Your skin, like every part of your body, changes with age. If you've noticed your longtime routine isn't giving you that same healthy glow, you're not alone. What worked at 30 simply can't meet your skin's needs at 65—and that's perfectly normal.
The needs of your skin evolve over time, because the structure of your skin changes with age. So naturally, you're wondering: what is the best skincare routine for women in their 60s? What are some things you should avoid, and where should you double down?
In this article we’ll cover the must-know details of the best age-appropriate skincare, why each ingredient matters, and how to pick the best products for you.
Let’s dive into everything you should know about taking care of your skin in your 60s.
What Happens to Your Skin After 60
It’s important to pause here, because these changes will show us exactly where we need the extra oomph our skincare routine post-60.
Your skin after 60 isn't just "older"—it's fundamentally different. Understanding these changes is the key to building a routine that actually works with your skin, not against it.
The most significant change is collagen production
Starting in your 50s, your body produces about 1% less collagen each year. By 60, you've lost a substantial amount of the protein that keeps skin firm and bouncy. This isn't just about wrinkles—it affects how your skin holds moisture, heals from daily damage, and responds to products.
Your skin's barrier function also weakens over time
The protective outer layer that once locked in moisture and kept irritants out becomes more permeable. This is why products that never bothered you before might suddenly cause sensitivity, and why your skin feels drier no matter how much moisturizer you apply.
Cell turnover slows down significantly too
Where your skin once renewed itself every 28 days, it now takes 45-60 days. Dead skin cells linger longer, making your complexion look dull and preventing your skincare products from penetrating effectively.
Hormonal changes play a major role
Decreased estrogen affects oil production, skin thickness, and elasticity. Your skin produces less natural oil, which sounds good in theory but actually leaves you more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
3 Best Ingredients Your Skin Will Love After 60
Now that you understand what's happening beneath the surface, let's talk about the ingredients that can actually address these changes. Not every anti-aging ingredient is right for mature skin—some are too harsh, others too gentle to make a real difference.
Tretinoin: Your Collagen's Best Friend
When it comes to proven anti-aging ingredients, nothing beats tretinoin. This prescription retinoid has been the gold standard for over 50 years.
Tretinoin is the most effective topical ingredient for reversing signs of aging. It works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production at the deepest levels of your skin.
For women over 60, tretinoin is particularly valuable because it addresses multiple concerns at once: it fades age spots, smooths wrinkles, and improves skin thickness.
This normally comes in a cream form, and may be included in compound formulas.
Vitamin C: The Brightening Powerhouse
Vitamin C is essential for mature skin because it tackles two major concerns: dullness and environmental damage. As your cell turnover slows down, dead skin cells create a gray, lackluster appearance that no amount of moisturizer can fix. Vitamin C helps brighten this dullness while protecting against future damage.
More importantly, vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis. Your skin can't produce collagen without it, making it a crucial partner to tretinoin. It also helps fade dark spots and evens skin tone—common concerns for women who've accumulated years of sun exposure.
This might come in a serum or cream form.
Hyaluronic Acid: The Moisture Magnet
As the skin ages, hydration becomes even more critical than before. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making it perfect for plumping fine lines and keeping skin supple.
The key is layering it correctly, apply to damp skin, then seal with a moisturizer. Different molecular weights work at different depths, so look for products that combine multiple forms for maximum effectiveness.
Generally this comes in a serum form but is also often included in moisturizing formulas. Look for it on your ingredient labels.
The Best Skincare For Women Over 60: Step-by-Step
Here’s a foundational skincare routine to get you started on the right foot.
Don’t use tretinoin, or any harsh acids during the day. Those are strictly night-time products.
Morning:
- Gentle cleanser
- Vitamin C serum
- Hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin (Check out the brand The Ordinary)
- Simple daily moisturizer (Cerave or Eucerin are great)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
Then follow up with make-up if you’re wearing it.
Evening:
- Gentle cleanser (consider double cleansing)
- Hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin
- Wait for skin to totally dry
- Pea sized amount of tretinoin cream (start 2-3x per week)
- Rejuvenating eye cream
- Rich lipid barrier repair moisturizer (Check out La Roche Posay)
Key Tips:
- Always wait 15-20 minutes between washing your face and applying tretinoin
- Apply eye cream with ring finger, patting gently
- Use lipid barrier moisturizer as your final step to lock everything in
- Start tretinoin slowly—every other night or every third night initially
Why Eye Creams Matter More After 60
Now, we can’t forget the eyes can we?
The delicate skin around your eyes is often the first place to show aging, and by 60, it needs specialized attention. This area is fundamentally different from the rest of your face—it's 40% thinner, has no oil glands, and endures constant movement from blinking and expressions.
Traditional face creams aren't enough here, especially after 60.
The eye area requires targeted ingredients that can penetrate this thin skin without causing irritation, while addressing the specific concerns that become more pronounced with age: deeper crow's feet, crepiness, dark circles, and puffiness.
The Best Eye Cream For Women Over 60
Around the eyes it’s ideal to focus on moisturizing, depuffing, brightening, and boosting collagen production. Which sounds like a lot to do. But when you use combination prescription eye creams like Strut Eye Cream a lot of the heavy lifting is done in just one application a day.
This prescription eye cream formula contains hyaluronic acid, low dose tretinoin, DMAE, caffeine, and vitamin C.
- DMAE: Helps firm loose skin instantly
- Tretinoin: Stimulates collagen production and smooths fine lines
- Caffeine: Constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness
- Niacinamide: Strengthens skin barrier and reduces sensitivity
- Vitamin C: Brightens under-eye area and supports collagen synthesis
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration
The Bottom Line: Skincare For Women Over 60
Focus on the proven trio: tretinoin for collagen stimulation and cell renewal, vitamin C for brightness and protection, and hyaluronic acid for essential hydration. Don't forget that the delicate eye area needs specialized care with targeted ingredients like caffeine for puffiness and DMAE for firming.
The most important thing? Start slowly, be consistent, and give your skin time to adapt.
Building an effective routine isn't about using every product at once—it's about finding the right combination that works with your skin's current needs.
Your 60s can absolutely be a time when your skin looks healthy, cared-for, and radiant. It just requires the right approach and a little patience.
Skin Care Frequently Asked Questions
What skincare ingredients should women over 60 avoid? Avoid harsh physical scrubs, high-concentration peels, and added essential oils. Your skin barrier is more delicate now, so stick to gentle, proven ingredients like tretinoin, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.
How often should I use tretinoin in my 60s? Start with 2-3 times per week and gradually increase as your skin tolerates it. Gradually working up to daily use. Always use tretinoin at night and wait 15-20 minutes after cleansing before applying.
Can I use the same moisturizer I used in my 40s? If your skin is happy with it, sure. But your skin produces less natural oil after 60, so you may need richer formulas with ceramides and lipids. Look for "barrier repair" moisturizers that lock in hydration more effectively.
Do I really need a separate eye cream after 60? Yes! The eye area is 40% thinner than facial skin and has no oil glands. It needs specialized ingredients like caffeine for puffiness and lower-concentration actives to avoid irritation.
How long before I see results from a new skincare routine? Give it 6-8 weeks minimum. Your skin's cell turnover is slower after 60 (45-60 days vs. 28 days), so improvements take longer to appear. Consistency matters more than quick results.
Should I see a dermatologist for my skincare routine? If you have specific concerns like melasma, rosacea, or suspicious spots, yes. For general anti-aging, prescription treatments like tretinoin can be accessed through online consultations for convenience.
Ready to Upgrade Your Skincare Routine?
Strut offers targeted solutions including tretinoin-containing anti-aging blends, specialized eye creams, and neck skin treatments—all designed with the unique needs of women over 60 in mind.
Our formulations combine the proven ingredients we've discussed with the convenience of prescription-strength treatments delivered to your door.
Curious to learn more? Take a quick medical questionnaire to see if our prescription skincare is a good fit for your routine.
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