What Is the Most Effective Anti-Aging Routine for Those Over 50?

Ever wanted to ask a beauty editor for their expert advice? Or get recommendations from someone who's tested every product out there? You're in the right place. In our weekly segment, Ask a Beauty Editor, beauty editor Hana Hong addresses your most pressing skincare, haircare, and makeup queries, all submitted by Mytour readers. Join us every Tuesday and send in your questions for a chance to be featured.

What serums or skincare products should I prioritize at age 59? — @hmboettcher

Switching up your skincare routine as you enter a new decade is always a good idea, but this becomes even more crucial when you reach your 50s and beyond. Even if you've been diligent about your skincare for years, the fifth decade of life inevitably introduces more noticeable signs of aging—deep wrinkles, sun spots, a crepey texture, and loss of volume. These changes require a more targeted strategy to address them effectively.

Blame your hormones (or the lack of them). As estrogen levels sharply decline with menopause, your skin loses some of its firmness. But don't worry—this just means it's time to start incorporating specific ingredients, such as serums, that can help support your skin during this phase. Here's a guide on how to care for your skin in your 50s.

Key Principles of Skincare

Let's lay down the basic rules. Effective skincare in your 50s revolves around several key principles. First and foremost, always wear sunscreen and protective clothing whenever you can. Regularly wash your face and use a thick moisturizer with plenty of humectants and emollients twice daily to prevent skin dehydration (as your skin naturally produces less oil at this age). If you haven't yet, consider investing in a silk pillowcase and a bedside humidifier to keep your skin hydrated overnight.

Ingredients to Look for

As we age, certain ingredients in skincare serums can help to boost the natural processes of our skin that slow down over time. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, emphasizes that after the age of 50, your serum should support the skin’s natural functions which can become less active. A complicated skincare regimen isn't necessary, in fact, simplicity is key. Since your skin thins with age and might not tolerate harsh treatments, it's best to focus on a select few ingredients.

The first essential ingredient to include is glycolic acid, which helps clear out pores and smooth the skin’s texture. The second is hyaluronic acid, which aids in retaining moisture for a plumper appearance. Retinol is the third, known for accelerating cell turnover and boosting collagen production (resulting in firmer, more youthful skin). Lastly, vitamin C is vital for fading age spots and brightening the skin’s overall tone.

Glycolic acid and retinol can be used in conjunction, as long as they are applied on alternate days. In fact, these two work in synergy to enhance the effectiveness of each other. Glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of skin, while retinol stimulates collagen production from deeper layers, leading to plumper, healthier-looking skin. Simply put, glycolic acid works on the surface, and retinol works beneath it.

A variety of procedures are available to combat the visible signs of aging. These include neuromodulator injections to target fine lines caused by facial movements, dermal fillers to restore lost volume, and laser treatments to tighten and resurface the skin, all of which help stimulate collagen production. However, Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, notes that there’s no obligation to undergo professional treatments if you prefer not to. Some procedures, like using beauty rollers, can be done in the comfort of your own home.

There are several treatments to address aging signs, such as neuromodulator injections for fine lines from facial expressions and dermal fillers to restore volume. Laser therapies are also effective in tightening and resurfacing the skin while stimulating collagen production, says Dr. Hadley King, a New York City-based dermatologist. But if you’re not interested in professional treatments, there are low-key alternatives like beauty rollers that can be used at home.

Now, let's get into some product recommendations. Although I’m not yet in my 50s, each of these products has been carefully reviewed by two trusted dermatologists, Dr. Zeichner and Dr. King, as well as tested personally by my 54-year-old mother, who, by the way, is known for being quite discerning about what she uses.

The best skincare products for women over 50

Glycolic Acid

This fruit-derived acid, extracted from sugarcane, reaches the deepest layers of the skin, making it the most potent exfoliator, though it can be irritating for sensitive skin. Luckily, this affordable drugstore serum is designed for everyday use, thanks to the soothing addition of aloe.

Available for purchase: L'Oreal Paris 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum ($23; amazon.com)

Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium hyaluronate, or hyaluronic acid, is a natural substance found in our bodies that draws moisture and helps lock it into the skin. This blue bottle, which is as delightful to use as it is to look at, contains an 89% concentration of the mineral-rich water from the French town of Vichy, combined with hyaluronic acid, for lasting hydration.

Available for purchase: Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($30; amazon.com)

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, one of the most potent antioxidants in skincare, works wonders to brighten, firm, and smooth uneven, dull skin. This option from Dr. Zeichner features a combination of three different forms of vitamin C in a stable formula that is suitable for all types of mature skin.

Available for purchase: Maya Chia Super Lift ($110; credobeauty.com)

Retinol

Retinol is well-known for its ability to rejuvenate the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. However, retinol starts to lose its effectiveness as soon as the bottle is opened due to oxidation. That's why ampoules are the best option. These small capsules contain stabilized retinol, ensuring the product remains potent until you’re ready to use it.

Available for purchase: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules ($20; amazon.com)

Growth Factors

This new brand, endorsed by Dr. King, is designed specifically for post-menopausal skin that’s deficient in estrogen. It features methyl estradiolpropanoate, a non-hormonal ingredient that activates the skin’s estrogen receptor pathway. Since hydration is especially important for those over 50, this formula is also enriched with hyaluronic acid.

Available for purchase: Emepelle Serum ($175; amazon.com)

DNA Repair Enzymes

Dr. Zeichner explains that by the time you reach 50, your skin cells have accumulated years of DNA damage, and their natural repair mechanisms (which help protect us from sun damage) have weakened. The solution? Apply these enzymes directly to the skin to stimulate the repair process and guard against free radical damage.

Available for purchase: Neova DNA Total Repair ($103; neova.com)