The Rules for Skin Over 50, According to Dermatologists (2025)

When it comes to aging skin, it requires a strategic approach—one that prioritizes collagen preservation, hydration and rejuvenation. Here, we asked top dermatologists to weigh in on their best advice for keeping skin over 50 healthy and youthful.

A Chemical Peel Can Make a Big Difference

One of the most effective ways to refresh aging skin is with a chemical peel, says Cliffside Park, NJ dermatologist Jason Chouake, MD. “Anyone above age 50 should consider a chemical peel. Chemical peels performed by a board-certified dermatologist can help reduce photodamage, give a brighter, healthier, rejuvenated appearance and simultaneously lower your future risk of skin cancer.”

Don’t Skip Retinol

If you’re serious about improving your skin, retinol should be part of your routine. “If you are looking to improve your skin at the dermatologist’s office, you should be using a retinol at home! Otherwise, why are you paying your dermatologist?” says Huntington Beach, CA dermatologist David Rayhan, MD. “Topical retinols activate growth factor receptors that build collagen and reduce wrinkles.”

For Skin That Doesn’t Tolerate Retinol, Try Growth Factors

Not all mature skin can handle retinol and for those who find it too irritating, Shreveport, LA dermatologist Skylar Souyoul, MD recommends switching to growth factors or exosome-based skin care. “Our skin gets drier as we age, and it gets more difficult to tolerate anti-aging products with retinol. In my mature patients, I usually swap it out for growth factor-based products or exosomes.”

Biostimulator Fillers Can Serve as a Facelift Alternative

“For those who want to avoid a facelift, biostimulator fillers are a great option,” says New Orleans, LA dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. Unlike traditional fillers that provide instant volume, these injectables stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness, elasticity and overall texture over time. Sculptra, made of poly-L-lactic acid, encourages fibroblast activity for gradual volume boost, with results lasting up to two years, though some patients may see effects for longer. Radiesse, composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, provides immediate structure while stimulating collagen growth, typically lasting 12 to 18 months.

One of the best-kept secrets for subtle rejuvenation is hyperdilute Radiesse, says Fairfax, VA dermatologist Brenda Dintiman, MD. “I can personally attest to how much of a game changer it is for natural, slightly fuller, lifted, youthful-looking skin. Pair it with daily retinol and a tinted SPF.”

Menopause Affects More Than Just Your Body—It Impacts Your Skin, Too

Perimenopause and menopause bring significant skin changes, from laxity to discoloration. “It’s also when many women start to consider surgical treatments, even if they’re not quite ready for that step,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Marcy Alvarez-Pinsly. “Compounded estradiol and tretinoin creams can help address skin laxity and discoloration. I also like to offer Botox browlifts to improve eyelid droopiness and ablative lasers for texture. These treatments can bridge the gap until they’re ready for surgery.”

Beyond topical treatments, hormone balance plays a significant role in skin health over 50, says Fargo, ND dermatologist Sarah Jensen, MD. “Vitamin C serum, tretinoin and sunblock are essentials for preventing and treating photodamage, but for women in this age group, I also make sure they start topical estradiol and consult with a menopause-trained physician. Replacing estrogen is just as necessary as the topicals we apply.”

Energy-Based Treatments Are a Game Changer

To treat multiple signs of aging—including skin laxity, dullness and collagen loss— Laguna Hills, CAdermatologist Jennifer Channual, MD recommends combination treatments. “Pairing biostimulator injections with Sofwave can further stimulate collagen and help lift the jawline and brows. For improving skin tone and texture, I love using Halo and BBL lasers to erase brown spots, redness and fine lines. Not only does laser resurfacing make the skin look more rejuvenated, but it also helps reduce future skin cancer risk.”

Ontario, Canada dermatologistDusan Sajic, MD recommends a CO2 laser combined with Ultherapy and hyperdilute Radiesse. “This combination reverses deflation, degradation and descent. CO2 laser and erbium YAG treatments have also been shown to improve skin health and make you more resilient to future skin cancer. In a randomized controlled trial, fractional ablative laser treatments were shown to reduce future skin cancer risk by 90 percent.”

Skin Care and Lifestyle Play a Role

Consistency is key to maintaining results, says Rochester, MI dermatologist Mariana Atanasovski, MD. “After 50, you should maintain the regimen you started in your forties: sunscreen, vitamin C serum and retinol. Your skin may be drier, so incorporating hyaluronic acid and peptides into your moisturizer can help maintain hydration and firmness.”

Lifestyle Plays a Role in Skin Aging

At 52, Louisville, KY dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD says she follows a comprehensive approach to aging gracefully. “I have to do Sculptra, neurotoxins, a tiny bit of HA fillers and great skin care. But beyond that, hormone replacement, consistent exercise, excellent sleep, microneedling and nonablative lasers are all essential. It’s doable, but you definitely have to put the work in!”

Not Every Treatment Works for Every Skin Type

A common mistake is choosing treatments without considering individual skin needs, warns Newport Beach, CA dermatologist Rana Mays, MD. “I can’t stress this enough—stick to proper skin care and customized minimally ablative procedures recommended by your dermatologist based on your skin type and assessment,” she says. “I see many patients get the wrong treatment, which flares an underlying condition, causing redness, scarring or pigmentation issues.”