No matter how much we (and Cher) would like to turn back time, the years bring signs of aging like forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet around the eyes and dark spots. The good news is, advancements in the skin care world mean there are plenty of products out there that have the ability to not only slow the signs of aging on your face but minimize the appearance of existing ones. And as the warmer weather creeps ever closer, it might be a good time to take stock of your skin care products.
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“Anti-aging products can slow down the aging process by stimulating collagen production, fighting oxidizing agents — which damage DNA — and promoting skin peptide production that results in optimal protein functioning,” explains Anna Guanche, MD, dermatologist and owner of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, California.
Chris G. Adigun, MD, dermatologist at the Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill in North Carolina, notes that preventing — or slowing the process of — aging is much easier than trying to reverse changes that have already happened to your face. That’s why just about every dermatologist you talk to (including the ones we interviewed for this story), strongly recommend applying sunscreen daily as a form of prevention against aging.
Which sunscreen is best for you?
“Sunscreen and moisturizer are the two most effective anti-aging products,” says Kejal Shah, MD, dermatologist at Cooper Clinic Dermatology in Dallas. “Exposure to UV light speeds up the natural aging process of your skin, causing wrinkles and rough, blotchy uneven pigmentation.”
Sunscreen and moisturizer are the two most effective anti-aging products.
Kejal Shah, MD
To create an effective anti-aging routine, Shah suggests practicing healthy skin care habits. This starts with using a broad-spectrum sunscreen moisturizer with an SPF of 30 on exposed skin year-round.
“Preventing wrinkle formation can also be achieved by the reduction of inflammation through antioxidants which should be used in combination with sunscreens and retinoids to enhance their protective effect,” Shah adds. So look for a serum with antioxidant ingredients: vitamin C and green tea extract are two of Shah’s favorites. Says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, dermatologist in New York City, “Vitamin C is my go to as a potent antioxidant ingredient. It works very well in combination with vitamin E and ferulic acid to protect against free radical damage which can cause skin cancers and collagen breakdown leading to fine lines.”
Speaking of retinoids (a derivative of vitamin A), it’s pretty much the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging ingredients. “Retinoids or retinol has been studied for anti-aging and has been shown to help promote skin turnover, which brings new skin cells to the surface and promotes collagen production, preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City.
Another good ingredient to look for in anti-aging products: hyaluronic acid, “which is a natural sugar molecule that occurs in our body and helps to attract water, so it functions as a great moisturizer,” says Garshick. “It keeps the skin looking fresh and hydrated.” And don’t forget about glycolic acid: It exfoliates skin to help with skin texture and pore size, says Melanie Kingsley, MD, dermatologist at IU Health.
Also pay attention to your eyes. “The skin around your eyes is thin and vulnerable,” Shah says. “Choose an eye-specific product to ensure that you're using a formula designed to minimize any skin reactions in this area, whether you prefer peptides or retinol.” (According to Shah, peptides aid in wound healing and minimizing the look of wrinkles.)
Below, top dermatologists share their favorite anti-aging products for a more youthful look.
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The best sunscreens and moisturizers to help promote healthy skin
1. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin
Dermatologists swear by EltaMD for its cosmetically elegant sunscreen formulas (no white cast here!) that contain added anti-aging ingredients. This one earns particular raves. “It’s moisturizing and it protects my skin from dark spots, wrinkles and skin cancer,” says Shah. “It also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid — ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin.”
2. iS CLINICAL Youth Serum, 1 fl. oz.
Guanche is a fan of this anti-aging serum because it “provides immediate skin tightening, as well as long term anti-aging results, so you get immediate gratification as well as long term help.” She adds that this serum makes a nice primer under makeup, meaning you won’t have to worry about your foundation balling up.
3. Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate Retinol Serum, 1.01 Fl. Oz.
This serum packs a one-two punch, thanks to the retinol and hyaluronic acid in its formula. “This retinoid serum visibly fills and reduces wrinkles, giving skin a smoother and more plumped appearance,” says Howard D. Sobel, MD, New York City dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin.
4. SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, 1 oz.
Sometimes a skin care product is worth the splurge, and this is one that continually makes the list of most beloved anti-aging products by top dermatologists. “It has the power of two anti-aging serums packed into one pump,” says Libby Rhee, DO, dermatologist in New York City. One side contains a growth factor serum that restores plumpness and diminishes fine lines, while the other side features a serum chock full of antioxidants to even skin tone and smooth skin texture. “You get all that with one pump, which is helpful when you’re busy or you have a multi-step skin care routine,” says Rhee.
5. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution
Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, dermatologist in Los Angeles, likes this multi-purpose serum because it contains a number of anti-aging ingredients to target different signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid draws hydration into the top layers of skin for a temporary plumping effect; ferulic acid helps undo UV and pollution-related free radical damage; alpha hydroxy acids gently exfoliate dull dead skin cells that can settle into fine lines; and retinol stimulates new collagen growth.
6. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Anti-Aging Serum
Nussbaum recommends a vitamin C serum in the morning, because it offers potent antioxidant protection against free radical molecules that damage skin. It also brightens. She likes this one, which combines vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid to rejuvenate skin and prevent new damage.
7. Face Moisturizer with Collagen Peptides by Olay Regenerist, Micro-Sculpting Cream
You don’t always have to shell out major dough to reap anti-aging benefits. Shainhouse sings the praises of this drugstore staple: “It has the efficacy promised by expensive, beauty-counter products,” she says. That’s thanks to the potent ingredients in its formula, including hyaluronic acid to plump skin, niacinamide to soothe redness, dimethicone to lock in hydration, and peptide fragments to prompt skin to produce new collagen over time.
8. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Retinol Night Cream
Consider this another reason to hit up your local drugstore. “This budget-friendly night treatment contains both alpha hydroxy acids, which help to unstick and exfoliate dulling, dead skin cells immediately, as well as retinol, which stimulates cell turnover and new collagen production over time,” says Shainhouse. “Together, these help to reduce the appearance of fine lines with regular use over two to three months.”
9. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer, 1.7 Ounce
“Uneven and dull skin tone can actually give a more aging impression that fine lines and wrinkles,” points out Shainhouse. Enter this dark spot corrector, which relies on lightening ingredients like turmeric, birch bark and rice bran extract to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
10. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream, 0.5 Fl. Oz.
The delicate skin around your eyes deserves special care. “This anti-aging eye cream with retinol visibly reduces the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles and the look of dark circles,” Sobel says.
11. Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy, SPF 35
Talk about a triple threat: This 3-in-1 eye product is Adigun’s go-to eye treatment because it acts as an eye cream, concealer and sunscreen. “It’s infused with hyaluronic acid and peptides to help reduce the appearance of fine lines,” she says. “The peach tint covers dark circles beautifully, and there’s an SPF 30 to protect the delicate eye area from sun damage.
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- Best dandruff shampoos
- A better way to take a shower
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