3 min read · Updated 22 Oct 2026
Anti-ageing in your 30s, 40s and 50s: a simple routine
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Three steps per decade. No 12-step routines.
Skin changes with age, but your routine doesn't need to get more complicated. For most people, three steps do the heavy lifting: cleanse, a serum, and a moisturiser, plus sunscreen every morning. What changes from decade to decade is which serum you pick and how rich your moisturiser is.
Order matters a little. Apply products from thinnest to thickest: a watery serum first, then moisturiser, then sunscreen in the morning. Give each layer a moment to settle before the next. Night routines skip the sunscreen, which makes the evening a good time for richer creams or, if you use one, a retinoid.
30s: protect and hydrate
In your 30s, the focus is protection and hydration. Sun exposure is the biggest outside cause of visible skin ageing, so daily sunscreen is the most useful habit you can build now.
A simple routine:
- Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser.
- Serum: a light peptide serum in the morning or evening. Matrixyl is a good, affordable place to start.
- Moisturise, then sunscreen every morning.
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
Check price : The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+
Check price : Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
Prices as seen 17 Oct 2026, may change.
If you'd like to try a retinoid, your 30s are a common time to start. Begin slowly, at night, and keep up the sunscreen.
40s: add peptides and firmness
In your 40s, many people notice skin that looks less firm, with more visible lines. This is a good time to step up your serum.
A simple routine:
- Cleanse gently, morning and night.
- Serum: a multi-peptide serum, either a budget copper-peptide blend or a higher-strength peptide serum.
- Moisturise, and keep up the morning sunscreen.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%
Check price : The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Check price : Medik8 Liquid Peptides at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
Prices as seen 17 Oct 2026, may change.
Both are aimed at skin that looks firmer and smoother. The Ordinary's blend includes copper peptides alongside Matrixyl and Argireline. Medik8 Liquid Peptides is the splurge, with a high-strength peptide complex.
50s+: richer textures and comfort
From your 50s, skin often feels drier and thinner. Comfort becomes as important as anything else, so richer textures and gentle formulas earn their place.
A simple routine:
- Cleanse with a creamy or balm cleanser that doesn't leave skin tight.
- Serum or cream: a peptide moisturiser or a richer peptide serum.
- Moisturise with a nourishing cream, and keep up the morning sunscreen.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Check price : Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream at Drunk Elephant AU (opens in a new tab)Drunk Elephant AU
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
Check price : Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP at Adore Beauty (opens in a new tab)Adore Beauty
Prices as seen 17 Oct 2026, may change.
Drunk Elephant Protini is a peptide moisturiser, so it can double as your moisturiser step. Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP is a premium serum for anyone who wants the brand's strongest peptide blend.
SPF every day
Whatever your age, sunscreen is the step that matters most. It's the simplest way to protect your skin from the sun damage that shows up as lines, uneven tone and dark spots over time.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF50+ every morning, even on cloudy days.
- Apply it as the last step of your morning routine.
- Reapply when you're outdoors for long periods.
If you use a retinoid at night, daily sunscreen is a must, as retinoids make skin more sensitive to the sun.
A few general tips for every decade:
- Patch test anything new for a few days before you use it all over.
- Introduce one new product at a time, so you know what's working.
- Give it time. Most serums take several weeks of consistent use before you notice a difference.
The short version
- 30s: cleanse, a light peptide serum, moisturiser and SPF.
- 40s: step up to a multi-peptide or copper-peptide serum.
- 50s+: richer, comforting textures, like a peptide moisturiser.
- Every age: SPF50+ every morning.
Not medical advice. Talk to your GP.