Everyone looks the same covered with gloppy mask gunk, but underneath, we’re all different. For example, the best face masks for mature skin probably don’t include clay masks that are more suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. And when you have the concerns that come with a mature skin type, you definitely don’t want to waste your time on ineffective formulas.
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Skin’s characteristics change over the years in both obvious and not-so-apparent ways, so even if you’ve maintained an elaborate, diligent skin-care routine, you’ll likely experience a decrease in elasticity (the quality and quantity of our collagen plummets) and an increase in discoloration. But more than anything else, mature skin starts skewing much drier than it did in younger years.
“As we age, our capacity to retain water in the skin diminishes, so skin becomes drier,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “Dry skin can appear dull and make fine lines more noticeable.” So while you might have collected oil-absorbing, acne-clearing masks in your twenties, your now-seasoned skin’s needs demand a shift in priorities. And by “priorities,” we mean ingredients.
“Dry skin and fine lines can be immediately improved with humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin to bring more water to the surface and help plump the skin,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says, adding that ingredients like shea butter and colloidal oatmeal help with rejuvenation by deeply moisturizing and soothing dry skin.
In addition to moisturizing ingredients, board-certified dermatologist Brandon Camp, MD, also based in New York City, says those with mature skin should look for antioxidants when shopping for masks. “Free radicals can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins, which can contribute to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” he tells Allure. Exfoliation and cell turnover are especially important in helping mature skin look and feel its best, so he also recommends masks with retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
That’s a lot to take into consideration, we know, so instead of doing a deep dive on your own, we’ve taken this expert advice and turned it into a shopping list of the best face masks for mature skin.