The Right Order to Apply Skincare Products for Women Over 50
One of the most common questions I get from readers is, “What’s the right order to put on my skincare products?” And trust me, I get it. With so many creams, serums, and toners out there, it can feel more like chemistry class than self-care!
So today, we’re breaking it down step-by-step! I’m going to walk you through the proper skincare routine for women over 50, what each product does, and why the order really matters. If your products aren’t working the way they used to, it could be because they’re not being layered in the right way.
The Right Order to Apply Skincare Products for Women Over 50
Why the Order of Skincare Matters
Let’s talk about why the order is even important. Think of your skincare like getting dressed. You wouldn’t put on your coat before your blouse, right? It’s the same idea. Each product has a job to do, and it works best when layered properly.
Generally, the rule of thumb is to apply products from thinnest to thickest. Lighter, water-based products should go on first so they can be absorbed, and thicker, oil-based or occlusive products should go on last to lock everything in.
And for us gurls over 50, this is extra important. Our skin produces less oil, holds less moisture, and doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. So, giving your products the best chance to actually do their job is more important than ever.
Morning Skincare Routine for Mature Skin
Your morning routine is all about protection, hydration, and prepping your skin for the day. You want to focus on gentle cleansing, brightening, and most importantly, SPF.
1. Cleanser
Even though you (hopefully) went to bed with clean skin, your face still produces oil and sheds skin cells overnight. A gentle cleanse gets rid of all that and gives your skin a fresh canvas. If your skin feels dry, you can splash with warm water and skip cleanser, but most of us over 50 still benefit from a quick, gentle wash.
2. Toner or Hydrating Mist (Optional)
Toners today aren’t the drying formulas we used in the ’80s. A good toner helps balance your skin’s pH, lightly hydrates, and helps your serums absorb better. It’s a great prep step, especially for dry or mature skin.
I share a ton of the top facial mists in this post: The Best Facial Mists and Sprays For Women Over 50
3. Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse. It helps fade dark spots, firms the skin, and protects against free radicals (think UV rays and pollution). Basically, it gives your skin a healthy glow and helps prevent more damage.
4. Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to dryness and wrinkles. A good eye cream can hydrate, depuff, and brighten that area, making you look more awake.
To find my favorites, head over to: The Best Eye Creams And Moisturizers For Women Over 50
5. Moisturizer
As we age, our skin loses moisture faster. A lightweight daytime moisturizer keeps your skin soft, helps smooth fine lines, and preps your skin for sunscreen and makeup.
If you need recommendations for a good moisturizer that’s safe for mature skin, you’ll like reading: The Best Face Moisturizers for Women over 5O
6. Sunscreen
This is non-negotiable. Sun damage is the #1 cause of aging skin. Daily sunscreen protects against wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer—even when it’s cloudy or you’re inside. Yes, UVA rays come through windows. This one is my current favorite SPF, but you can see the entire list of sunscreens here.
Nighttime Skincare Routine for Women Over 50
At night, your skin goes into repair mode. This is the time to clean off the day, treat your skin with active ingredients, and deeply hydrate.
1. Cleanser (Double Cleanse if Needed)
Makeup, sunscreen, and dirt build up throughout the day. If you don’t remove it properly, it clogs pores and prevents other products from working. I use Rodan and Fields (and I have for years), but I still covered a ton of other facial cleansers for mature skin in this post!
Why double cleanse?
The first cleanse (usually with a balm or oil) breaks down makeup and SPF. The second cleanse gets rid of leftover residue.
2. Exfoliant
Exfoliating is one of those steps that a lot of us forget about, but it can make a big difference, especially for mature skin. I like to use a gentle exfoliant two or three times a week, right after cleansing. It helps slough off the dead skin cells that can make your face look dull and tired, and it makes your serums and moisturizers work even better.
Don’t exfoliate on the same night you use retinol or other active serums unless your skin is used to it. Alternate those nights to avoid irritation.
2. Toner or Hydrating Mist
Cleansing can sometimes strip moisture. A toner rehydrates and preps your skin to better absorb treatment serums. It’s like giving your skin a drink of water before dinner.
3. Treatment Serum
This is where your anti-aging work happens. At night, your skin naturally repairs itself, and ingredients like retinol or peptides speed that up. They help smooth texture, boost collagen, and fade dark spots.
Wondering what anti-aging products you should try? You’ll want to read:
4. Eye Cream
Night is the perfect time to use a richer formula to target fine lines and dryness around the eyes. You’re not wearing makeup, so it can really soak in and work overnight. I use three different eye creams. If one is good, then three are better…right!?!
5. Night Cream
A richer moisturizer helps strengthen your skin barrier and keep hydration locked in. Think of it like a cozy blanket for your face while you sleep!
Skincare Quick Tips
If you’re just starting out or feel overwhelmed, here’s what I recommend:
Morning Essentials:
- Cleanser
- Vitamin C serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Nighttime Essentials:
- Cleanser
- Retinol or peptide serum
- Moisturizer
Start with those basics and add in extras like eye cream, toner, or face oil as you go. Skincare doesn’t need to be 10 steps to be effective. It just needs to be consistent. Make sure you patch test the products for any sensitivity or allergic reactions. Plus, make sure you are bringing the products down to your neck and chest.
Looking for more skincare products approved for women over 50?
Common Questions I Get About Skincare Over 50
Do I really need to change my skincare routine after 50?
Yes. As we age, our skin produces less oil, loses collagen and elasticity, and doesn’t retain moisture as well. What worked in your 30s may no longer cut it. Switching to hydrating, nourishing, and targeted products is key.
What if I want to use multiple serums?
That’s okay! You totally can. Just apply them in order of thickness, from thinnest to thickest. Let each one absorb before moving to the next.
Is retinol safe for mature skin?
Yes, but start slowly. Retinol helps reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and boost collagen, but it can be drying or irritating at first. Use it 2–3 nights a week and build up gradually. Buffer with moisturizer if needed. If you don’t gradually build up to using it, you can end up with a red or peeling face, which nobody wants!
Can I mix retinol and vitamin C?
It’s best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. They’re both powerful ingredients, so using them together can be too harsh for some skin types.
What’s the best anti-aging ingredient I should be using?
There’s no one magic ingredient, but here are a few top contenders to try:
- Retinol (or bakuchiol if you’re sensitive)
- Peptides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
And of course—SPF every day!
Do I need a separate neck cream?
You don’t have to, but the skin on your neck and chest needs love, too. Just bring your face products down to your neck and décolleté unless you find a specific product you love! I’ve found that my neck is more sensitive than my face, so I suggest starting slowly.
Have you been following a similar order for your skincare, or do you have a favorite step you never skip? Let me know in the comments!
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Verse Of The Day
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
😉
I use Tower 28 SOS spray, serum & moisturizer. It has dramatically improved my skin!
I Found it, and I love these suggestions as they are great ideas!
I Found it, and I love these suggestions!!
😊Thanks for the tips.
Help what to put on first. Liquid makeup or dark spot concealer. When i put concealer on first i still see the spots about an hour later! I ordered theatrical concealer, but I haven’t tried it yet.
Put on the foundation first, then dab in the concealer. If you Can still see the spot, set it with setting powder, then add another layer of concealer.
Found it!
☺️ sunscreen is sooooo important. I’m glad you included that.
🙂 I really like this post and am going to save it and use it!
Found it😀. Thank you for giving us the steps for morning and night. I always wonder if I’m doing it in the correct order!
How fun! I found it in your photo…☺️
I love that you emphasize décolleté and neck treatment too, I love the Elemis toner and a huge fan of their bath milk! It is light, and cleansing and only a little needed, I sometimes smooth it over damp skin in my hands for a moisturizer after bath. Smells heavenly!
Great article. Sandra Winfield 75 yo trying to hang on😂🤣
Been an Olay gal for years, use DRMTGY as well, great skin care products.
Found It 🙂
🙂 This post is good timing. I’ve been looking for new skincare products.
Found it.
Love Cerave products. They’re so gentle on my skin and moisturizing!
Found it! I absolutely love your haircut! I have just recently cute mine pretty short. Yours is adorable
Thanks! I’m due for a refresh soon.
🙂 Found it
Your hair looks so good in the first photo!
Thanks!
🙂 I use the Olay night cream and it’s great
Found it :). Very helpful blog…it’s alot to remember!!! Thank goodness for my daughter.
🙂 I use the Olay night cream it’s good
I use and 😍 La Roche-Posay products!
🙂 Valuable info on skin care. Thanks for all you do to help us stay informed!
😊 Found it. Great advice. Love the step by step plans for morning and night. The first picture of you is so lovely. Frame worthy!
🙂
I’ve been looking for different skincare options, so thank you for this post!
Found it!🙂 Too many products for me though, I only use moisturizer & sunscreen…
🙂 Thank you. I never feel like I have the correct order.
Found it 🙂
The addition of Vit C made a world of difference. I love Elemis products.
A lot of work. I’m not always vigilant. I do try to add a facial mask once a week though.
🙂
Thanks for the instructions. You nailed it!
So many steps, but that’s why we look better than our grandparents did!
Found it 🙂
🙂 thank you.
😊 Thanks for this post, good skin care is so important. The photo of you in the blue tee is so good, your skin is so radiant and pretty! I appreciate you showing products you like and use.
Thanks, Lana!
Found it and thanks for sharing these products!
🙂 Found it!
I find the number of products available to us to be a bit overwhelming. I follow Dr. Dray on YouTube for her educated (she is a dermatologist) advice. Now that I am 70 I am trying to up my skincare game. I had oily skin when I was younger, which I suspect is part of the reason my skin looks as good as it does. The only lines on my face are the faintest crow’s feet at the corners of my eyes and lines (marionette lines) alongside my mouth. I have no fine lines anywhere else. I did find a small number of very small age spots around a year ago. I have been almost entirely able to fade them with a tranexamic acid product. Actually, all but 2 of the tiny spots are completely gone. I am currently trying a multi-peptide serum that includes copper peptide, and I finally found a vitamin C serum that does not cause my skin to burn. I also use retrinal cream. However, other than the obvious results I have gotten from the tranexamic serum, I wonder if any of the products I am using, other than sunscreen – it is the one thing I consider a necessity – are really doing anything for my skin. Maybe they are just helping me maintain the very good complexion I am already blessed with. My dermatologist swears that she can tell that I am using a retinoic acid product because my skin looks so good. What she does not know is that I have only used any retinoic acid product since my late 60s and only in a rather hit or miss fashion. I frequently skip it if my skin is feeling dry. I sincerely doubt the retinol and now the retrinal have had much effect. I mean, one does have to apply them consistently and I do not! I think I just inherited good genes and I have kept what I am blessed with by avoiding the sun and scrupulously using sunscreen since middle age.
🙂 thanks for the lesson!
🙂 Your cover photo cracked me up. ???? Do you have link to the top you are wearing in your straight jacket photo???
Lol! Here is that link: https://bit.ly/3XLvqxW
😊 I started really late (in my 50s) taking care of my skin but at 64, I think my skin tone is much better than it used to be. I guess it’s never too late!
:). Thanks for the steps. I never know. Sometimes I feel like my makeup looks clumpy with all the other stuff under it.
🙂 Thanks for breaking this all down. You shared some great tip!
😀 I really like the quick skincare list at the end of your post. Great reminder of what order to use.
Tania – Mary Kay cosmetics used to be a big thing. Are they still out there? How do they do as skin care products?
I have no idea. I tried them, but they didn’t work for me.
:} Good information!
Thank you Tania for today’s post, very helpful.
FYI – Ulta is having a big sale today on skin care products.
Do you have a drawing for those of us (probably just me) that can never find the smiley face 🤣?
Lol! I include everyone. Finding the smiley is just for fun.
🙂 I use Olay moisturizer for years.
😊 great info regarding skin care
Found it! I have rosacea so I have to be especially careful about what I use. Great article!
😊My dermatologist recommends CeraVe so I usually stick to that.
😊 This was very informative! I just purchased some Peter Thomas Roth retinol at a great price from QVC’s today special. Now I know the correct order to use it in. you look fabulous in that 1st picture. Your skin is glowing. Your eyes are sparkling. your hair looks great! I like it longer on you. Plus, you look nice in the navy color, even though I think pink is one of your colors. BTW. definitely send back that back harness thing. It looks like a torture device!!
Lol! I wouldn’t keep it, but you can never tell with my daughter.
😊 Years ago I used Paula’s Choice. I need to check that out. I like Clinique skincare products.
😊 Found it. Thank you for great product information.
Found it! =) Thanks for this tutorial, makes things easier in this aging process!
Found it! Thank you this was a great post today. I’m going to tape it to my mirror so I don’t forget a step!
Found it! I don’t usually use a toner but will give the hydrating mist a try as well as the Vitamin C serum.
🙂 Clinique is great!
😃 What foundation are you wearing in the photo at the beginning of this post? Thank you!
I’m not sure since that is a few months old.
😄. I use a moisturizer with sunscreen in it. Should I still use additional sunscreen?
Gayle, sunscreen doesn’t get stronger if layered. So, if your moisturizer has a good SPF, you should be fine. But, remember, if you are out in the sun for a long time, you need to reapply sunscreen.
than you
I use Elta MD sunscreen.
😛
😊
So many products can be overwhelming. Makes me think of our Great Grandmothers who probably had none.
Found it
🙂 Thanks for the skincare lesson Tania!
😁 i use sunday riley vitamin c products and really like them. my biggest issue is under eye bags and dark circles. they are hereditary but have gotten worse with age. I’ve tried so many eye products from inexpensive to luxury prices. always read reviews for my specific issues but nothing helps 🫤
🙂 With super sensitive skin I keep things fairly simple based on what my dermatologist says. I mostly use CeraVe or Vanicream products. And I always use sunscreen! Thanks for all the information.
🙂 These are all awesome brands, but I’ve used Clinique for years.
Thank you for this skin care tutorial!
🙂
🙂 What you described is exactly my routine (minus the toner)- think I’ll add that. I also save a step for daytime as my moisturizer has a sunscreen in it. Every second counts, right? Lol
I tend to skip the toner…I need to quit being lazy!!! Happy Friday ❤❤❤
🙂 at 65 years old I find it very important to take good care of my skin. Another good moisturizer I found for my face is Roc moisturizer for fine lines and wrinkles.
Found it! That lipstick shade is perfect for you!
😀 great info
Great information!😊
🙂 Good Morning….
🙂 This was a great, well-needed tutorial – thanks!
😊 Thanks for clarifying the order of skin care products. I just started using Vitamin C. Hoping it helps with some dark spots.
🙂 Have been using R&F for years now and use it in order it suggests. Should I add to it or substitute? I also have sensitive skin and am wary of trying new products because it usually burns!
Jeni, if you are using one of the routines, it includes a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. If you want to add serums, you can, but you don’t have to. They would go between the toner and moisturizer.
Found it! Thanks for clarifying the order of skin care products. I just started using Vitamin C. Hoping it helps with a few dark spots I have.
🙂 Tania, I take your recommendations seriously because your skin is flawless.
I have used the DRMTLGY Daydream for a few years and like the product, not
the container. I was pleased to see that I have been doing my skincare in the right order!
🙂 I love CeraVe products!
Is there a particular reason why you suggest different toners for day and night time?
I haven’t used a toner in years due to the dryness. I think I will try it now due to your statement that they hydrate, and help serums absorb better.”
🙂
Rose, toners are a step a lot of people skip. You can’t “see” what they are doing, but they prep your skin to get it ready for the next product.
Found it
😀didn’t find it but nice products
😊This has been a popular conversation with me and my friends lately. It does take more time with all of the steps. I think the main step is sunscreen! I have been reapplying it throughout the day when in outdoors. Vey important where I live.
I have a similar regimen I’ve been following for years. I discovered Sunday Riley and absolutely love their Luna night oil and I use CEO Glow for daytime. Love it!😊
🙂 Thank you for the education on facial products.
🙂
Thanks for your recommendations. !
😊 I have used the CeraVe cleanser before. Right now I am trying the number 7 products.
Found it 🙂 I use Elta MD tinted sunscreen daily
🙂
I always wash my face at night and in the morning no matter how tired I am. I moisturize but am lax on the eye cream. I need to do better!
🙂 Thanks for researching all this information for us. it really is helpful.
Found it.
Thank you for the steps.
😊 Found it!!!!
Thank you got the refresher on skincare routine. I’ve been a little lazy about doing it properly lately.
😀 A great post, always a good reminder for the order of use for products.
Love your posts. Tell your daughter to use/check out Egoscue. Saved me from surgery!
I will, thanks.
🙂 Really interesting. I wondered about what order to use some of these products.
😊 Great post! I’ve been thinking about replacing the products i use. Have a good weekend!
😊 Thanks for the tips! I notice I have more sun damage on the left side of my face and even scalp and truly believe it’s from when I’ve driven with the sun beaming in my drivers window.
That’s what it is from.
🙂 I need to do a better job with a regulated skin care routine. Thanks.
🙂 I use the Paula Choice exfoliant and I just purchased a calming toner from them that I love.
🙂 I vary some products but have mostly always been an Oil of Olay girl.
😊 I use Tru Skin and LaRoche.
🙂
Appreciate the recommendations because are so many different products on the market that it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to buy.
I swear you must be listening through my phone! I just had this conversation with my sisters that the multitude of products available and then to use day or night or both, then does one counteract with another, does the sun affect it etc. etc. Too much!
Thanks for doing that work for me!
DRMTLGY is one of my fav brands right now. Also, love CeraVe for travel as they come in travel sizes. I use quite a few of the products listed and like them. Can’t believe it! 🙂 That back thing looks like a hot mess! Lol!
found it
🙂. Thank you for laying out the proper steps. I use Womaness “let’s neck” morning and night on my neck. I like the roller that’s part of the container.
😃Love CeraVe!
🙂 Good timing I was googling when to apply exfolianting serum this morning. I have several bottles of Paula’s Choice, and don’t like using it at night because the tingle makes it harder to go to sleep. I wish I could go back and tell the younger me to use moisturizer even in my 20’s and 30’s. Have a blessed week!
Found it 🙂 Skincare is a full-time job!
Found it 😀 good article. With all the ads for serums it becomes confusing what to wear and when.
😊. Just started using toner again. I may try vitamin C too,
😀 key point to skin care is consistency
🙂
Thanks for this. Helpful for sure.
I’m a retired Medical Aesthetician and Laser Practitioner and this is one of the most confusing topics out there. You cleared it up nicely!!!!!
Thanks! I’m glad I did it correctly.
Found it.
Your hair in the introductory picture looks fantastic!!
Love your beauty related recommendations. Also, can you share the link for the great blue T shirt you’re wearing in this post? Very flattering!
Here is the link, but I thing the navy has sold out. I’m wearing a large. https://bit.ly/3UGzHBj
🙂moisturizer is a part of my routine.
😊 At the age of 58 I have FINALLY begun to take my skin care seriously and what a difference it makes.
🙂 I started being super diligent about my skincare routine several years ago and wish I’d begun in my teens. Thanks for additional tips and products recs!
Found it!
😊 Found it
Found it. Thanks for the info. I’d be interested in finding something to help/reverse aging hands. Lots of dark spots and wrinkles.
Tania, you aren’t kidding! My skin has completely changed and I’m having to be so much “kinder” to myself these days. I never really thought about what order to do skin care in, except obviously wash first. LOL! Thank you for the helpful step by step!
Found it.
I do use the Cer a ve products, and like them. My face feels clean without drying.
Will have to try Vitamin C
I want to try the Olay night cream 🙂 Thanks for all the great skincare tips!
😉
😊 That’s a really good photo of you in the blue shirt. I love your hair. Sadly I’m limited to what I can put on my face due to sensitivity.
😍- I have been using the CeraVe skin care line and other skin care items. Thank you, I will check out some ageless skin line items.
Well I needed this post, I have been applying bio oil for collagen benefits first and I guess it needs to be last. Thanks, oh, I bought the Cerave ( spell check does me wrong) cleanser you suggested and I love it.
As a general rule, oil will lock in moisturizers. It sounds odd, but thats what “they” say.
😊 This is helpful. I never knew which to use when. Going to save this to reread.
Thank you, Tania! I needed this refresher course on skin care! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
: )
Very valuable information!
🙂 I have used R&F in the past, but have been slowly replacing those products with others that you have mentioned. I do like the CeraVe face cleanser and the toner. I need to look at and start using the Vitamin C serum.
I am the worst at applying skin care products. I typically do a light moisturizer and then my make up for the day which isn’t a ton. Thanks for all the options you listed.🙂
It doesn’t take a lot of time to make improvement.
🙂 Thank you for including drug store brands. I love CeraVe.
🙂 I have been using Olay for years and love it. Thanks for the reminder of the eye cream, I need to get some!
🙂 3 Eye Creams! May I ask why and where? I too have been confused about using these types of products. I asked at the cosmetics counter about the order and she basically told me the same thing you just did, except for the retinol products (they weren’t popular then). Wow, you really have to be careful with them. They usually feel like my face is burning, so I use it sparingly (usually on my nose).
You can use a all-in one eyecream. But, there are some that do a specific job, such as undereye, or lifting, etc.
Good advise! I am 79 and have use prescription strength retinol for many years. I now use 2 different compounds that my dermatologist prescribes because I have some melasma and the retinol isn’t as strong but still works well. I have far less wrinkles than my friends (but don’t tell them that). I also love DRMTLGY sunscreen though I use the universal and physical tinted suncreens because they have iron oxide in them which helps to protect against the melasma. They also moisturize and can work as a foundation. Have a great day everyone and use the products. I can tell you that you will thank yourself when you get to be my age.
☺️ Thanks for your expertise!
🙂 Found it, thanks for helping with the never ending questions about skin care!
found it!
I use lots of Cerave and other retinol products.
😊This information is so helpful as I sometimes get “pilling” when applying my makeup. I suspect I’m applying products in the wrong order.
Elizabeth, you have to wait for the products to sink into your skin before applying makeup. Otherwise, you get the pilling ffect.
Found It🙂 Love this post with the clear steps for for taking care of your face!
🙂 I’m always looking for a good eye cream and have tried so many. I have a problem with darkness and sunken, not puffy.
😊
🙂 I do all these things except the retinol because it always causes flaking, even the most gentle formulas. I also get a monthly hydra facial. Consistently is definitely the key. My aesthetician said double cleansing is like sweeping before you mop.LOL Great analogy.
🙂 Nice post! Great advice and so many products for everyone, very helpful
🙂 Thanks for sharing your routine of facial care vey helpful.
Found it. Just a soap and water gurl here. My skin produces es enough oil to last all day!
My skin is sooo dry. I have to apply the thickest moisturizer I can find.
😃 I really liked the assortment of Easter outfits. Where I live in KC you never know what the weather will be. I really liked the floral dress and the white eyelet skirt.
The items in the correct order were helpful as well.