Want firmer, brighter, better-behaved skin without a 12-step routine? This guide pulls together our most useful anti-ageing posts so you can build a simple morning/night plan, choose the right cream or serum for your skin, and know when to go richer or lighter. Short version: pair a vitamin C + SPF in the daytime with a retinoid or peptide/growth-factor at night, then match your moisturiser to your dryness level.
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Quick picks (start here)
- Best everyday moisturiser (normal/combination): Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream — lightweight gel-cream that sits perfectly under makeup.
Read our full review: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Review. - Best rich cream for dry skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream — cushiony, occlusive feel with a luxe finish.
Read: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream Review. - Best firming night cream: Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night — comforting, firmer-feeling skin by morning.
Read: Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream Review. - Best barrier + radiance night cream: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night — barrier support and glow without heaviness.
Read: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream Review (2025). - Best “results” serum (growth factors): SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex — pairs well under any night cream.
Read: SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex Review. - Best all-round night serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair — hydration + repair, plays nice with everything.
Read: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review. - Tinted day moisturiser with SPF (matte): Revision Intellishade Matte — one-and-done base for busy mornings.
Read: Revision Intellishade Matte Review. - Tint + SPF full-coverage option: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream — colour-correcting, comfortable, high coverage.
Read: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Review. - Supplements for Beautiful Skin: Collagen, Omega-3 fish oil, Ceramides, Zinc, Probiotics.
Read: Best Supplements for Beautiful Skin: What’s Worth It (And What’s Not)
Comparison tables (mobile-friendly)
Day moisturisers & tints
| Product | Texture | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream | Gel-cream | Satin | Normal/combination; makeup-friendly days |
| Tatcha The Water Cream | Water-cream | Soft matte | Oily/combination that still needs hydration |
| Revision Intellishade Matte (SPF) | Tinted cream | Matte, SPF | One-step tint + SPF for shine-prone skin |
| IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (SPF) | Tinted cream | Natural, SPF | Coverage + skincare in one step |
Night creams & repair serums
| Product | Type | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancôme Rénergie Night | Night cream | Comforting, rich | Firming focus; normal → dry |
| Lancôme Génifique Night | Night cream | Light-rich | Barrier support + radiance |
| Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream | Rich cream | Plush, occlusive | Very dry or winter skin |
| Estée Lauder ANR | Serum | Lightweight | Layerable nightly hydration/repair |
| SkinMedica TNS Recovery | Serum (growth factors) | Light gel | “Results” layer under creams |
| Neocutis Bio Cream Firm Riche | Rich cream | Dense, cushiony | Dry, mature skin needing bounce |
Pick by concern
- Fine lines + texture: Estée Lauder ANR at night, Elemis or Tatcha Water Cream by day.
- Loss of firmness: Lancôme Rénergie Night or Neocutis Bio Cream Firm Riche.
- Easily irritated barrier: Lancôme Génifique Night or ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar (post-procedure/fragile skin).
Read: ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar Review. - Very dry skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream or Neocutis Riche, then a humidifier and gentler cleanser.
- Pigment + dullness: Add vitamin C by day; consider Jan Marini Skin Care Management System for a structured routine.
Read: Jan Marini Skin Care Management System Review.
Build a simple routine (that you’ll actually do)
Morning
- Cleanse (or rinse if not oily).
- Vitamin C serum (optional but helpful for tone).
- Moisturiser — Elemis Pro-Collagen or Tatcha Water Cream.
- SPF 30+ (or use your tint with SPF like Intellishade/IT CC+).
- Optional makeup.
Night
- Cleanse.
- Treatment layer
- Gentle retinoid or Estée Lauder ANR or SkinMedica TNS.
- Moisturiser
- Normal/combo → Lancôme Génifique Night.
- Dry/very dry → Rénergie Night / Neocutis Riche / Augustinus Bader.
- Twice weekly: exfoliating acid night (skip retinoid that night).
Ingredient guide (plain English)
- Retinoids (retinol/retinal): improve texture, lines, tone; use at night, moisturise after.
- Vitamin C (L-AA or stable derivatives): brightens + defends; morning under SPF.
- Peptides/growth factors: support firmness and bounce; gentle, layer well.
- Niacinamide: calms redness, supports barrier, helps pores look smaller.
- Hyaluronic acid + glycerin: water magnets; pair with a moisturiser to seal.
- Ceramides: repair the skin barrier; crucial in winter or after actives.
- AHAs/BHAs: smooth texture and unclog; 1–3 nights/week, not with retinoids the same night.
FAQs
Which is better—rich night cream or serum
Different jobs. Serum = actives for change; cream = comfort and sealing. Many benefit from both.
Can I mix retinol with vitamin C
Yes, but typically split C in the AM and retinoid at night for comfort.
My skin is sensitive—where should I start
Begin with Estée Lauder ANR or Lancôme Génifique Night plus a gentle moisturiser for 2–3 weeks, then layer stronger actives.
Best order at night
Cleanse → serum (ANR or TNS or retinoid) → night cream matched to dryness.
Do I need a separate eye cream
Not required, but a gentle eye formula can be nicer if face products sting near the eyes.
See More:
If you’re refreshing your makeup bag, our Best Mascara for Older Women guide covers clean, smudge-resistant picks that lift fine lashes. For smooth color that flatters texture, see Best Eyeshadow for Older Women. For easy definition, head to Best Eyeliner for Older Women. Want color that brightens without settling? Check Best Lipstick for Older Women. And to finish the look with a signature scent, explore Best Perfume for Older Women. We also cover the Best Foundation for Mature Skin Over 60.
Also see our Guide to Tightening Loose Skin After Weight Loss
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