17 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin to Target Fine Lines and Wrinkles
While there are tons of face creams to choose from, the best moisturizer for mature skin is one that can do more than simply provide relief from dryness — just ask a few of our go-to dermatologists. They see patients for a countless number of concerns (acne, suspicious moles, dandruff — you name it), some of the most common appointment talking points are fine lines, sagging, and discoloration in skin tone like hyperpigmentation and dark spots. They're perfectly natural characteristics of skin that's matured (which is why we don't ascribe to the idea of “anti-aging,”) but some would prefer to see themselves with a smoother skin texture and more even complexion — and that's okay.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $125
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, $48
- Best for Oily Skin: Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream, $60
- Best for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185
- Best Luxurious Retinol: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Night Face Cream, $178
- Best Affordable Retinol: Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer, $30
- Best Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, $30
Dermatologists have access to some of the most effective in-office options, like injectable and laser treatments, but they also know what's up when it comes to topical products you can use in your everyday routine to treat skin concerns, like face moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, says that there are quite a few skin-care ingredients you should be looking for when shopping for a skin-care routine for mature skin, including skin-brightening vitamin C, which is "a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals which would otherwise cause oxidative stress to the skin and lead to premature aging," Dr. Green explains. (In other words, it's great for signs of sun damage.)
Retinol is also a go-to ingredient in nighttime skin moisturizers since it can help boost skin cell turnover, promote collagen production, and increase elasticity. (That said, just follow it up with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 during the day, since retinoids can contribute to sun sensitivity.) Dr. Green also notes alpha and beta hydroxy acids, two groups of chemical exfoliants, as essentials for smoothing skin and addressing discoloration concerns. "Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells," she says. "This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture."
Yes, intensive exfoliating ingredients and antioxidants are important to incorporate into a regimen tailored for mature skin, but Dr. Green says you shouldn't forget about ingredients that can help replenish moisture. Dehydrated skin can appear with more exaggerated wrinkles and dark circles under the eye, especially if you have dry skin to begin with. Dr. Green recommends including niacinamide skin-care products, hyaluronic acid serums, and ceramide-packed formulas in your routine to reinforce the skin's barrier and help lock in moisture.
Scroll ahead to find what dermatologists and Allure editors consider to be the best moisturizer for mature skin.
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