By Niki, clinical skin therapist since 2009
Skincare in your 60s is about keeping mature skin comfortable, nourished and protected. Skin at this age is usually drier, thinner and slower to recover, so it does best with a short, gentle routine and plenty of moisture.
Your skin isn't broken. It's stressed. Here's what changes and what I'd suggest.
How does skin change in your 60s?
- It's drier. Skin makes less of its own oil, so it can feel tight and itchy.
- It's thinner and more fragile. It marks, tears and reddens more easily.
- It renews more slowly, so it can look dull and take longer to heal.
- It loses firmness, especially around the jaw, neck and eyes.
- It can be more sensitive to products that used to be fine.
All of this is normal. It just means your skin needs a gentler, more nourishing kind of care.
Why is my skin so dry after 60?
Your skin's protective barrier relies on natural oils and fats to hold water in. With age, skin makes less of them, so moisture escapes more easily. Heat pumps, hot showers and harsh cleansers make it worse.
The good bacteria on your skin help keep that barrier healthy, and supporting them is one of the most overlooked parts of caring for mature skin.
Think of your skin like an apple. The good bacteria on your skin help keep its natural protective barrier healthy, just like the skin on an apple protects what's underneath.
What is the best skincare for mature skin?
Keep it simple and nourishing:
Morning
- A gentle cream cleanser, or just lukewarm water if your skin is very dry.
- A hydrating day cream.
- A few drops of facial oil.
- Sun protection.
Night
- Cleanse gently to remove makeup and the day.
- A nourishing night cream.
- Facial oil over the top.
Pat, don't rub. Mature skin is fragile, so use your fingertips and a soft towel.
What should mature skin avoid?
- Scrubs and rough cloths. They can damage thinner skin.
- Foaming or soap-based cleansers that leave skin tight.
- Strong acids and peels used often.
- Hot water, on your face and in long showers.
- Long routines. More products means more chances for fragile skin to react.
Is it too late to start looking after my skin?
Never. Skin responds to gentle, consistent care at any age. Many of my clients in their 60s and 70s are surprised how much more comfortable their skin feels once they switch to a simple, nourishing routine.
What customers have found
"I placed a review a couple of days ago regarding the day cream, and have now used the cleaner and night lotions. I have to say this range is absolutely beautiful. Light but effective, non irritating on my skin (and believe me it doesn't take much to make my skin irritated), and the perfume from the products is sublime. My skin is very mature, so figure it was a good test to see how effective this range was. It doesn't disappoint at all. Already my skin feels more hydrated and healthy. Absolute 10 out of 10." Jill, verified buyer
Where does MiTruIQ™ fit in?
MiTruIQ™ is prebiotic, barrier-first skincare, made in New Zealand. For mature skin, I recommend the Skin Recovery Ritual: our Cleanser, Day Cream, Night Cream and Facial Oil.
- Our Cleanser gives you clean skin that still feels soft, never tight.
- Our Night Cream comforts dry, sensitive-feeling skin overnight, and helps skin hold onto moisture till morning.
- Our Facial Oil's Kakadu plum, raspberry seed and jojoba oils nourish without heaviness.
Read more on my page for skin that's changing, or see how prebiotics work.
Mature skin FAQs
Why is my skin itchy as I get older?
Dry skin is the most common reason. Gentle cleansing, lukewarm water and a good moisturiser usually help. If the itch is strong or comes with a rash, see your GP.
Do I still need to cleanse every day?
Yes, but gently. At night, cleanse to remove makeup and the day. In the morning, lukewarm water may be enough if your skin is very dry.
Should I use a facial oil on mature skin?
Many people find it helps. Use a few drops over your moisturiser to seal it in.
When should I see a doctor about my skin?
See your GP about any new or changing spot, a sore that won't heal, or skin that's very itchy, sore or broken.
Not sure where to start?
Tell me what your skin is doing and I'll show you the routine I'd give you in clinic.
