Lifestyle
I’m 53 and overwhelmed by beauty products and don’t know what order to apply them in. What are the rules?
Dear Face Time, Can you outline all the various product types and how and when to use them? There’s vitamin C, snail mucin, toners, serums, sunscreens and moisturizers? It’s all so confusing. I don’t even really know what each of these does, and I’m definitely not sure in which order I should apply them! What are the rules? — 53 and Beauty Overwhelmed
Dear 53 and Beauty Overwhelmed, This is by far the most common of all the questions I’m asked as a beauty editor. And I get it: With the sheer volume and range of skin care products — not to mention specific items influencers, experts, TikToks and Instagram Reels recommend — it’s a bit of a feat to sort out, in practical terms, just how all this glowing up can and should be done.
As with any topic in the beauty world (or, honestly, the world world), there’s no real consensus on what an ideal skin care regimen should look like. So much of this is based on your skin type and tone, not to mention your schedule, budget and personal preferences (one person’s pampering 20-step K-beauty routine is, frankly, another’s hell).
In terms of rules, the only one I know for sure is: Wear sunscreen. Every day. Another guideline is to always layer the thinnest product first and work up to the thickest.
I am of the school of thought that when it comes to skin care, less is more. I only use products with clinically proven ingredients that I’ve found to make a difference in the texture, tone and clarity of my skin. With that in mind, here’s the most straightforward example of a quality daytime and nighttime skin care routine I’ve culled from interviews with dozens of dermatologists, aestheticians and cosmetic surgeons.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so this remains a loose guide. Finding what works for you requires some trial and error. I’ve also included my actual skin care routine in case that’s useful.
Basic skin care recommendations
Steps for morning/day
Serums: Specifically, a stable form of vitamin C
High-quality sunscreen SPF 40 or higher
Whatever face makeup you use
*Optional: toner, hyaluronic acid, additional serums, moisturizer
Steps for night
A resurfacing exfoliant with acids AHA/BHA, two to three times per week; this will turn over dead skin cells and keep your skin from looking dull and flat
Serums: Specifically, you’re looking for vitamin C to brighten your complexion and peptides to keep your skin firm, though you can add snail mucin to clarify tone and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration
Eye cream: The one you choose will depend on your specific issue — puffiness, dark circles or crepey skin (few will address all three)
Prescription retinol three to four times per week: To help build collagen, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and make your skin look tighter
A heavier cream to seal in moisture
*Optional: cleansing balm for a double cleanse, toner, additional serums, face oil, dark spot cream
For anytime
An at-home device (like a red-light therapy mask) to help support collagen production, three to five times per week.
The skin care I use on my 52-year-old face (and neck!)
All the products in my current lineup.
It’s important to note here that I am always testing products for my job, so while the brands may change, I maintain the same basic ingredient lineup. For reference, my morning routine takes three minutes, and my nighttime routine takes five to 10 minutes.
For morning/day
For night
Antioxidant serums: I apply my Timeless vitamin C again, peptides again (someone gifted me this pricey serum from Angela Caglia — I can’t afford it, so I’m loath to recommend it, but it’s incredible — if I weren’t testing this for work, I’d be using the Inkey List peptide serum for $17).
Eye cream: RoC makes a good, affordable option with retinol. The Inkey List has a good one with caffeine. On the pricier side, I’ve just discovered Image’s Eye Creme, which feels amazing.
Retinol: I’ve found the retinoid Differin works better for my skin than prescription retinol, and it’s just as potent for around $15.
An at-home device to help support collagen production: Speaking of my neck, I picked up the Light Salon’s LED Boost red-light collar last Black Friday and have been using it for 10 minutes before I go to bed — it’s for sure changed the texture of my neck skin and made the area tighter overall.
Beauty editor, podcast host and author Jennifer Romolini will help demystify what it’s like to live with an aging face.
What’s the best makeup for wrinkles? Does retinol work? Ask Jennifer Romolini anything, as the kids say, and she’ll answer with straightforward, expert-backed advice. Submit questions in the comments below, on social @yahoolife or email askfacetime@yahoo.com.