When it comes to treating mature skin, moisturizing is essential; keeping your skin hydrated is oftentimes key to maintaining elasticity and stimulating collagen production. While we often prioritize facial moisturizers in our skin care routines, it's also imperative to invest in a quality lotion so the rest of your body isn't neglected.
"Mature skin is susceptible to dryness as a result of hormonal changes and reduced sebum production," explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey.
He suggests looking for lotions that help skin retain moisture while improving the skin barrier function. In other words, continued hydration is key as we age.
Furthermore, “lotions are a lightweight, topical skin care product that typically consist of water and other hydrating ingredients to hydrate, soften and protect the skin,” shares Dr. Kunal Malik, a New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. "They are less viscous than creams and are spreadable and quick absorbing."
Along with Camp and Malik, we spoke with other board-certified dermatologists to find the best lotions for mature skin. We also included a Shop TODAY favorite and rounded out the list with top-rated drugstore brands as well.
An award-winning pick$undefined$19.99
What to look for in a lotion for mature skin
According to Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, "intense hydration is key for mature skin to help it look more radiant and plumper, reducing the appearance of fine lines."
"Look for lotions with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane, jojoba oil, shea butter and lipids," Jeffy suggests.
In addition to the above ingredients, Camp also recommends lotions with retinol and niacinamide. "Retinol is an ingredient traditionally found in face serums but has been appearing in body lotions because of its potential to encourage collagen production and help firm skin," he says.
The best lotions for mature skin, according to experts and tested by editors
Most affordable:
“My mom recently introduced me to this Vaseline body lotion after clocking me for having dry elbows in her presence. (How dare I!)” mentioned deputy managing editor Jess Bender. “She said it’ll make my rough nubs silky smooth in a matter of seconds — and she was right! I adored how quickly it worked its magic while leaving the area glistening without looking or feeling greasy. Best of all, my elbows stayed hydrated until I next used it two days later.”
One of the key ingredients inside the body lotion is niacinamide, which Malik, in our previous coverage, praised for its effectiveness towards combating many skin concerns, from acne to aging. "Niacinamide works by strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, regulating oil production and improving hydration,” he said. “It can be a great tool to improve skin tone and texture as it also helps reduce redness as well as hyperpigmentation."
For bumpy or eczema-prone skin:
As someone [San Miguel] with eczema-prone skin, I often lean towards body creams to soothe any dryness. This is the one body lotion that relieves any itchiness and cracks in my skin in a similar way as a cream, since it is thick. It contains AHAs and other exfoliating ingredients to address these concerns and more, all while leaving the skin smooth and hydrated.
Dr. Katie Mann, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of Curated Medical in Scottsdale, Arizona, says it is important to incorporate ingredients for exfoliation and anti-aging benefits as well, including retinol and lactic acid (which this product contains), because “these will help keep the skin smooth and more even in tone and texture,” she explains.
To soothe dry, cracked elbows and knees:
"Listen, I know O’Keeffe’s doesn’t make the sexiest or trendiest products, but there’s a reason why they’ve lasted the test of time," shares Bender. "Out of the dozens of hand / body creams I’ve used in my adult life, this is probably one of three that have actually delivered on its promise of long-term hydration across the board (even in problem areas like the knees and elbows)," she continues.
"While most swear by their jar products, the pump format is ultimately less messy and more convenient for my WFH setup," explains Bender.
An award-winning pick:
When it came to addressing sun damage, the award-winning TODAY contributing writer Tanya Edwards said in her review that the Medix 5.5 Age Rewind Body Cream stood out. With retinol and ferulic acid infused in the formula, Dr. Jeremy Brauer, a board-certified dermatologist, states that the two are a good combination for minimizing sun damage.
For instance, ferulic acid "has indirect sun protective benefits, as it can increase or enhance the protection offered by other antioxidants and sunscreens," the dermatologist previously said. "Ferulic acid can also help prevent and fade dark spots caused by sun exposure."
Best for sensitive skin:
Jeffy is a big fan of this hydrating lotion from La Roche-Posay. “I love this drug store product with shea butter and glycerin for intense hydration that is also fragrance free and can be used body wide,” she explains. This lightweight lotion is safe for sensitive skin and has been “dermatologist, pediatrician and allergy tested,” according to the brand.
Doesn't feel greasy:
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a New York City-based dermatologist, previously told us that hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient for plumping the skin, which can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin loses the hyaluronic acid we naturally produce, which makes skin care infused with the ingredient extra important. It's one of the reasons why our expert on the show recommended the pick above.
For lasting hydration:
"Formulated with peptides to encourage collagen production, niacinamide to soothe skin and oils rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, this fragrance-free body lotion moisturizes, firms and strengthens skin," says Camp.
Most smoothing:
Camp loves this skin-softening body lotion from Paula's Choice which is great for normal, dry, oily or combination skin. "Retinol is included in this body treatment, along with antioxidants like vitamin C and moisturizing ingredients like evening primrose oil and grapeseed oil to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and eliminate dry skin," he explains.
Frequently asked questions
When selecting a lotion for mature skin, it’s super important to avoid drying ingredients like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol [and] SD alcohol," explains Gunn. "These are notorious for stripping the skin of its natural oils, which is literally the main issue with mature skin in general," she says.
Gunn also reiterates how fragrances and perfumes can cause irritation, redness, and even allergic reactions.
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, Mann recommends a more lightweight, gel texture as opposed to a traditional lotion or cream.
Gels hydrate the skin without weighing it down.
How we chose the best lotions for mature skin
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best lotions for mature skin by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists. We also included a tried-and-true editor pick as well as top-rated products that won't break the bank.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skin care brand, BTWN.
- Dr. Katie Mann, DNP, FNP-C, is an aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of Curated Medical in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Dr. Kunal Malik, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and assistant professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Kristin Gunn is a licensed medical esthetician and the owner of Halcyon Skin Care and Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas.
- Dr. Jeremy Brauer is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick of New York, New York is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
