Skincare

My skin has drastically changed over the past few years after entering my 40s, and the sunscreens I used to love didn’t work as well for me anymore. I found new formulations that I loved – both tinted and untinted. My skin is more on the dry side these days so I need an SPF that helps moisturize as well as provide protection. All of these work well under makeup because that is one of my main determining factors when trying a new SPF. None of these settle into any lines or emphasize texture and there is a mix of various price points, different levels of SPF and tinted/untinted formulations. If you are looking for a new SPF to try this summer, here are my recommendations for mature skin:

8 Best Sunscreens For Mature Skin

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 (discount code: Maree)

This sunscreen has been a staple in my routine for nearly a year. For those with dry or mature skin types, this is truly one of the best sunscreen serums I have ever tried. It leaves your skin nourished, glowy, plump and supple. If you want to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (you definitely should) there is also a stick version of this which is so easy to carry with you! The Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum is a 100% mineral broad spectrum SPF 50 with a lightweight serum texture. It provides protection against UVA & UVB rays, pollution, blue light and free radicals. Their is a slight tint to it that evens out the complexion slightly and gives the skin a fresh radiant glow.

Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+

This is a new launch from Medik8 and has quickly become a regular presence in my morning skincare routine. The formula is lightweight but intensely nourishing and leaves my skin so dewy and fresh. If you have oily or combination skin, this may be a bit too emollient for you but those with dry or mature skin will LOVE it. It is also the perfect base to wear under makeup.

OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin sunscreen range consists of the OS-01 Face SPF 30+ (tinted and untinted) and the Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+. Both formulations contain the brands OS-01 peptide which fights against traditional signs of aging as well as helping to block the cells that cause aging in the skin. Both are formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and antioxidants to help protect the skin from UV-induced aging and free radical damage.

The OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ is a lightweight, hydrating formula that feels nearly undetectable on the skin. It absorbs instantly and wears beautifully under makeup. There is an untinted and tinted version but both feel the same on the skin. The face SPF leaves a naturally radiant finish without being too dewy or shiny. It’s great for all skin types and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30 (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ is an absolute must have for me. I hate the way most body sunscreens feel especially if I am wearing them day to day and not at a pool or beach. I prefer this as my daily SPF for my arms, chest and legs because it is so moisturizing and feels like I am applying a lightweight body lotion that absorbs almost instantly. It isn’t shiny or greasy but does leave my skin with a subtle healthy glow.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

This is a long time favorite sunscreen and a regular repurchase for me. I prefer the clear version but there is a tinted version as well. I love wearing it under makeup but it is also the sunscreen that I bring with me to the beach/park etc because it gives such great sun protection. And I also like to recommend this sunscreen for anyone that has acne prone skin, rosacea or hyperpigmentation.

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

There is a reason this is a top seller for Naturium!  While the name is Dew-Glow, I would say this is not overly dewy so it would work well for a variety of skin types. It’s creamy, moisturizing and leaves my skin with a natural finish. The price point is also what makes this a cult classic – $44 for 100mL which is nearly double the amount of every sunscreen in this list.

INNBEAUTY Mineral Sun Glow in Fair-Medium

This was the first product that I tried from INNBEAUTY and it instantly made me want to try the rest of the line. It has a slight tine and gives a gorgeous glowy look to the skin without managing to emphasize skin texture, pore size or fine lines. It doesn’t give any coverage but I still love to reach for this on the weekends when my skin is looking dull and I want a bit of freshness without opting for foundation or a skin tint. This one only comes in two shades and I wear the shade Fair/Medium.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

I’ve heard so many great things about this tinted SPF so I’m not sure why it took me so long to try it – but I am HERE NOW FOR IT!!! I can now understand why this has so much buzz surrounding it because the formulation is 10/10. This is a tinted SPF that goes on white and then transforms into a skin tone shade when you blend it in. The coverage is more than any other SPF with a slight tint in this list so you can wear it as a true makeup or skin tint. The finish is VERY dewy and glowy which I personally love because my skin is more dull and dry these days but it may not be a good option for those with oily skin. It wears beautifully throughout the day and also works well underneath makeup as a great base or primer.

I have loved skin care for nearly 10 years and find such joy in doing my skincare routine every morning and evening. I’ve seen amazing results from diligently taking care of my skin and figuring out the right products for my concerns. It can take some time to determine what those products may be and what exactly your skin needs so it’s best to start out slow and small with your skincare routine. First figure out what your skin type is (dry, oily, combination, etc) and then look for products that are suited for that skin type. Once you have identified the basics and built a solid skincare routine, it is fun to explore newer launches and trending ingredients to see what may be a fit for your skin. Technology continues to evolve and skincare products become better and better every year.

Peptides were an ingredient I began hearing about a year ago and did a bit more research into to determine if my skin would benefit from adding them in. Turns out peptides were exactly what I was looking for so I started exploring different formulations to see which I liked. Not all peptide serums are the same and many can address different concerns with additional ingredients. I have tried quite a few and found a handful of formulations that I really enjoy. I am going to share a roundup of the best peptide serums I have used and who I think they would be best for.

How to Find the Best Peptide Serums

Peptide serums have been around for years but have been increasing in popularity over the past few years. More brands are experimenting with their own formulations and I can personally attest to the benefit of adding them to a skincare routine. I began incorporating peptides into my routine in the last year and can really see a difference in the firmness of my skin. Fine lines that show up don’t deepen as quickly and my skin has a suppleness to it when I use them regularly. While all ages and any skin type can benefit from peptide serums, more mature skin types are the ones who will see the most drastic results.

What Is a Peptide Serum?

A peptide serum is a serum formulation that contains a variety of different types of peptides in it. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can provide a ton of great benefits to the skin. Peptides are the building blocks of proteins. In a broader sense, peptide serums can help to improve skin firmness and elasticity while some formulations can additionally help to hydrate the skin and improve texture and tone over time.

What Does a Peptide Serum Do?

Each peptide serum is formulated differently so there could be additional skin health benefits depending on the one you choose, but for the most part these are the benefits of peptide serums when added to a skincare routine.

Boost Collagen Production

Collagen is quite the buzzword these days because collagen provides elasticity and structure to the skin. As we age, collagen production drops which results in skin that is less firm. Peptides can help boost collagen and elastin production in the skin giving it that youthful suppleness. It will not completely provide the same level of firmness that your skin had in your 20’s but it definitely can help bring some of that bounce and plumpness back to your skin.

Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Focusing on skin barrier health is often overlooked in skincare routines but can be one of the most important steps in having healthy skin. If your skin barrier is damaged, it can appear sensitive, easily irritated, inflamed, flaky, etc and can’t perform at its highest level until it gets back in balance. Peptides help to strengthen the skin barrier making it more resilient to environmental damage or mild irritation.

Improve Skin Texture

Skin texture goes hand in hand with skin barrier function. A healthy skin barrier often means your skin texture is smooth, firm and supple. Peptides can aid in this and depending on the formulation of the peptide serum, can also help to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Increase Skin Hydration

Peptides can attract and help retain moisture in the skin leading to increases in your skin’s level of hydration.

Plump the Skin

By increasing the level of hydration in your skin, it will appear more plump. Skin will also look more plump and bouncy by the increase in collagen production that the peptides will stimulate.

Reduce Fine Lines

With the ability to plump the skin and increase collagen production, peptides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is one of the main results I have personally seen using peptides regularly in my routine.

Reduce Inflammation

Certain peptides can help to reduce inflammation and sensitivity in the skin.

What Are the 9 Best Peptide Serums?

Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Many hydrating serums focus on simply providing moisture. But the Medik8 Liquid Peptides hydrates as well as visibly plumping the skin. From the first time I used this serum, I could instantly notice a difference! My skin immediately looked firmer, more supple and fine lines were noticeably smoothed. You may notice a sticky or tacky texture when using this which is totally normal. This serum is thick but provides really definitive results! If you want to combine both a hydrating formula (one of the key ingredients is hyaluronic acid) with a targeted fine line treatment, this is a great choice.

OneSkin OS-01 Skin Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

All of the peptide serums that I shared in this post are a liquid formulation, but the OneSkin OS-01 Skin Supplement is a lightweight gel cream. I LOVE the texture and can use it either as a lightweight moisturizer or a serum underneath a heavier/richer moisturizer. The science behind OneSkin products is truly remarkable and they are one of the first companies to focus on skin longevity rather than just targeting anti-aging concerns. The OS-o1 peptide can penetrate deeper layers of the skin while still remaining stable. It targets the root causes of aging and helps the skin look and feel healthier. This formula treats fine lines and wrinkles, while helping even out the skin tone, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and improve skin barrier function. You are truly getting so much just in one product!

Educated Mess Freeze Frame (discount code: MAREE10)

This peptide serum has been on my radar for the past year and was so excited to finally test it. This formula contains three advanced peptide complexes to deliver instant firming results as well as long term plumping and lifting benefits. It has a slight tingling/cooling effect when on but I love how FIRM it makes the skin. Wow! You can definitely feel the tightness a few minutes after applying it. For those who struggle with deep lines and wrinkles, this is a great option!

INNBEAUTY Elastic Skin

This is a peptide serum that also contains vegan growth factors. The texture of this is a bit sticky and can feel a bit different if you aren’t used to it. I personally love how it feels and how bouncy it makes my skin! In addition to helping improve skin’s elasticity and firmness, it contains ceramides to help support the skin barrier.

Timeless Skincare Matrixyl Synthe’6

For a wonderful affordable peptide serum option, the Timeless Matrixyl Synthe’6 is a great choice. The texture is very similar to the Medik8 Liquid Peptides and is designed to target mostly fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to various peptides, the formula contains hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture in the skin. The firming effects are not as immediate or noticeable with this as with some of the other formulas that I mentioned, but over time it left my skin well hydrated and firm.

Dieux Deliverance Antioxidant Serum for Calm and Even Skin

The Dieux Deliverance serum is an example of a formulation that contains peptides which contributes to helping firm and smooth but the main focus of serum is to help calm the skin and support the skin barrier. This will address fine lines and loss of elasticity but will also target redness, a damaged skin barrier and uneven skin tone. If you find yourself reacting to many peptide formulations or have sensitive skin, this may be a great option to try!

Bloomeffects Black Tulip Regenerative Brightening Serum (discount code: Maree)

Bloomeffects is a brand I discovered within the past year but quickly fell in love with all of their formulations. This serum contains many of the ingredients that are incredibly popular at the moment all in one product. This serum combines brightening peptides to help brighten and illuminate, exosomic peptides to boost elasticity and firmness, copper peptides to target deep wrinkles and plant-derived growth factors to regenerate and repair the skin. It is truly a powerhouse of a formula!

Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP

This is a newer more potent peptide serum recently launched by Medik8. It is designed to significantly smooth and reduce deep wrinkles and fine lines with both immediate and long term results. I have really enjoyed using this and find it similar in performance to the Educated Mess Freeze Frame. You can definitely see an instant smoothing effect to the skin where it looks firmer and fine lines are minimized. I love that it is also formulated to help slow down or prevent future wrinkles from forming or deepening.

Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides

While so many peptide serums focus on firming and fine lines, this formulation is targeted at hyperpigmentation and dark spots. You get two bottles when you purchase this but you need to activate the second one after you finish the first. This ensures that the formulation is more potent and effective. If you add this to your skincare routine, you MUST ensure you are wearing sunscreen every single day regardless of the season or weather. You don’t want to undo all the work the serum is doing by forgetting to wear your SPF! LOL

When to Use a Peptide Serum?

Each peptide serum formulation is different so be sure to look at the directions on the box or retailer’s website. But my rule of thumb is that I will add in a new serum into an existing skincare routine. I don’t like to try multiple new products at once so I will only try them one at a time to ensure I don’t have a reaction and to see the results more clearly. The key to applying skincare is to layer the products thinnest to thickest so apply the peptide serum after cleansing and toning but before your moisturizer. If you are using it with other serums, apply the thinnest serum first.

How to Use a Peptide Serum?

Apply morning and evening

Peptides are suitable to use in both your morning and evening skincare routines.

Layer with other active ingredients

Peptides are increasingly popular because they work well with almost any other active ingredient such as retinol, vitamin c, etc.

Let it dry down

With some peptide serums that have a distinct thicker and more viscous texture, it is best to let it dry down for a minute or two before layering something else on top. In my own experience, I find that if I layer too quickly over thicker peptide serums, there is a chance of pilling.