Skincare Over 60: How to Look Younger at 60

• Taking care of your skin is encouraged at any age, but people over 60 may encounter unique skin challenges that need to be addressed.
• As we age, skin tends to become thinner, dryer, less vibrant, more susceptible to sun damage, and slower to heal cuts and bruises.
• Following an anti-aging skincare routine can help address wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, and more.

As we age, we may start to lose our youthful glow. With a daily routine, someone can maintain a more youthful appearance and, more importantly, keep their skin healthy. Continue reading to learn more about how the skin changes with age, the skin care products to maintain skin health, and how to customize a skin care regimen to your specific needs.

A regular skincare routine is highly encouraged to keep skin healthy, nourished, and vibrant, but after 60 you might find that your skin needs a different approach. 

What Happens to Your Skin as You Age?

As we age, our skin goes through changes. Mature skin loses tone and elasticity due to decreased collagen and elastin, which can result in sagging skin. Fine lines and wrinkles appear, and skin becomes thinner and drier.

How quickly skin ages is influenced by biological, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Awareness of these influences can help you address aging skin and develop an effective skincare routine.

Factors that Influence Skin Aging

• Biological and genetic: Genetics and biological factors contribute to skin aging. For example, genetic variants in the gene MMP1 can potentially influence how quickly collagen breaks down. The skin cells which produce collagen may also slow productions, though some products may stimulate collagen production. However, a good skin care routine can help mitigate their effects.
• Hormonal: Hormonal changes, such as menopause, can increase the appearance of aging in the skin, but using anti-aging products can help treat some of the side effects.
• Environmental: UV damage from the sun’s UV radiation can potentially cause damage to the skin over time. Other factors such as pollution and stress promote premature aging, but using sunscreen and antioxidants can help protect skin.

An effective skincare routine, typically includes a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, an exfoliator, and anti-aging skincare products/​serums that target specific skin concerns you may have.

In general you will apply these products in the following order:

1. Cleanser
2. Exfoliator (only 1–2x a week)
3. Toner (if using)
4. Serums
5. Moisturizer
6. Eye Cream

1. Cleanse

Skin can become more sensitive as you age, so finding the appropriate cleanser – a product that removes impurities such as dirt, oil, makeup, and sweat from the skin – can make a difference. Some factors to consider when choosing a cleanser include:

• Using a non-drying cream-to-foam cleanser that soothes and strengthens the skin barrier
• Avoid harsh exfoliating cleansers, rough cloths, or harsh soaps, as they can irritate the skin and damage the skin’s moisture barrier
• Choosing a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic cleanser to minimize the risk of irritation

When cleansing, it’s also advised to cleanse gently and to use lukewarm to warm water rather than hot. Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils and potentially increase dryness.

2. Exfoliate and Tone

Exfoliation and toning help remove dead skin cells and clear out pores, but given some of their harsher properties, you’re typically advised to only use these products a few times a week.

Exfoliants

Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells, which can help prevent clogged pores and even out skin tone. Use a gentle exfoliant that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help improve skin texture and tone.

Toners

Toners remove skin cells and irritants that remain after washing the face.Use a toner formulated for your skin type and contains witch hazel or rosewater to help balance skin pH and tighten pores.

3. Add Anti-Aging Products/​Serums

In addition to cleansing and moisturizing, products with anti-aging ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol, and hydrating serums, can benefit mature skin. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat signs of aging by fighting free radicals (toxins that result from air pollution or other external sources) and boosting collagen production. Vitamin C can also help with uneven skin tone and reduce dark spots.

Look for a vitamin C serum that contains at least 20% vitamin C and is packaged in an opaque container to protect the product from light exposure.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that encourages exfoliation, helping to remove old skin cells and reveal newer, healthier skin cells. Retinol or encapsulated retinol can also help minimize wrinkles and fine lines by slowing collagen breakdown, which typically increases when a person enters their 30s.

Introduce retinol to your skin gradually, starting with a low concentration and slowly increasing it as your skin adapts. If the retinol is too harsh for your skin, alternatives such as bakuchiol may be used, often with similar results.

Hydrating Serums

Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, providing long-lasting moisture and improving skin elasticity. Using a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide helps lock in moisture and supports the skin’s protective barrier.

4. Moisturize

Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and using a moisturizer can help replace lost oils and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When you are selecting a moisturizer, some factors to consider include:

• Choosing a moisturizer suitable for your skin type (oily, dry, or combination skin) will help you obtain the appropriate levels of hydration
• Choosing a moisturizer that contains anti-aging ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, or peptides
• Some moisturizers include a built-in SPF component, which can help protect your skin from sun exposure

After cleansing and toning, apply a moisturizer to help lock in the moisture and protect your skin.

5. Eye Care

The area surrounding your eyes becomes more sensitive as you age and is more prone to dryness and wrinkles. Because of this, products have been specifically formulated for undereye areas and are a necessary part of any mature adult’s skin routine. An anti-aging eye cream with concentrated active ingredients can revitalize and firm the skin.

The skin around the eyes is very thin and should be treated with sensitive ingredients to avoid irritation. It’s important to apply these products gently, using a light dabbing or circular massaging technique for optimal absorption and to minimize irritation.

Additionally, your eyes need proper hydration to avoid fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. Some ingredients to look for in eye creams that can help treat these issues include:

• Caffeine
• Peptides
• Hyaluronic Acid

6. Sun Protection

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases the risk of skin damage. It’s easy to forget how often we are exposed to the sun’s rays when running errands or even sitting near a window. Even more, some people put more sunscreen on their bodies than the face and neck area, leaving these areas at risk. The CDC says less than half of all older adults don’t protect their skin from the sun when they are outdoors for an hour or more, and seniors are at higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to the general population (most skin cancer diagnoses occur in those over 65).

Applying broad spectrum sunscreen daily with a minimum SPF of 30 decreases one’s risk of skin cancer. Daily sunscreen should be applied in the morning or before you go out for the day.

The best plumping face cream for mature skin is one that helps improve hydration, smoothness, and the appearance of fine lines. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides, ceramides, and squalane, which can help the skin look fuller and feel more moisturized. For mature or sensitive skin, it is best to avoid creams with strong fragrance, drying alcohols, or harsh exfoliating ingredients that may cause irritation.

The best retinol for mature skin is usually a gentle formula that supports smoother-looking skin without causing too much dryness or irritation. Look for retinol products that include hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, or hyaluronic acid. Mature skin may be more sensitive, so it is best to avoid starting with a very high-strength retinol or using it too often at first.
 

The best hydrating serum for mature skin should focus on moisture, barrier support, and a plumper-looking complexion. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, ceramides, and niacinamide can help attract and retain moisture while supporting softer, smoother skin. Try to avoid serums with high amounts of alcohol, heavy fragrance, or too many strong active ingredients if your skin is dry or easily irritated.

Retinol and hyaluronic acid do different things, so the better choice depends on your skin goals. Retinol is often used to improve the look of fine lines, uneven texture, and signs of aging, while hyaluronic acid is best for hydration and a plumper-looking appearance. Many mature skin routines can include both: hyaluronic acid for moisture and retinol for visible signs of aging. If your skin is sensitive, introduce retinol slowly and use a moisturizer to help reduce dryness.

The six steps are more general, and many can be achieved with over the counter products, such as a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen or a fragrance free moisturizer. However, skin health varies, and it’s best to customize your skin care regimen to your personal needs and goals.

Common skin care goals include:

• Stop more wrinkles from forming
• Fade age spots
• Avoid moisture loss or prevent skin dryness
• Reduce fine lines
• Improve skin barrier function
• Boost elastin production

Consult a dermatologist before adding any advanced ingredients or topical products to your daily routine. Depending on your goal, they may recommend products that replace natural lipids, contain salicylic acid, have lactic acid, or help with cell turnover.

Visiting a Dermatologist

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and much like a routine doctor’s visit, visiting a dermatologist regularly is beneficial to keep your skin healthy. Skin conditions are relatively common, so it’s worth having a dermatologist, an industry expert, check any skin issues you may be concerned about, such as moles or dry, itchy skin, to ensure they aren’t part of a more serious condition. 

Some skin conditions dermatologists can diagnose/​treat include:

• Skin cancer
• Shingles
• Psoriasis
• Hair loss
• Ingrown nails
• Eczema
• Age spots

Note: To find a board certified dermatologist near you, visit this resource.

Use Face Massage Techniques

In addition to your skincare routine, you can incorporate facial massages to help stimulate your skin. Face massage can help boost circulation and collagen production, improving skin elasticity and firmness.

Use gentle, upward motions to massage the face, focusing on areas with fine lines and wrinkles for the best results.

Eat a Balanced Diet and Stay Hydrated

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega‑3 fatty acids can help support skin health by providing vital nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats that keep skin healthy, glowing, and hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s recommended to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water daily.

Protect Skin From the Sun

In addition to using an SPF daily, you’ll want to protect your skin from sun exposure as much as possible. You can do this by staying in the shade when available, wearing clothing that covers your skin (depending on the weather), and wearing wide-brimmed hats to keep the sun off your face, neck, and shoulders.

Get Plenty of Rest

Getting plenty of rest can not only benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally but can also help improve your skin. When you don’t get enough rest, your skin may show signs of being puffy or dull, or you may have dark circles underneath your eyes.

Creating a regular bedtime routine, limiting screen time as you near bedtime, and staying away from caffeine and heavy foods a few hours before bed can all help you get a proper night’s sleep.

Note: For more tips for better sleep, visit this resource.