5 must-have beauty products to use over 60
Skin in our 60s behaves very differently to skin in our 30s or 40s.
Collagen levels decline, elastin fragments, oil production slows and the skin barrier becomes more fragile. These changes can result is dryness, dullness, increased sensitivity and a gradual loss of firmness.
“By our 60s, the skin has undergone significant structural and hormonal changes,” explains Dr Conal Perrett, consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic.
In post-menopausal women particularly, reduced oestrogen accelerates thinning and loss of elasticity.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Susan Mayou at the Cadogan Clinic, says that decades of sun exposure often leave pigmentation, uneven tone and visible blood vessels.
At this stage, therefore, skincare should shift away from aggressive exfoliation and oil control and towards barrier repair, hydration and steady collagen support.
So if you are streamlining your routine, these are the five products dermatologists say matter most.
1. Broad-spectrum SPF
If there is one product that remains non-negotiable at every age, it is sunscreen.
“UV exposure is responsible for up to 80% of visible skin ageing,” says Perrett. Even in your 60s and beyond, protecting skin from UVA and UVB damage slows further collagen breakdown, pigmentation and texture changes.
Mayou stresses that sun protection is not redundant once lines have formed.
Ongoing protection helps maintain skin quality and reduces the risk of precancerous changes. A broad-spectrum SPF 50 at least, applied daily and year-round, forms the foundation of any effective routine.
Ultrasun Anti-Pigmentation Face Fluid 50+SPF, £29
2. A gentle retinoid
Retinoids remain the gold standard for improving skin texture and supporting collagen production.
“These stimulate collagen, improve fine lines and support cell turnover,” says Perrett. However, he advises choosing gentler, well-formulated options in your 60s to minimise irritation.
Mature skin can still benefit significantly from vitamin A derivatives, but strength and frequency need to be adjusted.
Mayou notes that contrary to popular belief, retinoids are not “off-limits” after a certain age; instead, they should be introduced gradually and used consistently. In this decade, tolerance matters more than intensity.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 – Vitamin A Face Serum, £70
3. A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid
As natural oil production decreases, hydration becomes a priority.
Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water within the skin, helping it appear smoother and more supple.
Mayou says that hyaluronic acid can soften fine dehydration lines and improve comfort, especially in skin that feels tight or fragile.
Perrett describes it as particularly effective when layered under a moisturiser to enhance plumpness. Applied to slightly damp skin and sealed in with a nourishing cream, it can noticeably improve texture and luminosity.
Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum, £54, Look Fantastic
4. A barrier-supporting moisturiser
With age, the skin barrier weakens, making it more vulnerable to irritation and moisture loss. This is why replenishing lipids becomes essential.
Perrett highlights the importance of ceramides and barrier lipids, which help repair and maintain the skin’s protective layer. Without this support, dryness and inflammation can worsen.
Mayou recommends rich moisturisers containing ceramides, fatty acids or hyaluronic acid to restore comfort and resilience. Mature skin generally benefits from cream or balm cleansers and nourishing moisturisers rather than foaming or mattifying products.
“Over-stripping the skin at this stage often worsens dryness and inflammation rather than improving radiance,” Perrett explains.
Avène Les Essentiels Revitalizing Nourishing Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin, £23, Boots
5. An antioxidant such as vitamin C
Oxidative stress from pollution and UV exposure contributes to dullness and uneven tone. An antioxidant serum can help counteract this.
“Antioxidants such as vitamin C combat oxidative stress and improve brightness and pigmentation irregularities,” says Perrett. Vitamin C also supports collagen formation, adding another layer of benefit.
Mayou says that niacinamide can be useful in mature skin routines, helping to reduce redness, improve tone and strengthen the barrier.
Used consistently in the morning, antioxidants defend against ongoing environmental damage and enhance overall radiance.
Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced 20% Vitamin C Gel-Serum With Phyto Exosomes, £70
What to stop using
Alongside adding the right products, dermatologists frequently see women over 60 holding on to products that no longer serve their skin.
Harsh foaming cleansers designed for oily or acne-prone skin, high-strength exfoliating acids used too frequently and alcohol-heavy toners can all compromise a fragile barrier.
Long-term reliance on mattifying or spot treatments may worsen dryness.
The focus should move from “combatting age” to supporting skin health. Mature skin responds better to nourishment and steady stimulation than to aggressive routines.
The biggest misconception
One of the most persistent myths, says Perrett, is that it is too late to make a difference.
“Skin remains biologically active well into our later decades,” he explains. While no product can reverse time entirely, collagen can still be stimulated, pigmentation improved and barrier strength restored.
Mayou agrees that tailored, consistent care can lead to meaningful improvements in hydration, tone and resilience. Stronger is not better; consistency is.
