Anti-Ageing Skincare Routine
Every decade brings more changes to our bodies, and some of the most noticeable signs of ageing are seen in our skin. Many people first notice those early signs in their 30s or 40s, with the emergence of wrinkles and fine lines, along with concerns like uneven skin tone, dullness and loss of elasticity.
While we cannot reverse skin ageing, with the right skincare regimen we can visibly reduce some of these tell-tale concerns, while preventing further damage. We firmly believe that great-looking skin has no age limit.
As Roberta Del Campo, MD, the founder of Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute in Miami, Florida, puts it: healthy looking skin is beautiful skin. “I'm a big believer that if you have healthy looking skin, it will be beautiful; but beautiful skin doesn't necessarily mean it is healthy. It's important we use anti-ageing treatments that are going to hydrate the skin, build resilience and visibly transform it." Nkem Ugonabo, MD, MPH, a dermatologist at Union Derm in New York City, agrees. “Skincare is imperative. I try to customise a topical treatment plan to address the concerns of my patients."
So, whatever signs of ageing you're tackling, to really get those results, you’re going to need a solid, AM-to-PM skincare regimen. Your morning skincare routine should be all about protection and prevention, as throughout the day your skin is exposed to environmental factors which can damage the skin and lead to signs of premature ageing. At night, on the other hand, it’s time to reset and recharge your skin, with a night skincare routine that focuses on hydration, nourishment and repair while you sleep.
With that in mind, we’ve put together our step-by-step morning and night skincare routines for mature skin, powered by anti-ageing ingredients like retinoids, peptides and vitamin C. Whether you’re working with deeper wrinkles or are just noticing a few fine lines, these anti-ageing skincare routines will help you unlock smoother, plumper and younger-looking skin. Keep reading to learn all about our recommended lines and wrinkles routines, alongside our dermatologist's tips for all things anti-ageing.
What causes premature visible signs of ageing?
Over time, our skin appearance naturally changes from both the chronological ageing process like menopause, and environment and lifestyle factors like sun and stress.
As we get older, the structural elements of our skin break down or diminish, weakening the skin and causing fine line formations. Cell turnover also slows down, which can lead to duller skin.
With fewer lipids, or oils, produced in our skin as we age, it's harder for the moisture barrier to maintain the same moisture levels, leading to drier skin. Gravity can also pull the skin downward. Environmental causes like UV light can damage collagen and elastin fibers in our skin, potentially making our skin less pliable and more susceptible to future damage.
When should you start an anti-ageing routine?
Many people start using anti-ageing skincare products in our 20s, even before fine lines and wrinkles or other subtle signs of ageing begin to show.
"I always tell my patients it's easier and more cost-effective to start taking care of your skin early," says Dr. Ugonabo. By doing so, you're getting ahead of the curve, and you'll also have the energy to start building a routine that can help slow the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, skin discolouration and other concerns.
No matter what your stage in life, "Compliance and consistency are key," adds Dr. Ugonabo. "You can have the right products, but without using them consistently, you will not achieve the same results."
The best morning anti-ageing skincare routine.
Step 1: Cleanse.
A lot of people think they don’t have to wash their face in the morning because they just did it at night, but it’s actually a really important step in your morning skincare routine. While you sleep, your pillowcase can accumulate oils from your face and hair, as well as bacteria and dust, so it’s important to kickstart your daily skincare routine with an effective, refreshing cleanse. It’s best to pick a cleanser that’s tailored to your skin type – we offer cleansers for oily skin, cleansers for dry skin, cleansers for blemish-prone skin and more, so you’re bound to find one that’s ideal for you. If you’re looking for a more active, targeted cleanser for mature skin, try our Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C. This ultrafine vitamin C powder activates with water to instantly brighten, purify and refine the texture of your skin. Use it every 3-4 days, alternating with a cream, foam or liquid cleanser of your choice.
Step 2: Gently exfoliate.
Exfoliating in the morning is essential. It removes dead skin cells that can dull the surface of the skin, promotes cell renewal, and helps smooth and prep skin for makeup. You’ll need something gentle like our iconic Clarifying Lotion Twice A Day Exfoliator – a liquid exfoliator you can use twice a day, every day without stripping or irritating the skin. It comes in five formulas for specific skin types, including a super gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin, and it’s so quick and easy to use; just dampen a cotton ball and sweep it over your skin – no rinsing required.
Step 3: Treat + moisturise.
Retinoids are a family of ingredients (including retinol) derived from vitamin A, and they’re a key step in targeting the look of lines and wrinkles, both in your morning and night skincare routines. Our bestselling Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum is powered by a potent retinoid, alongside hyaluronic acid and peptides, to help resurface, re-plump and renew the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The retinoid used is effective but gentle enough to use twice a day, which makes it a great retinoid for beginners. Another effective retinoid option is our new Smart Clinical Repair™ AM/PM Retinoid Balm, a concentrated 1% retinoid and hyaluronic acid balm in a stick format for targeted, easy application. Following your chosen retinoid, apply a peptide-rich anti-ageing eye cream such as Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream.
Next, up: moisturiser. “To get the most out of your serums, they should be used first, then layered with a cream afterwards," says Dr. Ugonabo. During the day, make sure you protect your skin with SPF, especially after using a formula with retinoids, as this can make the skin more sensitive to sun damage. "Use sunscreen, all day every day, and reapply every two hours regardless of whether or not it's sunny outside," says Dr. Ugonabo. We recommend Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ SPF 30 Wrinkle Correcting Cream, which not only targets the signs of ageing with peptides, hyaluronic acid and provitamin D, but also shields from skin-damaging rays with UVA/UVB protection. If you prefer a higher SPF, follow your moisturiser of choice with Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector.
The best night skincare routine for anti-ageing.
Step 1: Remove makeup + double cleanse.
If you wear makeup, especially eye makeup and foundation, you should follow a double cleansing routine. As part of your night skincare routine, always use an effective makeup remover first to ensure a thorough cleanse. Our #1 makeup remover, Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm is a silky balm-to-oil formula that effortlessly dissolves long-wearing makeup, even waterproof mascara. We’ve also just launched a NEW detoxifying charcoal cleansing balm, which is the ideal makeup remover for oily skin. After removing the balm with warm water or a damp muslin cloth, wash your face with a gentle liquid, foam or cream cleanser. With your makeup out of the way, your cleanser can go deeper to purify skin and give it a better clean.
Step 2: Exfoliate.
Exfoliating is even more important at night because you’re not only removing dull, dead skin cells, but you’re also paving the way for better absorption of the treatment products you apply next. Simply apply the same Clarifying Lotion Twice A Day Exfoliator you used in the morning – yes, it’s gentle enough to use twice a day.
Step 3: Treat + moisturise.
Time for our anti-ageing powerhouse – Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum – to work its magic (again). "With ageing, drier skin, a retinol or retinoid with a hydrating agent is key overnight," says Dr. Angela Tewari, a London-based Consultant Dermatologist. Combining the renewing benefits of a potent retinoid with plumping hyaluronic acid and rejuvenating peptides, it’s a gentle yet effective wrinkle treatment formulated for maximum results without the irritation often associated with actives like retinol. Next, follow up with an anti-ageing eye cream such as Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream. Using your ring finger, gently massage this hydrating eye cream all around the eye area. The peptide-rich formula strengthens and hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the look of lines and wrinkles with 85% saying crow’s feet look reduced.* Finally, apply a rich night cream for mature skin like Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Cream, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and peptides to fortify and nourish for younger-looking skin. It also comes in a rich cream formula with shea butter for drier skin types.
If you are targeting the first signs of ageing, such as dullness and fine, dry lines, try our Turnaround™ Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer. This rejuvenating night cream is a true Clinique fan favourite, and with good reason. It gets to work while you sleep to revitalise skin, helping the best, brightest skin emerge. It visibly plumps, smooths and helps skin glow, overnight.
*Consumer testing after 4 weeks on 150 women.
Bonus Step 4: Mask.
Once or twice a week, turn your evening skincare routine into a pamper session with a Clinique face mask. There are a few options to choose from – including an Anti-Blemish Solutions oil-control face mask and an Even Better™ brightening face mask – but the Moisture Surge™ Overnight Mask is the perfect addition to any nighttime routine. With nourishing ingredients like murumuru butter, activated aloe vera water and panthenol, this intensely hydrating, creamy mask deeply moisturises as you sleep, so you’ll wake up to soft, dewy, glowing skin. To really level up the self-care element, why not introduce an anti-ageing facial massage to your routine? Read our guide to at-home facial massage for some expert tips and tricks.
Need more help mastering your morning and night skincare routine? Our Consultants are here to help. Book in for a complimentary 1:1 Skin School consultation to discuss your routine with one of the team. For more anti-ageing skincare tips, read our guide to the best neck creams.
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