Last updated on September 12th, 2023 at 08:04 am

I miss my oily skin.  If you had told me I would utter that phase one day, I would have told you that you were crazy. After so many years of cursing it, I’d love to have it back. But that’s what mature skin care is all about. Dealing with the effects that come with age.  As with any age, you want to both treat the skin you have now and minimize future aging. That’s why over the years I’ve developed my own simple skin care routine for mature skin.

So, as mentioned, you do want to focus on the skin you have now and work on preventing further damage going forward.  Normally, I don’t like to look back, but I think in the case of mature skin, I think examining the things I would have done differently can help younger faces prevent some of the same pitfalls. But let’s start with what I think I did right!

When I was growing up, my mom would always emphasize that “taking your face off” was just as important as “putting your face on.” You should have both a morning and evening skin routine.  One of the things that I think is most important with mature skin care (or any skin care for that matter) is washing your face at night…whatever goes on, must come off. I’ve had some lazy moments when it comes to skin care (part of those pitfalls) but one thing I’ve always been diligent about is removing all my makeup at night. That means foundation, eyes and even lips. 

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Why I Updated This Post (June 2023)

So, before we continue, I want to mention that I have just updated this post and here’s why. Over the last two years, my skin has changed again (hello adult acne!). Those changes have led me to make some product changes for my skin today, BUT, that doesn’t mean that the products I used to use no longer work. Even my dermatologist agrees that the problem is most likely coming from “within” and not from the products I was using.

Updated photos on how my skin looks today. Yes, the photo on the right I have only half my face on. That’s so you can tell the difference between my natural face and makeup!

So I wanted to keep my previous products in this post because i still believe in them, but I will be explaining why I made the changes I have. This also gives you more products to evaluate and see if they might be a perfect fit for you.

My Mature Skin Evening Routine

I am starting with my evening routine because I think it’s the most important. It’s easy to do your morning routine when you are getting ready for the day. The evening is where we can get a little tired and lazy and we really shouldn’t!

Step One: Eye Makeup Removal

I usually begin with removing my eye makeup.  I have been using L’Oreal Eye Makeup Remover for as long as I remember.  I’ve used more expensive brands, but I find that this works just as well. I will use either a cotton ball or facial cleansing pad to do that. I have sensitive skin, so I like using “single-use” products to avoid any bacteria build-up that can happen with washcloths or similar products.

My Favorite Eye Makeup Remover & Cleansing Pads:

Step Two: Cleanser

One of the biggest changes to my face in the last couple of years has been more red spots and acne. It seemed that my skin, especially my cheeks, was getting more red and irritated. So, as you know, the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and expecting different results”, which led me to make a change.

I decided to go back to Elizabeth Arden because those products had worked well for me in the past. I wanted to change it up for bit and see what happens. Going back to using a toner versus Micellar water was also something I tried to see if that helped. So, my process remained the same, I only changed the products.

When you wash your face, make sure to wash underneath your chin too and even part of your neck.  Again, I like to use a disposable facial cleansing pad. For me, I like to make sure I’ve really gotten everything off, especially if it’s been a day where I’ve worn a lot of makeup for a photo shoot. 

My Current Cleanser/Toner:

My Previous Cleanser/Toner:

Step 3: Facial Creams/Serums/Moisturizers 

If you have mature skin, using a product with retinol can be really beneficial.  I am not currently using a Retinol in favor of using more hyaluronic acid right now, but I can tell you that my dermatologist’s office has recommended Avene RetrinAL. There are many great Retinol products out there at all different price points. 

One thing to note if you’re just starting out using a retinol – start slow. It was recommended to me when I first started to use it every other day and see how you do.  Once your skin has adapted to it, you can use it more frequently. 

So when using retinol, I will alternate every other night with a hyaluronic acid. Previously I used Neutrogena Hydro Boost with hyaluronic acid.  This product is a 2-in-1 since it is both a moisturizer and hyaluronic acid. I have now switched to two separate products.

As I mentioned, I have been experiencing red, irritated skin with breakouts. I did research and found a new product that I am loving: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. I used it for a while and it was definitely helping. It’s when I added the First Aid Beauty Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

My Current Facial Moisturizer/Serum:

My Previous Facial Moisturizer/Serum:

Step 4: Eye Creams, Neck Creams and Acne Treatments

I do use an eye cream and the one that my dermatologist’s office recommended to me was Micro Eyes by Lumiere. Unfortunately it’s been discontinued (or I would still be using it). So I made the switch to a Strivectin eye cream which is working well. Again, there are plenty of other good options out there.

I also have been talking about StriVectin Tightening Neck Cream for a while now. I really do see a difference when I use it consistently and I use it not only on my neck but also on my décolletage. One new think I added is the StriVectin Crepe Control Exfoliating Body Scrub a couple of days a week which is helping that area look smoother also.

The other product I’ve added that is the companion to the Exfoliating Scrub is the StriVectin Crepe Control Body Tightening Cream. I use that on my arms and it also help improve the look of my skin.

As I mentioned, I am still getting breakouts. It was getting worse but since I changed routines it has been improving. My dermatologist’s office recommended La Roche Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Treatment and I find that it works really well. However, I also found I need something a little bit stronger. 

My Past & Current Favorites:

My New Favorite Body Skin Products:

To digress for a second, I am a big fan of “Good Morning America’s” “Deals & Steals”. They frequently have beauty segments and it’s an awesome place to try out new products at 50% off. That’s where I found my next new product that I love. I don’t think I would have found it any other way.

The brand is Malin & Goetz and these two products have been a game changer for me.

The overnight acne cream really goes to work fast. I use it for more stubborn acne and I will use the La Roche Posay on quicker, smaller problems. The Detox Face Mask is amazing as well. I use it a few times a week and my skin always looks brighter the next day.

Advice I Would Give My Younger Self:  In my younger years, I pretty much ignored my neck and decolletage. If you’re young, reading this and ignoring your neck – stop immediately! You don’t need a tightening neck cream just yet, but moisturize your neck every time you moisturize your face (preferably with a product with SPF).  You will be glad later on that you did!

My Mature Skin Morning Routine

So, I have often read differing opinions on whether or not you should wash your face again in the morning if you washed it last night. Some people say that it can make your face more dry among other issues, but I am fan of washing my face in the morning, especially if I’ve used an acne medicine the night before.

I most often wash my face in the shower (I keep a duplicate cleanser in there). If I don’t happen to be taking a shower that day, I will still wash my face and apply my serums and moisturizers.

Here’s where you’ll see some repeats from my evening routine. Previously when I used the Estée Lauder cleanser, I also used the Estée Lauder toner in the morning. Now I am using the Elizabeth Arden toner in the morning as well as the evening.

For the daytime, it is also important to add a lotion or moisturizer with SPF to your routine. Previously I had used a moisturizer with built in SPF but the First Aid Ultra Repair Cream does not have it, so I do have to add a step. Like many others, I like the Goop Unseen Sunscreen. It seems to work well with my sensitive skin.

I also repeat my neck and eye creams as well.

My Current Morning Routine:

Advice I Would Give My Younger Self, Part 2:  “I am not going anywhere today, I don’t have to do my face.” I’ve been guilty of this.  I get up and I’m in a rush to get my day started and say “I’ll wash my face later”….and then I don’t until that evening.  Trying to avoid that is important because I am robbing my skin of removing bacteria and adding moisture. I notice by the end of the day that my face just looks dull, which then reminds me that I forgot to wash it.

My Mature Skin Professional treatments

In the last five years, I’ve started adding professional treatments to my skin routine.  I’ve had several facials and I have recently been doing microdermabrasion on a regular basis.  I did a post on microdermabrasion with a guest blogger, Chelsey, who is the esthetician at Peau Claire Medi Spa. That is where I have my treatments done. 

If you live in the Metro Detroit area, I highly recommend that you try their services.  They are a part of Pinnacle Dermatology, owned by Dr. David Spurlin, who is my dermatologist.  I feel very comfortable knowing that the spa is being overseen by a medical staff.

A Few Last Mature Skin Tips:

1.  Don’t forget the rest of your body.  Keeping the rest of your skin moisturized is a good idea, especially those elbows!  I will admit that I don’t always do a great job with this, but I have a good excuse.  Whenever I put lotion on my legs in the summer, my dog Bandit will chase me around the house trying to lick it off.  True story! So what I will use in summer instead is Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash in the shower. It has moisturizers built-in and Bandit doesn’t seem to like the taste.
   
   
2. Because I wash my face in the shower, I keep one tube of cleanser in the shower and another on my bathroom vanity. I started that years ago when I would keep forgetting to grab it before the shower and had to (unsafely) get out of the shower to go get it.
   
   
3. Keep your makeup brushes clean.  You can do all the right things, but using a dirty brush after washing your face can lead to breakouts and even dull looking skin.  I recently did a post on how to clean your makeup brushes that you should check out.
   
   
4. Want to try some new products but don’t want to spend a lot of money if they don’t work for you?  I’ve tried a bunch of products through Good Morning America’s “Deals & Steals”.  In fact, that’s where I found the Strivectin Neck Cream that I love.  Most products are at least 50% off, so they are worth the chance. Follow them on Instagram to be in the know about upcoming sales.
   
5. Keep your lips exfoliated and moisturized too.  It just finishes your whole look.  Jen and I did a post on “How to Take Care of Your Lips” that I think you would find helpful.

What is your skin care routine like?  Is it similar or different to mine?  Please let me know in the comments below!

Want a younger perspective? Check out Jen’s Skin Care Routine!

Here’s another post you might be interested in: my experience with Red Light Therapy!

I was gifted a red light therapy mask from CurrentBody and have been using it regularly. It has also helped with my skin tone.

Read all about in my post, “How to Use Red Light Therapy At Home”. You’ll also find a discount code if you choose to purchase one through CurrentBody!