Rethinking Skincare Habits After 60

My neighbor Margaret, who is 67, has skin that seems almost enviable—better than some folks in their forties. In contrast, her younger sister visits from far away and, despite being three years younger, carries a more aged appearance. It’s interesting, isn’t it? Same genetics, but such different outcomes.

This curiosity got me thinking. I began to observe what people with great skin do differently. Spoiler alert: many of us are unknowingly aging ourselves by sticking to outdated habits that just don’t work anymore. If you’re still doing any of these, it might be time for a change.

1) Using Harsh Cleansers

Remember that old advice about washing your face until it felt “squeaky clean”? That tightness afterwards was supposedly a mark of cleanliness. It seems like, well, not the best idea anymore.

Harsh cleansers strip away natural oils and can damage your moisture barrier. As skin naturally produces less oil after 60, stripping what little is there can lead to a dull and dry complexion. I made that mistake for years, too, until I switched to a gentler, creamier cleanser. The difference was noticeable in just a few weeks; my skin looked more hydrated and plump.

A good cleanser should do its job without leaving your skin feeling parched. If your face feels tight after washing, that’s not a sign of being clean—it might mean it’s damaged.

2) Skipping Sunscreen on Cloudy Days

How often have you looked out, noticed gray skies, and thought, “Why bother with SPF?” Here’s the thing: UV rays don’t take a break just because the sun’s hiding behind clouds. Up to 80% can still penetrate, leading to sun damage.

Many women I know with radiant skin in their sixties wear sunscreen daily, come rain or shine. It becomes an automatic part of their routine, just like brushing their teeth.

Sun damage accumulates over the years, manifesting as age spots, wrinkles, and uneven texture. Even if you’re doling out cash for high-end creams and serums, if you skip sun protection, you might find yourself taking one step forward and two back.

Make daily use of SPF 30 or higher a non-negotiable part of your morning regime.

3) Over-Exfoliating for That “Glow”

Exfoliation can be fantastic, sure. But too many people over 60 are scrubbing daily, convinced it will give them glowing skin. While gentle exfoliation is good, going overboard can backfire.

Excessive exfoliation damages your skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and hastened aging. I had a phase in my late thirties where I overdid it, using both a physical scrub in the morning and a chemical exfoliant at night. Instead of glowing, my skin looked red and inflamed. Scaling back to twice a week made a noticeable difference.

As we age, our skin needs gentler care. It’s not about scrubbing harder but treating it kindly.

4) Applying Products to Dry Skin

Do you put on your serums and moisturizers on completely dry skin? You might think this is effective, but it doesn’t help as much as you’d expect.

Applying products to slightly damp skin actually enhances absorption. When damp, your skin can draw in hydration and active ingredients more effectively.

The trick is to pat your skin lightly after cleansing, leaving it somewhat moist before applying your products. It’s a minor adjustment, but it can really improve how hydrated your skin looks. I started doing this a couple of years ago, and it’s hard to believe I didn’t know sooner.

5) Sticking to the Same Products Year-Round

Our skin’s needs shift with the seasons, yet many persist with the same routine no matter the weather. In winter, the cold and indoor heating lead to dryer skin, while summer’s humidity may require lighter, less occlusive products.

Women with enviable skin recognize this and tweak their routines accordingly. They might opt for a lighter gel cream in warmer months and switch to something richer in winter. They pay attention to their skin’s signals: tight and flaky in winter? Time for more moisture. Breaking out in summer? Perhaps lighten the load.

6) Neglecting the Neck and Chest

Quick question—do you stop at your jawline for skincare? This common practice often leaves the neck and chest looking older than the face since these areas have thinner skin and fewer oil glands.

I often see women with stunning facial skin but necks that tell a different story. It’s such a missed opportunity, as treating these areas takes just a few extra seconds.

Whatever you apply to your face should also be used on your neck and chest—cleanser, serums, moisturizer, and especially sunscreen. Remember to apply in an upward motion to protect that delicate skin.

7) Sleeping on Cotton Pillowcases

This may seem minor, but the type of pillowcase you use matters. Cotton can absorb skin moisture and create friction, leading to wrinkles over time. After 60, skin’s elasticity and moisture decrease, making sleep lines harder to bounce back from.

Silk or satin pillowcases, by contrast, create less friction and help maintain that moisture. They’re much gentler on aging skin and may prevent lines from becoming permanent.

I used to be skeptical about this, but after switching, I noticed my skin looking less creased in the mornings and feeling more hydrated over time. For something that costs less than a good moisturizer and lasts long, it’s worth a thought.

Final Thoughts

Going through this list, it seems many of these habits stem from outdated advice or overindulgence rather than a lack of effort.

Skin over 60 needs a kinder, more considered approach than it did in your younger years. It isn’t about complex routines with pricey products; it’s about truly understanding your skin’s needs and letting go of habits that harm it.

Start by changing one habit. Maybe it’s committing to daily sun protection or opting for a gentler cleanser. These small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful results over time.

Your skin has traveled with you for years—treat it well.