Editor’s tip: If you have dry spots you want to address, the fast-absorbing formula can be used on your face as well as your body.
Main ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Allantoin | Unscented: yes
Best moisturizers at the drugstore: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Why it’s worth it: Elm Ilyas, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, says CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the most nourishing for aging skin thanks to its lightweight yet highly conditioning texture. It states that it is one of the best overnight creams. “For mature skin, it’s good to offset the drying effects of many products that contain harsh active ingredients,” says Dr. Ilyas. This oil-free face cream instantly hydrates with hyaluronic acid, leaving skin feeling velvety smooth and soft, while ceramides lock in moisture. It’s a non-comedogenic formula so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Editor’s tip: This moisturizer can be applied even to slightly damp skin, which is great for those who shower at night.
Main ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide, hyaluronic acid | Unscented: yes
FAQ
What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizer for mature skin?
Board Certified Dermatologist Based in New York City michelle greenM.D. says there are quite a few skin care ingredients to look for when shopping for a skin care routine for mature skin. It also contains vitamin C, which whitens the skin. Vitamin C is “a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, which otherwise cause oxidative stress in the skin and lead to premature aging,” explains Dr. Green. (In other words, it’s perfect for signs of sun damage.)
While it’s true that powerful exfoliating ingredients and antioxidants are essential to incorporate into a regimen tailored to mature skin, Dr. Green says you should keep in mind ingredients that help with hydration. Dry skin can cause more exaggerated wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes, especially if you have dry skin. Dr. Green recommends incorporating niacinamide skin care products, hyaluronic acid serums, and ceramide-enriched formulas into your daily routine to strengthen your skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.
What does a moisturizer for mature skin do?
By varying the active and inactive ingredients, they target different concerns and produce different results. For example, ingredients like retinol can promote skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and increase elasticity. Dr. Green also points out that two types of chemical exfoliants, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, are essential for smoothing the skin and addressing discoloration concerns. “Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells,” she says. “This can even out skin tone and texture while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
meet an expert
- Dhaval BhanusariMD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Michelle HenryMD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College in New York.
- Sejal ShahMD, board-certified dermatologist based in Rochester, NY
- Deanne RobinsonMD, board-certified dermatologist in Westport, CT
- Rebecca TanMD, board-certified dermatologist based in Winter Haven, Florida.
- Hadley KingMD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Sabrina FabiMD, board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, California
How to test and review products
when allure Once we test a product, our editors look at it from all angles to ensure we can best serve you. We check ingredients, scrutinize brand claims and, when appropriate, research peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help vet ingredients and formulations.
For our list of the best moisturizers for mature skin, we considered each product’s performance across five key categories: product ingredients, effectiveness, scent, texture, and product feel. All products have been judged outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, with special consideration by board-certified dermatologists. For more information about our reporting and testing process, please visit our complete review process and methodology page.
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Beautiful items are purchased individually. You might be looking for a face cream to combat stubborn dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be looking around for the latest products to hit the hair market. No matter what you are looking for or your personal needs and concerns, allure We want you to love whatever we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors, in addition to the wide range of external testers and industry experts we regularly engage, is essential to achieving that goal.
