24 Skincare Tips and Products for Women 50+

It doesn’t matter if you are 50 years old or just starting to reach that age, caring for your skin is essential. There is so much on the market today. Most likely, you don’t know where to begin!

If you are, then you’ve come to the right place. These are not my recommendations for dermatologists. You might want to make an appointment with a trusted skin care professional. A dermatologist or an esthetician can help you identify your unique skincare needs and help you target skin issues. We won’t be addressing specific skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, but we will cover basic skincare!

These tips and products are just general ideas and suggestions that can help you to take good care of your skin as you age into your 50s.

Keep in mind, however, that not all of the information in today’s post is going to work for you. Your skin is your best friend. Products that work for Betty at Accounting or Leah at church may not work for you. These ideas should be taken with a grain, and you should consult a licensed professional if there are any questions or doubts about any product.

Let’s start with some tips.

Most likely, you already have some form of a skincare regimen in place. We’ll cover the basics, then we’ll discuss some things to keep in mind when you want to care for your skin.

1. Cleanse, moisturize, sunscreen. This should be the foundation of any skincare routine, no matter your age. These three things are enough to make you feel good. Sunscreen should be part of your morning routine and not just a nighttime routine. Toning is not necessary, according to me.
2. Identify your skin type. Your skin type can help you decide what products to use or not. My belief is that skin types change with age. When you were younger, your skin may have been quite oily. Now you notice dry patches everywhere! You may have normal skin for your entire life, but now your skin feels dry and irritated. You are not the only one! You have two options: either consult a professional or you can do some research on your skin.
3. Find out what is causing irritation to your skin. Your skin is unique and may react differently to different products or brands. Most often, though, it is the individual ingredients that are most irritating. Once you know what they are, avoid them.
4. Eliminate old and inefficient products. Make sure you do a routine clean-up of all your skincare products. Unopened products can be kept for up to 2 years or until expiration. Although shelf life can vary from product to ingredient, the general rule is one year. Also, make sure to check the expiration dates on any containers or bottles.
5. You should have a morning routine and a nighttime routine. Although the core components of a skincare regimen are the same, you can have a nighttime routine that is different. You might not use sunscreen at night, or you may switch to a moisturizer.
6. Use a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton can tug at our skin, causing extra wrinkles and fine lines. Silk and satin are great for hair and skin. They prevent frizz and are gentler on the skin.
7. Avoid harsh exfoliants. We are thinking of you, St. Ives Apricot scrub. This is something you may have heard before. Most products promising a gentle scrub or exfoliating effect are quite harsh on the skin. They can cause tiny tears in your skin’s moisture barrier and could damage your skin. There are better ways of exfoliating (which I’ll explain in a moment), so if you’re using scrubs or any other products that contain walnut powder (Juglans Regia, the official name) then it’s time for you to say goodbye!
8. Always use a sun hat in direct sunlight. This is a great way to protect your skin. It can be relaxing and enjoyable to take care of your skin as part of your daily self-care routine. There is a lot of confusion about what to do, which can make it less fun. While I won’t go into too much detail in this post, I will clarify a few things. I hope to help you reduce the confusion and help you understand what works and what should be avoided.

Now, let’s clarify.

1. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive product. You can find many affordable brands and products that offer similar results, if not better. Many of these products are available at your local Target, Walmart or CVS.
2. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is anti-aging. Anti-aging products often promise much but rarely deliver.
3. Experts in skincare recommend that you use sunscreen every day, no matter if your are at home or out on the streets. It can be difficult to choose a daily sunscreen. It is important to choose whether you want a “chemical” or “physical” sunscreen. We’ll get to that in a moment.
4. There are two types of exfoliation, just like sunscreen. One is chemical and one is physical. Physical exfoliators are often a scrub or product that has a rough texture. You rub it on your skin to get rid of dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants are usually smoother and will remove dead skin cells from your skin without you needing to scrub or rub. Personally, I prefer chemical exfoliants!
5. There are four types of skin: normal, dry, oily and combination. There is also sensitive skin. Our skin can be of many types. Some people have sensitive, dry skin that is prone to breakouts. You might also have normal skin but an oily tezone. You can also combine them!
6. There are many more products, but these are the essentials to help you choose which products to use.

Pro tip: I always do two things before purchasing any skincare product. I review it and then I get a free sample. This is a great way of saving money. If any of these products appeal to you, I hope that you will do the same.

The Best Skincare Products For Women Over 50

There is so much choice these days. This is not a comprehensive list. My philosophy on skincare at any age is that less is better and a solid foundation will make you far more successful than most people. These are nine products you should check out, and they are not in any particular order.

Anti-Aging Night Cream for Deep Wrinkles

The ultimate anti-aging remedy is retinoids. This will reduce wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production in the skin. Use this cream as your last night cream. Make sure to apply sunscreen the next day. Retinoids can increase skin sensitivity.

Everyday Anti-Aging Serum

The Ordinary’s “Buffet”, is like a multivitamin on your face. This serum is full of peptides, and targets multiple signs associated with aging. It also contains a variety of ingredients. After cleansing your skin, apply 2-3 drops of this serum to your skin. This is usually done in the morning. Before applying moisturizer, let it absorb into your skin.

Most Affordable Cleanser (Sensitive, All Skin Types)

Vanicream cleanser is a personal favorite. It is gentle, great for sensitive skin and is suitable for all skin types. It is free of dyes, parabens and fragrances. The cleanser gently cleans your skin without making it feel dry, red or irritated.

Hydrating Facial Cleanser (Normal/Dry Skin)

Our skin becomes more sensitive as we age. Dry skin is a common problem. you might want to try this dermatologist-recommended cleanser which you can find in your local Target, Walmart, or Walgreens. The cream-like, lotion-like formula is rich in essential ceramides and hyaluronic acids to moisturize your skin.

Double-cleansing is a good idea if you wear lots of makeup. Although it isn’t as thorough as the Vanicream, its basic formula and the hydration-based formulation work well for very dry skin. This cleanse will also help to restore your skin’s balance and moisture barrier if you have used harsh, stripping cleansers in the past.

Pro Tip: Avoid falling for the hype about spending a lot of money on cleansers that are full of expensive ingredients. My opinion is that facial cleansers should be simple and inexpensive. Why? You only need to leave a cleanser on your skin about 30 seconds before you wash it off. You can opt to buy the more expensive products if you have concerns about ingredients. You can save money by buying them in separate forms, such as a serum or moisturizer, while keeping your cleansers effective and simple.

Gentle Rosewater Toner

Toners can help to maintain your skin’s pH balance after you have cleansed. They also provide moisture that will be used before applying other products. Thayer’s Witch Hazel is a favorite choice for many of us. However, despite being alcohol-free, I find it too drying. This gentle rosewater toner I recommend is better. After cleansing, you can apply the toner to a cotton circle and smooth it on your skin. Allow it to dry before you move on to the next part of your routine.

Day & Night Moisturizing Cream

You may notice that creams can be a little more soothing and moisturizing than regular facial lotions as you age. The squalane-based, peptide-rich day & night cream is loved by many. This night cream will make your skin feel smooth like butter. It can also be used to moisturize and restore dehydrated skin. This moisturizer should be applied after you have used your serum, toner, and sunscreen.

Moisturizing Mineral (Physical) Sunscreen

Another product that I love is the Kinship Self-Reflect sunscreen. Did you know that there are two types of sunscreen available? This is called a physical sunblock. Physical sunblocks will be applied to your skin to reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them like chemical sunscreens. The primary active ingredients in a mineral sunscreen (or physical sunscreen) are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

This sunblock contains 22.4% zinc oxide. It won’t leave your skin with a white cast (as many physical/mineral sunblocks). It does have a slight tint which is very nice. It’s also moisturizing, leaving you with a soft glow.

Crowd Favorite Sunscreen

Supergoop sunscreens have received rave reviews. This sunscreen is gel-like and great for people with uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, dullness or uneven complexions. It’s described as a makeup-gripping, invisible, lightweight, fragranceless and makeup-friendly daily primer with an SPF 40.

Ultimate Exfoliating Lactic Acid Treatment Serum

This product is a cult favorite for its ability to give you a younger, healthier-looking complexion. Although it’s a bit more expensive than others, it’s a product that I have personally found to be worth every penny.

The term “acid” is often used when talking about chemical exfoliation. Although I won’t go into the details of chemical exfoliants, which ones are best for you, etc., I will be sharing some information. This product uses what I call lactic acid. It is a milder AHA that, for example, glycolic acid and is less likely irritate your skin. This serum can be used in the morning and night, thanks to its combination with botanical ingredients that soothe and hydrate skin.

There are many products that can help with your skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation and eczema to sunburns and everything in between. However, I strongly believe in the importance of a foundational routine. These products should have given you an idea about what such a routine looks like for mature women.