We Tried the Perfect 5-Step Anti-Aging Routine — Here’s What Happened
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Time to read 8 min
Key takeaways
Every anti-aging routine should start with a gentle cleanser that clears away dead skin cells, excess oil, and buildup without harming the skin’s natural barrier.
Use a vitamin C serum in the morning to improve skin tone and defend against signs of aging like dark spots and dullness.
Apply retinol at night to support cell turnover, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture, especially for aging or blemish-prone skin.
Anti-aging eye creams can soften fine lines, minimize puffiness, and support collagen production in the delicate under-eye area.
A moisturizer with peptides or hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated, supports the skin barrier, and preps your face for sunscreen.
You don’t need a shelf full of products to build the best anti-aging skincare routine.
In fact, most dermatologists agree: a simple five-step system often works better than a complicated 10-step lineup that can overwhelm your skin barrier (and your wallet).
In this guide, we’ll break down the right order of skincare products for morning and night, explain how to layer ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, and help you choose what works best for your skin type — whether it's oily, blemish-prone, dry, or sensitive.
What the best anti-aging skincare routine really looks like
The most effective routines aren’t always the most elaborate. They're the ones you’ll actually stick to.
These five steps cover the essentials of an anti-aging routine: cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin without overloading it.
Let’s take a look at what each step does, how to apply products in the right order, and which formulas from The A Method anti-aging collection can support your skin’s needs.
Step 1: Start with a gentle cleanser
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. A gentle cleanser removes dirt, excess oil, sunscreen, and makeup without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.
For aging skin, look for formulas that clean the skin’s surface without drying it out or triggering irritation, especially if you're already using anti-aging products or chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid.
Product recommendations:
Cleanse Silky Vitamin C: Ideal for sensitive skin or dry skin types. It gently removes impurities while providing antioxidant support from vitamin C. Shop Cleanse Silky Vitamin C.
Cleanse Glycolic Gel: A better fit for blemish-prone or oily skin. It contains glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant that helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, great for improving skin texture and tone. Shop Cleanse Glycolic Gel.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re wearing makeup, double cleansing with a makeup remover before your gel cleanser can prevent product buildup and clogged pores.
Step 2: Apply a targeted serum
After cleansing, your skin is primed for more concentrated ingredients. This is where serums come in. Depending on your skin concerns — dark spots, fine lines, breakouts, or dullness — you can pick a formula that delivers targeted benefits.
For anti-aging, antioxidant serums and hyaluronic acid serums are top picks.
Product recommendations:
C Antioxidant Gel 20%: A high-strength vitamin C formula that helps improve skin tone and brighten the appearance of dark spots caused by sun exposure or premature aging. Shop C Antioxidant Gel 20%.
Skin Perfecting Serum: Contains gentle resurfacing acids to refine skin texture and support healthy cell turnover, especially helpful for combination skin or aging skin with uneven tone. Shop Skin Perfecting Serum.
Hydrate HA Elixir: This hyaluronic acid serum draws moisture into the skin, improving hydration and giving the skin a firmer, plumper look. Shop Hydrate HA Elixir.
💡 Layering tip: In the morning, use a vitamin C serum like C Antioxidant Gel 20%. At night, switch to Skin Perfecting Serum if you're targeting clogged pores or uneven texture.
Step 3: Use retinol the right way
Retinol, particularly All-Trans Retinol, is one of the most effective ingredients for reducing fine lines, supporting collagen production, and encouraging cell turnover. But it’s also one of the easiest to misuse, especially if you’re layering it incorrectly or using too much too soon.
Dermatologists recommend applying retinol only at night and starting with a few drops once or twice per week. Gradually increase usage as your skin builds tolerance.
Product recommendations:
Pearls of Retinol: A gentle, encapsulated form of retinol, ideal for beginners or those with sensitive skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines without causing dryness. Shop Pearls of Retinol.
Reti-Gel: A stronger formula for those who’ve used retinol before. Lightweight and quick-absorbing, it's good for blemish-prone or oily skin types. Shop Reti-Gel.
Reti-XO: This advanced All-Trans Retinol + Plant Exosome treatment supports skin repair and smoother skin texture. Use with a barrier-supportive moisturizer if you experience dryness. Shop Reti-XO.
💡 Vitamin C + retinol? Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Separating them by time of day helps minimize irritation while still targeting signs of aging.
Step 4: Treat the eye area
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate. It’s also one of the first places to show signs of aging, like crow’s feet or puffiness. A targeted eye cream can help calm visible irritation, soften fine lines, and support collagen production in this sensitive area.
Product recommendations:
Collagen Boost Peptide Eye Cream: Peptides nourish aging skin and help reduce the look of sagging or leathery skin. Shop Collagen Boost Peptide Eye Cream.
Brighten Eyes: This formula targets dark circles and puffiness with soothing ingredients and a lightweight texture — great for morning use under makeup. Shop Brighten Eyes.
💡 Pro tip: Use your ring finger to gently pat eye creams into the skin. This minimizes tugging and helps prevent future wrinkles.
Step 5: Lock it all in with moisturizer
No matter your skin type (oily, dry, or combination), a good moisturizer isn't optional. It locks in hydration, supports the skin barrier, and seals in the benefits of everything you’ve applied before it.
For anti-aging, choose a formula that nourishes without clogging pores and contains ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, or lighter oils.
Product recommendations:
Hydrate HA Elixir: A hyaluronic acid-based serum that draws moisture into the skin and helps improve skin hydration and plumpness. Use it before moisturizer if you prefer an extra layer of hydration, especially for dry or sensitive skin. Shop Hydrate HA Elixir.
Orange You Peppy: A peptide-packed moisturizing cream that helps improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Ideal for aging skin needing extra support. Shop Orange You Peppy.
TCA Retexturizing Cream: Combines retinol with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to refine skin texture and tone over time — best used at night for concerns like rough patches, stubborn dark spots, or visible signs of aging. Shop TCA Retexturizing Cream.
C Glow Moisturizer: Lightweight but rich in antioxidants, this formula is great for day use under SPF. Shop C Glow Moisturizer.
💡 Quick tip: Apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin to boost absorption and keep your skin hydrated longer. Seal your daytime regimen with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to guard against UV rays.
Bonus treatments worth adding
Once you’ve built a strong foundation with your five-step routine, you can layer in targeted treatments a few times a week to support overall skin health and address specific concerns.
These extras aren’t required daily, but they can make a visible difference, especially if you're dealing with dullness, irritated skin, or loss of firmness in areas beyond the face.
C Skin Brightening Pads: Infused with exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, kojic acid, and retinol, these pads help improve skin clarity and brightness without drying or irritating the skin. Use a few times a week to promote a smoother, more even complexion. Shop C Skin Brightening Pads.
C-Gel Facial Masks (6-count pack): A quick, skin-replenishing treatment that delivers hydration and a cooling effect, ideal before an event or after using chemical exfoliants. These masks help calm irritated skin while restoring moisture for a healthier glow. Shop C-Gel Facial Masks.
Neck and Body Firming Cream: Because aging doesn’t stop at the jawline. This peptide-rich formula supports elasticity and firmness in often-overlooked areas like the neck, chest, and arms. It absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling smoother and more resilient. Shop Neck and Body Firming Cream.
💡 Pro tip: When adding exfoliating treatments like brightening pads or masks, introduce one at a time and watch how your skin responds. If you’re using retinol or acids elsewhere in your routine, spacing them out can help avoid irritation.
Don’t skip sun protection
No anti-aging routine is complete without sun protection. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Always apply SPF in the morning, especially if you’re using retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
💡 Tip: Look for a sunscreen that’s non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive or blemish-prone skin types.
Your morning vs. night skincare routine simplified
Here’s a quick summary to guide your morning and night steps:
Step |
Morning |
Night |
Cleanser |
Cleanse Silky Vitamin C |
Cleanse Glycolic Gel / Cleanse Silky Vitamin C |
Serum |
C Antioxidant Gel 20% |
Skin Perfecting Serum / HA Elixir |
Treatment |
— |
Pearls of Retinol / Reti-Gel / Reti-XO |
Eye Cream |
Brighten Eyes |
Collagen Boost Eye Cream |
Moisturizer |
C Glow / Orange You Peppy |
TCA Cream / Orange You Peppy |
SPF |
Broad-spectrum |
— |
At what age should you start an anti-aging routine?
There’s no magic number, but most dermatologists suggest starting in your mid-20s to early 30s. That’s when collagen production starts to slow and signs of skin aging — like dullness, texture changes, or fine lines — start to appear.
Still, it’s never too late. What matters most is consistency, using proven ingredients, and choosing skincare products that suit your skin type and lifestyle.
Start building your anti-aging routine today
A simplified, step-by-step skincare routine can support healthier skin, no matter your age. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your current regimen, the right products — used in the right order — can make a visible difference in how your skin looks and feels.
With dermatologist-recommended ingredients and options for every skin type, The A Method anti-aging skincare collection offers everything you need to build a smart, effective anti-aging routine. From antioxidant serums to gentle retinol, these formulas are designed to support skin hydration, restore tone, and leave you feeling more confident in your own skin.
Got any questions for our team? We’re here to help you build a routine that fits your skin type and goals. Contact us anytime. We’d love to hear from you.
