The 7 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin

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For many of us, moisturizer was our introduction to skincare. It was the first product we started using in high school, and today, it's one step in our skincare routines that's stayed the same throughout the years.

However, the go-to moisturizer of your 20s might not work so well at keeping you skin hydrated, glowy, and plump in your 30s and beyond. That's because the physcial makeup of skin changes as we age.

"As we age, skin cell turnover slows down, antioxidant defenses decline, collagen weakens, the skin doesn’t maintain hydration, and can’t protect protect itself from the environment as well as it used to," explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "For all of these reasons, mature skin usually has different needs and wants as compared to younger skin."

Dr. Zeichner says the decline in skin cell turnover typically starts to slow down in your 30s, and continually progresses as you get older. There can also be a decrese in skin cell production in women going through menopause, on top of the horomone level changes.

This means that mature skin needs a moisturizer that contains collagen-stimulating ingredients like retinol or peptides, which will also help maintain elasticity and firmness on top of hydration. For an instant smoothing effect, a product with hyaluronic acid in it will plump up fine lines and wrinkles as it moisturizes.

From drugstore staples to luxury face creams, keep scrolling for the seven best moisturizers for mature skin.

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SkinFix Barrier+ Lipid-Peptide Lotion

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$38 SkinFix SHOP IT Opens a new window

Peptides and lipids are the two powerful ingredients that make up SkinFix's gentle, but effective moisturizer. The lightweight lotion gives skin a smooth, radiant effect, plus strengthens the skin barrier to protect skin from aging free radical damage.

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Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Lift & Firm Moisturizer

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$78 Peter Thomas Roth SHOP IT Opens a new window

In the case of this Peter Thomas Roth moisturizer, more is better. It's formulated with 21 peptides that work to lift and firm the skin. Why is this ingredient the foundation of so many anti-aging products? Peptides are short chains of amino acids that make up the protein in the skin. Without enough protein, skin isn't as firm. When peptides are in these short chains, they can penetrate the top layer of the skin, to send signals to skin cells. To sum it up: Peptides can tell your skin cells to turnover, thus maintaining your skin's collagen production, which is crucial for a smooth, firm look.

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

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$89 Elemis SHOP IT Opens a new window

Thanks to a blend of algae, rose, and mimosa, this cream hydrates, firms, and reduces wrinkles, plus evens out skin tone.

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Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

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$70 Avene SHOP IT Opens a new window

This French-favorite beauty brand's products are great for sensitive skin types, including it's retinol-based moisturizer. Retinol is an extremely effective anti-agining ingredient because it promotes skin cell turnover, but it's also notoriously irritating. Avène's cream is an exception because of the addition of the brand's signature soothing thermal spring water.

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Face Moisturizer

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$17 Neutrogena SHOP IT Opens a new window

For instantly smoother, firmer skin, use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid in it like this gel-cream from Neutrogena. The formula absorbs fast without any stickiness so it can be layered under makeup.

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Naturopathica Argan & Peptide Wrinkle Repair Cream

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$96 SHOP IT Opens a new window

A clean option, this moisturizer has peptides and plant-derived stem cells that work to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and moisturize skin.

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RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Moisturizer

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$18 Roc SHOP IT Opens a new window

This dermatologist-favorite moisturizer is also uber-affordable, too. RoC's hydrating cream contains retinol to help reduce deep-set wrinkles, along with SPF 30 to protect skin from UVA/UVB aging and vitamin A-induced sun sensitivity.

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The 7 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin