Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care in Your 60s

There are so many anti-aging products out there that many of my patients in their 60s often do not know where to start when it comes to choosing the best ones. This guide will help you to sift through the many different options for anti-aging skin care in your 60s and help you to pick the best products that will work for your skin type.

If you do not know which of the 16 skin types you are yet, take a minute to take the quiz to find out first. That way, you will know which anti-aging products discussed in this guide are right for your skin type. 

A great routine for skin care in your 60s will include the following products:

• Sunscreen

• Retinoids

• Vitamin C (if right for your skin type)

• Exosomes or growth factors

• DNA repair enzymes

• Antioxidants

• Heparan sulfate

• Ingredients that give cells energy like Co Q10

• Ingredients that target cellular senescence

Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best anti-aging skin care in your 60s based on the latest scientific research.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a powerful anti-aging molecule that is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) , a coenzyme needed for cellular energy production and DNA repair. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, leading to reduced mitochondrial efficiency and slower cell turnover. This impacts the skin’s ability to repair damage, produce collagen, and maintain elasticity. NMN replenishes NAD+ levels, revitalizing aged mitochondria and enhancing the skin's ability to repair damage.

Coenzyme Q10, also called Ubiquinone, also helps boost energy production by mitochondria. It is much easier to find than NMN.  It is often taken orally in a supplement form- but only take it in the am because it gives you an energy boost that can cause insomnia if taken at night.

Niacinamide and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are also important antioxidants that can help to repair and prevent damage caused by oxidative stress. Furthermore, niacinamide can be converted to NAD+ within the body. This also helps boost energy production.

Many skin care products contain niacinamide, such as:

Heparan sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan , a molecule naturally present in the skin that plays a key role in cellular communication. It helps skin cells “hear” cell signals better, which helps to improve a variety of functions, including hydration, barrier function, and repair. With age, heparan sulfate levels diminish, impairing the skin's ability to perform these functions and to repair itself. Thus, adding heparan sulfate via your skin care regimen can help to enhance your skin’s ability to repair itself. 

As of this writing, Sente is the only brand that makes skin care products containing heparan sulfate.

Exosomes are very small vesicles that transport proteins, lipids, and growth factors between cells. In skin care, exosomes play a vital role in cell-to-cell communication and repair. They deliver growth factors that stimulate collagen production, accelerate wound healing, and reduce inflammation. These properties make exosome-based skin care products effective for reversing signs of aging and improving skin texture.

Currently, the brand Plated SkinScience has the most research to back up its exosome-based formulation (3).

Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, are a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. They stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and promote faster skin cell turnover, which helps to fade dark spots and improve skin texture. Retinoids work by binding to retinoic acid receptors in the skin, triggering gene expression that rejuvenates the skin at a cellular level. Over time, retinoids can make skin appear firmer, smoother, and more radiant.

Retinoids are available as both prescription and over-the-counter products. For stronger products, ask your dermatologist for a prescription. If you are looking for good over-the-counter retinoid options, these are a few of the best on the market:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution. It also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, helping to maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Additionally, Vitamin C brightens skin tone by inhibiting melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Products like Photozyme Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum combine vitamin C with other antioxidants for maximum anti-aging benefits.

Cellular senescence refers to aged cells that no longer function optimally but remain in the body, contributing to inflammation and aging. Ingredients like crepidiastrum denticulatum extract and ulmus davidiana root extract help to reduce the presence of these so-called “zombie cells” by promoting autophagy, the body’s natural cleanup process. Exosome serums like Plated Skin Science Intense Serum are also effective at lowering the number of senescent cells, enhancing the skin's self-renewal processes for a more youthful appearance.

Some leading skin care products that contain these ingredients include:

Below is an example of a good morning routine for skin care in your 60s. Keep in mind that you may need to customize each step based on your skin type.

1. Low-pH cleanser suited to your skin type.

2. Sente Illumine Eye Cream around the eyes and on the upper lip/mustache area. This product contains heparan sulfate.

3. Vitamin C serum such as Photozyme Vitamin CE Ferulic Acid Serum , which has vitamin C, DNA repair enzymes, and hyaluronic acid.

4. Zerafite Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream if you are a dry skin type, or Essopi Antioxidant Cream if you are an oily skin type.

5. Sunscreen. Choose the Rationale Tinted Serum if you want a tint, or the Pavise (has antioxidants) or the ISDIN  (has DNA repair enzymes) if you prefer untinted.

Use this as a general guide to create your evening routine for skin care in your 60s. Again, you may need to customize each step based on your skin type.

1. Creamy cleanser if you are dry, which most in their 60s are. My favorite is Zerafite.

2. Anti-aging eye cream like Plated or Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Lift Treatment.

3. Plated Intense Serum (This can also be used around the eye as a eye serum).

4. Zerafite Wrinkle Defense or a retinoid once you are used to it.

5. Retinoid. 

Your 60s are the perfect time to refine your skin care routine with dermatologist-recommended products that cater to your skin type. Start with essentials like sunscreen, retinoids, and antioxidants, then incorporate advanced ingredients like NMN, heparan sulfate, and exosomes for targeted anti-aging benefits. Remember, consistency is key to achieving healthy, radiant skin at any age.

Not sure what your skin type is? Start by taking the quiz below to find out. From there, we can help you build a 100% customized skin care regimen that will work for your skin.

1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Proffer, S. L., Paradise, C. R., DeGrazia, E., Halaas, Y., Durairaj, K. K., Somenek, M., ... & Wyles, S. P. (2022). Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Platelet Exosomes for Skin Rejuvenation: Six-Week Results. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 42(10), 1185-1193.
4. Zhao, Y., Simon, M., Seluanov, A., & Gorbunova, V. (2023). DNA damage and repair in age-related inflammation. Nature Reviews Immunology, 23(2), 75-89
5. Hajialiasgary Najafabadi A, Soheilifar MH, Masoudi-Khoram N. Exosomes in skin photoaging: biological functions and therapeutic opportunity. Cell Commun Signal. 2024 Jan 12;22(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12964-023-01451-3. PMID: 38217034; PMCID: PMC10785444.
6. Ash M, Zibitt M, Shauly O, Menon A, Losken A, Gould D. The Innovative and Evolving Landscape of Topical Exosome and Peptide Therapies: A Systematic Review of the Available Literature. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2024 Mar 19;6:ojae017. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojae017. PMID: 38633728; PMCID: PMC11023079.