This 90-year-old grandma has hardly any wrinkles. A dermatologist shared the most important part of her routine.
Sarah Palmyra
- A 90-year-old grandma surprised TikTokers with her youthful skin.
- She uses a night cream and serums, and stays out of the sun.
- A dermatologist told Business Insider sunscreen is the most important part of her routine.
When Sarah Palmyra, a beauty influencer, posted a TikTok video about her family's skin, her followers couldn't believe her grandmother was in her nineties because of her supple skin and lack of wrinkles.
Palmyra's followers were eager to find out what 90-year-old Nevenka, who declined to give her last name, does to keep her skin looking so young.
Everyone's skin wrinkles as they age, but genes, UV exposure, and repeated facial expressions can govern how deep they are and how many develop. Many people turn to "antiaging" creams and beauty products to lessen the appearance of wrinkles — in 2023, facial antiaging products made over $1 billion in the US, according to Statista. But because the Food and Drug Administration doesn't evaluate beauty products for effectiveness, there's no guarantee they will reduce wrinkles.
Palmyra told Business Insider that Nevenka has been looking after her skin since her early teens, following a skincare regimen every morning and night, never going to bed with makeup on, and using antiaging products.
Sunscreen is the most important part of Nevenka's routine, a dermatologist says
Dr. Derek V. Chan, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Manhattan, told BI that wearing sunscreen is "by far the most important part" of Nevenka's skincare routine.
When Nevenka is outside, she always wears sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, Palmyra said.
Chan recommended wearing sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30 every day, and wearing a broad-brimmed hat, which is more protective than a baseball cap.
She uses lots of hydrating, antiaging skincare products
Nevenka has been using the following products for over 50 years, Palmyra said.
Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk — Nevenka applies this cleanser and removes it with cotton rounds. Chan said this product helps to maintain and rebuild the skin barrier, so it aids skin hydration. It has antiaging properties too, because it contains yellow gentian, which protects against ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, and moringa oil, which can help reduce fine lines, he said.
Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion — This lotion contains aloe vera, which can protect against ultraviolet damage and help prevent photo-aging, Chan said. Plus, the fig tree and crocus in it help even out skin tone.
Lancôme Genifique Serum — Like the Clarins Cleansing Milk, this serum contains vitamin C, which has antiaging properties because it helps decrease hyperpigmentation and increases the production of collagen, which helps lessen the appearance of fine lines, Chan said.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift & Firm Night Cream — Chan said that this product contains ceramides, which he likes because they help rebuild the skin barrier and help the skin stay hydrated. Because the skin produces fewer ceramides as it ages, they can have an antiaging effect when applied.
This night cream also contains edelweiss extract, which has "multiple antiaging effects," Chan said, including improving eye wrinkles and skin density, elasticity, and thickness. Nevenka applies this on her face and decolletage.
Lancôme Teint Idol foundation — This foundation also contains moringa extract, as well as vitamin E, which helps repair UV-damaged skin and even out skin tone, Chan said. It also contains probiotics, which promote "good" bacteria" on the skin.