a year for forehead lines but have been hesitant to try it around my eyes. I haven't been getting routine facials regularly, but recently tried one with electrocurrents and loved the results. While these facials might not last longer than a couple of weeks, I can understand why people opt for them monthly. I still swear by the LED mask I purchased years ago; it still works great and is easy enough to use somewhat reliably, though I go through phases of usage, being more consistent in the winter for some reason. New masks are released regularly, so this is more of a general endorsement of LED red-light therapy rather than a specific mask. The exact mask might not matter as much as finding one you're actually willing to use. However, the results are quite impressive when used consistently: smoother, clearer, glowier skin with visibly reduced wrinkles. For best results, use these masks on freshly cleansed, bare skin.
One significant change in recent years has been the understanding that protecting the skin barrier leads to better skin. I've found that using exfoliators sparingly, but critically, is very important for my skin. I've also reduced my use of prescription retinol, as it was too harsh for the benefits it provided, and I've been much happier with a few over-the-counter products.
Key Skincare Products for Mature Skin
Face Creams and Serums
Ursa Major is one of the best skincare brands available. The price point is reasonable, the packaging is earth-friendly (this one is a recyclable glass jar), and the products truly deliver exceptional results. This face cream was the first product I tried from the brand, and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and glowing. It's also a great option if you prefer a single product that can serve as your everything: face cream, eye cream, and serum. In the winter, I layer it over Ursa Major’s Mountain Glow Golden Serum, both morning and night. In the summer, I sometimes use it alone.
If I had to choose only one product I couldn't live without, it would be this one. It's funny because I was initially underwhelmed when I first started using it. However, after a couple of weeks, my skin began to look amazing. It's now my absolute favorite product, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It manages to increase skin firmness, leaving it more supple, while smoothing fine lines and, I believe, even reducing pore size. My skin has literally never looked so good. In the summer, I use this alone as my only face cream (unless I need a little extra moisture, then I layer something over it). In the winter, I use it layered under a thicker cream. I also use it both in the morning (often alone) and at night (layered).
Eye Care
This eye balm starts as a hardened oil that needs to be warmed between the fingers. Nothing feels better under my eyes; it's an instant refresh, an immediate moment of bliss. My eyes look brighter, younger, plumped, and refreshed, and they feel that way too! I've stopped using concealer. The only downside is that I use so much that the oil takes a long time to absorb, but it leaves my under-eyes moisturized all night, with a noticeable difference in the morning. However, if I need to apply makeup shortly after showering, I use a different eye cream. I use this every single night. If I'm having a lazy morning or planning to work out before showing, I'll reapply this under-eye balm in the morning because it feels so good.
Neck and Body Care
This product is borderline gimmicky, but it genuinely works. I suspect it's due to the combination of caffeine with a deep moisturizer. Bottom line: if the skin on your neck is starting to look a little crepey, this cream literally smooths it away within seconds. The cream works well, but the results are temporary, requiring consistent use twice daily. Because of this, the cream often sells out. I apply it every morning, every night, and sometimes before going out. It doesn't matter if I shower or not; morning, night, or date night, I'm smoothing this cream onto my neck.
I'm a big fan of oil-based cleansers because you simply wipe them off with a damp towel, eliminating the need to splash water on your face. This one is the best I've found for removing even the most stubborn eye makeup. While it removes makeup better than any other cleanser I've tried, it doesn't have the blissful spa-like scent or texture of Colleen Rothschild’s Radiant Cleansing Balm. I use it every night, rubbing it into my lashes, and it literally melts away mascara and eye makeup.
This is another product I'm passionately devoted to, and reviewers agree! It's pricey, but literally nothing else comes close to being as effective.
Summer Skincare Essentials
While my nighttime routine has been satisfactory for a while, my daytime routine, especially in hot, humid weather, needed refinement. Although it's challenging to avoid feeling like a sweaty mess in temperatures over 90°F, Annmarie Borland’s latest line, Natuneo, has made a significant difference. This is the line I now swear by for hot and humid summer days, and it has been thoroughly tested in both Philadelphia's swampy summer conditions and the south of Spain in July. These products resist shine and the overwhelmingly greasy feeling I've come to expect in the summer, especially while traveling. My makeup stays put better than with any other products I've tried, even with sunscreen layered on top. The downside is that the line is very pricey. I either wipe my face with a damp towel first or cleanse my face in the morning to prepare it for these products. I layer on the serum, then eye cream, then the face cream. If you don't require as much moisture as I do, you might be able to skip the serum, but this trio is fantastic.
Hydration Boosters
This serum delivers a potent punch of moisture and layers beautifully under (or over) other skincare products. It absorbs quickly, feels fresh and light on the skin, and leaves behind a plumper texture and a slight glow. One thing I've started doing in recent years is applying some sort of oil to my face as soon as I wake up. It gives my skin an instant glow, and I've found that my skin stays more moisturized throughout the day. It's like a little pump of protection before heading out into the elements or applying sunscreen/makeup. For years, I used Biossance’s Rose Oil for this purpose, and it's still fantastic, but I find this Hyaluronic Acid “shake” even more effective. Note: I skip this step on hot, humid summer days.
This is the most delightful body cream I have ever used. It's intensely moisturizing, yet eventually absorbs (though it does take several minutes). I use it after every shower, and it's amazing.
If you've ever used Ursa Major’s face cream and thought, "I want to bathe in it," then this is for you. This is my newest addition, and I absolutely love it. It applies as richly as Youth to the People products but doesn't take as long to absorb. The result is a brighter glow, and it's useful when I need to get dressed quickly after showering. This line also offers a body serum (brightens & firms) and a dry oil, which are fun to layer, but the body cream is the best starting point-it's fantastic. The Ursa Major body cream has a natural scent, thanks to the sweet Neroli, sour Rose, and Sandalwood. I use it after every shower.
Intensely Moisturizing Creams
There are times when I require MAJOR moisture, usually in the winter after skiing or outdoor running, but sometimes in the summer too, if I've gotten too much sun. I've found that having a truly thick, rich, deeply moisturizing cream is incredibly useful. After years of testing, I've found a handful that all seem to work equally well. This is a category where I'm constantly trying new products, but the ones below have proven tough to beat.
I layer a thick layer of this over my Mountain Glow Golden Serum, and it's amazing. I also appreciate the hint of Vitamin C in it.
This is the cream I'm currently using, and it lasts forever. Another deeply rich cream that is also clean (and comes in a glass jar), this one is notable not only for its truly intense moisture but also because it's amazing on sensitive skin, calming everything down. The downside is a slightly greasy feel, and it takes time to fully absorb. The smell is a bit musty, like an old grandfather, but it's so effective that I don't mind. Perhaps it's nostalgic?
This thick cream smells and feels so good I want to bathe in it. It has a plump, bouncy texture that reminds me of Elmer's Glue, but in the best possible way. It's amazing and has collagen-stimulating, firming properties, as well as support for the skin barrier.
This is another powerhouse of moisture. I love that it's completely unscented and deeply protective of the skin barrier. Anecdotally, it's not quite as safe on sensitive skin; when my partner's face was red after a day of skiing, this one burned a little, and we had to remove it and use Ursa Major’s Alpine Rich Cream instead. The dispenser takes some getting used to-just don't push down fully, and it will dispense the correct amount, which is more hygienic than dipping your fingers into the product.
Targeted Treatments
When I need a little extra glow or know I'll be spending more time in the sun, I almost always use this Vitamin C Serum under my moisturizer. I use this product a few times per week, provided my skin feels hydrated; otherwise, I opt for the overnight mask. It goes on blue and turns clear as it absorbs. I wake up with fresh, glowing skin, which is quite transformative. The smell is not great, but it's so effective that I don't care.
This is quite old-school, but I haven't found a better exfoliator. There's some physical exfoliation from the gritty components, but the AHAs do the heavy lifting. The smell is like a pumpkin candle, which I love in the fall but find annoying in the spring/summer. If a better product becomes available, I'll switch, but this one remains the best for now.
This old favorite is great for simply changing things up. My favorite way to use this product is to switch to it for a week (or, more realistically, 4-5 days in a row). The change-up, combined with its resurfacing properties, is really beneficial for my skin. The smell is effective rather than pleasant, but I can accept that.
These are exactly what I always wished makeup-removing towelettes felt like. I always keep some in my backpack and travel kit.
Expert-Recommended Brands for Mature Skin
When we think of mature skin, we often consider individuals over 40 who are likely experiencing signs of aging beyond initial indicators like fine lines around the eyes or between the brows. This includes increased dryness, loss of firmness, and deeper wrinkling, often exacerbated by hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause. These specific skin concerns require potent formulas backed by science and trusted by professionals. Here is a list of the best skincare brands for mature skin, catering to various shopping preferences.
Medical-Grade and Dermatologist-Recommended Brands
- ALASTIN: This medical-grade skincare is often found at dermatologists' offices. Its TransFORM Body Treatment is recommended after body-sculpting procedures. The products feature innovative TriHex Technology designed to support the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen.
- SkinCeuticals: Praised globally by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for its scientific breakthroughs, particularly its antioxidant formulations. The C E Ferulic Serum is a best-seller, and the A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum is a double-patented formula for firming and tightening skin on the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck.
- SkinMedica: Consistently recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since its launch in 1999. SkinMedica is known for its scientifically backed, high-performance products aimed at softening signs of aging and improving overall skin health. Its TNS Advanced+ Serum is a leader in growth factor innovation, addressing lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven tone and texture. Many products also complement in-office treatments.
French Pharmacy and Botanical Brands
- Caudalie: Known for its Vinoperfect Serum, a global best-seller since 2005. The brand utilizes resveratrol and botanicals from grape vines, specializing in reducing signs of aging, particularly dark spots and wrinkles. Its Premier Cru collection features Caudalie's Longevity Patent, developed with Harvard Medical School, to plump the skin, enhance cheekbones, and define the jawline.
- RoC: Fans of the Retinol Correxion line have been loyal for years, praising its wrinkle-smoothing effects. The cult-classic Line Smoothing Eye Cream sells one every 30 seconds. Founded by a pharmacist in Paris in 1957, RoC was one of the first brands to offer an over-the-counter retinol product and continues to innovate.
Luxury and Iconic Brands
- Lancôme: This iconic French brand, celebrating its 90th anniversary, is renowned for its makeup and fragrance, but its skincare range features innovative biotech ingredients targeting all signs of aging, making it ideal for mature skin. The luxurious Absolue collection utilizes nearly every part of the rose. The best-selling and refillable Génifique Ultimate Serum improves radiance, evens skin tone, refines pores, reduces fine lines, enhances smoothness and softness, and repairs a damaged skin barrier.
Accessible and Drugstore Options
- Cetaphil: While often purchased for teenage acne, its new Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming line is a great choice for mature skin. The collection includes a lotion, face/neck cream, and body cream featuring the brand's Skin Activator Technology, combining microdosed AHA and encapsulated cica to make crepey skin look firmer, smoother, and younger. With a campaign backed by actress Mariska Hargitay, this drugstore staple is not to be missed.
Specialized Brands for Menopausal Skin
- Stripes Beauty: Founded by actress Naomi Watts, this brand is a leader in skincare designed for menopausal skin. It offers a comprehensive approach to the many changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause, with products for skin, body, intimate care, hair, and supplements. The top-selling Dew As I Do Moisturizer is a fan favorite for its hydrating and brightening properties.
Organic and Spa-Quality Brands
- Éminence Organic Skin Care: Crafted with ingredients from biodynamic farms in Hungary, this organic brand offers farm-to-face skincare. Used in many spas, Éminence has collections for every skin type, effectively addressing the concerns of mature skin. Their best-selling Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream are excellent for dry and aging skin.