What ingredients should I look out for in a moisturiser for mature skin?
Across your entire routine — from makeup to moisturisers—you want to ensure you're treating mature skin to a wave of plumping and hydrating ingredients, says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto. This, she explains, is due to changes that occur during perimenopause and beyond: "There’s a change in hormones as well as reduced oil production and slowed cellular turnover."
Women typically experience these changes in their mid-40s, and they contribute to overall dryness and dullness. Because of this, your skin craves richer formulations. “It’s essential to use products that reduce trans epidermal water loss and provide softening and hydration,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne. “Ingredients I really like are things like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, but also ceramides, squalane, shea butters, free fatty acids, cholesterol, and collagen. These are things to look for, as they're very good occlusive agents.”
So, where does retinol come into it? “Retinoids and peptides stimulate collagen production and improve skin cell turnover and elasticity,” notes Dr Alia Ahmed, consultant dermatologist and expert in psychodermatology. This improves tone and texture, and plumps the look of lines over time. However, retinol serums can have side effects if your skin isn't used to it. Experts advise that you avoid doubling up on your retinol products, and you should add them to your routine slowly. This allows your skin to get used to the ingredient, preventing the risk of side effects like dryness and peeling. Because it's important to keep an eye on your retinol usage, we've pointed out exactly which formulas in our round-up include the hard-working ingredient.
“Collagen keeps skin supple, but its natural decline with age aggravates skin laxity,” continues Dr Ahmed. This is what makes skin look like it's sagging, but simply adding collagen creams to your routine might prove futile, as collagen isn't easily absorbed by the skin. Instead, ingredients that stimulate your own body's collagen production (like retinol) are your best bet. “Antioxidants are also collagen-stimulating and protect the skin against environmental damage,” notes Dr Ahmed.
Don't forget: environmental damage and dryness can mean a disrupted, easily irritated skin barrier, which calls for soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide. Protective ingredients are perhaps the most important of all, which is why none of these should be used without the helping hand of a good face sunscreen in the morning. “No routine is complete without sun protection!,” confirms Dr Ahmed. “I recommend a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) daily, to protect the skin against UV-induced damage.”
How do you fit a moisturiser for mature skin into your skincare routine?
Ultimately, the best moisturiser for mature skin is the one you'll actually use. Firstly, get acquainted with your favourite textures. Do you like something thick and luxurious or watery and lightweight? Then be sure to pick a cream according to when you're most likely to use it. If you can only be bothered to stick to your skincare routine in the morning, then there's no point in investing in a nighttime cream. If you do your skincare morning and night but want a streamlined routine with zero fuss, buy a formula that will work at both ends of the day.
“I recommend applying products from thinnest to thickest,” says Dr Sonia Khorana, GP and Hero Cosmetics ambassador. “So you would apply a rich moisturiser after a serum.” But it's important to note that you should wear an SPF every single morning, and you should always apply it last.
A product with vitamin C is best used during the day, and a retinol formula is best used at night. With these things in mind, says Dr Khorana, mature skin can stay hydrated, protected, and supported as it ages gracefully.
How much should I spend on a moisturiser for mature skin?
You deserve a hard-working moisturiser no matter your budget, so you'll be happy to know that there are no rules when it comes to spending. “I really don’t think you need to spend a lot to get a good moisturiser nowadays,” says Dr Khorana. “So many brands offer products and great formulations at sensible prices. There are lots of budget products on the market that perform very well. This is because several large beauty giants use “high-end” technologies and also own smaller brands. For example, L’Oréal owns Skinceuticals but also Garnier; Unilever owns Dermalogica but also Dove.
“The bottom line is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get results, but if you want to, you totally can! Start with affordable or mid-range options if you’re on a budget and see how your skin feels while using those. I recommend prioritising ingredient quality over price.”
Shop more moisturisers for your skin type:
- Best Moisturiser For Dry Skin
- Best Vitamin C Moisturiser
- Best Moisturiser With SPF
- Best Barrier Repair Cream
- Best Moisturiser For Oily Skin
- Best Moisturiser For Combination Skin
- Best Water-Based Moisturisers
- Best Tinted Moisturisers
- Best Multi-Tasking Moisturisers
- Best Korean Moisturisers
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Contributor Humeara Mohamed, follow her on Instagram @humeara.
