Can you still build collagen after 70? Does retinol still work? Can you improve wrinkles, sagging, crepey skin, and age spots? The best skin care routine for your 70s and beyond should address these concerns while also treating dryness, thinning skin, and the biological changes that accelerate skin aging.

In my 30+ years as a dermatologist, I've seen many patients waste money on expensive anti-aging products that don't work for their skin type. Some even combine ingredients that interfere with each other or cause irritation. Mature skin needs targeted treatments that stimulate collagen production and address cellular aging, but it also needs more hydration and skin barrier protection. The key is knowing which products work, which to use together, and which to avoid.

Re-Q Pro-Longevity Face Serum is one of the most interesting advances in skin longevity because it is designed to address the declining function of aging fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other components that keep skin firm and strong. As we age, these cells become exhausted, accumulate damage, and lose some of their ability to maintain the extracellular matrix. Re-Q targets pathways associated with cellular aging, including processes involved in autophagy, mitochondrial function, and cellular maintenance.

I am particularly interested in Re-Q Longevity Face Serum for patients over 70 because their fibroblasts have accumulated decades of damage from intrinsic aging and environmental exposure. Traditional anti-aging products generally focus on stimulating collagen production, but aging fibroblasts may not respond as efficiently as younger cells. Re-Q represents a complementary approach that focuses on improving the condition of the cells responsible for maintaining collagen. It should make your other antiaging skin care products work better.

My goal for patients over 70 is to help them use the strongest retinoid they can comfortably tolerate every night. Tazarotene 0.1% gel is one of the strongest topical retinoid formulations used for photoaging, but many of my patients over 70 prefer tazarotene cream because creams are often more comfortable on dry, mature skin. Tretinoin is another excellent prescription option with extensive clinical evidence supporting its anti-aging benefits. Patients who cannot tolerate stronger prescription retinoids may do better with lower-strength tretinoin or a cosmetic retinol product.

The key is to increase retinoid strength and frequency gradually. Starting with a retinoid that is too strong can cause burning, stinging, redness, and peeling, leading patients to discontinue treatment. I would rather see someone use a tolerable retinoid consistently for years than repeatedly stop a stronger product because of irritation. A creamy cleanser and barrier repair moisturizer containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids can help reduce dryness and improve retinoid tolerability.

One of the most important changes after age 70 is increased skin dryness. Sebum production generally declines with age, particularly in women after menopause, and the skin becomes less efficient at maintaining the lipids needed for a healthy moisture barrier. This is why I recommend barrier repair moisturizers containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids rather than relying exclusively on hyaluronic acid or other ingredients that temporarily attract water.

Zerafite Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream is one of my favorite moisturizers for dry, mature facial skin because it combines barrier-replenishing lipids with additional anti-aging ingredients. It helps reduce moisture loss, improve skin comfort, and support the skin barrier while patients use retinoids and other anti-aging treatments. I particularly recommend it for patients with Dry Baumann Skin Types, including DRPW, DSPW, DRNW, and DSNW.

Many patients over 70 complain that their skin looks thin, crepey, and fragile. For these patients, I like to prescribe skin care with exosomes.

I recommend Plated INTENSE Serum for patients concerned about thin, aging skin and visible changes in skin quality. It needs to be applied to clean skin just after cleanser before any other products.

Many patients over 70 develop sun spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, from decades of sun exposure. These dark spots are especially common on the face, chest, and hands.

I recommend Pavise Bioadaptive Serum for patients concerned about sun spots and uneven skin tone. Daily sunscreen is essential to prevent further pigmentation, and additional skin-lightening ingredients can be added depending on your Baumann Skin Type.

Many patients over 70 worry that their anti-aging products are no longer working because their skin is too old to make new collagen. As we age, our collagen-producing cells, called fibroblasts, become exhausted and less responsive to the signals that stimulate collagen production.

I recommend Re-Q Longevity Face Serum to help give these tired fibroblasts a rest by targeting cellular aging pathways. The goal is to make aging fibroblasts more responsive to other anti-aging products in your routine, such as Plated INTENSE Serum, retinol, and vitamin C. This is a promising approach to skin longevity, although improved responsiveness to these treatments has not yet been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Hydroxy acid cleansers can improve dullness, rough texture, and uneven skin tone by helping remove accumulated dead skin cells. However, I recommend them primarily for patients with Resistant Baumann Skin Types who are already tolerating their retinoids. Glycolic acid and lactic acid cleansers help exfoliate the skin's surface, while salicylic acid cleansers are particularly useful for oily skin because salicylic acid is oil-soluble and helps unclog pores.

I recommend waiting until your skin can tolerate your retinoid before introducing a hydroxy acid cleanser. Begin with a few uses per week and increase frequency only if your skin remains comfortable. Sensitive skin types, particularly those experiencing redness, burning, or stinging, should generally avoid additional exfoliation.

Estrogen plays an important role in skin physiology, and declining estrogen levels after menopause contribute to changes in collagen, skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. For appropriate female patients over 70, topical estrogen-containing products may be worth considering as part of a personalized anti-aging routine.

You can explore Estrogen Creams for the Face to learn about available options. Because estrogen is a hormone, the appropriate formulation and treatment plan depend on medical history, dose, and potential systemic absorption. I recommend discussing facial estrogen therapy with a qualified physician, particularly if you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancer or other relevant medical conditions.

An effective morning skin care routine after age 70 does not need to be complicated. The goal is to protect your skin from further damage, maintain hydration, and support healthy skin function. Choose products based on your Baumann Skin Type and your primary skin concerns.

• Step 1: Cleanser. Begin with a cleanser appropriate for your Baumann Skin Type. Dry, Sensitive skin types generally do best with creamy, non-exfoliating cleansers, while Resistant skin types may benefit from hydroxy acid cleansers once they have adjusted to retinoids.

• Step 2: Anti-Aging Serum. Apply a treatment serum based on your main skin concern. Brightening ingredients can help improve sun spots and uneven pigmentation, while growth factors and exosomes may help support skin repair and collagen production. Antioxidants such as vitamin C can also help protect against free radical damage and support collagen synthesis.

• Step 3: Barrier Repair Moisturizer. Apply a moisturizer containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to replenish barrier lipids, reduce moisture loss, and improve hydration.

• Step 4: Sunscreen. Finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every morning. Sun protection is essential after age 70 because ultraviolet radiation continues to break down collagen, cause dark spots, and increase skin cancer risk.

An effective evening skin care routine after age 70 should focus on repairing accumulated damage, stimulating collagen production, and supporting aging skin cells. The goal is to use the strongest anti-aging treatments your skin can tolerate without causing irritation.

• Step 1: Cleanser. Gently cleanse your skin to remove sunscreen, makeup, and accumulated debris without stripping away natural lipids.
• Step 2: Anti-Aging Serum. Apply a serum designed to target cellular aging, improve fibroblast function, or support skin repair. These treatments may complement collagen-stimulating ingredients in your routine.
• Step 3: High-Strength Retinol or Prescription Retinoid. Apply a high-strength retinol or prescription retinoid, such as tretinoin or tazarotene, to stimulate collagen production and improve wrinkles. My long-term goal is nightly use of the strongest retinoid your skin can comfortably tolerate. Start gradually and increase frequency as your skin adjusts.
• Step 4: Barrier Repair Moisturizer. Finish with a moisturizer containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to reduce moisture loss, support the skin barrier, and minimize retinoid-related dryness and irritation.

Many people become drier as they age, particularly women after menopause. In my experience, four Baumann Skin Types are especially common among patients over 70: DRPW, DSPW, DRNW, and DSNW. All four are Dry and Wrinkle-Prone, but they differ in sensitivity and pigmentation. These differences are important because they determine which cleansers, retinoids, exfoliating ingredients, and pigmentation treatments are most appropriate.

Your Baumann Skin Type is not determined by age alone. Some people remain oily in their 70s, while others have had dry, sensitive skin throughout adulthood. The best way to determine which products are appropriate for your skin is to take the Baumann Skin Type Indicator Quiz.

DRPW patients have four major concerns: dryness, wrinkles, pigmentation, and cumulative sun damage. The advantage of this skin type is that Resistant skin generally tolerates stronger active ingredients better than Sensitive skin. For DRPW patients over 70, I recommend prioritizing retinoids, Re-Q, barrier repair, and pigmentation treatment. Because these patients are Resistant, they may also benefit from a hydroxy acid cleanser once they have adjusted to their retinoid.

Morning routine: Use a gentle cleanser or a mild hydroxy acid cleanser if your skin already tolerates nightly retinoids. Apply a pigmentation treatment containing ingredients such as vitamin C or other appropriate brighteners, followed by a barrier repair moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Pavise Bioadaptive Serum may be considered for patients with dark patches and sun spots.

Evening routine: Cleanse gently, apply Re-Q according to its directions, and use your prescription retinoid as tolerated. Finish with Zerafite Wrinkle Defense or another barrier repair moisturizer containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. DRPW patients may eventually tolerate stronger retinoids, including tazarotene, but should increase strength gradually to avoid unnecessary irritation.

DSPW is one of the more challenging skin types because these patients need anti-aging and pigmentation treatments but are also susceptible to irritation. Inflammation can worsen pigmentation, making aggressive exfoliation counterproductive. For DSPW patients over 70, I prioritize calming inflammation, supporting the barrier, and gradually introducing retinoids. I generally avoid hydroxy acid cleansers in this skin type, particularly when facial redness, burning, or stinging is present.

Morning routine: Use a gentle, creamy cleanser without exfoliating acids. Apply a non-irritating pigmentation treatment, followed by a barrier repair moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may be particularly useful for patients whose pigmentation is aggravated by visible light.

Evening routine: Cleanse gently and apply Re-Q if appropriate and well tolerated. Introduce a retinoid slowly, beginning with a strength and frequency your skin can tolerate. Follow with a barrier repair moisturizer. DSPW patients often achieve better results by using fewer, carefully selected products consistently rather than layering multiple treatments that increase irritation.

DRNW patients are primarily concerned with dryness, wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness rather than dark spots. Because their skin is Resistant, they may tolerate stronger retinoids and additional exfoliation. For DRNW patients over 70, my priorities are collagen support, fibroblast health, hydration, and sun protection. Re-Q and prescription retinoids are particularly important in this routine because these patients want to address wrinkles and declining skin firmness without needing extensive pigmentation treatment.

Morning routine: Use a gentle cleanser. Once you tolerate your retinoid, consider adding a mild hydroxy acid cleanser several times weekly if roughness and dullness are concerns. Apply an antioxidant serum if desired, followed by Zerafite Wrinkle Defense and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Evening routine: Cleanse, use Re-Q as directed, and apply a prescription retinoid at the strongest strength and frequency your skin comfortably tolerates. Follow with a barrier repair moisturizer. For patients with particularly thin or fragile-looking skin, Plated INTENSE Serum is another treatment worth considering.

DSNW skin requires a particularly gentle approach because these patients have both dryness and sensitivity. They may experience burning, stinging, redness, or irritation from ingredients that Resistant skin types tolerate easily. For DSNW patients over 70, the most important goal is to create a routine that allows consistent retinoid use without triggering retinoid dermatitis. Barrier repair is essential because dryness and sensitivity can make anti-aging treatments difficult to tolerate.

Morning routine: Use a gentle creamy cleanser, or simply rinse with water if cleansing is unnecessary. Apply a soothing barrier repair moisturizer containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, followed by broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid exfoliating cleansers, facial scrubs, and unnecessary acidic products.

Evening routine: Cleanse with a non-stripping cleanser. Apply Re-Q if appropriate and well tolerated, introduce a retinoid gradually, and finish with a rich barrier repair moisturizer. For DSNW patients, I would rather see consistent use of a lower-strength retinoid than repeated irritation from a stronger formulation. The goal is to improve skin quality while keeping the skin comfortable.

Collagen gives skin much of its strength and structural support. With age, fibroblasts produce less collagen, while enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases break down existing collagen. Ultraviolet radiation accelerates this process by generating reactive oxygen species and activating signaling pathways that increase collagen degradation. As collagen becomes fragmented, the skin loses some of the structural support that normally helps fibroblasts function efficiently. This creates a cycle in which damaged collagen contributes to further reductions in collagen production, resulting in thinner, less resilient skin with deeper wrinkles and increased sagging.

Fibroblasts are responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix. In younger skin, fibroblasts respond to signals that stimulate collagen production and tissue repair. In older skin, many fibroblasts become less responsive. Some develop cellular senescence, a state in which cells stop dividing and may release inflammatory molecules that damage surrounding tissue. Other fibroblasts experience mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impaired autophagy, and reduced cellular repair.

One important pathway involved in cellular aging is mTORC1, which helps regulate the balance between cellular growth and maintenance. Persistent or dysregulated mTORC1 signaling has been associated with cellular aging and impaired autophagy. This is why researchers are investigating ways to improve cellular maintenance rather than focusing exclusively on stimulating collagen production. The goal is to support healthier fibroblast activity so these cells can better maintain the extracellular matrix.

I explain these mechanisms in greater detail in my articles Fibroblasts and Skin Aging and How to Reset Exhausted Fibroblasts.

Skin dryness increases with age because sebaceous gland activity declines, natural moisturizing factors may decrease, and epidermal lipid synthesis and barrier recovery become less efficient. The stratum corneum depends on ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids arranged in organized layers between skin cells. When these lipids are depleted or improperly organized, water escapes more easily, leaving skin dry, rough, flaky, and more susceptible to irritation.

Aging also causes thinning of the dermis and changes in the structures that support blood vessels. This contributes to easy bruising, skin tears, and slower healing. The backs of the hands and forearms are especially vulnerable because they receive substantial cumulative sun exposure. Mature skin therefore needs gentle cleansing, consistent moisturization, and protection from unnecessary exfoliation or aggressive scrubbing.

Cholesterol is essential for the skin barrier because it is one of the three major lipid categories found between cells in the stratum corneum. Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. Because epidermal cholesterol synthesis contributes to barrier maintenance, researchers have investigated whether cholesterol-lowering medications could affect skin function.

Experimental studies have shown that directly inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the skin can interfere with barrier recovery. However, studies of people taking oral statins have generally not demonstrated significant impairment of the skin's water barrier, and the relationship between statin use and dry skin remains complex. Regardless of medication use, cholesterol-containing barrier repair moisturizers can help replenish essential surface lipids and improve the comfort of dry, mature skin.

For patients over 70 who take cholesterol-lowering medications and experience dryness, I recommend Zerafite Wrinkle Defense for the face and Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream for the body. Both contain cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids to support the skin barrier. These moisturizers can improve dryness and comfort, but cholesterol-lowering medications should not be discontinued without consulting the prescribing physician.

Estrogen influences collagen production, fibroblast activity, skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. After menopause, declining estrogen levels contribute to changes in the dermis and epidermis, including reduced collagen content and increased dryness. Research has shown that estrogen therapy can improve certain measurements of skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity in postmenopausal women.

For appropriate female patients over 70, topical estrogen-containing products may be considered as part of a personalized skin care plan. However, because estrogen is a hormone, treatment should be discussed with a qualified physician who can evaluate medical history, dose, formulation, and potential systemic absorption. Estrogen creams are an optional addition rather than a replacement for retinoids, barrier repair, and sunscreen.

Yes. Skin can respond to appropriate treatments well into the 70s, 80s, and beyond. Prescription retinoids can improve fine wrinkles, roughness, and other signs of photoaging. Moisturizers improve hydration and can make fine lines look less noticeable, while pigmentation treatments help improve uneven skin tone. Sunscreen prevents additional ultraviolet damage, allowing anti-aging treatments to work without continued exposure undermining their benefits.

However, topical skin care has limitations. Deep folds, significant skin laxity, and volume loss are influenced by changes in facial fat, bone, ligaments, and deeper connective tissues. Creams cannot fully correct these structural changes. Patients seeking more dramatic improvement may benefit from discussing lasers, energy-based procedures, injectables, or surgery with qualified specialists. The goal of skin care is to improve skin quality and support long-term skin health.

The best anti-aging skin care routine for your 70s and beyond should address both the visible signs of aging and the biological changes occurring inside mature skin. Retinoids remain my most important proven anti-aging treatment, and I recommend working toward the strongest prescription retinoid you can comfortably tolerate every night. Re-Q Pro-Longevity Face Serum is another important treatment to consider because it targets pathways associated with exhausted fibroblasts and cellular aging. Together, these approaches address collagen production and the declining function of the cells responsible for maintaining the dermis.

Because mature skin is often dry, I also prioritize barrier repair moisturizers containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Patients with Resistant Baumann Skin Types may benefit from hydroxy acid cleansers after establishing retinoid tolerance, while Sensitive skin types should focus on gentle cleansing and minimizing irritation. Women may also consider facial estrogen treatments when medically appropriate, and patients with pigmentation or thin skin may benefit from additional targeted serums.

Above all, remember that your skin care routine should be based on your Baumann Skin Type, not simply your age. The right combination of retinoids, fibroblast-focused treatments, barrier repair, and daily sunscreen can help keep your skin healthier, smoother, and more comfortable throughout your 70s and beyond.