I'm an Esthetician, and This Is the One Skincare Product I Recommend for Women Over 50

Shelby Deering
·5 min read
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Aging, at its core, is really a beautiful thing. All the laughter, experiences and wisdom of the years eventually show up on our skin, and that’s not something to be wished away. But let’s say you want to turn back the clock a bit to glow and look fresher, something that can boost your already-great self-confidence even more. In that case, look to a few refreshing products geared toward women (or men, for that matter!) over 50.

To discover these helpful products, we talked to celebrity dermatologist-trained esthetician, Shani Darden, for her tips and tricks that are focused on over-50 skin. She’s cared for the skin of such celebs as Jessica Alba, Rosie Huntington-Whitley and January Jones, but now she’s sharing her wise words with you! 

Related: The 9 Best Foundations and Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

Why Is It Important to Care For Your Skin When You’re Over 50?

If you haven’t developed a solid skincare routine (one study says that over 74% of people have both a morning and evening skincare routine, but that leaves 26% with no regimen to speak of), now’s a good time to start if you’re over 50.

As Darden says, “Aging can affect the skin in several ways, including a decrease in collagen and elastin production that can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Additional factors like sun exposure, lifestyle choices and genetics play a role in how the skin ages.”

Darden adds that her older clients often focus on addressing specific concerns like wrinkles, loss of firmness and decreased collagen production.

If these are things you’re interested in improving, read on for product recommendations.

Related: How to Wash Your Face Like a Dermatologist, Straight From a Board-Certified Derm

The #1 Skincare Product Recommended for Women Over 50, According to Esthetician Shani Darden

The clear winner when it comes to looking your glowy, refreshed best? Retinol.

“Retinol is the most effective anti-aging ingredient and one of my absolute favorite ingredients for glowing, youthful skin,” Darden says. “Retinol works at the cellular level to address so many different issues, from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and uneven tone. It’s such an incredible multi-tasker. Retinol not only helps decrease the signs of aging, but can also help reverse the signs of aging.”

Austin-based dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak previously explained to Parade, "Retinol is a form of vitamin A and has been used to treat acne, but it has also been shown to help decrease wrinkles and fine lines," allowing the skin "to repair any damage already inflicted" and "helps turn over the skin, exfoliating it naturally, and also helps stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers."

As for specific product recommendations to harness the power of retinol, Darden suggests a product from her own line: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform. 

She says, “I created my Retinol Reform to have a gentle, yet potent formula, that delivers a steady stream of encapsulated retinol throughout the night to minimize the irritation of ordinary retinol—while transforming your skin. Retinol Reform is the ultimate multi-tasking serum that helps to address many signs of aging.”

According to Darden, these signs can include fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, dullness and loss of firmness.

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform, $89 on Amazon

Additional Retinol Products Worth Checking Out:

Related: I Used Model Molly Sims' Skincare Line for Two Months and My Skin Has Never Looked Better

Apart from retinol, Darden says that her number one skincare recommendation for all ages is “to always remember to be vigilant with sunscreen, and don’t forget about the neck, chest and the hands.”

This is doubly important advice when using retinol, since retinol can make your skin more sensitive and prone to sunburns.

Rose Gold Sun Shield Body Glow Sunscreen SPF 45, $42 from Kopari

One five-star reviewer says about this sunscreen: "Love this product. I just mix a few drops with my regular body lotion for a beautiful sun kissed sheen to my skin. I even use it under my makeup...could be worn over it as well! Great product!"

Related: Dealing With Dry Skin? Here's a Step-By-Step Guide to Treating It—and the Best Products to Try

Other Go-To Skincare Products Recommended for Women Over 50

A few other surefire skincare products that Darden swears by? They include eye cream, a plumping serum and brightening peel pads.

For instance, she shares the Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream from her skincare line, readied with peptides that can plump, silk tree extract to brighten, squalene to hydrate and niacinamide to fight wrinkles.

“This nutrient-rich cream softens the appearance of crow's feet and dark circles, leaving the eye area visibly firmer, brighter, crease-free and ready for makeup,” she says. These should always be your top goals when choosing any type of eye cream.

Additional Eye Cream Options Worth Checking Out:

Darden also suggests using plumping serum, such as Shani Darden Skin Care Moisture Boost Plumping Serum—from her line as well.

It’s a good idea to use serum in general, no matter what age you are. Darden goes on to say, “My new hydration serum leaves skin supple and bouncy while nourishing the skin barrier. It's a great option to add to a skincare routine for those who have lost collagen or need extra hydration.”

Shani Darden Skin Care Moisture Boost Plumping Serum, $78 on Amazon

Another one of Darden’s favorite products for those aged 50 and older are Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads. She says, “I love recommending these peel pads to use one to two times a week. They brighten the skin while targeting uneven tone and texture and also help with fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.”

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $19 on Amazon

No matter what anti-aging skincare products you might choose to use every day (or forgo them altogether—we’re definitely for aging beautifully and gracefully!), think of it as a time to practice self-care and celebrate your amazing self.

Next up, discover the six essential steps for your morning and night skincare routine.

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