Skin care

The Best Skin Care Routine for Your Age

Still using that oil-free cleanser your mom gave you when you were 13? Then it's time to re-think how you treat your skin

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If you're in your 50s ... "Moisture, moisture, moisture," says Waldorf, should be your main concern in your 50s. Loss of tone and sagging are your biggest issues and creams and serums can only do so much. If you're looking for more dramatic results, in addition to using powerful products that contain peptides, retinoids, or alpha hydroxy or amino acids, consider talking to your derm about laser treatments and other non-evasive or evasive skin rejuvenation options if you haven't already.

Your ideal regimen:
Step 1: Use a cream cleanser that will hydrate skin while it cleanses.
Step 2: Choose a moisturizing cream that contains SPF to keep skin hydrated and protected. Because ingredients like retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, daily use of sunscreen is a must.
Step 3: For day, apply a peptide rich serum under your SPF daily to help build collagen. Look for one that also contains antioxidants to fight free radicals or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
Step 4: For night, apply a retinoid like retinol before your moisturizer "Generally retinoids are applied at night because most lose potency with exposure to ultraviolet light," says Waldorf.
Step 5: Though it sounds too simple (and inexpensive) to be true, a simple petroleum jelly is tops at sealing in moisture, which is more important now than ever. Apply it following any treatment serums.

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Older comments

very good basic article , remember also that powders and foundations do age the skin , try minimizing the makeup you wear let your skin have as much fresh air and exercise

by SaraS Friday, April 19, 2013 at 09:07AM Report as inappropriate

As a mother of two I am in a constant battle between what I want and what our family budget says I can actually afford. I am always looking for a good bargain but there are some things, like my skin care, that I cannot compromise on! I've been a huge fan of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare products for years; especially their Alpha Beta pads, but they can be pricey so thankfully one of my favorite sites, Skinterra, is having a great sale right now! Right now they are having a sale for 22% off their entire store (not just iS Clinical!) PLUS for a limited time if you spend $75 or more they will give you a deluxe size of iS Reparative Moisturizer- for free! Everyone is raving about this moisturizer, so I can’t wait to try it. I'm telling everyone I know so you had better hurry to take advantage before they run out!

by egbrock Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 11:53AM Report as inappropriate

thanks for the info

by LittleBunny Friday, March 1, 2013 at 06:35PM Report as inappropriate

I wish that they would give some examples. I've been trying to find a good spot treatment but sadly none has worked.

by juli_hutcheson Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 12:57PM Report as inappropriate

I'm 32 and I have fairly good skin and I don't want to use Botox or fillers, so I've been using YOUTH2Skin which gives my skin what it needs to be healthy and maintain. I've been using the bee venom mask for targeted wrinkles and spots.

by danceprometheus Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 11:48AM Report as inappropriate

Good article.

by nicky22 Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 08:24AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you for this post! I definitely needed to hear this laid out so clearly!

by schien Monday, February 18, 2013 at 04:38PM Report as inappropriate

it is important to adjust skin regimen based not just on age, but on individual needs as well. Some people use the same products, and look great, others are constantly in search of things that work.

by venenumletalis Monday, February 18, 2013 at 12:35PM Report as inappropriate

@TheDivaRose and @kimber314, you are both so right. Some of my friends are in their early forties and some of them are so worried about reaching 50 (as if the alternative were better. LOL).

by sundayobrien Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 10:15PM Report as inappropriate

Why do they act like when you reach your 50's, you are a lost cause? You are basically saying it's too late, we're old, too bad, deal with it. And Hades will freeze over before I put a petro product on my face. I'm 53, use the 40's regimen and am told often I look 10 yrs younger or more. Come on 50's ladies, keep up the good work. It does too pay off!

by kimber314 Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 08:29PM Report as inappropriate