Eating healthy, staying active, and sleeping well are all things that we can do to keep the effects of aging from creeping up on us too fast. We should embrace our aging bodies, of course, but there are a few extra things that we can do to help us feel beautiful.

Our skin is often one of the first telltale signs of aging. Over time, it thins, wrinkles, and dries, and it may even spot. There’s no escaping that, but there are anti-aging creams that can make our skin feel and look better by erasing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

By the way, I don’t really like that widely used term in the beauty industry. “Anti-aging” makes it sound like there’s something wrong with aging. I prefer pro-aging!

You may already be applying moisturizers, creams, or serums on your face every day. Did you know that your skin repairs itself while you sleep? By choosing the right night cream for your skin type and condition, you can give your body the extra boost it needs to keep your skin as healthy as possible.

Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Longwill in Florida says:

Your nighttime regimen should be about cleansing, repairing, and soothing. While we sleep, our skin is regenerating which is why it is beneficial to apply products that are focused on hydrating and recovering. It is also important to make sure that the products you are applying are formulated to penetrate deep into the skin.

Dermatologist Recommendations

Dr. Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California, recommends the following four anti-aging night creams for women over 50.

Olay Regenerist: Microsculping Fragrance-Free Cream

This thicker, non-greasy offering by Olay moisturizes the skin without causing irritation or breakouts. It contains moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid, collagen-building peptides, and skin-calming niacinamide and green tea.

The dimethicone helps create an intact skin barrier to trap moisture and hydration in the skin so that you wake up to skin with a smoother, plumper, dewier appearance.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (Fragrance-Free)

Neutrogena’s rapid wrinkle repair cream contains retinol, the only scientifically-proven molecule to help promote new collagen growth and improve the appearance of wrinkles. Retinoids also facilitate cell turnover, bringing fresh new cells to the skin surface, so that your skin appears brighter and younger.

The classic night serum version is very lightweight and layers nicely under a thicker moisturizer. This newer moisturizer version has a smooth texture and application and still feels light on the skin, while providing moisturizing and skin barrier repairing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone.

Avène Eau Thermal – Tolérance Extrême Creme

If you have hypersensitive or allergic skin, Avène’s tolérance extreme is a great option. It contains no fragrance, emulsifiers, or preservatives, so this thick white cream absorbs and doesn’t cause skin irritation.

SkinFix Barrier⁺ Lipid Peptide Cream

This thicker moisturizer by SkinFix helps to replace the lipids and fatty acids that naturally occur in healthy skin. It strengthens the skin barrier and helps to soothe dry, tight, irritated skin.

It also contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and squalene that are locked in by the barrier-protective lipids (Shea, sunflower, vegetable, jojoba). It is non-comedogenic, doesn’t feel thick or sticky on the skin, and absorbs well.

Dr. Rina Allawh is a board-certified dermatologist in the Philadelphia area with a special interest in the unique challenges of pigmented skin in regards to anti-aging, skincare, sun care, and skin cancer. She mentions that a night cream containing retinol should be part of every anti-aging regimen.

“Retinol creams can provide non-invasive wrinkle prevention, evening out the complexion, promoting increased cell turnover, and reducing pore size.”

She also specifies that retinol use can sometimes cause some dryness, peeling, and skin irritation. Her go-to topical retinol cream is the La Roche-Posay Redermic R with Retinol Cream.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R with Retinol Cream

According to Dr. Allawh, this product provides optimum hydration (via the “Retinol Booster Complex”) with minimal skin irritation. If you are searching for a mild alternative to retinoids, you can look ingredients called retin-alts. These are natural alternatives to retinol which treat acne and improve skin texture, and also have anti-aging properties.

Under the “retin-alt” fall:

• Bakuchiol, named after the Bakuchi plant.
• Resveratrol, sourced from grapes and olives, which contains powerful antioxidants.
• Carrot oil, potent on carotenoids, such as Astaxanthin. Beta-carotene is thought to convert to vitamin A in the body, providing a natural “retinoid-like” benefit. Carrot oil has been used as an ingredient in various hair serums.
• Cacay oil, a plant-based derivative of vitamin A.

Highly Rated Night Creams for Older Women

Here are several other highly-rated creams available for nightly use.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

This RoC night cream contains powerful retinol and an exclusive mineral complex. The non-greasy and non-comedogenic formula helps reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles while lifting and firming the skin. It’s gentle enough for nightly use. This cream is tried and tested with over 3000 positive reviews on Amazon.

Collagen Face Moisturizer by L’Oreal Paris Skin Care Day/Night Cream

If retinol irritates your skin, you can try this day/night combo moisturizer from L’Oréal Paris. It gently nourishes and replenishes your skin while you sleep as collagen fills in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer

A revitalizing night cream from Clinique leaves your skin plump and silky. If you care for youthful looks, this is a great option for you. Wake up with glowing skin!

Have you tried any of these night creams? What was your experience like? Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us about your nighttime skincare regimen. Let’s chat night creams.