With so many anti-aging skincare products on the market, choosing the best ones can feel like a daunting task. As you browse everything from cleansers to exfoliants to toners, you may be wondering what your mature skin really needs. As it turns out, sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics and start with the essentials. To help you figure out exactly what the essentials entail, we brought in some expert advice!
We spoke to Esthetician Alexis Bonin of The Detox Market to discover the must-have skincare products every woman over 40 should use daily to achieve youthful, glowing skin. She told us there are three you should make sure you always have on hand: sunscreen, serum, and eye cream.
Sunscreen
Bonin says if you only apply one skincare product to your face every day, it should be sunscreen! "Sunscreen is the number one essential," she stresses, noting that implementing this crucial step into your routine is the best way to keep your skin protected and free of signs of aging. "Sunscreen prevents sun damage, which is a huge factor in making our skin age faster," Bonin explains. Her top recommendation for sun protection? Odacité's Sun Guardian. Noted!
Serum
If you want the most hydrated, dewy skin around, Bonin says applying a serum every day is the best way to go. "A serum will penetrate deeper into the skin than a moisturizer, and nourishes your skin better as a result," she explains. Who knew?! There are tons of ultra-hydrating serums out there to choose from, but Bonin recommends Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum.
Eye Cream
No one wants to deal with signs of aging around their eyes. Bonin says the best way to prevent that is to use a good eye cream every day—a moisturizer alone likely isn't going to cut it. "Eye creams are specifically formulated for thinner skin, making sure the skin stays firm and brightened, so they are more effective than just a moisturizer," she tells us. Perfect! For a top-notch product, Bonin suggests using Tata Harper’s Restorative Eye Cream.
Once you have all of these essentials, knowing which order to apply them in is crucial. Luckily, Bonin outlined the step-by-step process for us: Start with serum, then go in with your eye cream and moisturizer, and finally, finish it all off with a layer of sunscreen.
Bonus: Get Facials!
In addition to keeping up with a good skin care routine, it never hurts to pamper yourself a little. That's why Bonin suggests getting facials regularly to promote your healthiest, most youthful skin yet. They're especially great for targeting any specific skin issues you may be dealing with. "Incorporating a facial either monthly or seasonally will help treat any skincare concerns you have, and complement your routine at home," she says. We can definitely get behind that—who doesn't love a little luxury?
