Finding reliable skincare help
With an endless amount of products available in the anti-aging skincare market, it can be hard to know which direction to turn. There seems to be a new ingredient every day promising to turn back time in the form of smoothing wrinkles, decreasing hyperpigmentation, and improving texture. The good news is that many of them work. In fact, according to Joe McGowan, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, scientists are uncovering so many breakthroughs in molecular chemistry that it’s hard for dermatologists and patients to catch up. “Technology and science are moving faster than ever, offering a greater understanding of how different skincare products work, whether each product actually penetrates the skin, what specific roles these products exert synergistically and how to optimize results,” he says. If you’re looking to gift one or more anti-aging skincare product this year, here are the best of the best available on Amazon.
Alastin’s Restorative Eye Treatment
$121
Hadley King, MD, a dermatologist at Skinney Med Spa and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University is a huge fan of this brand, which uses Trihex Technology to increase elastin and collagen fibers in the skin. “Clinical studies with this product showed the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area as well as the reduction of puffiness,” she says.ย (Here are 16 signs your face is aging faster than it should.)
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel
$120
Exfoliating once or twice a week can work wonders on your skin. It helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal brighter, more youthful cells underneath, explains celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, who’s a big fan of these exfoliating pads. “They exfoliate with a combination of AHAs to remove the layer of dead skin on the surface and BHAs to break down the buildup inside of your pores,” she says.
ISDINCEUTICS Melaclear Serum with Vitamin C and Phytic Acid
$82
This serum is loaded with key anti-aging ingredients including skin-brightening vitamin C and Phytic Acid, which helps improve uneven skin tone. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, dermatologist and founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut is a fan both personally and professionally and recommends it to clients who are looking to clear unwanted pigment that comes with aging. Check out these 14 anti-aging tricks dermatologists actually use.
SKINCEUTICALS CE Ferulic Serum
$119
This powerful serum contains two key antioxidants that help in the fight against premature aging: vitamins C and E. It also contains ferulic acid, which doubles the synergistic benefits of L-ascorbic acid (the fancy name for vitamin C). “Using powerful antioxidants and nourishing hydrators, this serum helps prevent future photoaging,” says Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, North Carolina-based dermatologist.
The Magic Pads
$20
For a fraction of what other glycolic pads cost, these will do wonders for acne-prone skin. “These facial peel pads are saturated in 2 percent glycolic acid, which penetrates to soften skin while removing pimple-causing microorganisms,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, Boston-area dermatopathologist and founder of GFaceMD. (Here are 22 habits that make you age faster.)
Renew Your Skin Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum
$15
This anti-aging face serum is good enough for Serena Williams (it’s her favorite!), which means it’s worth giving a try. It’s made with all-organic and vegan ingredients and contains the highest form of active, bioavailable vitamin C to boost skin firmness and help reverse sun damage.
Heliocare Advanced Nicotinamide B3 Supplement
$37
Although a supplement you take orally might not seem like a skincare product, this one is because it contains super-concentrated doses of nicotinamide (Vitamin B3). “Nicotinamide is a powerful B vitamin that is necessary to support the synthesis of collagen, DNA repair, and skin cell turnover,” says Dr. McGowan. “Nicotinamide has been shown to replenish a bright, youthful glow to the skin and reverse the aging process by promoting healthy collagen synthesis.” (Here are 30 anti-aging secrets that could add years to your life.)
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Face Cream
$80
If there’s one ingredient to include in your anti-aging skincare routine, it’s most definitely retinol, according to Dr. McGowan. “It is the foundation and epicenter of epidermal and dermal health that promotes cell renewal, builds youthful collagen, and fights against fatigue and sun-related epidermal injury,” he says. “This face cream reduces pore size, fortifies the skin barrier and prevents water lossโensuring a youthful, radiant complexion even during times of stress.”
EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin
$50
“This powerful moisturizer that replenishes antioxidants and stimulates the epidermal barrier to minimize transepidermal water loss,” explains Dr. McGowan. “It’s the perfect blend of nicotinamide, ceramides, enzymes and essential lipids restores the vibrant glow of youth by improving the tone and texture of your skin.”
Rael Bamboo Face Sheet Masks, Variety Pack
$45
This line of best-selling face masks works in different ways to target skin ailments, including aging, but also dryness, hyperpigmentation, acne, free radical damage and more. They’re free of harsh and potentially harmful ingredients including parabens, alcohol, silicone, fragrance, benzophenone, peg, and talc. Here is the worse skin care advice that dermatologists hear.
Suntegrity – “5 in 1” Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
$45
This tinted sunscreen was featured in the “Best Sunscreens” category in the EWG’s 2012 Sunscreen Guideโand it’s still extremely popular. Cynthia Bailey, MD, dermatologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and founder of DrBaileySkinCare.com, considers it a great anti-aging skincare essential because sun protection is the most important anti-aging skincare step. “UV ray exposure leads to wrinkles and skin thinning by turning on the MMP enzyme which breaks down skin collagen,” she says. “This sunscreen doubles as a foundation, looks great, and gives perfect zinc oxide broad-spectrum UV protection.”
Elu Rose Quartz Face Roller & Gua Sha
$26
Jade rollers and gua sha massages are all the rage these daysโand for good reason. Dr. Engelman explains that they help in two ways: they de-puff the skin by enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage and enhance product absorption into the skin. “By gently massaging this skin, we’re creating healthy lymph flow, which reduces toxins and waste buildup in our cells,” she says. These 13 foods are tied directly to younger-looking skin.
Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Moisturizer Gel-Cream
$16
When it comes to a nighttime moisturizer that will put in work to hydrate and smooth your skin without causing irritation, Neutrogena’s hyaluronic acid-containing gel cream is just the ticket. Not only does it have stellar reviews on Amazon, but Rina Allawh, MD, dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology, recommends it to her patients. “The ingredients are safe and non-irritating, excellent for patients with dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin,” she says.
Dr. Schultz BeautyRx Anti Aging Face Cream
$20
For an impressively low price, this anti-aging cream will yield actual resultsโjust look at the stellar reviews! The key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps the body retain moisture. “It retains moisture within the skin almost like a magnet,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York. “The result is a softer, plumper and an even skin tone. It can improve fine lines and wrinkles as well.” Here are 50 reasons why you’ll age better than your parents.
TULA Probiotic Skin Care Pro-Glycolic 10% pH Resurfacing Gel Toner
$34
As it turns out, probioticsโthe “good” gut bacteria that supports our digestive healthโare also beneficial for your body’s largest organโyour skin. Dr. Robinson loves this toner because it gently exfoliates while simultaneously hydrating the skin with both probiotics and glycolic acid.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Oil Retinol Serum
$25
When it comes to choosing a retinol serum that you can wear overnight to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Allawh recommends this retinol oil by Neutrogena, which has impressive reviews on Amazon. “The ingredients are safe and above all else provide optimum hydration with minimal irritation, which is why it’s a favorite among my skin of color patients with acne-prone skin,” she says. (These tips will help you create the perfect skincare routine.)
Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Masque
$120
Your skin loses a lot of water while you sleep, especially during the winter months when dry air from your heater sucks moisture out at rapid speed. To replace lost hydration, Dr. Engelman likes to use products that are specifically formulated for overnight use like this antioxidant mask. (Avoid using these skincare products if you live in these areas of the country.)
Pure Bioderm Antioxidant Facial Serum
$59
This high-potency anti-aging serum contains several powerful ingredients rolled into one product: ferulic acid, vitamin C, phloretin and peptides. The result? Broad-spectrum protection from environmental toxins as well as correction and prevention of premature signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, explains Dr. Robinson.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Moisturizer with Sunscreen Cream
$34
Before applying make-up, Dr. Allawh applies a thin layer of this sunscreen-containing facial moisturizer. “I find that a lightweight liquid formula, a buildable texture, a non-greasy, noncomedogenic product is ideal for my skin typeโdry, acne-prone skin with an ‘olive’ tint.”
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
$102
It might be expensive for its tiny size, but the reviews speak for themselvesโand Dr. McGowan believes it’s totally worth the expense. In fact, if there’s one area of the face to focus on when it comes to anti-aging, it’s the preorbital (or eye) area, since it contains the thinnest amount of skin. Over time, the eye area can become crepey if not treated with effective ingredients. Check out these anti-aging secrets from dermatologists.
- Joe McGowan, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon
- Hadley King, MD, a dermatologist at Skinney Med Spa and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Shani Darden, celebrity esthetician
- Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, dermatologist and founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut
- Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, North Carolina-based dermatologist
- Gretchen Frieling, MD, Boston-area dermatologist and founder of GFaceMD
- Rina Allawh, MD, dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York
- Cynthia Bailey, MD, dermatologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and founder of DrBaileySkinCare.com