As a beauty editor for many years, I’ve noticed that people are most interested in one skincare product: moisturiser. “Which moisturisers are really worth the money?” is one of the most common questions I get. It’s not surprising, since there are so many on the market. You might have to look around a bit to find the right moisturiser for your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, or sensitive.
But skincare is very personal, and even though most of us are learning more about our skin types, your age is another important factor to think about when looking for a moisturiser that will work for you. Before we get into it, I want to be clear: I don’t have time for crazy anti-aging claims. Nothing is going to make your skin look younger or get rid of fine lines that are already there.
However, the way you should care for your skin now that you’re older is definitely different from how you should have done it in your 20s or 30s. This is mostly because our collagen hydration and elasticity levels start to go down. So when I suggest moisturisers for people in their 40s 50s 60s, and beyond, I’m looking for ones that add moisture make the skin look fuller, and improve its texture and tone.
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Based on expert advice and rave reviews from other beauty editors, I’ve made a complete list of the best moisturisers for mature skin that I always recommend. I also asked some of the best dermatologists and skin care experts to tell me about the best ingredients and formulas they use on their own skin and on their clients.
Why Do We Need to Keep Our Skin Moist?
Dr. Fiona McCarthy, a consultant oncologist aesthetic doctor, and co-founder of The Bronte Clinic, says, “As we get older, the essential lipids like cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides, are used up.” “These lipids are important for keeping our skin barrier function healthy. Our skin loses moisture more quickly if we lose these, which can make it dry and irritated.
What Are the Best Ingredients?
Grace Day, an aesthetician and skin expert, says that if you have dry skin, a damaged skin barrier, or dehydration, you need to use a moisturiser that is full of healing ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and lipids. “These will help the skin hold on to moisture better.” It’s also important to look for ingredients that keep moisture in the skin and give it to it. “She says that most moisturisers contain ingredients like glycerin hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid that work quickly and well.
When should you put on moisturiser?
Day says, “You should ideally be putting on moisturiser every day and night to keep your skin hydrated all the time.” “The general rule for applying products is to put on the thinnest textures first and the thickest ones last. This means that serums should come before moisturisers. It will probably be the last thing you do in the evening, and in the morning, you’ll put on sunscreen after it.
How do you put on moisturiser?
Day says that for the best results you should use a lot of moisturiser. “Most people are pretty careful about how much moisturiser they use, but remember that you can’t really drink too much water,” she says. “Apply your moisturiser to damp skin whenever you can, and press it firmly into your skin to make sure it absorbs well.”
Find the Best Moisturisers for Older Skin
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (£150) is the best overall.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (£150) is the best high-end moisturiser.
Weleda Skin Food (£10) is the best cheap moisturiser.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is the best gel-cream moisturiser. It costs £98.
1. The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader
Augustinus Bader and The Rich Cream are the best overall.
Augustinus Bader
The Rich Cream costs £150.
Important ingredients are omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, argan oil, avocado oil, and evening primrose oil.
When to use: in the morning and at night
Even though I don’t like to recommend a moisturiser that costs more than $100, the science really does back up this moisturiser made by an industry insider. This moisturiser is worth the money if you want to see results. It has omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and the brand’s own TFC8 Complex which helps skin look younger. A lot of famous people, from Victoria Beckham to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, swear by it. This is really one of the best things that Augustinus Bader makes.
Pros
- Advanced formula with active ingredients
Cons
- Costly
2. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
SkinCeuticals + Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is the best high-end moisturiser.
SkinCeuticals
2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids are the main ingredients.
When to use: in the morning and at nightMcCarthy says, “SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is a real favourite for older skin.” “It has the right amount of essential lipids, which helps keep the skin barrier healthy and protect it.”
Pros
- Aims at skin barriers that are damaged
Cons
- Costs more than others
3. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Elemis + Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is the best gel-cream moisturiser.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream costs £98, but it is on sale for £78.
Buy now
The main ingredients are padina pavonica, chlorella, and ginkgo biloba.
Use it in the morning.
Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is probably the moisturiser I recommend the most for mature skin. It’s a cult moisturiser for a reason: it really works. With strong plant actives, it increases moisture and makes your skin more elastic and firm over time. It also has a lovely gel-cream texture that works well for people who don’t like thicker textures.
Pros
- Good texture for facial massage
Disadvantages
- Very fragrant
4. Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream from Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin
Beauty Pie + Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream is the best day cream.
Pie of Beauty
Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream for Super Healthy Skin £19
Buy Now
The price shown is for members.
Hyaluronic acid and plant actives are the main ingredients.
When to use: in the morning and at night
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If you have mature skin, you should look for hyaluronic acid because it really helps your skin keep its moisture levels which makes your skin look firmer and fuller. This one from Beauty Pie is just as good as some of the more expensive ones, but it’s much cheaper. You can use it in the morning and at night, but I like to use it first thing in the morning.
Pros
- Multitasking formula firms and fills in
Disadvantages
- You need a Beauty Pie membership to get lower prices.
