How to apply retinol, night cream and other products to aging skin


Ageing. This is something every skin tone faces at some point in their skincare routine. Not only because we all age, but also because we are all exposed to different forms of damage (sun, pollution, screen time, etc.) that can lead to the premature appearance of wrinkles, tingling, crow's feet, and sagging skin. 

Whether you want to focus on existing signs of aging or prevent premature signs of aging, you should use products that tighten, soften and protect your skin from head to toe. But what came first: retinol or eye cream? 

How often should you exfoliate to reduce age spots? We answer all these questions and more in our comprehensive morning and night skin care routine for aging (and prematurely aged) skin. 

Morning skin care routine 

Step 1: Strengthening Barrier Cleanser (Daily): Every skin care routine should start with a thorough cleansing. However, if you're focused on aging skin, you'll want a facial cleanser that's soap-free pH-balanced and focused on strengthening the moisture barrier to keep skin soft, firm, and youthful-looking. Our antioxidant cleanser contains provitamin B5 to effectively remove makeup residue, dirt and other pollutants. 

Step 2: Collagen Mask (2 times a week): Collagen is the most abundant protein in our skin and is responsible for its plumpness and elasticity. However, over time, our collagen levels decrease, which can lead to sagging skin and a tired complexion. 

Use a collagen-rich hydrating and plumping mask a few times a week. (Note: While collagen is typically derived from animals, ours is plant-based). The formula also contains rosehip seed oil to help smooth the appearance of fine lines. 

Step 3: Peptide Eye Cream (optional): If bags and tired eyes sound familiar to you, dab on a pea-sized amount of eye cream while the serum absorbs. 

Look for solutions containing peptides like Zero Gravity to moisturize and strengthen the eye area. You'll also notice that your skin will instantly brighten thanks to the ethically sourced mica. 

Step 4: Vitamin E Moisturizer (Daily): did you know? Skin moisture levels decrease as we age, so it's more important than ever to keep your skin hydrated. 

For extra benefits on aging skin, apply a moisturizer rich in vitamin E. As an antioxidant, it helps neutralize harmful free radicals while nourishing the skin. 

Step 5: Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (Daily): Every skin type needs sun protection, but if you're worried about fine lines and age spots, you definitely shouldn't skip this step. Fact: 90% of skin aging is not actually due to aging, but to external damage such as the sun. 

Make sure to use a sunscreen with an FDA-recommended SPF of at least 35. However, you get bonus points if you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Guards Up, which also protects against blue light and pollution. 

Afternoon skin care routine. 

Step 1: Strengthening Barrier Cleanser (Every Night): Cleanse skin again and prepare it for your afternoon care routine. You may also consider starting with a double cleanse using an oil-based cleanser, such as a cleansing balm, to thoroughly remove makeup and sunscreen residue. 

Step 2: Dermaplaning Tool (1x per week): As we age, the rate of skin cell turnover slows down, which means it takes longer for dead skin cells to reach the surface and be shed. Not only does this lead to a dull complexion, but it can also cause age spots to remain. 

Exfoliate once a week with an at-home dermabrasion tool to keep your skin glowing. Shedding dead skin cells and facial hair also instantly results in a smoother complexion. 

Step 3: Retinol Serum (4 times per week): That slow cell turnover rate we just mentioned? Retinol helps speed things up. When you're not exfoliating at night apply 2-3 pumps of our gentle retinol serum to improve skin texture, firm skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Don't forget your neck and chest, too. 

Step 4: Retinoid Eye Ointment (Every Night): Retinol also deserves a spot in your eye care routine, as it helps firm the eye area and reduce crow's feet. 

Since skin loses moisture while you sleep, look for an eye cream or ointment that contains both retinol and a hydrating ingredient, like the blackcurrant seed oil in our Advanced Retinoid Eye Ointment. 

Step 5: Leave-in exfoliation* (twice a week): Most skin types benefit from exfoliating up to three times a week to combat age spots and uneven texture. Get a chemical peel with an overnight facial that uses a gentle blend of AHAs (like lactic acid) and vitamin E to repair and rejuvenate skin without irritation. 
*Note: Only use at night when not using an at-home dermaplaning tool or gentle retinol serum to avoid irritation. 

Step 6: Advanced Night Cream (Every Night) All skin care routines require a moisturizer, but if you're focused on aging skin, it's time to add a night cream to your evening product lineup. Night creams are usually thicker to prevent moisture loss while providing regenerating ingredients to the skin. 

Our advanced night cream uses a blend of fermented purple tea and green coffee to not only hydrate, but also reduce rough texture and soften wrinkles. 

Step 7: Antioxidant Serum Oil (optional) The key to protecting yourself from premature damage is to include plenty of antioxidants in your daily routine, which work by neutralizing the harmful free radicals that cause premature aging. After using your night cream (or before, if you prefer), dab a few drops of Antioxidant Oil Serum onto your skin for extra hydration and protection. 

Step 8: Retinol Moisturizer (Every Night) Our arms, legs and hips are also showing signs of aging. Add retinol body lotion to your daily routine to repair sagging, wrinkled skin, soften skin texture and even out skin tone.

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