Skincare by Decade: Your 50s Routine | Save 15%

Your 50s routine: hydration and barrier support through menopause

Save at least €59.50 when you buy the five products together. Chosen by Professor Caitriona Ryan and Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologists and co founders of the Institute of Dermatologists.

As oestrogen falls around menopause, many women notice their skin becoming drier, thinner and slower to bounce back. This routine focuses on what changes most: a stronger barrier, deeper hydration, a gentle nightly retinol and dedicated care for the eye area.

What is included

1. EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser

Massaged onto dry skin, the gel turns into a silky oil that lifts water resistant sunscreen, long wear makeup, pollution and excess oil. Add water and it rinses away as a light milk, leaving the skin barrier intact. Meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin E and turmeric root extract keep skin comfortable. Fragrance free and non comedogenic.

2. EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex

A ceramide moisturiser with squalane, vitamin E and enzymes to replenish the skin's natural barrier. In a clinical study, it improved dry, compromised skin within 24 hours. Fragrance free.

3. Clinical Skin Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum

Pure retinol paired with bakuchiol, a gentler plant based retinol alternative, plus Palmitoyl Tripeptide 38 to support the skin's structure. Niacinamide and allantoin keep skin calm, so you get the renewal of a retinoid with less of the redness and flaking that make most people give up.

4. EltaMD Renew Eye Gel

A light eye gel with peptides, niacinamide and vitamins C and E. Clinically shown to reduce the look of under eye fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles in 4 weeks. Fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested.

5. EltaMD UV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50 (Untinted or Tinted)

Broad spectrum SPF 50 with zinc oxide and hyaluronic acid. Clinically shown to provide 24 hour hydration (12 week study, 32 people), with an antioxidant blend that helps protect skin from UV, blue light and pollution. Available untinted or tinted.

Why this routine in your 50s

Skin can lose a significant amount of collagen in the first years after menopause, and it holds water less well. A ceramide moisturiser and a hydrating SPF help the skin hold on to moisture as it becomes less able to do this itself.

The eye area is often where change shows first. Renew Eye Gel adds targeted care without the heaviness of a rich eye cream.

How to use

Morning

1. Cleanse with the Oil-in-Gel Cleanser.
2. Apply Renew Eye Gel around the eye area.
3. Apply Barrier Renewal Complex.
4. Finish with UV Daily Hydration+ SPF 50, applied generously.

Evening

1. Cleanse with the Oil-in-Gel Cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup.
2. Apply the Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum.
3. Apply Renew Eye Gel.
4. Follow with Barrier Renewal Complex.

New to retinol? Start every 2 to 3 nights and build up to nightly as your skin adjusts. Always wear SPF the next morning.

Frequently asked questions

Who chose these products?

Professor Caitriona Ryan and Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologists and co founders of the Institute of Dermatologists.

Is this routine only for menopause?

No. It suits anyone in their 50s whose skin has become drier or less resilient.

I have tried retinol before and it irritated my skin. Will this be different?

This serum is designed for tolerance, with bakuchiol, niacinamide and allantoin alongside the retinol. Start every 2 to 3 nights and build up to nightly.

Tinted or untinted?

The routine is the same. The tinted SPF gives a sheer, even finish.

Looking for a different stage?

Browse the full Skincare by Decade range, from teens to 80s.