Whether you’ve been a skin care aficionado since you were young or are trying to make up for lost time, your 60s come with unique complexion concerns that are difficult to avoid. Fortunately, a well-curated skin care routine can help you embrace this decade with plenty of grace and a gorgeous glow.
But what should you prioritize first? Shop TODAY took the guesswork out of things and have some tips (and product recommendations!) from top derms so you can spend more time living your life and less time reading skin care labels.
Sunscreens | Cleansers | Moisturizers | Serums | Meet the experts
Best sunscreens for your 60s, according to experts
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Lotion
Daily sunscreen use is just as integral in your 60s as it was in your 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. “No matter how old you are, sunscreen is always important to protect the skin from UV damage, which we know can not only contribute to skin cancer but also to signs of skin aging including fine lines and wrinkles,” dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says.
This Neutrogena face lotion provides SPF 50 protection, includes no synthetic fragrances and doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily, according to the brand.
Badger Unscented Sunscreen
While you’re protecting your face from the sun, don’t forget about the rest of your body! Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman swears by this body sunscreen. “It contains zinc oxide with a concentration of 18.75%, which is very high. It’s also water-resistant for 40 minutes and unscented, so it’s good for those with fragrance sensitivities,” she notes.
Jaliman adds that the product is formulated with hydrating sunflower oil and vitamin E, an ingredient that’s full of antioxidants, and can help fight free radical damage.
Paula’s Choice Super Light Wrinkle Defense
We always love when sunscreens offer multiple benefits, and this one from Paula’s Choice is a worthy addition to your anti-aging routine. “The mineral-based sunscreen is formulated with a blend of antioxidants that boost sun protection and help prevent signs of aging due to environmental factors. It also contains bisabolol to soothe and calm skin,” Dr. Sejal Shah of New York City’s SmarterSkin Dermatology tells us.
As if that wasn’t already impressive, the SPF also has a silky, matte finish and a slight tint to help smooth out skin tone.
Best cleansers for your 60s, according to experts
Olay Regenerist Cream Facial Cleanser with Vitamin C and BHA
As your skin matures, it also dries out a bit more, so finding a cleanser that gives it an extra dose of moisture is essential. “Stick with cleansers that won’t dry out the skin or leave the skin feeling tight or irritated,” Garshick says.
The derm calls this Olay cleanser a true multitasker and raves about its powerhouse ingredients. “It contains both vitamin C and a beta-hydroxy acid, so not only does it help to cleanse but it also brightens and leaves skin glowing without leaving it feeling dry,” she explains.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Foaming cleansers sometimes get a bad reputation for drying out skin, but board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Somenek says this one is the exception. “It is suitable for all different skin types and cleanses the skin without making it feel dry or tight. It also contains three essential ceramides to cleanse the skin without leaving the skin feeling stripped,” he tells us.
P.S. It also helps that this bestselling CeraVe cleanser is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores!
Skinfix Barrier + Foaming Oil Hydrating Cleanser
Garshick highlights several of the rock star ingredients inside this cleanser, emphasizing how it works deep into your pores without drying out skin. “It’s formulated with a Hydrating Triple Lipid Complex to strengthen the skin barrier as well as a seaweed hyaluronate blend, glycerin and aloe leaf juice to help draw moisture in and leave the skin looking and feeling soft and smooth,” she says.
The lightweight cleanser is great for normal, dry and combination skin and it’s also vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free.
Best moisturizers for your 60s, according to experts
Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30
Looking for a daytime moisturizer that will also help protect you against harsh UV rays? Dr. Stacy Chimento, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, is a fan of this unscented find.
“It’s an excellent moisturizer choice and is highly effective at absorbing oil, reducing shine and providing sun protection. This product is quickly absorbed by the skin while not clogging pores,” she says.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Dr. Robert Anolik, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, recommends treating your skin to some extra TLC. “The dryness on our arms and legs can be particularly difficult to control in our 60s, and for those areas we sometimes use greasier, occlusive moisturizers. The reason we don’t use these on the face is because these are the types that can cause acne breakouts,” he says.
The derm suggests using this ointment on arms and legs (or any other body part that needs a boost of hydration) and he’s not the only one that loves it. Over 60,000 Amazon customers have given it a five-star rating!
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
In case you’re tempted to skip the moisturizing step in your skin care routine in your 60s, listen to this PSA from Dr. Azeen Sadeghian, a dermatologist advisor for AI-powered skin symptom checker app Aysa: “As your hormones change later in adulthood, your skin produces less oils. Dry skin can appear dull and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. Also, dry skin is often more sensitive because moisture is an important part of our skin barrier,” she says.
That means you should look for a gentle night cream that helps replenish moisture. One with anti-aging benefits, like this one from CeraVe, is also helpful! “It’s a simple and straightforward moisturizer,” Sadeghian says. “As a plus, it has moisturizing ingredients with retinol included.”
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
This popular Olay moisturizer comes in a range of formulations for different skin types, but Shah is partial to this bestseller. “It contains niacinamide, which has been shown to have anti-aging benefits, support the skin barrier, improve hyperpigmentation, regulate sebum production and act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant,” she says.
This night cream also includes one other star ingredient: peptides. “They’re chains of amino acids and makeup proteins you need for firmer, smoother skin,” she adds.
Best serums for your 60s, according to experts
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum
Anti-aging might be one of your primary concerns, but if you also want a glowing complexion, this versatile serum can work wonders. Jaliman applauds the product’s ability to brighten skin while tackling fine lines and wrinkles and says its potent formula is chock-full of powerful ingredients like retinol and niacinamide.
Naturium Retinol Complex
Retinol is the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients, and Garshick tells us that it’s worth trying it in a serum. “This vitamin A derivative is available over-the-counter or as a prescription and helps to regulate skin cell turnover. It’s known to be helpful in both preventing and treating fine lines as it helps to boost collagen production,” she explains.
The derm names this serum as one of her top picks for anyone in their 60s and says it contains a powerful blend of encapsulated retinol and bakuchiol to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also helping to even skin tone.
RoC Retinol Anti-Aging Retinol Face Serum
Hoping to turn back the hands of time a bit? RoC’s anti-wrinkle serum tackles the signs of aging and gives you visible results in just four weeks, according to the brand. “This serum reduces the look of lines and deep wrinkles while you sleep,” Jaliman says, calling it one of her all-time favorites. “It leaves your skin super smooth and it glides on easily.”
The stellar serum works its magic with the help of a few key ingredients like retinol and an exclusive mineral complex that hydrates skin.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in general medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. She is based in New York City and New Jersey.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and the author of the book, “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.”
- Dr. Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City with expertise in cosmetic dermatology and lasers, hair loss and ethnic skin.
- Dr. Michael Somenek, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Washington D.C. where he is a partner at a practice that provides cosmetic and reconstructive services.
- Dr. Stacy Chimento, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Florida with specialties in numerous areas including adult and pediatric dermatology, chronic skin conditions and surgical dermatology.
- Dr. Robert Anolik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City with expertise in cosmetic dermatology and laser skin surgery.
- Dr. Azeen Sadeghian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with expertise in atopic dermatitis and digital technology.