Get started with the Anti- Healthy Aging Routine
An active routine to help prevent early signs of aging with a healthy approach to skin maturity
Who is the Healthy Aging Routine for?
Our Healthy Aging Routine is for anyone interested in preventing signs of aging from forming early through comprehensive protection of the skin. It’s also for people with mature skin looking to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a combination of ingredients that encourage cell turnover and hydration. It’s based on the Basic+ Routine which is a good place to start.
The Healthy Aging Routine is focused solely on topical skin care. While we don’t have any problem with Botox, injectables, or other cosmetic procedures, we believe a good routine can help you stave off the needle! Plus, this comprehensive routine addresses other signs of aging such as pigmentation and UV protection that Botox does not provide.
It’s helpful to know your skin type when starting a routine. Here’s how to determine yours if you’re not sure:
The aging process of skin is inevitable and there is absolutely nothing wrong with developing fine lines over time as our skin matures. The goal of this routine is to help you embrace aging with a healthy approach utilizing ingredients that protect the skin to prevent or slow signs of aging from forming. The shopping lists below contains our absolute favorites that have worked time and time again, selected by the For Skin team, skin care experts, dermatologists, and clinicians. Don’t worry, we’ll also include some alternatives that we love to suit various budgets and needs. In the next step, we’ll show you how to organize everything into a routine.
We’ve divided the Healthy Aging Routine into 3 levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Extra
We recommend starting with the basic and building to the intermediate or extra routine if your skin and budget allows it. Each routine has its own shopping list as shown below:
Start Here: The Healthy Aging Routine Shopping Lists
The Basic Healthy Aging Routine Shopping List
The products in this list are focused around protecting and hydrating the skin to help prevent signs of aging from forming and gently reducing the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles, organized into a routine with as few steps as possible.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid (HA) helps plump and hydrate skin. Show me alternatives.
An antioxidant vitamin C serum that protects against free radicals, reduces signs of aging, and decreases hyperpigmentation. This is the gold standard vitamin C serum backed by clinical research for proven results. Show me alternatives.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
An oil-free, lightweight and clear sunscreen that has a velvet matte finish making it a perfect makeup primer or elegant on its own. Show me alternatives.
Double Cleanse Step 1: A gentle oil-based cleanser that's fantastic for removing waterproof SPF, makeup, and grime. Show me alternatives.
CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser
Double Cleanse Step 2: A gentle foaming cleanser that clears away any residue without over-stripping the skin. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
An occlusive buffer used around the eyes and nostrils to prevent tretinoin irritation while rejuvenating the skin. Show me alternatives.
A prescription topical retinoid considered to be the gold standard for anti-aging purposes that encourages cell turnover to decrease signs of aging. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
A ceramide-based moisturizer that plumps and hydrates skin. A little bit goes a long way. Show me alternatives.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
A lightweight plant-derived oil that supports healthy hydration for a glowing finish. Show me alternatives.
Get Prescription Tretinoin Delivered
The core element of the Healthy Aging Routine is prescription topical tretinoin. Don’t worry if you can’t get in with a dermatologist though, we’ve got you covered! With prescriptions powered by Medzino, Inc, simply fill out a questionnaire to be reviewed by a clinician and get tretinoin delivered to your door!
If tretinoin isn’t right for you, we’ve also got you covered! Check out our OTC alternatives.
The Basic Healthy Aging Routine
Now that we’ve gone over the shopping list, let’s get into the actual routine!
The Healthy Aging Routine utilizes a few active ingredients to target signs of aging as well as protective ingredients to prevent the formation of new fine lines. Because these ingredients can be irritating when overused or sometimes cancel each other out, we have divided this routine to make sure nothing goes wrong.
While every morning will be the same, you will have two different evening routines: Tretinoin nights and rest nights. This is a practice called “Skin Cycling” that prevents your skin from getting overwhelmed while still actively addressing signs of aging. We have provided recommended days of the week to simplify the process.
Morning Routine
Rinse your face with lukewarm water and massage with a microfiber cloth
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply 3-5 drops SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Apply Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Evening Routine: Tretinoin Nights
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 buffer around the eyes and nostrils
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to the skin
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Rest Nights
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Gently pat 3-5 drops of The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane onto your skin
The Intermediate Healthy Aging Routine Shopping List
The products in this list are focused around protecting and hydrating the skin to help prevent signs of aging from forming and gently reducing the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles. This list introduces a chemical exfoliant, another active ingredient to support prevention and treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid (HA) helps plump and hydrate skin. Show me alternatives.
An antioxidant vitamin C serum that protects against free radicals, reduces signs of aging, and decreases hyperpigmentation. This is the gold standard vitamin C serum backed by clinical research for proven results. Show me alternatives.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
An oil-free, lightweight and clear sunscreen that has a velvet matte finish making it a perfect makeup primer or elegant on its own. Show me alternatives.
Double Cleanse Step 1: A gentle oil-based cleanser that's fantastic for removing waterproof SPF, makeup, and grime. Show me alternatives.
CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser
Double Cleanse Step 2: A gentle foaming cleanser that clears away any residue without over-stripping the skin. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
An occlusive buffer used around the eyes and nostrils to prevent tretinoin irritation while rejuvenating the skin. Show me alternatives.
A prescription topical retinoid considered to be the gold standard for anti-aging purposes that encourages cell turnover to decrease signs of aging. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
A ceramide-based moisturizer that plumps and hydrates skin. A little bit goes a long way. Show me alternatives.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
A lightweight plant-derived oil that supports healthy hydration for a glowing finish. Show me alternatives.
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid
This gentle leave on chemical exfoliant helps slough off dead skin cells, revealing bright new skin. Show me alternatives.
Get Prescription Tretinoin Delivered
The core element of the Healthy Aging Routine is prescription topical tretinoin. Don’t worry if you can’t get in with a dermatologist though, we’ve got you covered! With prescriptions powered by Medzino, Inc, simply fill out a questionnaire to be reviewed by a clinician and get tretinoin delivered to your door!
If tretinoin isn’t right for you, we’ve also got you covered! Check out our OTC alternatives.
The Intermediate Healthy Aging Routine
Now that we’ve gone over the shopping list, let’s get into the actual routine!
The Healthy Aging Routine utilizes a few active ingredients to target signs of aging as well as protective ingredients to prevent the formation of new fine lines. Because these ingredients can be irritating when overused or sometimes cancel each other out, we have divided this routine to make sure nothing goes wrong.
While every morning will be the same, you will have three different evening routines: Tretinoin nights, chemical exfoliant nights, and rest nights. This is a practice called “Skin Cycling” that prevents your skin from getting overwhelmed while still actively addressing signs of aging. We have provided recommended days of the week to simplify the process.
Morning Routine
Rinse your face with lukewarm water and massage with a microfiber cloth
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply 3-5 drops SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Apply Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Evening Routine: Tretinoin Nights
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 buffer around the eyes and nostrils
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to the skin
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Exfoliation Nights
Mondays and Wednesdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid to the skin
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Rest Nights
Fridays and Saturdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Gently pat 3-5 drops of The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane onto your skin
The Extra Healthy Aging Routine Shopping List
The products in this list are focused around protecting and hydrating the skin to help prevent signs of aging from forming and gently reducing the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles. This list introduces a copper peptide serum in addition to a chemical exfoliant, another active ingredient to support prevention and treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. This product mix really pulls out all the stops for a comprehensive routine geared towards anyone who doesn’t mind going the extra mile for the sake of their skin care.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid (HA) helps plump and hydrate skin. Show me alternatives.
An antioxidant vitamin C serum that protects against free radicals, reduces signs of aging, and decreases hyperpigmentation. This is the gold standard vitamin C serum backed by clinical research for proven results. Show me alternatives.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
An oil-free, lightweight and clear sunscreen that has a velvet matte finish making it a perfect makeup primer or elegant on its own. Show me alternatives.
Double Cleanse Step 1: A gentle oil-based cleanser that's fantastic for removing waterproof SPF, makeup, and grime. Show me alternatives.
CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser
Double Cleanse Step 2: A gentle foaming cleanser that clears away any residue without over-stripping the skin. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
An occlusive buffer used around the eyes and nostrils to prevent tretinoin irritation while rejuvenating the skin. Show me alternatives.
A prescription topical retinoid considered to be the gold standard for anti-aging purposes that encourages cell turnover to decrease signs of aging. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
A ceramide-based moisturizer that plumps and hydrates skin. A little bit goes a long way. Show me alternatives.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
A lightweight plant-derived oil that supports healthy hydration for a glowing finish. Show me alternatives.
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid
This gentle leave on chemical exfoliant helps slough off dead skin cells, revealing bright new skin. Show me alternatives.
Skin Biology, Inc. CP Serum Copper Peptide Serum
Copper peptides aid in the reduction of the appearance of fine lines by gently boosting collagen and elastin. Show me alternatives.
Get Prescription Tretinoin Delivered
The core element of the Healthy Aging Routine is prescription topical tretinoin. Don’t worry if you can’t get in with a dermatologist though, we’ve got you covered! With prescriptions powered by Medzino, Inc, simply fill out a questionnaire to be reviewed by a clinician and get tretinoin delivered to your door!
If tretinoin isn’t right for you, we’ve also got you covered! Check out our OTC alternatives.
The Extra Healthy Aging Routine
Now that we’ve gone over the shopping list, let’s get into the actual routine!
The Healthy Aging Routine utilizes a few active ingredients to target signs of aging as well as protective ingredients to prevent the formation of new fine lines. Because these ingredients can be irritating when overused or sometimes cancel each other out, we have divided this routine to make sure nothing goes wrong.
While every morning will be the same, you will have three different evening routines: Tretinoin nights, chemical exfoliant nights, and peptide nights. This is a practice called “Skin Cycling” that prevents your skin from getting overwhelmed while still actively addressing signs of aging. We have provided recommended days of the week to simplify the process.
Morning Routine
Rinse your face with lukewarm water and massage with a microfiber cloth
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply 3-5 drops SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Apply Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Evening Routine: Tretinoin Nights
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 buffer around the eyes and nostrils
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to the skin
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Exfoliation Nights
Mondays and Wednesdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid to the skin
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Peptide Nights
Fridays and Saturdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser and rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
While the skin is still damp, apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and let it air dry
Apply 3-5 drops Skin Biology, Inc. CP Serum Copper Peptide Serum
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Gently pat 3-5 drops of The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane onto your skin
The Healthy Aging Routine Extra Mile
In addition to the core healthy aging routine, here are a few items to help you go the extra mile in your treatment and prevention journey.
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SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
Having tested dozens of eye creams and serums, we are confident in recommending this clinically tested powerhouse cream for not only reducing under eye circles, but visibly reducing fine lines. Use in your AM routine before moisturizer.
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Ebanel Exfoliating Peeling Gel
When using tretinoin and chemical exfoliants, it’s not uncommon to have some peeling and flaking of the skin. This gentle cellulose peel can be used as needed in the morning to sweep up any dead skin for a smooth finish.
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Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
A satin pillowcase has many benefits for hair and skin. Plus, it’s helpful to have dedicated bedding that you’re ok exposing to active skin care ingredients that have the possibility of bleaching, such as benzoyl peroxide.
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Microfiber Cloths
These gentle cloths help in the cleansing process. They’re great for removing makeup without aggravating the skin. We recommend using a fresh one daily and laundering frequently with gentle detergent.
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Sweatbands
Sweatbands aren’t just for the gym. They’re actually our favorite way to keep water from running down our arms when cleansing and to keep product out of our hair when applying. Get a matching headband and wrist band set and launder weekly.
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Continuous Spray Bottle
Sometimes you just need a little splash of water. Giving your moisturizer a little hydration boost with a fine mist of filtered water is a great way to get the most out of your routine. A gentle continuous sprayer makes it easy.
Shop Our Alternate Picks
Sometimes the stuff we love goes out of stock. Or perhaps you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, or maybe you want to splurge! Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our alternate products for the ones recommended in the Healthy Aging Routine. These can be subbed into the schedule easily, just be sure to read the directions prior to use.
