The Best Skincare for Mature Skin, According to a 40-Year-Old Beauty Editor

Best Sunscreen for Mature Skin

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 UV Daily Sunscreen - SPF 30

$35 at Amazon $37 at Ulta $35 at Laroche-posay.us

If there’s one skincare hill for mature skin that I’ll gladly die on, it’s the need for sunscreen, especially as you get older. I own multiple moisturizers with SPF, but my current favorite is the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 dark spot corrector that fades discoloration while protecting against sun damage. When I need to be outside most of the day, I opt for an SPF 50 sunscreen, but my everyday go-to is this broad-spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer with an invisible finish.

Best Vitamin C Serum for Mature Skin

TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

$20

$17 at Amazon $22 at Target $9 at Walmart

Of course, every routine should incorporate a gentle cleanser, an exfoliator, and a toner to remove any dirt and dead skin cells and to prep your skin. However, I’m passionate about face serums, especially ones with vitamin C. This sensitive-skin-friendly serum includes vitamin C to help improve the look of dark spots while boosting collagen. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and jojoba oil, this dermatologist-tested serum leaves my dry skin hydrated and glowing.

Best for Uneven Texture

Medicube PDRN Peptide Serum

$19

$15 at Amazon $21 at Ulta $21 at Nordstrom

Yes, I layer my face serums. This K-Beauty serum firms the skin with peptides and strengthens the barrier with niacinamide. PDRN—an anti-aging buzzword—is also beneficial for enhancing elasticity and reducing fine lines to help produce collagen. I apply this one by Medicube last since it has the thickest consistency. It’s best for loss of firmness and uneven texture, which is why I reach for it when I want my skin to look bouncier without feeling heavy.

Best for Fine Lines

Origins Plantscription Triple-Action Youth Cream

$100 at Amazon $100 at Ulta View on Origins.com

We know that slower collagen production and reduced cell turnover make it more difficult for our skin to recover as we age. That’s why I use this rich moisturizer that supports my skin’s natural collagen and elastin. With the help of peptides, this youth cream smooths lines and wrinkles and is lightweight enough for everyday use.

Best Retinol Cream for Mature Skin

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

$76 at Amazon $76 at Sephora $76 at Ulta

If you don’t know by now, retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is chock-full of benefits, from increasing cell turnover that delivers a more even skin texture, to minimizing fine lines and wrinkles—a common anti-aging concern. I’ve been a fan of this Drunk Elephant retinol cream for over a year because it only takes a couple of weeks to show results and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Keep in mind that retinol can be drying because it disrupts your skin barrier, so I recommend titrating to a pea-sized amount added to your favorite moisturizer once or twice a week until your skin acclimates.

Best for Dark Spots

Ranavat Brightening Saffron Serum

$135 at Amazon $135 at Sephora $135 at Ranavat.com

Serums are great at delivering hydration and targeting specific concerns. That’s why I love this saffron serum by Ranavat that transforms my dull skin into a radiant glow, thanks to antioxidants that help fade discoloration and dark spots. It works quickly and absorbs deeply for a brighter, more hydrated look.

Best Body Oil for Mature Skin

Stripes Beauty The Full Monty Squalane Hydrating Vitamin C Body Oil

$65 at Amazon $65 at Ulta $65 at Stripesbeauty.com

My skin has always been on the drier side, but now that I’m 40, it’s become even more important to add hydration. The Stripes Beauty Full Monty body oil effectively protects against moisture loss and improves firmness with nourishing squalane and vitamins C and E. I apply it all over my body after a shower for optimal absorption. Plus, Naomi Watts founded the brand specifically to tailor to perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Best Red Light Therapy Mask for Mature Skin

Megelin Duo-Lux Laser & LED Light Therapy Mask

$599 at Amazon

$799

$529 at Megelin.com

I’m not afraid to admit that I own more than one light therapy device. However, this laser and LED mask is what I reach for at home after cleansing my face and before the rest of my skincare routine. It offers four modes that target wrinkles, inflammation, toning, and daily repair across my forehead, smile lines, crow’s feet, and cheeks. Beyond the facial zone mapping—mode one (wrinkles) and mode three (toning) are my favorites—and the controller with an on-screen timer, it’s just plain comfortable, which is a must-have for me when it comes to red light therapy masks.