Your fifties can be fabulous, but they can also come with a fresh set of skin care concerns as you enter a new decade.
Fine lines and wrinkles are par for the course as you progress throughout life, and we like to think of them as signs of a life well-lived. But it's only natural to crave a smoother complexion once these signs of aging start to creep up on you in your fifties.
None of us have the power to turn back time, but you can make subtle improvements with the help of some well-known anti-aging ingredients, like retinol.
Retinol is one of those powerhouse ingredients that's regularly touted by dermatologists, and it's easy to see why. Whether you turn to a retinol serum or night cream, the anti-aging superhero can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other skin care woes.
If you're in your fifties and are looking for a new retinol product, we have you covered. The Shop TODAY team consulted top dermatologist to get their best tips for navigating this stage of skin care. We're also sharing some products to consider adding to your routine.
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Best retinol products for your 50s, according to experts
Do-it-all product: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
- Multitasking formula
- Non-greasy application/formula
- Some dislike scent
Size: 7 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, dimethicone, glycerin, niacinamide | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? No
Looking for a do-it-all product that can tackle the signs of aging on your face and body? Look no further.
“This is a combination retinol/peptide product with hydrating factors that is supplied in quantities large enough to use on the neck and body in addition to the face,” Theriault says.
The hypoallergenic product is formulated without parabens, dyes, fragrance and phthalates. According to the brand, it can moisturize skin for up to 24 hours and firm skin.
Addresses "multiple signs" of aging: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
- Hydrating formula
- Small bottle
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, dimethicone, glycerin | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? Yes
“This night cream uses a potent form of retinol to visibly reduce deep wrinkles and improve skin firmness. With its rich, hydrating formulation, it effectively combats the dryness that’s often experienced by mature skin while working overnight to promote a smoother complexion. This product is particularly beneficial for women in their fifties, as it addresses multiple signs of aging effectively,” Ramachanda says.
Also great for beginners: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil
- Lightweight formula
- Leaves face feeling smooth
- Some experienced burning
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, bisabolol | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? Yes
“This product contains a blend of retinol and nourishing oils that provide hydration while targeting wrinkles and fine lines. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and is designed to deliver results in just a few weeks, making it an excellent choice for women over 50 looking to revitalize their skin without heavy creams,” Dr Liia Ramachandra, the CEO of EpiLynx, a clinically and dermatologically tested skin care brand, says.
Mom-approved product: RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Face Cream
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Skin type: Not listed | Fragrance? No
Madison San Miguel, an editorial assistant at Shop TODAY, recently noted that her mom (who is 51 years old) tried this anti-aging face cream from RoC. She told us the first thing she noticed "was a visible reduction in my pores." San Miguel's mom continued, "My fine lines appeared less noticeable, and my skin looked healthy and youthful, making it a great hydrating and smoothing addition to my routine. This product is now a new favorite of mine!"
This product was recently seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY, where board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angela Lamb recommended it amongst a group of highly rated retinol products.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid: Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
- Helps minimize fine lines
- Not a lot of product
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? No
“This serum combines a stabilized form of retinol with hyaluronic acid. It not only gives synergistic benefits by improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it helps minimize potential irritation, so it can be used even in people who have sensitive skin,” Zeichner says.
As an added bonus, the non-comedogenic formula is free of parabens, fragrance and phthalates.
"Double-duty" product: Garnier Skinactive Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisturizer
- Helps firm skin
- Formula is a bit greasy
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinyl linoleate, hydrolyzed rice protein, glycerin | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? Yes
"This moisturizer does double duty. It contains rice peptides that have hydrating effects and delivers a blend of vitamin E and pro-retinol to calm and strengthen the skin," Zeichner says.
The multitasking formula handles hydration while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, per the brand. The result? Firmer, lifted skin that gives your complexion a much-needed boost.
Gentle formula: Fig 1 Retinol Night Cream Level 1
- Smooth consistency
- Not widely available online
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, bioactive peptides | Skin type: Acne-prone, oily, sensitive, mature | Fragrance? No
"This product uses a stabilized form of retinol in a hydrating formula that doesn’t cause skin irritation. With continued use, it can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is an effective formula that should not cause skin irritation like many others in the category," Zeichner says.
Per the brand, the cream can also tackle other skin woes, including dark spots, uneven skin tone and acne.
Infused with niacinamide: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum
- Hydrating ingredients
- Makes skin feel soft
- Irritated some sensitive skin
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin type: Sensitive, mature | Fragrance? Yes
"This serum combines retinol with vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to enhance skin texture and reduce signs of aging. It effectively helps diminish fine lines and improves uneven skin tone while minimizing irritation, making it suitable for mature skin," Ramachanda says.
If you need something stronger: Skinmedica Retinol 0.5 Complex
- Has multiple retinol formulas
- Can be used by all skin types
- May cause peeling
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol, squalane | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? No
"This product uses slow release technology that's designed to reduce irritation while remaining effective. It's a mid-range potency and is best for those who have already used a retinol in the past but want stronger anti-aging benefits," Spearman says.
The retinol can also address acne, minimize the appearance of pores and improve skin tone and texture.
"Quite effective" product: Medik8 Crystal Retinal
- May make pores appear smaller
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Skin type: Mature | Fragrance? No
Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a Boston-based dermatologist and the co-Founder of Atolla, calls this an “elegant and lovely product that is well tolerated and quite effective when used consistently.”
The product targets fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots with the help of a formula that’s free of parabens and alcohol. According to the brand, it also features a patented retinal stability system that makes sure the ingredient stays effective.
Deal alert: Kiehl's Retinol Fast-Release Wrinkle Reducing Night Serum
Size: .94 oz. | Key ingredients: Pure retinol | Skin type: Combination, oil, normal and dry | Fragrance? No
Lamb recently recommended this fast-release retinol serum on TODAY; it's also a product that San Miguel's mom tried, who said it was "incredibly easy to mix and apply, blending seamlessly into my routine." She continued, "I woke up every morning with my skin feeling smooth, soft, and noticeable refined, especially as the day’s passed, making it a great addition to my nighttime skin care regimen."
If you go ahead and use the code TODAY during checkout on the Kiel's website (until Feb. 28), you can score 30% off this product.
Exfoliating and brightening: MD Skin Essentials Energize
- Dropper makes it easy to apply
- Small bottle for the cost
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, petrolatum | Skin type: All skin types | Fragrance? No
“This product not only feels incredibly soft on application. It also gives older skin a glow that I have not found from many other products,” Theriault says.
The 0.5% retinol exfoliates, boosts collagen production and brightens skin tone, according to the brand. It's well-suited for a wide variety of skin types ranging from acne-prone and combination to dry and oily skin.
Worth the splurge: Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Retinal Night Advanced 0.1% Retinal Firming Treatment
- Hydrating formula
- Lightweight on the skin
- Expensive
Size: .95 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, peptides, lipids | Skin type: Mature, breakout-prone | Fragrance? No
San Miguel recently shared that her mom also tried this retinal treatment from Dr. Whitney Bowe. After a short time of using it, she noted that results were "impressive" and left her skin feeling smooth and fresh. San Miguel's mom also said this product is "non-irritating."
What is retinol?
According to board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, retinol is “perhaps the best ingredient we have to fight the signs of aging.”
Zeichner, an associate professor of dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, explains that retinol is a “relative of vitamin A that has a variety of beneficial effects on skin.”
At a glance, retinol can:
- Even skin tone
- Improve skin texture
- Diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Stimulate collagen production
- Enhance cell turnover
Why are retinols so effective for mature skin?
Retinol can be used to prevent the signs of aging before you start noticing them. It’s also quite effective at tackling them head-on and restoring your youthful glow.
Here are just a few ways retinol can help mature skin:
- It helps boost collagen production. “This helps keep your skin firm and smooth. As we get older, collagen production naturally slows down so retinol helps to stimulate it leading to firmer and more youthful-looking skin,” Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates, says.
- It helps strengthen skin. “Retinol can also improve skin’s resilience. As skin ages, it becomes more prone to damage. Retinol strengthens the skin by promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells,” Spearman says.
- It helps improve skin tone and texture. “The effects of regular application of retinols include reduced hyperpigmentation from melasma and sun damage, improvement in skin texture and tone due to increased cell turnover and reduction in wrinkles and increased elasticity, as they stimulate collagen production and thicken the epidermal layer of our skin,” Dr. Alexandra Theriault, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Denver, says.
- It helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “One of the major benefits of retinol as we age is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By boosting collagen and speeding up cell turnover, retinol can visibly soften these signs of aging,” Spearman says.
Frequently asked questions
With every new decade, different skin concerns arise, and your fifties are no exception.
“As we enter our fifties, the effects of prior sun exposure, other environmental exposures (such as smoking and pollution) and menopause accelerate the skin aging process in women,” Theriault says.
“Decreased collagen and elastin production lead to wrinkle formation and sagging of the skin. Lentigines, or sun spots, accelerate due to prior, even childhood, sun exposure.”
If you’ve never used a retinol, you’re probably wondering how your skin might respond to the powerful ingredient. Here are a few factors to keep in mind before diving in to the world of retinol:
How often you apply it
“Always remember to start with a lower concentration of retinol and gradually increase usage to minimize irritation,” Dr Liia Ramachandra, the CEO of EpiLynx, a clinically and dermatologically tested skin care brand, says.
What else you apply to your skin
Given retinol’s tendency to dry out skin skin, it’s important to give your complexion an added dose of moisture.
“Layer your retinol alongside moisturizer to maintain skin hydration,” Joshua Zeichner, the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, says.
How retinol and the sun interact
“Retinol enhances cell turnover, which improves radiance. It does this by fitting out the outer skin layer. At the same time, this makes the skin more sensitive to sunburn so it’s important to wear sunscreen daily while you are using retinol,” Zeichner says.
Your skin type
“Retinol can help people of all skin types. Be extra cautious if you are sensitive,” Zeichner says.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Ranella Hirsch is a Boston-based dermatologist and the co-Founder of Atolla, an Allure Beauty Breakthrough.
- Dr Liia Ramachandra is the CEO of EpiLynx, a clinically and dermatologically tested skin care brand.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
- Dr. Alexandra Theriault is a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Denver.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist, is an associate professor of dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
