It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment you officially enter “mature skin” territory, but some telltale signs include unwelcome dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and uneven texture. But rather than lamenting the aging process, it’s helpful to incorporate products that complement your newly changing skin. The best skincare for women over 50 are designed to boost moisture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, combat hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen production. We’ve included a vitamin C serum (SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic), LED mask (Therabody’s TheraFace Mask), microcurrent device (NuFace’s Trinity+) and neck cream (Alastin’s Restorative Neck Complex) on our list, among many others.
As we age, our skin is affected by factors such as declining estrogen levels and damage from years of sun exposure. But there are effective products and tools you can incorporate into your beauty routine that create noticeable, age-defying results—plus, they’re painless and easy to use. We’ve tapped deputy editor Jane Sung as well as several experts to curate the best skincare products for women over 50 that hydrate, nourish and brighten the complexion.
Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
LED Face Mask: Therabody TheraFace Mask
Hydrating Essence: Ilia The Base Face
Nourishing Face Oil: Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Non-Irritating Retinol Cream: Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
Rich Night Cream: Cellcosmet Ultra Vital Cellular Cream
Firming Eye Cream: Furtuna Skin Eye Revitalizing Cream
Moisturizing Face Mask: Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask
Microcurrent Device: NuFace Trinity+
Smoothing Neck Cream: Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
Vitamin C Serum
A Potent, Protective Treatment That Provides Visible Results
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E, ferulic acid
Best for:
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightening skin and fighting hyperpigmentation
- All skin types
Skip if:
- You’re looking for something more affordable
SkinCeuticals is beloved by dermatologists because it’s formulated with research and results in mind—and all of the experts we spoke with stressed the importance of incorporating a vitamin C product like this one. We named this antioxidant-packed formula the best vitamin C serum because of how it targets dark spots, loss of firmness, dryness and wrinkles with superstar ingredients including 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. They all work together to protect against environmental stressors, neutralizing free radicals, shielding from oxidative stress and restoring skin lipids. The result? Firmer skin, a brightened complexion and less noticeable lines.
LED Face Mask
A Multitasking Device That Targets Wrinkles, Dark Spots And Texture
Best for:
- Those who want a massage feature that eases tension and boosts circulation
- Addressing signs of aging and acne
- Multiple treatment options
Skip if:
- You want a lightweight and flexible mask
Featured as a winning pick in our roundup of the best LED face masks, Therabody’s TheraFace mask is well worth the investment. This FDA-cleared, cordless, wearable device uses three light modes—red, red and infrared, and blue—to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and decrease redness and inflammation from things like adult acne. You wear this device for nine minutes per day to reap the full benefits—all while you’re relaxing on the couch or in bed. Keep in mind that this one’s on the heavier side due to the added vibration technology, and as with most skincare tools it takes time and consistent use to see any results.
Hydrating Essence
A Lightweight, Plumping Moisturizer With Complexion-Enhancing Benefits
MOST POPULAR
Ilia The Base Face
Size: 3.4 ounce | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, microalgae, prickly pear flower
Best for:
- Noticeably hydrate skin with a non-sticky feel
- Barrier renewal
- Layering under makeup
Skip if:
- You don’t love products with a thinner consistency
This essence-moisturizer includes ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, lipids and fatty acids, promising to lock in hydration for 12 hours. The formula also helps reduce redness, smooth texture and restore the skin barrier. It’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain silicones, so there’s no greasy feel. You can wear it by itself or under a thicker cream if your skin is especially dry.
This has become my go-to daily moisturizer because it reduces redness and splotchiness, makes my skin feel smooth, and plumps and blurs fine lines. My only gripe: Due to its thinner consistency, dispensing it from this bottle type can get messy; the design could use improvement.
Nourishing Face Oil
An Oil-Based Serum That Hydrates And Restore Radiance
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: Active botanicals such as calendula, tamanu, nettle and evening primrose
Best for:
- Restoring moisture to severely dry skin
- Improving dullness and adding radiance
- Pleasant botanical scent
Skip if:
- You don’t like using a dropper
- You’re not a fan of oil-based skincare
The moisturizing benefits of many topical serums can look amazing right after application, but then fade hour after hour until skin appears dull and parched again. This facial oil hydrates andlasts through the day (or night, if you’re using it then, too). It’s packed with natural ingredients—vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients—that moisturize, nourish, balance and protect. Sung is a longtime fan of the product, and likes how it makes her skin soft and glowy, with a more lightweight finish than most face oils. Users consistently rave about the scent (one describes it as “smelling like joy”).
Non-Irritating Retinol Cream
Targets Deep Wrinkles Without Causing Skin Sensitivity
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: Retinol, oat extract, willow bark extract, peptides
Best for:
- Reducing the appearance of wrinkles
- Improving skin firmness and tone
- Breakout-prone skin
Skip if:
- Your skin is particularly sensitive
Retinols benefit the skin by increasing cell turnover, which naturally decreases with age, and stimulating the production of collagen. However, they can also cause sensitive complexions to become red, itchy and flaky. This formula—our best overall pick in our list of top retinol creams—uses 1% retinol to refine pores, diminish the appearance of fine lines and even out skin tone. It also incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing plant extracts to counterbalance any irritating or drying effects. Note: To minimize irritation, ease into using this product and keep it away from your eyes, as with any retinoid.
Rich Night Cream
A Transformative Skin Revitalizer
Size: 1.74 ounces | Key ingredients: Cellular extracts, marine-derived postbiotics
Best for:
- Deep hydration
- Boosting skin firmness
- A non-greasy feel
Skip if:
- You’re on a budget
Think of this cream from Swiss beauty brand Cellcosmet as a high-impact, all-in-one treatment to address signs of aging: It’s crafted to improve hydration, restore firmness, smooth texture, rebuild the skin barrier and revive radiance. The formula features a proprietary blend of cellular extracts to hydrate and firm, combined with a marine-origin postbiotics complex designed to protect against environmental stressors—all while improving skin suppleness and elasticity. Calling this pricey would be an understatement, but Sung prefers it over other comparable creams from luxury brands. And users say it glides smoothly, absorbs quickly and leaves behind a dewy feel.
Firming Eye Cream
A Collagen-Boosting Cream That Depuffs, Lifts And Brightens
Furtuna Skin Eye Revitalizing Cream
Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Botanicals, hyaluronic acid
Best for:
- Plumping and smoothing without causing irritation
- Reducing the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags
- Layering well under makeup
Skip if:
- You prefer something with a pump or dropper (this comes in a pot)
Eyes are one of the first places to show fine lines (hello, crow’s feet), and the skin is particularly delicate, so this is a good area to focus on. A winner in our roundup of the best eye creams, Furtuna’s formula uses unique botanicals to address common concerns in this area. Wild organic dandelion works to reduce dark circles and support collagen production, nigella damascena reduces puffiness, and wild organic hawthorn lifts eye contours and tones. This comes in a jar, and for sanitary application it comes with a handy metal scooper that conveniently attaches to the lid via a hidden magnet. Reviewers say that it absorbs well and isn’t heavy or sticky.
Moisturizing Face Mask
A Mask That Improves Hydration And Promotes Elasticity
Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask
Size: 1 ounce | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene, camellia oil
Best for:
- Addressing dryness and dehydration
- Boosting firmness
- Reducing redness
Skip if:
- You prefer a richer formula rather than a gel
- You’re not a fan of the scent
If you have parched skin or live in a particularly dry climate, this deeply hydrating gel mask uses a multi-hyaluronic treatment to replenish lost moisture. A flower blend helps soothe redness, and snow mushroom works to boost collagen production (which naturally decreases with age), promoting skin elasticity and firmness. You can use this in place of your usual moisturizer and leave it on as an overnight treatment, or you can use it like a traditional mask and rinse it off after fifteen minutes.
Microcurrent Device
A Sculpting And Tightening Tool For Sagging Skin
NuFace Trinity+
Best for:
- Lifting the jawline and brows
- Plumping and reducing the appearance of wrinkles
- Increasing skin elasticity
Skip if:
- You’re not willing to commit to consistent use
If you’re concerned about droopy jowls, hooded eyelids, smile lines or a sagging neck, the NuFace Trinity+ is a helpful beauty tool (and our best overall pick in my evaluation of the best microcurrent devices). It uses low-level electrical pulses to stimulate facial muscles, causing them to contract, which ultimately helps contour and firm the skin while promoting collagen production. For optimal results, use this product for at least five minutes, five days a week. The set includes everything you’d need to effectively use the Trinity+ facial toning device: a hydrating Aqua Gel Activator, a firming and brightening Silk Crème Activator, and an applicator brush. This FDA-cleared facial toning device can also be used with the NuFace Smart App, and other attachments can be purchased separately.
Smoothing Neck Cream
A Transformative Neck-Firming Formula
Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
Size: 1.7 ounces | Key ingredients: Squalene, niacinamide, peptides, antioxidants
Best for:
- Improving the appearance of crepey skin and fine lines
- Tightening skin
- Brightening to downplay pigmentation
Skip if:
- You’re looking for something with SPF
If you’re looking to target sagging skin and undesirable neck creases, we recommend the Alastin Restorative Neck Complex, which tops our list of the best neck-firming creams for good reason. It features the brand’s proprietary Tri-Hex technology, which supports healthy elastin and collagen production, and incorporates phytoene and phytofluene to minimize the appearance of dark spots. Additionally, flaxseed extract can help restore hydration to depleted, fragile neck skin. Users say that a little goes a long way, which is helpful, especially given the price.
Face Sunscreen
A Makeup-Friendly, Non-Chalky Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Size: 1.7 ounces | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, zinc oxide
Best for:
- Hybrid formula (contains chemical and mineral active ingredients)
- Non-irritating UVA/UVB sun protection
- Acne-prone and sensitive skin
Skip if:
- You prefer a glowy or dewy finish
Beloved by dermatologists and Forbes Vetted editors alike (tested and approved in our best mineral sunscreens story), the EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen contains niacinamide to help promote a clearer complexion and improve the appearance of dark spots, as well as vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals. Another standout feature is that, despite containing the physical blocker zinc oxide, it leaves no white residue and is transparent, making it great for wearing alone or layered under makeup.
RECOMMENDED BYFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of skincare stories, including those about the best face moisturizers, best moisturizers for aging skin and more.
- The writer for this story, Forbes Vetted beauty and fashion writer Molly Calhoun, has covered lifestyle topics for two decades, with much of that time focused on beauty. She has written about everything from the best low-porosity hair products to the best sunscreens for sensitive skin.
- This story was assigned and produced by deputy editor Jane Sung, who leads the beauty and grooming category and has over two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics. She personally tested many of the items in this article.
- Calhoun gathered key insights and guidance from several industry experts, including Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand BTWN; Dr. Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery; and Dr. Leah Ansell, a board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates.
How We Chose The Best Skincare For Women Over 50
To narrow down our options for the best skincare for women over 50, we tapped into our deep market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer nourishing, hydrating and effective formulas.
- We read hundreds of product reviews from real women to determine which products perform best with regular use and produce results. We excluded products that don’t have predominantly positive user reviews.
- We evaluated the key ingredients in our top picks to ensure they cater to a wide range of skin types and preferences.
- Sung and our experts also made recommendations based on their market knowledge and experience, while our team examined customer reviews for standout product traits.
- As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Skincare For Women Over 50
Two significant factors that affect the skin of women over 50 are reduced estrogen levels and cumulative sun exposure. “The transition from perimenopause to menopause causes significant changes in the skin due to declining estrogen levels,” says Dr. Leah Ansell, a board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates. “This leads to loss of hydration, dryness, more lax skin (sagging) and crepiness of skin.”
In addition, “women over 50 start to see changes from chronic sun exposure and oxidative damage,” says Dr. Kiran Mian, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. “These changes can include pigmented spots, increased vascularity, fine lines, folds around the nose and mouth, wrinkles across the forehead and around the eyes, and increased skin laxity leading to sagging and jowling.” After consulting with three experts, here’s what else to keep in mind.
Ingredients
While addressing age-related skin changes can seem daunting, many superstar ingredients can help make skin appear more youthful. “Mature skin first and foremost needs hydration,” says Mian. “Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane are great at strengthening the skin barrier and providing plumpness to the skin. Retinoids are a must, as they increase skin cell turnover, a process which slows down as we age, and stimulate collagen production.”
Mian also recommends antioxidants to help counteract free radical damage that has led to pigmentary and skin quality-related changes, as well as peptides to help boost collagen and elastin production. Ansell agrees and recommends using a high-quality vitamin C to promote collagen and protect the skin.
Routine
In general, skin best practices for women over 50 should begin with “a dedicated skincare regimen with high-yield topicals tailored to the individual patient,” says Ansell. In addition to using a vitamin C and retinol, “adding a hydrating serum under your moisturizer can help keep skin hydrated,” says Mian. You may also want to consider using a microcurrent device to help with skin firming and contouring, as well as an LED face mask to enhance skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Consider yearly laser resurfacing and skin tightening if your budget allows. And of course, always apply a daily sunscreen and get an annual skin cancer screening.
But what should you avoid doing? “Those with mature skin should avoid over exfoliation,” says Mian. “Our skin gets thinner as we age and produces less oil. Harsh acids can [also] more readily lead to irritation and barrier disruption.”
Value
The unfortunate reality is that the best skincare products for women over 50 years old are often expensive, costing up to several hundred dollars. Choose products that fit within your budget, and consider investing in a beauty tool—such as a microcurrent device or LED face mask—for something that will last as you’ll get good cost per use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Do Dermatologists Recommend For Mature Skin?
“Non-negotiables for mature skin are sun protection, retinoids and vitamin C, with LED masks and microcurrent devices as extra credit,” says Dr. Brooke Jeffy. “Sun protection is absolutely crucial as damage is cumulative, and you want to protect improvements seen with actives and in-office treatments.” She also advises retinoid-containing products since they help stimulate collagen and elastin production and improve cell turnover, ultimately leading to an improvement in fine lines, pigmentation and radiance. “Vitamin C products applied in the morning act as both antioxidants to reduce cellular damage during sun exposure and can also improve pigmentation,” she says.
What Is The Best Eye Cream For Women Over 50?
Our pick for the best eye cream for women over 50 is Furtuna Skin’s Eye Revitalizing Cream. It uses active botanicals to plump and smooth, and it can reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags.
What Is The Best Anti-Aging Treatment For Women Over 50?
There are lots of great anti-aging treatments for women over 50, but the best is the one that you’ll actually do or use consistently. Based on our discussions with experts, in particular they recommend a vitamin C serum (like SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic), deeply hydrating moisturizers (we like Ilia’s The Base Face Milk and Cellcosmet’s Ultra Vital), a retinoid (like Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment) and a sunscreen (like EltaMD’s UV Clear SPF 46). For devices, we recommend the Therabody TheraFace LED mask and the NuFace Trinity+ microcurrent tool, for visible results if used regularly and consistently. “For those motivated to use them regularly, I think they do have positive benefits for the skin," says Jeffy.
