Understanding The Basics of Aging Skin
With age, skin undergoes several significant changes. Collagen and elastin production, which provide skin its structure and elasticity, naturally decline. The skin's barrier function also weakens, leading to increased moisture loss. These changes result in common signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness. A high-quality moisturizer is crucial for addressing these issues by replenishing moisture and supporting the skin's protective barrier.
The Ordinary’s Approach to Skincare
The Ordinary is known for its ingredient-focused, no-frills approach to skincare. Instead of expensive, all-in-one products, they offer concentrated formulas with specific active ingredients. This makes building a customized skincare routine both accessible and affordable. Their moisturizers are no exception, focusing on key hydrating components rather than complex, proprietary blends.
The Ordinary Moisturizer Options for Mature Skin
For those with aging skin, The Ordinary offers a few key moisturizers, each with a slightly different focus:
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: This is The Ordinary’s flagship moisturizer. It's formulated with a blend of ingredients naturally found in the skin, including amino acids, fatty acids, urea, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid (HA). This combination helps replenish the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors, providing surface hydration that is lightweight yet effective for all skin types. It's an excellent daily option for maintaining hydration and supporting the skin barrier.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides: This is a richer, more nourishing moisturizer designed for very dry skin. It contains phytoceramides and skin lipids to deliver a significant boost of hydration, fortifying the skin's protective barrier. This is particularly beneficial for mature skin that is increasingly dry and experiencing a weakened barrier function.
- Multi-Peptide + HA Serum: While not a traditional moisturizer, this serum is often used as a hydrating and firming treatment before moisturizer. It contains multiple peptide complexes and hyaluronic acid to target dynamic facial folds, wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity and firmness. Layering this underneath a moisturizer can significantly enhance its anti-aging benefits.
Comparison: Choosing the Right Moisturizer
| Feature | NMF + HA | NMF + PhytoCeramides | Multi-Peptide + HA Serum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | All skin types, general hydration | Dry, mature skin, weakened barrier | Anti-aging, firming, plumping |
| Texture | Lightweight, non-greasy cream | Rich, replenishing cream | Lightweight serum |
| Key Ingredients | NMF, Hyaluronic Acid | NMF, PhytoCeramides, Lipids | Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Primary Benefit | Surface hydration, barrier support | Deep hydration, barrier repair | Targets fine lines, firmness |
| Routine Step | Final step (Seal) | Final step (Seal) | Before moisturizer (Treat) |
How to Integrate The Ordinary into an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine
Simply using a moisturizer is often not enough for effective anti-aging care. The Ordinary's strength lies in its ability to be customized. Here is an example of a complete routine for aging skin:
- Cleanse: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser like The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin.
- Treat (AM): Apply an antioxidant serum like Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% to help protect against environmental stressors that contribute to aging.
- Hydrate & Treat (PM): Apply Multi-Peptide + HA Serum for targeted anti-aging benefits. Alternatively, incorporate a retinoid serum, such as Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, to boost cell turnover and smooth skin texture. (Note: Retinoids can increase sun sensitivity, so use them at night).
- Moisturize: Follow with your chosen moisturizer. For daytime, NMF + HA provides light hydration. For a richer evening routine, use NMF + PhytoCeramides.
- Protect (AM): Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This is the single most important step in any anti-aging routine, as sun damage is a primary cause of premature aging. You can learn more about the importance of sun protection from the Skin Cancer Foundation.
The Verdict: Are The Ordinary Moisturizers Good for Aging Skin?
Yes, The Ordinary moisturizers are absolutely a good option for aging skin, but with a crucial caveat: they should be part of a broader, well-thought-out routine. They provide excellent foundational hydration and barrier support, which is vital for maintaining skin health at any age. Their affordability makes it possible to invest in additional targeted serums that specifically address concerns like wrinkles and loss of firmness, such as peptides and retinoids. The key is to understand your skin's needs—whether it's dryness, fine lines, or both—and build a regimen that combines the right moisturizer with powerful, complementary treatments.
The Importance of Consistency and Personalized Care
The Ordinary's strength is its simplicity, but this also means you need to be intentional about your product choices. Creating a consistent, personalized routine is more effective than using a single expensive cream. The brand empowers consumers to become informed about active ingredients and their benefits. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of skincare, leading to more sustainable and visible results over time. For aging skin, prioritizing hydration and protection with their effective, low-cost moisturizers allows you to allocate more of your budget toward more potent, age-reversing serums and—most importantly—daily sunscreen application.
