How to Build a Minimalist Routine for Mature Skin
Many of us can agree that watching our skin change in real-time as we age can feel both terrifying and humbling. In the 1992 film Death Becomes Her, Isabella Rossellini’s character says to Madeline Ashton (played by Meryl Streep), “This is life’s ultimate cruelty. It offers us a taste of youth and vitality, and then it makes us witness our own decay.” Now, granted, we don’t watch ourselves decay in a literal sense, but aging can impact our self-esteem—often leading many of us to overuse products in an attempt to solve a simple problem: wrinkles or early signs of aging.
We can look to celebrities such as Christina Aguilera, Kris Jenner, Lindsay Lohan, and even Martha Stewart, all of whom have undergone what is now known as the Deep Plane Facelift Surgery (DPFS). The DPFS is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure designed to provide more natural and longer-lasting results than traditional facelifts by targeting the deeper layers of the face—not just the skin. It repositions the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), a fibrous layer of tissue that lies beneath the skin and fat but above the facial muscles.
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But if you’re like me and can’t afford this five-figure surgery, then here is your guide to a minimalist skincare routine for mature skin. FIRST THINGS FIRST: ACCEPTANCE. The sooner we accept that we are getting older, that our facial muscles will change, and that gravity will no longer be our friend but a common enemy, the sooner we can start getting ahead of it. Yes, a good skincare routine is the ultimate cheat code for healthier, more youthful-looking skin—but what you put on top of your skincare (sunscreen, concealer, foundation) is also important. For instance, if you’re not splurging on facial reconstruction surgery, consider something like the Luminous Silk Hydrating Face and Under-Eye Concealer by Armani Beauty. This must-have product stands out for several reasons, one of which is its excellent compatibility with most cleansers.
What many of us don’t realize is that skincare is a process that requires an exorbitant amount of work, patience, and research. If you’ve ever wondered why some foundations or concealers look cakey or make you appear older than you are, it could simply be a matter of science—and certain products not working well together. Everything you put on your face—especially in your morning routine—should be chosen with precision and in conjunction with your cosmetics. So, how do you keep it minimal while still achieving that dewy, sun-kissed, sprightly look?
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For cleansers, focus on cream or balm formulas that include ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, or squalane, with a pH balanced around 5.5. Next is a good serum. Most dermatologists recommend vitamin C or retinol. However, not all retinols are created equal, so I suggest getting an in-person recommendation from a licensed dermatologist—not just from a website that slaps the phrase “dermatologist-tested” on its label.
Then, of course, comes moisturizer—something that locks in moisture, plumps the skin, and prevents fine lines from deepening. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and natural shea butter are great ingredients to look for. When it comes to shea butter, raw and unprocessed versions can be an excellent alternative if the usual drugstore brands like Aveeno, CeraVe, or Cetaphil aren’t working for you. If eliminating extra chemicals from your skincare is yielding noticeable improvements, consider taking it a step further: change your diet and read ingredient labels on the products you consume.
What goes on your face and into your body is crucial for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Lastly—and I know you’ve heard this a million times—sunscreen! It should be worn year-round, with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Try pairing your sunscreen with a collagen powder and a gua sha tool for lymphatic drainage.
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All of this may sound boring, but the older we get, the more we should embrace the importance of romanticizing our lives. What does this mean? It means experiencing your daily routine through a more intentional, emotionally rich, and aesthetically pleasing lens—like you’re the main character in a beautiful film or novel. It’s about finding magic in mundane tasks, like washing your face and massaging your jawline in upward strokes. Listen to music that moves you, take yourself on solo dates, and pause to appreciate your hard work and the progress you’re making. A minimalist skincare routine doesn’t have to be boring—it should be rooted in love: love for yourself and love for the results you’ll one day see. Your future self will thank you.
by Kyla Cruz-Hamilton
