The quest for a mature skin routine that actually delivers can feel like wandering through a beauty department blindfolded — dodging overhyped miracle serums and creams that promise to turn back time. It’s no surprise that sorting fact from fiction has never been trickier.
So, what do dermatologists — those experts who truly understand skin at a cellular level — recommend for a mature skin routine? We sat down with some of Australia’s top skin specialists to cut through the clutter and bring you the routines that actually work for mature skin.
“Skincare is vital for the health of maturing skin,” says Dr Shobhan Manoharan, dermatologist and laser specialist at Dermatology Clinics Australia and The Skin Network. “It works synergistically with positive lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, an antioxidant rich diet, adequate sleep and emotional care, and should be a routine part of everyone’s daily self-care.”
According to Dr Cara McDonald, Principal Dermatologist and Director at Complete Skin Specialists, the key concerns she sees in mature skin are dryness, loss of firmness and thinning skin. Add fine lines, sagging and pigmentation spots into the mix, and it becomes an even trickier situation.
Ready to discover the skincare secrets that actually work in a mature skin routine? Let’s dive in.
Best skincare products for mature skin in 2025
With expert advice in hand, we’ve pulled together some top picks for a mature skin routine, featuring dermatologist-backed recommendations and a few personal favourites we think are worth your attention.
Make sure to keep scrolling for our full roundup of dermatologist-recommended skincare routines for mature skin, below.
01
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
from $153 at Augustinus Bader
A moisturiser with a serious reputation. Rich, hydrating and backed by science, this product helps smooth, soften and support your skin. Powered by TFC8 technology, it works to improve texture, lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling its best.
The Rich Cream has a 4.9 star rating from over 1090 reviews on the Augustinus Bader site, with one shopper writing: “This is beautiful. Absorbs quickly and makes my mature skin feel more bouncy and smooth. I have been using it for a month now and all my friends are asking what I am using as my skin looks so good.”
Sizes: 15ml, 30ml, 50ml and 100ml
Key features:
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Deeply hydrates and nourishes for softer, smoother skin
- Supports elasticity and helps strengthen the skin barrier
- Helps protect against environmental stressors
- Powered by TFC8 technology to support skin renewal
02
RATIONALE #1 The Serum
from $114 at RATIONALE
Think of this serum as a resilience booster for your complexion. Packed with B-Group vitamins, it’s all about strengthening your skin’s barrier and giving it the hydration it craves (and deserves). Just a few drops, morning and night, and you’ll be on your way to smoother, more radiant skin.
Sizes: 15ml and 30ml
Key features:
- Boosts skin hydration for a fresh, plump feel
- Supports skin barrier function with B-Group vitamins
- Helps restore radiance and enhances nourishment
- Contains niacinamide, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides
- Suitable for combination skin types
03
CALECIM Professional Serum
$160 at CALECIM
Add this rejuvenating serum to your routine for smoother, more radiant skin. Its high concentration of PTT-6 supports the skin’s natural renewal process, leaving it feeling smooth and revitalised. It’s perfect for tackling fine lines, wrinkles and uneven tone. Add it to your daily skincare regimen or use it for an extra boost during treatments.
“This is the most amazing serum,” said a happy reviewer on the CALECIM site. “It takes about two weeks to really start seeing significant lifting and smoothing of your skin. I’m on my second 5ml bottle. Amazing results. It soaks in to your skin immediately and feels wonderful.”
Size: 5ml
Key features:
- Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Supports skin’s natural renewal process
- Aids in maintaining a healthy, supple look
- Can be used alongside other skincare products
- Packed with proteins to support skin regeneration
04
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
$242 at Adore Beauty
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a popular choice for those looking to brighten and firm their skin. With its combination of antioxidants, it helps protect against environmental damage while improving the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.
“I am 41, fair skinned with lots of pigmentation,” wrote one of many five-star reviewers at Adore Beauty. “To say she is glowing is an understatement. You need to use this consistently for a while to see results. Trust me, try it for six months consistently and you will keep purchasing forever. Yes it is a bit sticky and yes it means you need to spend a bit more time on makeup so it doesn’t separate etc but it is worth it. I wear much less makeup now!”
Another added: “This is the only product that I’m willing to pay such a premium price for. One of the very few that is actually backed by some evidence-based research. I think it does make a difference to the way my ageing skin looks.”
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- 15 per cent pure vitamin C to support skin health
- Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Helps protect against environmental stress
- Promotes a more even skin tone
- Supports the skin’s natural collagen production
- Suitable for dry, normal, combination and mature skin types
05
La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol Cream
$64.95 at Adore Beauty
If you’re serious about stepping up your mature skin routine, this treatment should definitely be in the mix. The clever formula blends pure retinol with a retinol booster, so it works on smoothing out texture and evening tone — without throwing your skin into a meltdown. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and gets the job done gently.
One happy reviewer at Adore Beauty said: “This is my favourite retinol product. I’ve been using this for years and it does everything I need from a retinol product. Smooths all my fine lines and wrinkles, plus keeps any breakouts to a minimum.”
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- Combines pure retinol with a retinol booster for smooth, even skin
- Targets wrinkles, dark spots and skin texture
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
- Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free formula
06
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
from $72 at Kiehl’s
This ultra-hydrating option is perfect for locking in moisture without the greasy feeling. With a lightweight texture and a powerful combo of squalane and glacial glycoprotein, it hydrates for 24 hours and helps balance even the driest spots. It’s also super gentle, making it great for sensitive and mature skin.
Over 118,850 customers have given the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream five stars. Reviewers love how it moisturises without feeling greasy, with one posting: “It absorbs quickly and keeps my skin soft all day.” Many also recommend it for winter, saying that it helps calm their redness. Others appreciate its versatility as a night cream and the sustainable refill options.
Sizes: 50ml, 150ml refill and 125ml
Key features:
- Provides 24-hour hydration
- Lightweight and non-greasy texture
- Helps restore the skin barrier faster
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Made without parabens, fragrances, or artificial dyes
- Contains renewable ingredients like glacial glycoprotein and olive-derived squalane
07
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
$99 at Adore Beauty
This advanced formula claims to work 11 times faster than regular retinol, yet it’s gentle enough for skin that isn’t ultra-sensitive. It works overnight to help smooth, hydrate and reveal refreshed, glowing skin.
The Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 has a 4.8 star rating from over 110 reviews at Adore Beauty. “Results within weeks of using,” posted one customer. “Faded my melasma and sun spots and has already started reducing my forehead wrinkles. My skin generally is significantly brighter and more even. It has even faded old acne scars within weeks and I no longer cover them with makeup.”
Size: 30ml
Key features:
- Medium-strength retinal serum suitable for non-sensitive skin
- Supports smoother, more refined skin texture
- Helps even out skin tone and promotes skin smoothness
- Hydrates to soften and plump the skin
- Features a crystal encapsulation system for gradual release, reducing irritation
- Best used in the evening and suitable for all skin types
08
No7 Future Renew™ Night Cream
from $47.59 at Priceline
No7 Future Renew™ Night Cream is a 50mL hydrating night cream designed to help reverse skin damage while you sleep. It utilises Pepticology™, No7’s exclusive and patent-pending peptide technology, to support the skin’s natural self-repair process.
It has a 4.25 star rating on Priceline with one reviewer stating: “Have used other No.7 night creams but thought I’d give this a try. The range is consistently good, and this didn’t disappoint. Easily absorbed, leaving my skin soft to the touch and comfortable, would highly recommend”
Sizes: 50 ml
Key features:
- Promises deep hydration
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Aims to reduce reverse visible signs of skin damage, such as uneven tone and texture, dryness, and loss of elasticity
- Dermatologist-approved
- For best results, it’s recommended to use in combination with other No7 Future Renew™ products.
Best skincare routines for mature skin, according to dermatologists
Ready to discover exactly what your skin needs at this stage of life? We’ve translated dermatologists’ scientific expertise into practical, easy-to-follow steps for the ultimate mature skin routine, tailored to different skin types and concerns.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting new skincare treatments. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary.
1. Best skincare routine for hyperpigmentation (age spots)
Dr Shammi Theesan
(Founding dermatologist and medical director of ODE Dermatology)
Those pesky dark spots that seem to appear overnight? They’re not always inevitable. With the right approach, you can help fade existing pigmentation and prevent new spots from forming.
Dr Theesan advises a multi-pronged approach: “Always look for potent antioxidants like vitamin C in a mature skin routine. It attacks pigment production from all angles.”
Morning routine:
Step 1: “In the daytime, I’d be looking for a niacinamide serum,” Dr Theesan advises. Her picks include Rationale #1 Serum, The Ordinary Niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay Mela B3, which contains niacinamide and one of the brand’s patented pigment-blocking ingredients.
Step 2: Double cleanse with a ceramide-rich cleanser like The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser or CeraVe’s Exfoliating Cleanser.
Step 3: Apply vitamin C serum. “Always look for potent antioxidants like vitamin C,” she says. Dr Theesan recommends using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or iS Clinical Brightening Complex.
Step 4: Layer on a niacinamide serum for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. Good options include La Roche-Posay Mela B3 and Rationale #1 Serum.
Step 5: “Then, you would lock it in with a hydrating moisturiser. Look for ceramides, sphingolipids and hyaluronic acid, as these key ingredients help lock in moisture and support hyperpigmentation treatment.”
Step 6: Always choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ with strong UVA protection. Dr Theesan also suggests considering a tinted option, as some research indicates it may offer added protection from visible light. If possible, look for physical blockers alongside a tint.
Night routine:
Step 1: Start with a double cleanse to remove makeup and impurities.
Step 2: Apply a gentle active like azelaic acid, which is known to help fade pigmentation. Consult your dermatologist for over-the-counter options suitable for your skin.
Step 3: Use a retinoid for collagen stimulation, but limit use to two to three nights per week if you have sensitive skin.
Step 4: Finish with a ceramide-rich moisturiser to hydrate and lock in moisture.
2. Best skincare routine for fine lines and wrinkles
Dr Katherine Armour
(Dermatologist and founder of Bespoke Skin Technology)
Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural result of collagen and elastin breakdown over time. To tackle them, a combination of hydration, antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients is key.
Dr Armour explains: “We need to consider daily skin hydration, protecting our existing skin plumping (our friends collagen and elastin), as well as stimulating production of new collagen.”
Morning routine:
Step 1: Apply an antioxidant-rich serum or cream to protect and stimulate collagen production. Dr Armour recommends Bespoke Skin Technology’s Dream Cream or similar antioxidant-packed formulas.
Step 2: Use a hydrating yet lightweight moisturiser like the Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream or Go-To Very Luxe Face Cream to keep your skin nourished and smooth.
Step 3: “The non-negotiable to protecting our skin’s DNA and plumping fibres is a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.”
Night routine:
Step 1: “Cleansing is a non-negotiable to remove debris from the day which can cause ‘inflammaging’ which can contribute to collagen loss,” Dr Armour advises. She suggests using CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant or Bespoke Skin Technology Radiance Reset.
Step 2: Apply antioxidants that soothe inflammation and stimulate production of plumping fibres, such as the Bespoke Skin Technology Luminosity Serum.
Step 3: Stimulate collagen production with retinoids or bakuchiol while hydrating. Bespoke Skin Technology’s Dream Cream or Medik8’s Crystal Retinal are great choices. If your skin is sensitive, bakuchiol is a gentler alternative for collagen stimulation.
3. Best skincare routine for uneven texture and large pores
Dr Cara McDonald
(Principal dermatologist and director at Complete Skin Specialists)
Dr Cara says that uneven skin texture can have various underlying causes, including sun damage, dryness and enlarged pores.
“All textural problems though, can be helped by gentle chemical exfoliation, hydration and collagen-stimulating ingredients.”
Morning routine:
Step 1: Apply an antioxidant serum with vitamin C to neutralise free radicals and protect against environmental aggressors.
Step 2: Use niacinamide in your mature skin routine to reduce inflammation and inhibit pigmentation.
Step 3: Hydrate based on your skin type — look for products with hyaluronic acid, glycerine and ceramides.
Step 4: Always apply a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Night routine:
Step 1: Use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to stimulate cell turnover and renewal.
Step 2: Apply a retinoid for collagen stimulation (limit to two to three nights a week if you have sensitive skin).
Step 3: Follow up with intense hydration and barrier protection.
4. Best skincare routine for dryness and dehydration
Dr Katherine Armour
(Dermatologist and founder of Bespoke Skin Technology)
Dryness is a common issue for mature skin as natural oil production decreases. Dr Armour advises being gentle with your skin and focusing on maintaining its moisture barrier to help retain hydration.
Morning routine:
Step 1: Apply a serum rich in soothing, hydrating antioxidants such as niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and panthenol (Vitamin B5). Dr Armour suggests The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 5% + Zinc 1% Serum.
Step 2: Lock in moisture with a hydrating moisturiser such as the Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Moisturiser or Dr NC Dermatologist Concentrated Moisturiser+.
Step 3: Never skip sunscreen, Dr Armour says. “Sun damaged skin is dry and dehydrated skin.”
Night routine:
Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle, fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser such as the Bespoke Skin Technology Replenish Butter Balm Cleanser.
Step 2: Apply a soothing serum rich in niacinamide and panthenol to hydrate and calm your skin. Again, The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% + Zinc 1% Serum is a solid option for this step.
Step 3: Lock in hydration with a rich, nourishing moisturiser like Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Moisturiser or Dr NC Dermatologist Concentrated Moisturiser+.
5. Best skincare routine for loss of firmness and elasticity
Dr Shobhan Manoharan
(Specialist dermatologist and founder/medical director of Dermatology Clinics Australia)
As collagen and elastin production naturally decrease with age, skin begins to lose its firmness and elasticity. Dr Manoharan focuses on using growth factors, stem cells and retinoids to restore the skin’s youthful bounce.
Morning routine:
Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oils and impurities. Dr Manoharan recommends using the Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser.
Step 2: Apply a serum with growth factors and stem cells to nourish and protect the skin. Dr Manoharan’s pick is the Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum, which contains growth factors from snail secretion (yes, it’s a thing) to help repair environmental and sun damage.
Step 3: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to hydrate and soothe your skin. Biopelle’s Tensage Soothing Cream Moisturiser gives you long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy.
Step 4: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every day to protect your skin.
Night routine:
Step 1: Cleanse with something like the Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser.
Step 2: Apply the Biopelle Retriderm Serum (vitamin A), starting with a mild 0.5% formulation. Retinoids like this one promote skin cell turnover, support collagen production and help improve the appearance of sunspots.
Step 3: Finish off with Biopelle Tensage Soothing Cream Moisturiser.
Related articles:
- The Weekly team’s favourite skincare products
- How to achieve great skin at any age
- The best BB creams for mature skin
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
