Beauty expert Cora Gold wrote today’s post breaking down what’s what on popular skincare ingredients. I added my picks based on what I use in real life, and also based on Cora’s expert advice. Enjoy, darlings!

Skincare products and ingredients can be a minefield. With a constant flow of new product launches and ever-changing beauty fads, it’s crucial to know which ingredients are essential for maintaining healthy skin — especially as you age. Yes, our skin may age, it’s a fact, but we all know age is just a number. You might like one of Honey’s most popular posts How to Pull Off Bold, Red Lipstick After 50. And get more of Cora’s tips for aging skin in How to Care for Menopausal Skin. 

Explore some popular ingredients with proven benefits and some that may not be suitable for mature skin.

Ingredients That Work for Mature Skin

These ingredients can help nourish mature skin in a variety of ways. Results can vary depending on your specific skin type, so it’s important to keep your personal needs in mind when trying a new product. Explore the benefits of these common ingredients to decide if they’re right for you. 

Retinol

This widely celebrated ingredient, commonly found in “anti-aging” products, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While people rave about its anti-aging effects, it does a lot more than treat wrinkles. It can also improve skin cell turnover and reduce the dullness people usually experience during winter. Consistent use of retinol can result in supple and healthy-looking skin.

If you struggle with dryness, you may want to proceed with caution. Using too much retinol can cause dryness and irritation, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and avoid using it every day. 

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are exfoliating acids with brightening abilities. The AHA family includes lactic, citric, glycolic and tartaric acids. You may often see this in toners and cleansers, promising benefits such as lesser fine lines, age spots and acne scars.

Many people can use AHAs — including those with mature skin — as long as they use it wisely. Start with a low-concentration product, then apply every other day to avoid irritating the skin. This ingredient may be right for you if you’ve experienced skin discoloration as you’ve aged. 

Ceramides

Ceramides are the soldiers of your skin — they provide a barrier to prevent dryness and environmental damage. They also help lock in moisture, protect skin from UV rays and rejuvenate aging skin. Like collagen, the body’s ceramide production decreases with age, which leads to more sensitive skin.

Fortunately, many products include ceramide, including cleansers and moisturizers. You can also find plant-derived ceramides in foods such as rice, wheat, sweet potato and soybean. 

Vitamin C

Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C is a versatile addition to your skincare routine or diet. It’s an antioxidant that fights free radicals and hyperpigmentation. What’s more, this ingredient helps boost collagen production, which provides support, structure and strength to your skin, muscles and bones.

As the body naturally produces less collagen with age, vitamin C becomes vital. You can find vitamin C in serums and moisturizers and get it from citrus fruits, broccoli, papaya and strawberries.

Fish Oil

Fish oil, which contains omega-3, can help maintain your skin’s overall health and improve multiple skin conditions, including eczema, dryness and acne. Omega-3 fatty acids also help moisturize and protect the skin from UV rays. 

You can take fish oil supplements or add more seafood to your diet to nourish your skin from the inside. If you have a shellfish allergy, however, avoid fish oil and seek out other sources of omega-3, such as nuts, flax and chia seeds. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a widely-favored ingredient for many reasons. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin from UV rays and prevent sagging, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Fatty fish is also a rich source of vitamin E. Other sources include sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds and tomatoes.

Top 3 Ingredients to Avoid

While many skincare ingredients promise good results, some may do more harm than good to your skin. You may want to avoid the following components.

Mineral Oil

While mineral oil is beneficial for treating psoriasis and eczema, it can be detrimental to the skin when used daily. It comes from petroleum, which can clog pores and irritate the skin. Mineral oil can also cause inflammation, making wrinkles and fine lines more visible.

Look out for ingredients made of paraffin wax, benzene, diethanolamine (DEA) and those with “propyl” in their names.

Alcohols

Avoid cleansers and toners that contain alcohol as a main ingredient. Alcohol is one of the culprits of dry skin and can increase the appearance of rough skin and wrinkles. It also strips away natural oils, which help keep the skin moisturized.

Exfoliating Scrubs

Many people grew up with the belief that scrubbing their face would keep it clean and oil-free throughout the day. While exfoliants can be great for the skin, they may cause damage — especially when they come in harsh, abrasive granules. Using exfoliating scrubs regularly will dry out your skin, highlighting wrinkles and fine lines. It can also leave the skin vulnerable to acne and irritation.

You may also come across DIY exfoliator recipes online — some with oils like coconut oil and olive oil that can clog pores and worsen acne. Avoid falling into these traps, as it might impede your journey to healthy skin.

Help Your Skin Look Its Best From the Inside Out

With the right ingredients, you can keep your skin happy and healthy as you age. While many products try to fight aging or banish wrinkles, skincare is not all about anti-aging. Embrace your beautiful, mature skin by keeping it moisturized, protected and healthy. 

Skincare for Mature Skin Under $51 | Honey’s Picks

Cora provided excellent guidance! Here are my picks for budget-friendly skincare products for mature skin.

I recommend the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum by RoC because it contains retinol, which effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all while being gentle on the skin. For an AHA exfoliating toner, the Pixi Glow Tonic is an excellent choice. With glycolic acid as the key ingredient, it exfoliates and brightens the skin, leaving it looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

When it comes to a ceramide-enriched moisturizer, you can’t go wrong with the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It’s designed to provide long-lasting hydration and restore the skin’s natural barrier, keeping your skin healthy and moisturized. If you’re looking for a vitamin C serum, I recommend the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum by TruSkin.

For overall skin health and moisture, consider Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels as your fish oil supplement. These soft gels are packed with omega-3 fatty acids to support your skin’s well-being and hydration.

Skincare for Mature Skin Over $50 | Honey’s Picks

 

If you are looking more in the + $50 range, here are my picks. You KNOW I had to include my number one skincare love — La Mer Crème de la Mer is the ultimate choice. This luxurious moisturizer from La Mer delivers deep hydration, soothes the skin, and assists in reducing the signs of aging, ensuring a more youthful and radiant complexion. Here are all of my picks.

 

Author bio: Cora Gold is a skincare and beauty writer, as well as the editor at women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

Have you found any special ingredients that you find work particulary well for your aging skin? I’d love for you to share in the comments. 

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