Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care in Your 50s

For both men and women, anti-aging is often the biggest skin care concern in your 50s. With so many anti-aging products and ingredients out there, however, finding the best skin care in your 50s that actually works can be a challenge. The key is to know which of the 16 skin types you are so we can help you design a customized skin care regimen that is right for your skin’s specific needs.

Before getting into the details of the best skin care in your 50s, take the Skin Type Quiz below so you know which products are a good match for your skin.

Skin care in your 50s should focus on reducing inflammation, repairing DNA damage, and promoting collagen.

Exosomes, growth factors, DNA repair enzymes, and retinoids are the best anti-aging ingredients in your 50s.

Avoid excess sugar, sun exposure, and using the wrong skin care products to help reduce inflammation.

Best Skin Care in Your 50s Routine

While the exact products that are best for your skin will depend on your specific skin type, the ideal routine for skin care in your 50s will include these products:

Sunscreen

Retinoids

Vitamin C (if right for your skin type)

Exosomes or growth factors

DNA repair enzymes

Antioxidants

Most Common Skin Problems in Your 50s

Signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots are some of the most common skin problems for people in their 50s. While many factors can influence skin aging, three of the most important to consider when choosing skin care products in your 50s are inflammation, sun damage, and loss of collagen.

Inflammation

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, many of which are driven by genomic instability, or the gradual accumulation of DNA damage over time. This buildup of DNA damage doesn’t just cause cells to malfunction or die; it also plays a significant role in sparking inflammation, a process that’s closely tied to aging and numerous age-related diseases. Inflammation is a hallmark of aging, often acting as a catalyst for conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and even neurodegenerative disorders.

Recent research sheds light on how DNA damage leads to inflammation. When DNA is damaged, it can activate specific pathways in our cells, such as the cGAS-STING axis and the NF-κB pathway (3). These pathways are like alarm systems, responding to threats by triggering inflammatory responses. Factors that set off these alarms include not only accumulated DNA damage but also the activation of transposons (“jumping genes” that can create or reverse DNA mutations), the presence of senescent cells (cells that have stopped dividing), and persistent R-loops (abnormal structures formed during the process where RNA is made from DNA).

But there’s more to the story. DNA damage can also lead to epigenetic changes, or modifications in how genes are expressed, by redistributing heterochromatin factors, which help to organize DNA in the cell. These changes can further fuel inflammation and accelerate the aging process. Understanding these mechanisms not only deepens our knowledge of aging but also opens up potential avenues for interventions that could reduce inflammation and potentially slow down the effects of aging.

Sun Damage

Our skin also becomes more susceptible to sun damage with age, due to a decline in DNA repair enzymes, which are responsible for fixing UV-induced cellular damage. Over time, the cumulative impact of sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, uneven texture, and even an increased risk of skin cancer. Without adequate repair, UV damage accelerates visible signs of aging, including thinning skin and loss of elasticity.

To address this, look for products containing DNA repair enzymes, which can help reverse some of the damage by boosting your skin’s ability to repair itself. Combining these with daily sunscreen use is essential for protecting your skin from further harm and maintaining younger-looking skin. Regular use of these products not only helps to mitigate past damage but also strengthens your skin’s resilience against future exposure, making them a cornerstone of effective anti-aging skin care.

Loss of Collagen

Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping skin firm, plump, and elastic. Unfortunately, collagen production starts to decline as early as your 20s and continues to more rapidly decline with age. Collagen loss speeds up during menopause. This reduction leads to lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Thus, good skin care in your 50s should include ingredients that can promote collagen to reverse some of these effects. One of the most exciting advancements in this area is the use of exosomes in skin care.

Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring vesicles released by cells that act as messengers, carrying proteins, lipids, and genetic material to other cells. In skin care, exosomes derived from stem cells or other beneficial sources are used to deliver signals that stimulate collagen production, improve skin repair processes, and reduce inflammation. They essentially “teach” skin cells to behave as they did when they were younger, improving the overall structure and function of the skin.

Research suggests that exosomes can not only help to replenish lost collagen but also encourage the formation of new blood vessels, improving skin tone and texture. Products like Plated SkinScience, which incorporate exosome technology, offer targeted benefits for anti-aging by addressing the underlying cellular mechanisms of collagen loss (4, 5).

Best Products for Skin Care in Your 50s

There are many anti-aging products out there. The 2 most important antiaging products to use in your 50 are daily sunscreen and a nightly retinoid- the stronger- the better. These are some of the best researched-backed anti-aging products for skin care in your 50s that are worth investing in.

Plated SkinScience

Plated SkinScience is a cutting-edge skin care brand that uses patented Renewosomes – exosomes extracted from platelets and enhanced with growth factors and antioxidants. These exciting new anti-aging ingredients not only help to promote collagen and skin renewal from the inside out, but they can also reduce inflammation, which is a key contributor to skin aging in your 50s.

Many people ask me what the difference is between the Plated Intense Serum and the Plated Daily Serum. The Plated Intense Serum is the most concentrated formula and is best for more mature or damaged skin. I recommend starting with the Intense Serum for the first 6 to 12 weeks and then switching to the Daily Serum for maintenance.

Rationale

Rationale’s scientifically backed formulations focus on neutralizing oxidative stress, a leading cause of premature aging. Packed with antioxidants, Rationale products work to protect skin cells from free radicals – unstable molecules that damage collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles and sagging. The powerful antioxidant protection provided by Rationale reduces the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness, while supporting the skin’s natural barrier.

Photozyme DNA Repair

Photozyme DNA Repair targets the root cause of many visible signs of aging: accumulated DNA damage. This innovative product contains DNA repair enzymes specifically designed to enhance the skin’s ability to repair UV-induced DNA damage, reducing the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin texture.

By addressing this damage at a cellular level, Photozyme DNA Repair restores the skin’s vitality and resilience, helping to maintain a smoother, more even-toned complexion, making it a must-have for skin care in your 50s.

Anti-Aging Tips for Your 50s

Skin care in your 50s is easier than you might think. The key is to do everything you can to reduce inflammation, including:

Limiting sugar in your diet.

Avoiding sun exposure.

Using the right skin care so you do not cause inflammation with the wrong products.

Know your Baumann Skin Type to choose the best anti-aging skin care in your 50s.

Bottom Line

It is easier than it might seem to improve signs of skin aging in your 50s. The key is to use the right products for your skin type and to know when it’s worth splurging on a product and when it is a waste of your money. Some expensive products like Plated are worth it and can save you money in the long run because you should not need expensive skin treatments to get rid of wrinkles.

Another way to make skin care in your 50s cost-effective is to know your skin type before shopping for products. Do not waste your money on trendy products without proven research or that are not right for your Baumann Skin Type. If you don’t know yours, take a few minutes to take the quiz below to find out.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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