The Healthiest Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Aging skin requires different formulas, geared towards nourishing, hydrating, and addressing early signs of fine lines and wrinkles. We dive into the best products for the most effective anti-aging skincare routine. 

In Japan, aging is viewed as a gift. The goal is not to look perpetually 20 years old, but rather to have the healthiest and best skin of your life, at any age. One of the most important elements of healthy skin? Embracing gentle skincare, along with everyday healthy living, including limiting sun and pollution exposure, not smoking, managing stress, and eating a skin-nourishing diet. But a proper skincare ritual is also vital. The best anti-aging skincare routine includes a particular set of skincare must-haves, like innovative serums, creamy moisturizers, and reparative overnight treatments. Read on to uncover the best tips to care for both your skin and self to promote lasting longevity.

Tips to Maximize Your Healthy-Aging Skincare Routine

Routines are important—but so is your general well-being. Before we dive into the best skincare routine for aging skin, there are also a few tips to improve the skin’s overall health.

Prioritize Well-Being

Our skin is a reflection of our inner health. There is a saying in Japanese, ‘hinou dokon’, which translates to ‘skin-mind same root'. “It comes from the belief that caring for the skin is caring for the mind,” says Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai. “This is biologically true: our skin and brain develop along the same stem cell line so that our skin both affects and reflects our internal state, even how we think and feel,” she adds. “From goosebumps and blushing to stress breakouts and eczema, our skin is constantly talking to us about what’s happening under the surface.”

Reduce Stress

Well-being also extends to our mental well-being—don’t underestimate the destructive powers of stress. A 2020 scientific study found that people exposed to chronic stress age more rapidly. This skin-to-soul connection emphasizes the importance of incorporating stress-reduction habits, well-being rituals, and mindfulness practices into your daily routine. As Tsai succinctly says, “Serums and creams can only go so far if you aren’t attentive to your well-being, because caring for your skin requires caring for all of you.”

Practice Healthy Sleep Rituals

Sleep is vital for every aspect of our bodies, but good-quality sleep is even linked to a stronger skin barrier, a healthier-looking appearance, and less wrinkles. In a 2015 study, participants classified as good sleepers had significantly lower intrinsic skin aging compared to poor sleepers. Individuals with consistent quality sleep even had greater skin hydration levels, too. Pair a good night’s sleep with a silk pillowcase, which is clinically shown to visibly improve skin hydration, radiance, texture, and smoothness.* Tatcha is such a fan of silk pillowcases that we created our own with Slip, in our signature hue, naturally.

The Mind-Skin Connection

In a 2022 Tatcha study on skincare and self-care, nearly 50 percent of those surveyed regarded their skincare routine as just another task in their day — or worse, a source of stress. Perhaps we can re-envision our daily skincare routine into a moment of mindfulness, taking inspiration from many of Japan’s centuries-old traditions, like ikebana and tea ceremonies, which take daily activities we think of as routine and turn them into meaningful rituals through intention and care.

Skincare is necessary to keep your complexion looking healthy, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. When we reimagine that time to quiet our minds and reconnect with ourselves, we reclaim it from being a task to a moment of self-care and thoughtfulness.

Aging Skincare Routine

Aging is a privilege. Skincare can help support this journey, alleviating common woes that come with aging skin, like dehydration, fine lines, and a dull complexion. While aging is beautiful, it also doesn’t always stop your natural skin type from continuing, so you can still have oily, sensitive, or dry skin, too. Keep reading as we give the best anti-aging skincare routine, and specific products for each skin type—plus add-ons that can support specific skin needs.

1. Cleanse

The first and arguably most vital part of any skincare routine, especially one for aging skin, is cleansing. In the morning, most skin can simply be cleansed with a gentle cleanser or splashed with water. For oily skin, it helps to understand the cause of your oily skin before proceeding, and then a clarifying cleanser that primes skin for the day ahead is a fantastic option, too. But in the evening, skin needs deep and thoughtful cleansing. We believe every skin type, especially aging skin, can benefit from the Kyoto Cleanse—also known as the Double Cleanse. It is the two-step protocol favored throughout Japan, beloved for its ability to help reduce the look of pore size, diminish the appearance of fine lines, refine surface texture, and prep skin for the next steps in your routine. It also is just one of the most effective ways to remove every stitch of makeup, sunscreen, and debris from the skin, too.

To do this two-step process, first use an oil cleanser, like the Camellia Cleansing Oil, which gently melts away impurities, leaving behind pure, silky-soft skin. The key to using a cleansing oil effectively is to apply it with dry (clean!) hands onto a dry face. Massage the oil into skin with soft circular motions, then add a few drops of water and continue to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and the day away. The second step in the Kyoto Cleanse allows for customization. Any type of cleanser or face polish will work beautifully, but choose a cleanser that best suits your skin type, as seen below.

Best Cleansers for Aging Skin

A cleanser can be used morning and night, although nighttime is particularly important. Here are the best cleanser options, based on your skin type.

Dry/Mature: Dry skin can use The Rice Wash, which leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. The hydrating nature of this cleanser is equally beneficial for mature skin, as well.

Sensitive: While cleansing sensitive skin can be an impossible task, The Indigo Cleansing Balm actually improves and repairs the skin barrier’s function for stronger skin over time. This is also a fantastic option for those who have aging skin and want to be ultra-gentle when cleansing. The Indigo Cleansing Balm can also be used as the first step in your Double Cleanse, in place of the Camellia Cleansing Oil, especially if you have dry skin or eczema.

Oily: Oily and/or acne-prone skin will treasure The Matcha Cleanse, a formula that decongests pores and balances oil without stripping away essential moisture. This cleanser is particularly beneficial for aging skin that is oily, as the formula is designed to be as gentle as possible, while still addressing long-term oiliness.

Best Exfoliants and Face Polishes for Aging Skin

While some skin types need a stronger exfoliant like a scrub, maturing skin needs a gentler touch. Learning how to exfoliate your skin type is key. At the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo, our researchers have found that using the Kyoto Cleanse with the Camellia Cleansing Oil and then a face exfoliant or polish can provide some of the most benefits for skin, especially dry or oily aging skin. Face polishes, like our award-winning Rice Polish, are a unique water-activated exfoliant that gives your skin a fresh start through Japanese ingredients that transform into a creamy, cloud-like foam. The non-abrasive formula of The Rice Polish makes it safe to use in your daily skincare routine, even for aging skin. Finely ground rice bran and papaya enzymes promote natural skin turnover, while the pH-neutral, amino acid-base formula provides effective cleansing without stripping skin of essential moisture or breaking the skin barrier, leaving skin baby soft and supple. There are a few different iterations of the Rice Polish, designed for your specific skin type.

Mature: When in doubt, grab the Gentle Rice Polish, which is perfect for mature skin that feels a bit more sensitive at times. Tatcha’s Gentle iteration of the Rice Polish includes licorice root, an ancient ingredient known as “the king of natural medicines” that helps prevent flakiness and tightness, while calming and evening skin tone.

Dry/Combination: The Classic Rice Polish is ideal for mature faces with combination to dry skin. This Classic formula also includes silk proteins to condition and nourish, leaving skin more balanced.

Sensitive: The Calming Rice Polish is ideal for exfoliating sensitive skin, thanks to Japanese indigo, a historic and powerful ingredient that is clinically proven to calm and soothe. It’s also formulated without papaya enzymes to make it even gentler.

Oily: The Deep Rice Polish is a great fit for exfoliating combination to oily skin. The formula includes wild rose to help tighten the look of pores and clarify skin.

2. Plump

The second step of your aging skincare routine is using a multi-purpose essence. Essences work to reveal softer, more healthy-looking skin, while also replenishing moisture, and increasing radiance. It is also proven to make the other products in your skincare routine more effective. (A miracle worker, right?)

Best Essence for Aging Skin

After cleansing, dab a few drops on the palm of your hands, then tap and press into the skin. It’s helpful to do this both morning and night.

All skin types: Every type of skin will adore The Essence, a brilliant plumping, softening, and resurfacing liquid. This bestselling product is made entirely (100 percent!) from Tatcha’s proprietary Hadasei-3, a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods, including Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae. The three ingredients work synergistically to support the skin, while promoting natural skin surface turnover for brighter, beautiful skin at every age.

3. Serum

One of the most common signs of aging is hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage, but aging can also show up as fine lines, increased dryness, and a loss of skin elasticity. Serums are particularly helpful at targeting these common aging signs because they are highly potent skincare solutions that work to increase the overall effectiveness of your entire skincare ritual. Using a serum is one of the best tricks to maintaining healthy-looking skin all day long, making it one of the most important tools in your aging skin arsenal.

Best Serum for Aging Skin

Mature skin will soak up a serum, so be sure to choose the right serum for your skin type and follow the package directions, as certain formulas can overwhelm or irritate aging skin.

4. Moisturize

Moisturizers are the one step you should never skip. The right moisturizer for your skin type will work to help your skin attract and hold onto water, as well as repair the skin barrier to rejuvenate and restore hydration. A nourishing and intensely hydrating cream can even help boost healthy-aging. Those with aging skin should consider reaching for options packed with antioxidants and ceramides to protect, nourish, and support the skin’s barrier.

Another common aging skin focus? The neck. Our necks work constantly throughout each and every day, commonly forgotten until they begin to show signs of aging. For an all-encompassing skincare routine for aging skin, you can grab a neck cream for a targeted treatment, or simply apply your face cream to your neck, too.

Best Moisturizer for Aging Skin

Apply a moisturizer morning and night, directly after a serum (or if keeping things minimal, after cleansing).

Mature: Mature skin will drink up the intensely rich, hydrating Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream, which nourishes the skin with botanical extracts. This is our richest formula, which is ideal for addressing the advanced signs of aging.

Dry: Visibly plump and seal in moisture with The Dewy Skin Cream, which has hyaluronic acid, red algae, and squalane. This formula has a more rich cream texture.

Dry/Combination: The Silk Cream toes the line between deeply hydrating and balancing skin, thanks to its rich yet weightless gel-cream formula, featuring silk extract. The formula is designed for softer, smoother, and firmer-looking skin, but is lighter than The Dewy Skin Cream or the Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream.

Sensitive: Colloidal oatmeal and Japanese indigo extract make The Indigo Calming Cream a soothing salve for sensitive skin. The cream provides visible redness and itchiness relief with lasting hydration.

Oily: Many moisturizers can exacerbate oily skin, even with aging skin. In comparison to the Dewy Skin Cream, The Water Cream, a refreshing gel-cream, is clinically proven to refine pores, thoughtfully hydrate, and smooth skin’s texture. This water-based formula balances skin and imparts radiance with a lightweight feel.

5. Protect

There are two types of sun rays: ultraviolet-A (UVA), which causes premature aging, and ultraviolet-B (UVB), which causes burning. Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum coverage so you’re protected against both types of rays. You might find it beneficial to also wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing, and larger sunglasses if you’re anticipating extensive sun exposure, too.

Best Sunscreen for Aging Skin

UV rays and free radicals cause damage to the skin, leading to loss of skin elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles. Fight signs of early aging by choosing the best sunscreen for your skin type and proceeding with daily SPF use, applying it every morning and reapplying every two hours while outside.

All skin types: Our newly updated Silk Sunscreen features superior protection with broad-spectrum SPF 50, yet has a weightless feel and a sheer, radiant finish. It also features powerhouse ingredients, including niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, and a patented zinc oxide that is proven to be over two times more effective at protecting against free radicals than standard zinc oxide. For a matte, silky-smooth finish, grab the Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, which provides broad-spectrum SPF 35 coverage and blends effortlessly and invisibly for a smooth, matte finish.

Skincare Routine for Aging Skin

Whether you’re a skincare novice or a master of a routine, a daily ritual will not only ease your skin, but also can help to ease your mind. But be realistic with your routine—if you're a minimalist, having a 10+ product regimen might feel overwhelming. Adversely, if a lengthy routine gives you peace of mind, shortening it to a few steps might leave you wanting more. Here are the best skincare routines for aging skin—bare minimum and maxed out. And a few products to add on to your ritual if you’re a maximalist.

Morning Routine for Aging Skin – Minimalist

1. Cleanse
2. Essence
3. Moisturize
4. SPF

Evening Routine for Aging Skin – Minimalist

1. Double Cleanse
2. Essence
3. Moisturize

Morning Routine for Aging Skin – Maximalist

1. Cleanse
2. Essence
3. Serum
4. Eye Cream
5. Moisturize
6. Seal with Face Oil
7. SPF

Evening Routine for Aging Skin – Maximalist

1. Double Cleanse
2. Essence
3. Serum
4. Eye Cream
5. Moisturizer
6. Seal with Face Oil

Best Add-Ons for Aging Skin

If you want to add a few additional beneficial ingredients and products to your routine, here are a few proven formulas that will boost your skin.

Eye Cream

Applying an eye cream both day and night is deeply helpful to maintain the health of your under-eye area and eyelids, which are one of the thinnest areas of skin on your body. Regular use of an eye cream will help keep this area looking firm and elastic over time.

Best Eye Cream for Aging Skin

Take care to tap it on gently with your ring finger, as this ensures you won’t pull the delicate skin too harshly while applying. Also, a rice grain-sized amount of product is plenty enough for most formulas. Apply an eye cream before or after your moisturizer.

All skin types: Our richest eye cream is the Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream, which is a velvety eye treatment packed with antioxidants. For a lighter formula that still deeply hydrates, grab the Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream, which melts into skin with moisture-locking silk protein and Japanese white peony. If puffiness is an issue, consider the Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum, which visibly firms and reduces puffiness to diminish the look of fine lines.

Face Oil

Face oils seal in moisture, which means they work to keep in all of the prior products and ingredients in your skincare routine. A face oil also targets signs of aging and lends your skin a vibrant glow. As no products can penetrate an oil, they are ideal to be applied at the end of your routine both day and night.

Best Face Oil for Aging Skin

After applying a moisturizer (and before sunscreen during the day), apply two to three drops to the palm of the hand, massage together, and dab onto the face.

All skin types: Try our Gold Camellia Beauty Oil for an instant boost in nourishment. Composed of extra virgin Japanese camellia oil, the formula not only locks in moisture, but also adds instant radiance thanks to the glow of the 23-karat gold flakes in the rich oil.

Caring for yourself—body, mind, and soul—as well as your aging skin is a privilege, and part of promoting healthy longevity. Skin is first and foremost an organ that protects us, carries us through life, and connects our inner and outer worlds. The best skincare regimen for aging skin will treat skin kindly and attentively, working with the skin, never against it.

*Based on a study (clinical grading and consumer perception) of over 100 women, aged 35-65, who were regular users of cotton or synthetic (non-silk) satin pillowcases. Clinical grading showed statistically significant improvement. Individual results may vary.