What Should I Add to My Skincare Routine at 78?

This one’s inspired by a sweet comment I got from Jan N. She said:

“I love your products. Is there anything extra I should be using? I’m 78 years old—I don’t want to look 90.”

Jan, I love your honesty—and I hear you loud and clear. The good news? You don’t need a cabinet full of fancy serums or a 10-step routine. Just a few thoughtful add-ons can really help your skin stay hydrated, firm, and glowing.

So let’s assume you’ve already got the basics—a cleanser and a moisturizer (good job, by the way, that’s more than a lot of people!). If your skin’s doing okay but you’ve noticed some changes, here are the most common concerns I see in women around 78—and what might help:

✨ Concern #1: Skin feels dry or tight all the time

What to try: A richer night cream

As we age, our skin doesn’t hold onto moisture the same way. You might feel like you’re constantly applying lotion and still feeling dry. That’s normal—but it’s also fixable.

At night, switch to something thicker.

Our Ocean Caviar Face Cream is rich, creamy, and comforting—without feeling greasy. It’s designed to help improve firmness and give skin that “held together” feeling again. I call it my “sleeping-in-satin” secret.

✨ Concern #2: Skin looks dull or uneven

What to try: A brightening serum

If your glow has been on vacation and forgot to come back, this is what I recommend—a good Vitamin C Serum to help brighten up dull skin, fade age spots, and even out skin tone.

Our Vitamin C Serum is lightweight but hardworking. I use it every morning after cleansing, and I always feel like my skin just looks… perkier. (And trust me, I’ll take all the perk I can get!)

I like to think of it as turning the “brightness” up on your skin without makeup.

✨ Concern #3: Loss of firmness or skin looking a little “deflated”

What to try: A lifting facial oil

Thinning skin is one of the most common things women notice in their 70s. You might feel like your skin isn’t bouncing back the way it used to, or like it’s starting to sag a bit.

A good firming product can help give your skin a more lifted, supported feel. You won't look like you've had a facelift—but you’ll feel more confident when you look in the mirror.

Our Ocean Caviar Intense Firming Oil is silky and luxurious, and it gives skin that “bounce-back” feeling. Use it after your moisturizer or even mix a drop or two into your cream. It’s a lovely way to bring firmness and glow back—without any fuss.

✨ Concern #4: Crepey skin on the neck and chest

What to try: Bring your face routine down your neck

This one sneaks up on all of us. The neck and décolleté get just as much sun as your face—but most of us forget to treat them the same.

You don’t need anything fancy. Just apply your serum, moisturizer, or oil all the way down to your chest. It takes 10 extra seconds, and you’ll thank yourself later.

✨ Concern #5: My skin’s just… not the same

What to try: Consistency and kindness

Your skin is doing its best, and so are you. Honestly, the biggest change I’ve seen (in myself and so many women I talk to) is when we consistently take care of our skin and give it a little grace.

Apply your products morning and night. Be gentle when you wash your face. Drink water. Use the good towel. And look in the mirror with love.

Bottom line? You don’t need more—just a little extra love in the right places.

At 78, your skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. You’re just fine-tuning. Listening to your skin. Giving it what it needs, when it needs it. That’s the secret.

So Jan—thank you for the great question. And to every woman reading this, whether you're 68, 78, or 88: you deserve to feel confident and beautiful in your skin.

Ava-Ann