Article Overview
- Moisturisers have always held a coveted position in our skincare routines – and, as we age, they only become even more integral to the skin’s texture and appearance.
- As the skin matures, it can present a wealth of different concerns, so it’s important to choose a moisturiser for ageing skin that supports the complexion through these changes.
- In addition to hydrating benefits, the best moisturisers for mature skin also brighten skin, target collagen loss, and stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process. Below, we’ll be examining the characteristics of mature skin, which anti-ageing ingredients are most effective in a moisturiser for ageing skin, and how to find the right formula for your needs.
What happens to skin as we age?
Skin ageing is a gradual process that is dictated by time, genetics, and hormonal changes. As we age, many of the skin’s natural functions either change or begin to decline:
- Body produces less collagen – The body’s natural collagen production decreases with age (and again after menopause), which leads to skin sagging, deeper fine lines and wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity and volume.
- Skin cell turnover slows – In young adults, the skin cell turnover cycle is approximately 28 days, but mature skin cell turnover can take weeks, if not months, longer. This impacts your skin’s ability to renew and repair itself.
- Cumulative hyperpigmentation – External factors such as UV damage and other environmental aggressors can contribute to visible signs of ageing like hyperpigmentation. Through years of cumulative sun exposure, sun spots and other forms of discolouration can appear on the skin.
- Dehydration and moisture loss – Oil production decreases with age, which causes a natural decline in moisture retention. This can also lead to a compromised skin moisture barrier and transepidermal water loss – exacerbating dryness.
- Skin becomes dull and uneven – This is the result of a number of factors: including slow skin cell turnover, poorer moisture retention, and prolonged sun exposure.
Ingredients to look for in moisturisers for mature skin
SkinCeuticals’ moisturisers for ageing skin are formulated with high concentrations of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. These have been clinically proven to provide significant improvement in the healthy appearance of skin of all ages, including ageing skin over 60.
Some hero anti-ageing ingredients include:
- Ceramides – These are lipid molecules naturally found in the stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer). They’re often referred to as the ‘mortar’ in the brick-like structure of skin cells; they work by strengthening the skin moisture barrier and preventing moisture loss.
- Peptides – Made up of small amino acid chains, peptides act as signal receptors, telling the body to boost collagen production.
- Hyaluronic acid – A highly effective humectant that draws water from the surrounding atmosphere and deeper skin layers, then binds it to the epidermis to support hydration. It is one of the most commonly formulated ingredients in moisturisers.
- Niacinamide – Known for its ability to brighten dull skin and neutralise redness, niacinamide is especially effective for targeting visible signs of ageing like hyperpigmentation. It also supports the function of the skin moisture barrier.
- Glycerin – Another star humectant, glycerin is a power hydrator and complements many other ingredients, so it’s particularly useful as an ingredient in moisturisers for mature skin.
Best moisturisers for ageing skin
All skin is different, so there’s no single ‘best’ anti-ageing moisturiser that addresses everyone’s challenges. Moisturisers have different weights, textures, and combinations of ingredients to provide specific benefits for various skin types and concerns – so it’s important to identify your skin’s unique needs first.
From dehydration to dullness – and everything in between – read on to find the right anti-ageing cream for you.
A.G.E Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream
In addition to accumulated environmental damage and hormonal changes, mature skin is more prone to visible signs of ageing caused by the collagen-compromising effects of glycation – a process that deteriorates skin elasticity and firmness.
Formulated with 18% concentrated Proxylane™, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoid blend, and 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid, A.G.E Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream is a powerful moisturiser for ageing skin. This next-generation anti-glycation, anti-wrinkle cream is designed to counteract the glycation process, reduce visible wrinkles, and support smoother, firmer, more radiant skin overall.
Triple Lipid Restore 242 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser
Since poor moisture retention is a major challenge of ageing skin, it’s essential to supplement that moisture loss with an ultra-hydrating moisturiser for mature skin that helps reinforce the skin moisture barrier.
Triple Lipid Restore 242 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser is formulated with the ideal ratio of 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids to replenish the skin’s naturally occurring lipids. This helps keep moisture in the stratum corneum, while encouraging the skin’s natural self-repair process. Using a ceramide-rich moisturiser can also help improve other visible signs of ageing, like dullness and skin fullness.
Metacell Renewal B3
Aside from fine lines and wrinkles, photoaging is one of the earliest signs of visible ageing. However, a daily anti-ageing cream can help address the appearance of prematurely ageing skin caused by sun damage and other environmental factors.
Enriched with 5% niacinamide (vitamin B3), 15% pure glycerin, and a firming tripeptide complex, Metacell Renewal B3 encourages skin cell turnover, visibly smooths skin texture, and enhances radiance. Over time, skin is more resilient, firm, and even.
Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Cream
With sluggish skin turnover being one of the contributing factors of visible ageing concerns, you might find it beneficial to introduce a glycolic acid-based moisturiser for mature skin to your routine.
Designed for nightly use, the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Cream helps stimulate skin cell turnover to improve the appearance of skin texture and tone. This radiance-boosting formula is enriched with 10% glycolic acid to promote exfoliation and blended with 2% phytic acid and a triple action comforting complex to help support the skin moisture barrier.
The best moisturiser for ageing skin still needs support from other skincare steps in your anti-ageing routine. Next, find out how to layer skincare to gain the most benefits from your daily regime.
