In this article:
Is moisturising good for anti-ageing?
Ingredients to look for in a moisturiser for ageing skin
What to avoid in creams for mature skin
How to choose the best anti-ageing moisturiser or cream
Finding the right anti-wrinkle cream seems like it should be an easy process, right? Simply choose a face moisturiser for ageing skin and you’re good to go. But surprisingly, it’s just not that straightforward.
While many people consider ageing or mature skin to be its own skin type, it’s actually a skin concern. What does that mean, exactly? Well, your skin type is essentially the skin you’ve always had, whether it’s dry, combination or oily. Issues that come along with ageing, like wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin are concerns that become more and more prevalent as time goes on.
When you’re picking out a moisturiser for mature skin, it’s important to consider both your underlying skin type and the concerns you want to address most. That’s why we’re walking you through how to choose the best anti-wrinkle, anti-ageing moisturiser for your skin type.
Is moisturising good for anti-ageing?
Yes! Moisturising is good for anti-ageing. The truth is all skin needs moisture to function in a healthy, normal manner.
This is especially true for mature skin, which tends to get drier over time (1). The reason? Ageing and years of cumulative environmental stress (think sun damage, pollution, etc.) do harm to skin’s moisture barrier, its outer layer of defence against the elements. The best moisturisers for mature skin should contain ingredients that bolster the barrier for skin that behaves more like it did when it was younger (and more hydrated!).
Speaking of that...
Ingredients to look for in a moisturiser for ageing skin
While nothing turns back the clock completely, there are a number of anti-ageing ingredients that can assist skin in behaving in a healthier manner, which leads to a noticeably younger look and feel. Look for these in anti-ageing creams and moisturisers as well as anti-wrinkle creams:
- Retinoids-these vitamin A derivatives encourage cell turnover, coaching skin to act the way it did when it was younger, resulting in the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (2).
- Antioxidants-powerhouse ingredients that include vitamin C and niacinamide. They help combat the environmental stress that leads to most major signs of ageing, including dark spots, wrinkles and loss of firmness.
- Peptides-fragments of proteins that help maintain skin’s basic foundational structure. Signaling peptides can help restore visible firmness and elasticity.
- Hydrators-these moisturising ingredients, including glycerine and hyaluronic acid, get to work immediately to improve the appearance of superficial wrinkles caused by dryness and dehydration, and work over time to restore skin’s barrier.
- SPF-that’s right, good old-fashioned sunscreen is one of – if not the – most important components of a good daytime face moisturiser for ageing skin. Sun damage wreaks havoc on skin, halting its natural, youthful processes, so anything you can do to defend against that is essential.
What to avoid in creams for mature skin
As important as it is to know what to look for in a good facial moisturiser for mature skin, it’s just as crucial to know what to avoid.
Some ingredients can make signs of ageing worse because of the damage they do to skin. Drying alcohols, fragrance (both synthetic and natural) and essential oils can disrupt skin’s barrier and increase water loss, which can exacerbate the look of fine lines and wrinkles and other visible signs of ageing.
If your mature skin facial cream contains any of these harmful ingredients, steer clear!
How to choose the best anti-ageing moisturiser or cream
Now that we’ve talked about what to consider in a moisturiser for ageing skin and what to avoid, it’s time to figure out how to select the best anti-ageing moisturiser for your skin. After all, if it’s well-suited to your skin type, you’re more likely to use it every day!
How to choose an anti-ageing moisturiser for normal skin
If your face isn’t consistently oily, dry or has areas that are either or both – chances are you have “normal skin.” This means essentially, your skin is quite balanced with the occasional dry spot or oily patch. A lotion consistency is great for normal, ageing skin, providing enough moisture without overdoing it.
The best Paula’s Choice Skincare moisturisers for normal, mature skin
At Paula’s Choice Skincare we have mature skin moisturisers for all skin types, including normal skin. Our normal skin anti-ageing moisturisers help promote balance and health, while tackling visible signs of ageing. Here are our top anti-ageing creams for normal skin.
Daytime: 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer- Texture: Lotion
- Key ingredients: Ascorbyl glucoside, acetyl zingerone, Porphyra umbilicalis extract
- This hydrating lotion visibly brightens and helps prevent discolourations while providing defence against pro-ageing environmental aggressors.
- Texture: Gel-cream
- Key ingredients: Acetyl sh-hexapeptide-5 amide acetate, oligopeptide-1, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate
- Peptide-powered lightweight moisturiser that hydrates while supporting and sustaining healthy collagen and elastin levels.
How to choose an anti-ageing moisturiser for dry skin
Dry skin differs from normal and oily skin in that it produces less oil. Because of this, anti-ageing moisturisers for dry skin require targeted, key hydrators with a more emollient consistency to support skin health.
The best Paula’s Choice Skincare anti-ageing moisturisers for dry skin
Paula’s Choice Skincare’s anti-ageing moisturisers for dry skin are designed to drench skin with hydration without being overly thick or greasy while tackling the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Daytime: RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer- Texture: Cream
- Key ingredients: Glycerine, niacinamide, licorice root
- This creamy, antioxidant-rich moisturiser prevents further signs of visible ageing while imparting hydration with shea butter and glycerine, leaving dry skin dewy and healthy.
- Texture: Cream
- Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, retinol
- A gentle 0.1% concentration of retinol and a rich, creamy texture combine for a moisturiser that leaves skin looking firmer, more restored and smoother while also feeling moisturised.
How to choose an anti-ageing moisturiser for oily skin
When it comes to oily skin, lighter consistencies are key. You don’t need a heavy cream to restore moisture for oily skin; feather-light textures featuring the right key anti-ageing ingredients can help you accomplish your moisturising and anti-ageing skin goals without leaving skin looking overly oily.
The best Paula’s Choice Skincare anti-ageing moisturisers for oily skin
Paula’s Choice Skincare knows oily skin–and how to deliver the anti-ageing and hydrating ingredients you need without clogging pores. Here are some lightweight moisturiser options we recommend for oily skin seeing signs of ageing.
Daytime: RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid- Texture: Fluid
- Key ingredients: Green tea, goji fruit extract, grape seed extract
- This mattifying, water-light formula featuring antioxidants combats pro-ageing environmental stressors and visible signs of ageing.
- Texture: Gel-lotion
- Key ingredients: Lactoperoxidase, Boerhavia diffusa root extract , niacinamide
- This lightweight formula balances oil while fighting signs of ageing, helping normalise pore function and prevent discolourations.
These are just a few of the anti-ageing moisturisers Paula’s Choice features. We also have eye creams designed specifically for concerns in that delicate area. With so many options, you’re sure to find the one that works best just for you!
Learn more about moisturisers.
Learn more about our editorial mission.
References for this information:
- International Journal of Dermatology, July 2021, pages 834-839
- Journal of Education, Health and Sport, July 2023, pages 87-107
