How to Build a Skincare Routine for Aging Skin

by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD

November 28, 2024

Aging skin is a natural, beautiful part of life, but as our skin changes, our skincare routines should adapt to support its needs. Fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity are common as we age, but the right skincare products can help keep your skin looking radiant, hydrated, and youthful. We’re here to guide you in creating a routine that gives your skin the nourishment and care it deserves. Let’s explore the essentials of an anti-aging skincare routine and the role that oils play in providing hydration, boosting elasticity, and minimizing wrinkles.

Understanding the Needs of Aging Skin

As we age, our skin produces less collagen and natural oils, which leads to a loss of elasticity, firmness, and moisture. These changes can cause the skin to appear thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles. The goal of an anti-aging skincare routine is to replenish moisture, boost elasticity, and protect the skin from environmental damage.

Here are the main focuses of an anti-aging skincare routine:

Hydration: Keeps the skin plump and smooth, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Moisture Locking: Oils and rich moisturizers help seal in hydration and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Firming and Elasticity: Ingredients that support collagen production, such as retinol, peptides, and certain oils, help maintain a youthful bounce.
Protection: Daily SPF and antioxidants shield skin from free radicals and sun damage, which can accelerate aging.

Let’s go over each step of a well-rounded anti-aging routine and where oils fit in to help your skin thrive.

Step-by-Step Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanse with a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Our Facial Oil Cleanser is a perfect option for aging skin, as it cleanses while maintaining your skin’s moisture balance, leaving it soft and hydrated.

How to Use: Apply a few pumps of the Facial Oil Cleanser to dry skin and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse with warm water or use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away the oil.
Why It Helps: Traditional cleansers can strip aging skin, making it feel dry and tight. An oil-based cleanser nourishes while it cleanses, helping to maintain your skin’s natural moisture.

Step 2: Apply a Hydrating Serum

After cleansing, apply a serum rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. Hydrating serums attract water to the skin, making it plump and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

How to Use: Apply a few drops of the serum to damp skin to enhance absorption and boost hydration levels.
Why It Helps: Hydrated skin looks fuller, smoother, and more youthful. A hydrating serum acts as a base layer that helps lock in moisture when paired with oils.

Step 3: Use a Facial Oil for Moisture and Elasticity

Facial oils are a fantastic addition to an anti-aging routine. They help lock in the hydration provided by serums and add essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that support elasticity and protect against environmental stressors. Our Moisturizing Face Oil is designed to nourish aging skin, giving it a youthful, dewy glow.

How to Use: Apply 3–4 drops of facial oil to your hands, rub your palms together to warm it, and gently press it into your skin. Focus on areas prone to dryness or wrinkles, such as the forehead and around the eyes.
Why It Helps: Oils rich in antioxidants and fatty acids create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and supporting collagen. Oils like rosehip, squalane, and jojoba are known for their ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and enhance skin elasticity.

Step 4: Apply an Eye Cream or Serum

The skin around our eyes is delicate and often the first area to show signs of aging. An eye cream or serum with ingredients like peptides, retinol, or vitamin C can help firm and brighten this area.

How to Use: Gently tap a small amount around the orbital bone, being careful not to pull or tug at the skin.
Why It Helps: Eye creams help target fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness, keeping the eye area bright and smooth.

Step 5: Lock in Moisture with a Rich Moisturizer

Moisturizer helps seal in all the products you’ve applied, creating a protective layer on the skin’s surface. Look for a rich, nourishing moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and supports the skin barrier. Our Oil-based moisturizer is a great option.

How to Use: Apply a nickel-sized amount of moisturizer to your face and neck, smoothing it in gently.
Why It Helps: Aging skin needs moisture throughout the day. A moisturizer adds an extra layer of hydration and protection, ensuring your skin stays plump and hydrated.

Step 6: Finish with SPF in the Morning

SPF is non-negotiable in any anti-aging routine. Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of premature aging, so daily sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from UV damage.

How to Use: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher as the last step in your morning routine. Be sure to cover all exposed areas, including the neck and hands.
Why It Helps: Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage, which leads to collagen breakdown, dark spots, and wrinkles. Daily SPF use can significantly slow down the aging process and keep skin looking youthful.

Nighttime Routine: Adding Retinol and Oil for Extra Care

In the evening, consider adding a retinol product to your routine. Retinol is known for its ability to boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen, making it a staple for anti-aging. After cleansing and applying retinol, follow up with our Moisturizing Face Oil to nourish your skin overnight.

How to Use: Apply retinol after cleansing and hydrating. Wait a few minutes, then follow with your facial oil to lock in moisture and reduce the potential for dryness or irritation.
Why It Helps: Retinol promotes skin renewal and improves elasticity, while the facial oil soothes and hydrates, creating a balanced nighttime routine.

Anti-Aging Benefits of Oils for Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkle Reduction

Oils are one of the best tools for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. Let’s explore how our Moisturizing Face Oil contributes to each area of anti-aging care:

Hydration: Oils help the skin retain moisture, especially when layered over a hydrating serum. Our Moisturizing Face Oil includes hydrating ingredients like jojoba and squalane, which mimic the skin’s natural oils, providing deep hydration without clogging pores.
Elasticity: Aging skin loses its elasticity over time. Oils rich in antioxidants, like rosehip and vitamin E, support collagen production and help keep the skin firm and resilient. Regular use of facial oils can improve the skin’s bounce and prevent it from sagging.
Wrinkle Reduction: Fine lines and wrinkles are often caused by dryness and a lack of elasticity. Oils work to fill in fine lines by keeping the skin supple, and antioxidants in oils combat free radicals that cause visible aging. Regular use of our facial oil can help soften wrinkles and keep skin looking smooth.

Additional Tips for Aging Gracefully

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats provide the skin with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep is the time when your skin repairs itself. Aim for 7-8 hours a night.
Practice Stress Management: Stress can accelerate aging, so make time for activities that help you relax, such as meditation, reading, or gentle exercise.

Embrace Aging with a Skincare Routine That Nourishes

Aging is a beautiful process, and with the right skincare, you can enjoy healthy, glowing skin at every stage. Oils play a vital role in maintaining hydration, elasticity, and smoothness, helping your skin age gracefully and look its best. At Sheandis, we’re dedicated to providing you with products that nourish, protect, and support your skin’s unique needs.

Remember, the most important part of any skincare routine is consistency and care. By embracing a ritual that includes hydration, moisture, and sun protection, you’re giving your skin everything it needs to thrive. Here’s to radiant, resilient skin that celebrates every year of your life!