According to Dermatologists…
And I think they may be on to something. I’ve been using these anti-aging creams and serums for the last 2 years and my skin has seriously never looked this good. And, full disclosure, I’m 40.
It surprises me every time I look in the mirror (like, damn she the one!).
I’ve tried countless anti-aging products over the years in my attempts to stop the clock, some better than others.
But the message from my dermatologist has never wavered: for anti-aging, there are only 2 anti-aging creams and serums that are absolutely non-negotiable.
Regardless of which lotion or eye cream or mask you prefer, they will only be so effective without these critical anti-aging ingredients, applied before and after your busy day:
In the Morning: Vitamin C
The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its role in collagen synthesis make Vitamin C vital for skin health.
The topical application of Vitamin C in the form of serum has beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have shown that Vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage.
Because Vitamin C helps protect your skin from pollution, ultraviolet light, and free radicals, you’re going to want to use it in the morning rather than the evening.
Dermatologists recommend applying a Vitamin C serum before applying your daytime lotion with SPF (stay tuned for my pick).
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
Well, according to many doctors, there is one clear choice. The only Vitamin C serum my dermatologist recommends, and thousands of online reviewers agree, is Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum.
I have used this serum for the last 2 years daily and it is truly amazing. My skin is radiant and dark spots and other discolorations are minimized.
One to two drops of this powerful serum is all you’ll need and a bottle lasts a long time (6 months at least in my experience).
Yes, there are less expensive options out there. But beware – if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.
Serums at a drastically lower price may advertise the same ingredients as Skinceuticals and other high-end products, however, these are often filled with preservatives and fillers and a much lower percentage of the actual beneficial ingredients.
Always compare labels when shopping.
Pair this powerful serum with a lotion with SPF before applying makeup. I recommend EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
This has been my go-to daily lotion for the last 8 years since I had skin cancer on my face at age 32. While I had always used lotion with SPF when I was younger, it was usually closer to a 15.
This fantastic product boasts a high SPF, yet also includes Niacinamide and Zinc-oxide to help calm skin irritation, acne, and redness (bonus!).
It is light and absorbs quickly, and works perfectly under a CC cream or foundation.
So after a day of exposing our skin to all sorts of pollutants and contaminants, not to mention sun, it needs a little TLC. But before you apply your favorite face and eye creams, you’ll need to add this second critical anti-aging ingredient:
In the Evening: Retinol
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient in skincare because it alters the behavior of aged cells so they act in a more youthful manner.
It smooths and refines skin’s texture, enhances skin radiance, and treats aging. Retinol is also known for evening out skin tone and increasing blood flow to the skin.
When Retinol is incorporated into your skincare routine it will help to accelerate skin renewal and enhance collagen production, thus reducing the appearance of aging. As Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to light, it is best to apply it before bed.
My pick for the best Retinol serum is Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum.
This anti-aging serum has had a lot of buzz recently, and for good reason. Unlike traditional Retinol serums, this one includes 1.5% of microencapsulated retinol.
This Retinol is created in a lab and encloses retinol molecules into a capsule that can then evenly distribute across your skin and penetrate more effectively with less irritation.
As many people experience mild irritation when using Retinol, it is best to start out using it once or twice per week and see how your skin reacts.
Gradually work your way toward using it 4-5 times per week if your skin tolerates it well. I have personally never experienced any irritation from Retinol, only mild dryness.
To combat this, I always pair my Retinol serum with a great overnight moisturizer. My favorite is Neocutis Overnight Smoothing Cream (also my doctor’s top pick for moisture before bed).
This lotion is nothing short of fabulous. One pump is all you need. It absorbs nicely and leaves skin feeling soft and supple. I apply this after my Retinol serum every night and wake up to refreshed, smooth skin.
Looking for more skincare tips? Read why you might be washing your face all wrong here.
