The best skin care routine for your 60s, according to dermatologists
You're 60, sassy and classy, but just because your kids are grown and raised and you have one eye on retirement doesn't mean there aren't new challenges ahead — especially with your skin. You might be past the days of acne scars and pregnancy stretch marks, but those over 60 have their own hodgepodge of skin care concerns to deal with. From dry and flaky skin to wrinkles and "crepey skin," this is the decade where you'll begin to see a lot of your life showing up on your face. And while there might not be a ton you can do at this point to reverse decades of sun damage or erase fine lines and wrinkles permanently, it's never too late to kick off a preventative skincare routine that tackles the top problems of aging skin — i.e., hydration, volume, sun damage and wrinkles.
"In the 60s, the skin tends to become drier, thinner and more delicate due to decreased natural oil production and a decline in collagen and elastin," said Dr. Hannah Kopelman, host of the podcast Derm Club and Chief Medical Officer for DermOnDemand. "It's crucial to focus more on hydration, gentle cleansing and ingredients that support barrier function and skin repair."
Building a dermatologist-recommended skincare routine for aging skin isn't as complicated (or expensive!) — as you might think. In fact, all of the dermatologists I spoke with said that it's the ingredients in the products — not fancy brands with triple-digit price tags — that matter the most when it comes to building an effective anti-aging regimen for your 60s."It’s important to use high-quality skincare from trustworthy sources, but it does not necessarily have to be expensive," said Dr. Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist in Dallas. "Skincare from reputable brands, backed by science, is available for a range of budgets."
To help you find the best products for your lifestyle and budget, I spoke with six doctors and dermatologists about the science behind aging, what ingredients and textures to look for in skin care products, and how to build a skin care routine that actually works in your 60s.
In this article: Face Wash | Moisturizer | SPF Moisturizer | Tinted Moisturizer | Serums | Retinols | Under Eye Cream | Sunscreen | Skin Care Devices
What key ingredients should you seek out in your 60s?
Hyaluronic acid, retinoids, niacinamide and other B vitamins, vitamin C, and peptides are hydrating, plumping and skin-rejuvenating ingredients to look for as you rethink your skincare routine in your 60s. "Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides and antioxidants like vitamin C and E are beneficial," according to Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D. and board-certified dermatologist in Miami. "Retinol can help with wrinkles and spots. Always look for products with broad-spectrum SPF."
All of the experts we spoke with agreed that ingredients matter more than price tag when it comes to skincare. "Expensive does not always equate to effectiveness," Dr. Kopelman said. "Many affordable products contain the key ingredients mentioned above and can be just as effective as their luxury counterparts. The focus should be on the formulation and the concentration of active ingredients rather than the brand or price."
What ingredients should you stay away from?
Harsh alcohols, strong fragrances, aggressive exfoliants, sulfates and mineral oils. Alcohols, exfoliants and sulfates can dry out your skin further, fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and minerals oils can clog pores, according Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, certified dermatologist and Medical Head for ClinicSpots in Hyderabad.
What changes should you make in your 60s from your skincare routine in your 50s?
The over-60s usually have different skincare concerns, such as drier and thinner skin, so it's important to choose products with ingredients that focus on those symptoms.
"Switching from products that may have been suitable in the 50s to more hydrating, nourishing formulations is advisable," Dr. Kopelman said. "Additionally, incorporating products that address age spots and texture irregularities can be beneficial."
Dr. Chekuri advises switching to a higher SPF, especially if using retinol products, and switching from harsh scrubs to chemical exfoliants to avoid irritating skin.
What should you know about using retinol for the first time?
"Retinol is a type of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A," Dr. Chacon said. "It boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps out skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin tone and reduces mottled patches. Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin adapts. Use it at night and always apply sunscreen in the morning as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight."
If you're worried about introducing retinol into your routine, Dr. Kopelman has a simple hack—what she's dubbed "the retinol sandwich method." In this method, "a layer of moisturizer is applied to the skin, followed by retinol, followed by an additional layer of moisturizer."
Face Wash & Cleansers
Serum
Moisturizers
Moisturizer With SPF
Tinted Moisturizer With SPF
Sunscreen
Night Cream
Under Eye Cream
Skin Care Devices
Sources:
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, host of the podcast Derm Club and Chief Medical Officer for DermOnDemand
Dr. Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist in Dallas
Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D. and board-certified dermatologist in Miami
Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, certified dermatologist and Medical Head for ClinicSpots in Hyderabad
Dr. Natalie M. Curcio, M.D. and Founder of Curcio Dermatology in Nashville
Dr. Elle de Moll, M.D. and board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut