Turning 50 is a major milestone—especially for your skin. When you enter your 50s, your skincare routine switches from trying to maintain a blemish-free complexion, to preventing the body’s natural processes. Your 50s are when you could start seeing signs of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging, as the skin’s elasticity declines. This decade can also bring a lot of hormonal changes with menopause, which also affects the skin.
While there are foods you can eat to boost collagen production, a solid skincare routine can help tighten sagging skin and blur fine lines. When you create a skincare routine for your 50s, it’s best to incorporate some active ingredients that will help speed up cell turnover and increase collagen production. It’s also important to focus on moisture because your skin barrier becomes drier as you age. Of course, before you create your own, skincare routine for your 50s, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.
To learn more about the best skincare routine for women over 50, we spoke with Dr. Yoram Harth, a board-certified dermatologist, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. (AAD), and medical director of MDalgorithms. He recommends, “a comprehensive skincare routine that includes a cleanser, toner, exfoliating facial massage, moisturizer, eye cream, serums, and face masks.” Harth’s routine, which we’ve outlined below, will help women in their 50s achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Morning
Cleanse
Harth says that it's best to start your day with a clean face. "Begin your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser that removes makeup, dirt, and impurities. A good option is the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser," he recommends. "If you have oily or acne-prone skin, try using MDacne's hydrating cleanser, which provides mild exfoliation and anti-acne effects without skin irritation."
Moisturize
Then, he suggests applying a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. "Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, such as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream or the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream," he advises.
Sunscreen
And, of course, no skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. "Daily sun protection is a crucial step in any skincare routine, especially for women in their 50s," Harth emphasizes. "Look for a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, such as MDacne's Oil-Free Sunscreen, which provides protection against UVA and UVB radiation without clogging pores or causing breakouts." Remember, you should be wearing sunscreen all year round—even in the winter!
Evening
Toner
And, in the evening, after cleansing again, Horth suggests using a toner that will tighten your pores and balance the skin's pH levels. "A great toner option is the Thayers Witch Hazel Toner or the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner," he raves.
Facial Massage
"Use an exfoliating facial massage tool, such as a jade roller or gua sha tool, to improve blood circulation and stimulate collagen production." And, a facial massage with a gua sha tool will also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Serums
Next, Horth advises incorporating a retinol serum into your 50s skincare routine. This type of serum promotes collagen production and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. "MDacne's Retinol Treatment Cream is a great option as it combines the magic of Retinol and Niacinamide," he says. "Start using retinol at a lower concentration (0.25%) twice a week and gradually increase the concentration and frequency of application. Retinol and niacinamide combined can have a significant impact on aging skin and adult acne."
Eye Cream
Finally, Horth says to use an eye cream that targets crow's feet, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes. "Some great options include the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream or the La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream," he raves.
Once A Week
Face Masks
Horth also recommends using a face mask "once or twice a week" to really help trap moisture in the skin barrier. "Some great options include the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, MDacne's pink clay mask, or the Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask," he notes.
The Bottom Line
Overall, by following this dermatologist-approved skincare routine from Dr. Horth, women in their 50s can achieve healthy, radiant-looking skin. And, if you're also curious about haircuts that are flattering for women in their 50s, check out some of these hair-stylist-recommended mature cuts!
