The right anti-aging skin-care routine isn’t necessarily the most complicated. When it comes to mature skin, “The best routine is consistent and balanced, protecting the skin in the morning and repairing it at night,” says Patricia Conrad, esthetician at The Spa at The Belgrove Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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According to the pros, a routine that protects and repairs starts with the basics—including a gentle cleanser—and leaves room for targeted, active ingredients that don’t irritate the skin. Moisture is key, particularly for mature skin that’s prone to dryness, and SPF is a perennial must.

Though the steps are relatively simple, finding the right products requires a bit of finesse. Here, gentleness and efficacy go hand in hand, since skin becomes more prone to irritation as its barrier weakens over time.

Ahead, estheticians and board-certified dermatologists share the best practices–and products—for every step of an ideal anti-aging skin-care regime. (Plus, they reveal where to save, and where to go ahead and splurge.) Here’s to smooth, radiant skin ahead.

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Start With a Gentle Cleanse

A good cleanse helps other products be more effective—and can also be cost-effective. “The most important thing to understand about this step is that it’s only designed to do one thing: prep your skin for the actives to follow,” says Dr. Pierre Peterson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Thousand Oaks, California. “Don’t put too much effort, energy, or money into this step. A cleanser may have wonderful anti-aging ingredients, but they won’t be on your skin long enough to do any good.”

Of course, active ingredients will come into play later on, particularly with serums. But for this initial step, Dr. Peterson tells mature patients to find a formula that’s gentle, non-irritating, and—if needed—able to remove makeup. Dr. Peter Bittar, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, emphasizes the importance of fragrance-free cleansers. “Fragrances often irritate the skin, which can make it harder to use actives such as retinoids,” he says.

Finish Skin Prep With a Toner or Essence

After cleansing, a toning step can remove any leftover impurities from the pores and balance the skin’s pH level, while essences—which have a slightly thicker texture—tend to be more hydrating. “For aging skin, toners and essences should be alcohol-free and infused with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides,” says Nikki Miller, professional esthetician and director of Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin. “This helps prep the skin for better absorption of subsequent products.” She adds that the lightweight products can also plump the skin.

Use a Serum to Target Specific Signs of Aging

With the skin thoroughly prepped, it’s time to get active. “Serums are lightweight and designed to absorb deeply, delivering potent anti-aging actives where they’re needed most,” Dr. Mraz explains. According to Audrey Zmigrodski, licensed esthetician and director of Spa and Warm Springs Pools at The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Hot Springs, West Virginia, the best serums for mature skin contain ingredients that target concerns such as wrinkles, elasticity, and uneven tone. “Look for serums with retinol—or bakuchiol for sensitive skin—peptides, antioxidants, and niacinamide,” she says. “Apply the serum after toning and before moisturizer to maximize absorption.”