Everything changes with time, including—have you heard?—our skin. Therefore, as we age, the best skin-care ingredients for mature skin deserve to take up prime real estate in any skin-care routine aimed at delivering a youthful glow. After all, it’s only natural to need a little boost in that department.

“As our skin matures, there is a natural decrease in collagen and elastin production, which are the supportive structures of the skin that help give youthful skin its firmness and bounce. Over time, these proteins also accumulate damage from sun exposure and free radical damage,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “These changes lead to thinner, drier, crepe-y, discolored, and wrinkled skin." That's where these ingredients come in: Whether in your face serum or moisturizer, they're designed to increase the production of collagen and elastin and protect what you already have.

Wondering how to identify such youth-restoring products? As you may have guessed, it all comes down to ingredients. Ahead, find a breakdown of the eight best actives for helping skin stay firm, hydrated, and looking fresh, no matter your age.

Our Top Picks

• Best Retinol: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $140
• Best Peptide: Alastin Skincare Restorative Complex, $242
• Best Hyaluronic Acid: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $23
• Best Vitamin C: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182
• Best Sun Protection: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, $46
• Best Niacinamide: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream Gel Moisturizer, $100
• Best Ceramides: Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream, $60
• Best Growth Factors: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the best ingredient for mature skin?
• What is a good skin routine for mature skin?
• What do dermatologists recommend for mature skin care?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Retinol

Ask any dermatologist to name a skincare ingredient that will deliver smoother, firmer skin, and retinol—which belongs to a class of medication called retinoids—will be at the tip of their tongue. “Retinoids are truly the fountain of youth,” says Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in California. “These vitamin A derivatives are some of the most well-studied and effective ingredients in skincare.”

Retinol stimulates cell turnover (helping shed dead skin cells), boosts collagen production, and regulates oil and sebum production, Dr. Khalifian says. As such, “it’s great for addressing acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, he says. Don’t expect the ingredient’s popularity to wane anytime soon: “Retinoids have been a mainstay for skin rejuvenation and have decades of scientific studies to support their benefits,” says Serena Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Vallejo, California.

So, how does one incorporate the hallowed ingredient into a skincare routine? “Over-the-counter retinol is great for beginners, while prescription-strength Retin-A (tretinoin) offers more powerful results,” Dr. Khalifian says. “I recommend starting slowly, using retinol one to two times a week at night, and building up as your skin adjusts. Just don’t forget your SPF if you use it during the day, as retinoids increase photosensitivity.”

Peptides

According to the pros, peptides are another rockstar in the anti-aging category. “Peptides are basically a string of amino acids that act as a message between cells,” Dr. Khalifian says. “Peptides are particularly beneficial for aging or dehydrated skin. They can signal skin cells to produce collagen and elastin, or to improve texture, firmness, and elasticity." They also make a great addition after other, in-office cosmetic procedures, he says.

Another bonus: peptides suit all skin types and that they’re a part of his “favorite category of skincare ingredients:” biochemical cues. This buzzy class of youth-restoring ingredients also includes exosomes and growth factors (more on those below.) In a skin-care regimen, Dr. Khalifian recommends applying a peptide serum after cleansing, day or night. Also available in over-the-counter creams, the ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types, though it’s particularly beneficial for mature skin due to its firming properties.

Hyaluronic Acid

Dryness is a hallmark of aging skin, as the skin’s moisture levels naturally decrease over time. Enter hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps skin stay hydrated and glowy at any age. “Hyaluronic acid is a hydration superhero, capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It’s essential for plump, moisturized skin,” Dr. Khalifian says. He explains that the ingredient works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, which softens fine lines, improves elasticity, and gives skin a dewy, youthful glow. “I think of hyaluronic acid as the gift that keeps on giving. It also stimulates fibroblasts to increase the production of more hyaluronic acid in the skin,” Dr. Mraz says.
The ingredient is a key component of popular dermal fillers that add volume to mature skin, including Juvéderm and Restylane. Also available in over-the-counter products including serums and creams, the humectant can be added to any skincare regime. “It’s perfect for all skin types, especially those experiencing dryness, and it pairs well with other anti-aging ingredients,” says Brandon Kirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Naples, Florida and chief science officer at Musely. “It’s a must-have for anyone with dull or volume-depleted skin."He recommends using hyaluronic acid on damp skin, which will help lock in moisture; the ingredient can be used day and night.

Vitamin C

After decades of sun exposure, aging skin is more prone to developing discoloration in the form of brown spots, also known as age spots. "Just as it keeps cut fruit from turning brown, Vitamin C is like a shield for your skin, preventing ‘browning’ or oxidative damage,” Dr. Kirsch says. He explains that by neutralizing free radicals caused by UV rays and pollution, the antioxidant helps to prevent and treat dark spots and uneven skin tone.

According to Dr. Hartman, the ingredient also has wrinkle-defying benefits. “Antioxidants like vitamin C target free radicals that cause the degradation of collagen in the skin,” he says. “As collagen degrades, skin becomes saggy with more wrinkles.” By donating electrons to free radicals to stabilize them, vitamin C can neutralize their effects, thus delaying the breakdown of collagen for smoother, firmer skin.

As for when to use the wonder vitamin, “It works best in the morning under sunscreen, delivering an extra layer of protection from UV damage,” Dr. Kirsch says. “Most skin types benefit from vitamin C, although some might be sensitive to higher concentrations." Dr. Kirsch and other dermatologists generally recommend products with a vitamin C concentration of 10 to 20 percent.

Sunscreen

Okay, okay— SPF stands for “sun protection factor,” so it’s not technically an ingredient. However, dermatologists agree that no skincare regime is complete without sun protection, so SPF gets a spot on this list, technicalities be darned. As Dr. Hartman says: “You could be using the best skincare products in the world, but using them would be fruitless without including sunscreen into your daily routine.”

Indeed, “SPF is non-negotiable for all skin types,” Dr. Kirsch says. “Sun damage is the leading cause of visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity. Protecting your skin from UV rays is the single most effective way to prevent premature aging.” He recommends using a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above, fortified with UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin, reflecting harmful rays rather than absorbing them,” he says. “They provide protection against both UVA rays, which age the skin, and UVB rays, which burn the skin." SPF should be applied daily, rain or shine, as the last part of a morning skincare regimen—and don’t forget to reapply. Dermatologists typically recommend applying sunscreen every two hours.

Niacinamide

According to Dr. Castilla, niacinamide is effective at treating common skin concerns associated with aging skin, including reactivity due to a weakened skin barrier and hyperpigmentation from accumulated sun damage. A derivative of vitamin B3, “Niacinamide is an effective skincare ingredient for mature since it has properties that soothe and calm the skin, and it also helps to reduce hyperpigmentation,” she says. Available in over-the-counter serums, creams, and even in some sunscreens, the ingredient is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, says Dr. Khalifian. “It’s one of my favorite ingredients to address pigmentation and uneven skin tone,” he says. “Niacinamide is great at fading dark spots and minimizing redness.”

Dr. Khalifian recommends using a niacinamide-based product as part of a morning or evening skincare regime, after cleansing and before using thicker moisturizing creams or SPF. This falls in line with the dermatologist-recommended system of layering skincare products from thinnest to thickest, so that each one can fully absorb.

Ceramides

A type of lipid, or fatty molecule, ceramides are often compared to mortar. Stay with us here: If you think of the skin cells as bricks, then ceramides are the mortar that holds them together, which comes in handy for mature skin. “Since ceramides help repair the skin barrier, they reduce signs of aging by improving skin’s elasticity and bounce back,” Dr. Hartman says.

Valerie Aparovich, a biochemist in Miami, Florida, adds that the long-chain fatty acids can also tackle dryness in mature skin. “Ceramides nourish the skin and help it retain moisture, thereby promoting lasting hydration and improving its firmness and smoothness,” she says. Though ceramide-based products can be used throughout the year, Aparovich notes that they’re particularly beneficial in a cold-weather skincare regime. “As emollients, they help restore the skin’s protective barrier and prevent moisture loss and the adverse effects of exposure to low temperatures,” she says. “Ceramides are suitable for all skin types, but dehydrated and dry skin will benefit the most from them.”

Growth Factors

“Growth factors are one of the most powerful tools in skincare for rejuvenation,” Dr. Khalifian says. “These naturally occurring proteins stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, boosting collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness, texture, and overall vitality.” He adds that growth factors are ideal for mature skin, as they boost the skin’s resilience and support long-term skin health.

Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York City, likens growth factors to a personal trainer for skinn. “Growth factors boost collagen production, accelerate repair, and are a favorite for mature skin that needs a refresh,” she says. Dr. Khalifian recommends applying a growth-factor serum morning and night, as the first step after cleansing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best ingredient for mature skin?

Mature skin is more susceptible to dryness due to hormonal changes and reduced sebum production that happens over time, according to Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York and Long Island. “Look for lotions that help the skin retain moisture and improve the barrier function of the skin,” he says. “Key [moisturizing] ingredients include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, and niacinamide.” He adds that retinol has the potential to boost collagen production, thereby firming the skin on the face and body. (Browse Allure’s favorite retinol-infused body lotions here.)

In terms of what to avoid, Dr. Camp says to steer clear of any ingredients that could irritate dry or sensitive skin. “These include fragrances, dyes, and some preservatives such as formaldehyde-releasing agents and methylisothiazolinone (MIT),” he says. “You should also know the difference between fragrance-free, which means the product contains no fragrance or perfumes, and unscented, which means that the product may contain fragrances to mask an odor.”

What is a good skin routine for mature skin?

According to Dr. Camp, a good daytime skincare routine for mature skin includes a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. “Products with active ingredients like antioxidants, hydrating serums, and prescription retinoids, can be added in one at a time to allow the skin to adapt to each new product,” he says. It's also helpful to exfoliate with alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, since these help reveal healthy skin underneath.

At night, Dr. Camp suggests adding in a multitasking cream. “Night creams for mature skin should work double duty,” he says. “They should provide intense hydration while targeting anti-aging concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.” An eye cream can also be added to a nighttime regime. “Eye creams that contain vitamin C or retinol can improve the appearance of crepey skin by improving collagen production and improving the firmness of the skin,” he says.

What do dermatologists recommend for mature skin care?

Dr. Khalifian says that pairing topical products with in-office treatments like Sculptra, Radiesse, microneedling or laser resurfacing can further enhance collagen renewal. Lifestyle comes into play, too.

“Sun exposure and smoking are well known to accelerate aging changes to the skin, but diet, stress, and other internal and external factors often play a role as well,” says Dr. Mraz. “Our skin is a reflection of our overall health, and it is important to take care of it with good lifestyle habits such as adequate sleep, a good, nutrient-rich, minimally processed diet, adequate but not too much exercise, avoiding smoking, minimizing alcohol, and participating in regular positive social connections with others. Practices that are good for your health are good for your most visible organ.”

Meet the experts

• Valerie Aparovich, a biochemist, certified cosmetologist-aesthetician, and science team lead at OnSkin, based in Miami, Florida
• Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Precision Skin & Body Institute based in Davie, Florida
• Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Midtown, New York, and Commack and Hampton Bays, Long Island
• Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Patrick Davis, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Davis Facial Plastics in Beverly Hills, California
• Kristin Gunn, an aesthetician based in Austin, Texas, and founder of Beaux MedSpa
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
• Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Circle in New York City
• Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, California
• Brandon Kirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Naples, Florida and Musely’s chief science officer
• Serena Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Vallejo, California

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Read more about caring for mature skin:

• 12 Best Retinol Eye Creams to Target Fine Lines and Crepiness
• 11 Best Cleansers for Mature Skin to Glow at Every Age
• 11 Best Toners for Mature Skin to Bring Back Balance

Done reading? Now watch the XO, Kitty cast spill secrets:

Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.