Skincare routine for mature skin: a simple daily plan

A skincare routine for mature skin does not need more steps than any other. It needs gentler cleansing, richer moisture and the same sunscreen everyone should be wearing. This guide gives you a morning and night plan, and it is strict about one thing: a product is only recommended for mature skin here if its own page says so, or says all skin types. For the general order of products, see skincare routine steps.

What changes, and what dermatologists suggest

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that skin becomes drier with age and that fine lines appear. Its advice for your 40s and 50s is plain:

• Sunscreen every day before going outdoors: broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant.
• Moisturizer every day, on the face, the body and the lips.
• Wash twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser, not soap, and do not scrub.

On texture, the Academy says skin holds less moisture with age, and that dermatologists recommend cream-based moisturizers from perimenopause or age 50. It names ceramides and hyaluronic acid as helpful moisturizer ingredients.

Which of our products name mature skin

The Retinol Alternative range, the Vitamin C Serum, the Hydrating Serum and the Bakuchiol Oil Serum are made for all skin types, so they fit too.

Morning routine for mature skin

1. Cleanse. Glow Facial Wash, a soft mousse that does not leave skin tight, or a rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Toner. Hydrating Toner: rose flower water with hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA and glycerin. It has no added fragrance.
3. Serum. Vitamin C Serum for a brighter, more even look. It is the one serum we mark for morning only.
4. Moisturizer. Peptide AM-PM Cream over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
5. Eye cream. Peptide Eye Cream, patted from the inner to the outer corner.
6. Sunscreen. One of your choice, as the final layer. There is no SPF product in our range.

The Peptide AM-PM Cream is the centre of this routine. It is one cream for both ends of the day, with hexapeptide-11 for smoother-looking skin, 2% sodium PCA to draw in moisture and 0.1% hyaluronic acid, plus mango seed butter and jojoba oil. It leaves a dewy finish. It has a delicate floral scent, so it is not the pick if you avoid fragrance.

Night routine for mature skin

1. Take makeup off, then cleanse. The Oil-to-Milk Cleanser melts makeup and rinses away as a milk.
2. Toner, as in the morning.
3. Serum. Retinol Alternative Serum, a few drops on a cleansed face.
4. Moisturizer. Peptide AM-PM Cream again, then the eye cream.
5. Oil, last. A few drops of Glow Face Oil, or 3 to 4 drops of Bakuchiol Oil Serum, pressed over the cream.

The Retinol Alternative Serum is a light fluid with 2% bidens pilosa extract, a plant alternative to retinol, for smoother-looking texture and softer-looking lines. It contains no retinol, sits on a base of aloe leaf juice and can be used morning and night. It is scented with rose and geranium.

The Bakuchiol Oil Serum is the other plant alternative in the range: 1% bakuchiol and 1.5% rosehip oil in a night oil that is COSMOS Organic certified. It stays on the skin as a soft layer, which is why it goes on last. Our guides compare the options: bakuchiol vs retinol and peptide serum vs retinol.

Honest limits

• The Peptide Serum's page names normal to dry skin, not mature skin. It pairs with the Peptide AM-PM Cream and uses the same peptide, so it fits if your skin is also on the dry side.
• The Ceramide Night Cream names normal to dry skin as well. If your skin is mature and dry, it is the richer night option.
• Most of this routine is scented. For a fragrance-free route, use the Niacinamide Serum and the Fragrance-Free Moisturizer, both made for all skin types.
• A cream cannot do a sunscreen's job. None of our products protects against the sun.

The six products we list for mature skin are together in skincare for mature skin.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best skincare routine for mature skin?

A short one you keep up: a mild cleanser, a serum, a cream moisturizer and, every morning, a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Add an eye cream and a face oil if you like them.

Should mature skin use a cream or a lotion?

A cream. The American Academy of Dermatology says skin holds less moisture with age and recommends cream-based moisturizers from perimenopause or age 50.

How often should mature skin be cleansed?

Twice a day, with warm water and a mild cleanser instead of soap. Do not scrub.

Is a face oil good for mature skin?

Our Glow Face Oil is made for normal, dry and mature skin. Press a few drops on as the last step, over your moisturizer, for a soft finish with a glowy look.

Does exokiss make a retinol?

No. We make plant alternatives: the Retinol Alternative range with 2% bidens pilosa extract, and the Bakuchiol Oil Serum with 1% bakuchiol. Neither contains retinol.

Do I still need sunscreen if I mostly stay indoors?

Dermatologists advise sunscreen every day before going outdoors, with shade and a wide-brimmed hat in the middle of the day. We do not make one, so choose a sunscreen you like enough to wear daily.

Sources

American Academy of Dermatology. Skin care in your 40s and 50s. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-40s-and-50s
American Academy of Dermatology. How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
Product details are taken from the exokiss product pages. This article is general information, not medical advice.