From social media feeds packed with lifestyle influencers to stacked shelves at stores like Sephora and Ulta, there's no shortage of skincare products being shoved in our faces on a daily basis.
Ever since the development of targeted products like oils, serums, and creams, plenty of people have embraced a multi-step skincare routine, too.
The problem is that while using high-quality products can help aging skin appear more youthful and healthy for years to come, applying them in the correct order is just as crucial for maximizing their effectiveness.
So, whether you're just starting an anti-aging regimen or want to refine your current one, here's the ideal skincare order to combat aging.
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The first step in any good skincare routine is cleansing. In the morning, opt for a lightweight cleanser that's gentle and water-based to freshen up your skin. This option from CeraVe is great for most "normal" skin types. Or, at night, you can use an oil cleanser to help remove makeup and sunscreen from throughout your day.
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Once you're finished cleansing, you'll want to exfoliate, which is key to maintaining radiant skin. By getting rid of dead skin cells, exfoliating regularly will speed up skin turnover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, keep your pores clear, and enhance the absorption of your anti-aging skincare products.
You can choose between chemical exfoliators, such as glycolic or lactic acid serums, which contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or physical exfoliators, which use gentle abrasives like sugar or coffee to buff away dead skin. We like the La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub for Sensitive Skin!
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Peels and wash-off masks — like this option from LOOPS — also fall into this category and should always be applied to clean skin. This is particularly important for chemical peels since they require a specific pH level to properly exfoliate, meaning layering them on top of other products may reduce their effectiveness.
To cash in on the benefits of exfoliation without going overboard, do this step two to three times a week, either in the morning or at night. Keep in mind that over-exfoliation can damage your skin barrier.
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Next, move on to applying your serums. These lightweight formulas contain high concentrations of active ingredients designed to combat wrinkles, boost collagen, and increase overall skin health.
For the best anti-aging benefits, we recommend using a vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten your complexion. The Olay Super Serum (one of our anti-aging faves!) has Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Collagen Peptide, Vitamin E, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid — covering a ton of bases for you with one product!
Later, at night, use a retinol serum to encourage cell turnover and reduce fine lines. It's important to note that if you're using retinol, sunscreen should always be applied because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays.
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After serum application, you can help lock in hydration and seal the benefits of your previous products by putting on moisturizer. You can search for moisturizers that are formulated with active ingredients like ceramides, collagen, or hyaluronic acid to strengthen your skin barrier. The Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is definitely a moisturizer favorite among B+C staff!
During the daytime, opt for a lightweight moisturizer that has SPF to protect against UV damage. And before bed, you can lather on a richer anti-wrinkle cream that has peptides or ceramides to support skin repair.
If you happen to use facial oil, you can always mix a few drops into your moisturizer to create a quicker skincare routine. Otherwise, apply facial oils after you moisturize.
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Last but not least, eye cream is a critical final step for any good anti-aging skincare routine. The delicate skin around your eyes is typically the first to show signs of aging.
Use a lightweight formula that's hydrating but doesn't feel heavy during the daytime. And just like your evening moisturizer, you can apply a richer eye cream at night. Looking for something to use? The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum is one of our favorite eye creams!
When selecting an eye cream, look for products with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump or retinol to smooth fine lines and increase collagen production. Plus, for an extra boost, wear an eye mask a few times a week to refresh tired eyes.
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Just like how our relationships, careers, and hobbies shift over time, so should our skincare routines.
Since our skin naturally changes as we get older, what worked for us during high school and college probably isn't as effective now. So, if you're 40 or over, it's time to refresh your skincare regimen.
At this point in your life, your routine should center around protecting your skin barrier, staying hydrated, and maintaining an even tone. And if you also want to minimize fine lines, that's totally okay.
There's no shortage of products out there, either, but it's the right ingredients that will help you maintain a youthful complexion. So, here's exactly what beauty products and skincare you should use if you're in your forties or older.
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Sunscreen is non-negotiable at any age, but especially if you're getting older. Not only does it protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can lead to skin cancers, but it also prevents visible signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and lower skin elasticity.
For the best protection, pick out a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to wear it every single day, even if you're just going about your daily activities.
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Next up is retinol, a form of vitamin A that's one of the most researched and impactful ingredients if you're looking to reduce skin aging signs.
It can smooth fine lines, treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture. Moreover, this skincare ingredient can help unclog your pores and prevent breakouts! Need we say more?
You can buy retinol in over-the-counter products or stronger, prescription-strength formulas. If you're new to this product, though, it's best to start slow. Use it a couple of times a week as you let your skin adjust because it can cause irritation or peeling in the beginning.
Additionally, retinol should only ever be applied at night since it increases sensitivity to the sun.
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Niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3, is a favorite in the skincare world. It can reduce fine lines, even out skin tone and texture, and boost skin elasticity.
Plus, this ingredient may calm down redness while brightening your complexion and encouraging moisture retention.
That's why it's a particularly great choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It works well with other active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C as well, meaning it can easily be incorporated into your routine with serums.
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Speaking of vitamin C, this antioxidant also works wonders when it comes to brightening your complexion and dealing with hyperpigmentation. If you have sun damage and dark spots or dark under-eye circles, vitamin C can reduce their appearance.
To get the most out of this ingredient, add it to your morning skincare routine. You can apply a vitamin C serum or cream first before putting on moisturizer and sunscreen.
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Another way to give your skin a pick-me-up is caffeine. This antioxidant has a tightening effect on the skin and could lessen the appearance of sun damage. Not to mention, it can reduce puffiness and brighten around your eyes.
Buy a caffeine-infused eye cream (we love this one!) and incorporate it into your morning regimen to give your skin an energizing boost.
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If you're looking to hydrate and soothe irritated skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) is the way to go. Despite having "acid" in its name, it's very gentle and attracts moisture to your skin, ensuring it stays plump and smooth.
Hyaluronic acid is versatile in that it can be used in the morning or evening. The next time you're at the store, search for moisturizers, serums, or sunscreens that include it as an ingredient. Or, put on a hyaluronic acid serum before other treatments, like retinol, to lock in moisture.
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Peptides, which play a key role in increasing collagen production, are naturally found in our skin. Some topical peptides may help temporarily relax winkles; meanwhile, others promote skin turnover for a fresher complexion.
You can find peptides in everything from serums and moisturizers to toners, too, making this ingredient very convenient to add to your skincare routine.
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Finally, ceramides are critical for keeping your skin barrier well-hydrated and strong. They lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, protect against irritation, and improve overall skin texture. So, ceramides are considered a must-have in any skincare regimen.
Look for ceramides in cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens to work them into your routine.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Trader Joe’s carries much more than groceries – from skincare goodies to alcohol, you can find some pretty neat stuff between their aisles. You’re going to want to make a beeline to their home goods section ASAP though, because TJ’s just dropped a delightful $4 tomato-scented candle that’s being compared to bougie brands like Loewe and Maison Margiela!
On shelves now, Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle smells like – you guessed it – fragrant tomato leaves. Some shoppers have said it comes across as “verdant and fresh” while others say it’s “slightly sweeter.” So far, the aroma has been divisive among TJ’s fans, but smelling it myself, I think it smells exactly like tomato leaves with a hint of refreshing sweetness – making it a perfect scent to ease you into springtime!
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This iteration of the Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is technically a remake of the same scent they released several years ago, but stopped stocking because the glass jars it was cased in posed a safety hazard (ahem, exploding). But fret not – this new container is made of metal, so you shouldn’t expect any glass malfunctions. Plus, it boasts the same precise scent – nothing’s changed in that department!
Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the new find with their Instagram followers, and plenty of customers sounded off with excitement.
“Omg yes this is the best one!!!!” one person said.
“This is their greatest candle to date imo,” another person wrote.
“I was actually talking about this a couple days ago with my boyfriend and then magically it appeared!!” someone else commented. “Glad it’s in a tin option even though the glass was beautiful!”
Agence Mald / PEXELS
The Trader Joe’s Reddit page also had some thoughts about the new scent:
“I love this friggin candle,” one person said. “It really took me by surprise.”
“I’m so excited!!” another rejoiced. “This is my all time favorite candle scent of any line ever!”
While some Trader Joe’s shoppers praised it, others had some strong opinions.
“Soapy with a hint of tomato,” someone else noted. “I personally really like it, but I like green, fresher-smelling candles. I hate bakery or sweet candle scents.”
“I love this candle and everyone I know hates it and I’m not allowed to light it when I have my friends over 😆😆,” another said. “It’s SO divisive!!”
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Across both Instagram and Reddit, several shoppers compared the new Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle to brands that are so bougie. Some comparisons that were made include the Loewe Tomato Leaves candle, Maison Margiela's From The Garden perfume, and the Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle from Flamingo Estate. The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle costs just $4 for 5.3 ounces worth of candle, so you could absolutely get a similar luxe effect for way less.
Flamingo Estate
The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is crafted from a blend of soy wax, coconut oil, and beeswax. It also comes complete with a lead-free cotton wick to ensure a clean burn. Totally fresh and definitely unique, I’d say it’s worth the money – especially for a fresh feel during spring!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
