Want firmer-looking, glowier skin without a 12-step routine or guesswork? Start with a simple AM/PM plan—vitamin C + SPF in the morning, then targeted serums and a nourishing moisturizer at night—to smooth the look of fine lines and keep your skin looking radiant in 2026.
Build an easy routine: vitamin C and SPF in the morning, then targeted serums and a nourishing moisturizer at night—for firmer-looking, more radiant skin.
Quick picks (start here)
- Best everyday moisturizer (normal/combination): Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream — a lightweight gel-cream that layers well under makeup.
Read our full review: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Review. - Best rich cream for dry skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream — a cushiony, occlusive-feeling cream with a luxe finish.
Read: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream Review. - Best firming night cream: Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night — comforting texture with firmer-feeling skin by morning.
Read: Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream Review. - Best barrier + radiance night cream: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night — supports the moisture barrier and glow without feeling heavy.
Read: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream Review (2025). - Best “results” serum (growth factors): SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex — easy to layer under most night creams.
Read: SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex Review. - Best all-around night serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair — hydration and barrier support that plays well with most routines.
Read: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review. - Tinted day moisturizer with SPF (matte): Revision Intellishade Matte — a one-and-done base for busy mornings.
Read: Revision Intellishade Matte Review. - Tint + SPF full-coverage option: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream — comfortable, color-correcting coverage with SPF.
Read: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Review. - Supplements for beautiful skin: Collagen, omega-3 fish oil, ceramides, zinc, and probiotics.
Read: Best Supplements for Beautiful Skin: What’s Worth It (And What’s Not)
Comparison tables (mobile-friendly)
Day moisturisers & tints
| Product | Texture | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream | Gel-cream | Satin | Normal/combination; makeup-friendly days |
| Tatcha The Water Cream | Water-cream | Soft matte | Oily/combination that still needs lightweight hydration |
| Revision Intellishade Matte (SPF) | Tinted cream | Matte, SPF | One-step tint + SPF for shine-prone skin |
| IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (SPF) | Tinted cream | Natural, SPF | Coverage + skincare in one step |
Night creams & repair serums
| Product | Type | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancôme Rénergie Night | Night cream | Comforting, rich | Firming focus; normal → dry |
| Lancôme Génifique Night | Night cream | Lightweight but nourishing | Barrier support + radiance |
| Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream | Rich cream | Plush, occlusive | Very dry skin or winter conditions |
| Estée Lauder ANR | Serum | Lightweight | Easy nightly hydration and barrier support |
| SkinMedica TNS Recovery | Serum (growth factors) | Light gel | Targeted “results” step under creams |
| Neocutis Bio Cream Firm Riche | Rich cream | Dense, cushiony | Dry, mature skin that wants more bounce |
Pick by concern
- Fine lines + texture: Estée Lauder ANR at night; Elemis or Tatcha Water Cream by day.
- Loss of firmness: Lancôme Rénergie Night or Neocutis Bio Cream Firm Riche.
- Easily irritated barrier: Lancôme Génifique Night or ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar (especially after procedures or when skin feels fragile).
Read: ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar Review. - Very dry skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream or Neocutis Riche, plus a gentle cleanser and (optionally) a humidifier at night.
- Pigment + dullness: Add vitamin C in the morning; consider the Jan Marini Skin Care Management System if you want a more structured routine.
Read: Jan Marini Skin Care Management System Review.
Build a simple routine (that you’ll actually do)
Morning
- Cleanse (or just rinse if you’re not oily).
- Vitamin C serum (optional, but helpful for brightness and tone).
- Moisturizer — Elemis Pro-Collagen or Tatcha The Water Cream.
- SPF 30+ (or use a tinted SPF like Intellishade/IT CC+).
- Optional makeup.
Night
- Cleanse.
- Treatment layer
- Gentle retinoid or Estée Lauder ANR or SkinMedica TNS.
- Moisturizer
- Normal/combination → Lancôme Génifique Night.
- Dry/very dry → Rénergie Night / Neocutis Riche / Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.
- Twice weekly: an exfoliating-acid night (skip retinoids that night).
Ingredient guide (plain English)
- Retinoids (retinol/retinal): help improve texture, the look of fine lines, and uneven tone; use at night and follow with moisturizer.
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid or stable derivatives): brightens and helps protect against environmental stress; use in the morning under SPF.
- Peptides/growth factors: support firmer-looking, bouncier skin; generally gentle and easy to layer.
- Niacinamide: helps calm visible redness, supports the skin barrier, and can refine the look of pores.
- Hyaluronic acid + glycerin: humectants that draw in water; apply moisturizer on top to help lock it in.
- Ceramides: help repair and maintain the skin barrier—especially helpful in winter or when using strong actives.
- AHAs/BHAs: help smooth texture and clear congestion; use 1–3 nights a week and avoid layering with retinoids the same night.
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Which is better—rich night cream or serum
They do different things. A serum delivers actives for visible change, while a cream adds comfort and helps seal in hydration. Many routines benefit from both.
Can I mix retinol with vitamin C
Yes, but most people find it easiest to split them: vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid at night for better comfort and tolerance.
My skin is sensitive—where should I start
Start simple. Use Estée Lauder ANR or Lancôme Génifique Night with a gentle moisturizer for 2–3 weeks, then add stronger actives slowly (one at a time).
Best order at night
Cleanse → serum (ANR or TNS, or a retinoid) → night cream matched to your dryness level.
Do I need a separate eye cream
Not necessarily. But if your face products sting around the eyes, a gentle eye cream can feel more comfortable and reduce irritation.
See More:
Refreshing your makeup bag? Our Best Mascara for Older Women guide covers clean, smudge-resistant picks that help lift fine lashes. For smooth color that won’t emphasize texture, see Best Eyeshadow for Older Women. For easy definition, head to Best Eyeliner for Older Women. Want color that brightens without settling? Check Best Lipstick for Older Women. And to finish the look with a signature scent, explore Best Perfume for Older Women. We also cover the Best Foundation for Mature Skin Over 60.
Also see our guide to Tightening Loose Skin After Weight Loss.
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