Buzz
Achieving beautiful, youthful skin in the long term is a blend of three key factors: choosing scientifically-proven ingredients, applying top-quality products, and maintaining consistency in your routine. By following these steps, you'll shield your skin from UV and free radical damage, slow down the aging process, and help reverse or reduce visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin laxity.
Your daily regimen should involve washing your face twice daily with a mild cleanser, moisturizing, and using SPF every day. Additionally, you can add anti-aging ingredients and products to keep your complexion looking flawless. We reached out to dermatologists to recommend the must-have anti-aging products they swear by, so follow their expert advice.
RELATED: When is the Right Time to Start Using Anti-Aging Products? Experts Weigh In
Ekaterina Klishevnik/Getty Images1. Sunscreen
When you ask any dermatologist about the one essential product they can't leave home without, sunscreen will undoubtedly be at the top of their list.
“Sun damage is cumulative, and the best way to shield your skin is by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day,” explains Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Ala. “The more often your skin is exposed to the sun without protection, the greater the risk of premature aging, such as sun spots, age spots, and wrinkles.”
More importantly, SPF helps prevent skin cancer, the most common type of cancer worldwide. Dr. Hartman advises choosing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and reapplying it every two hours, especially if you're spending time outdoors or near a window.
Product Recommendation: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ (Amazon). “I highly recommend this sunscreen and have personally used it,” says Dr. Hartman. He highlights its lightweight, moisturizing formula enriched with mineral zinc oxide, which won’t leave a white residue. The physical formula makes it especially suitable for those with sensitive skin.
2. Vitamin C
Antioxidants are a vital component of any anti-aging skincare regimen. Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, shares that her go-to antioxidant is vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid.
“For preventing aging, boosting collagen production, and brightening the complexion, vitamin C should be a daily part of your skincare routine,” she explains. “Our skin cells face DNA damage from UV rays, blue light, infrared radiation, external pollutants, chemicals, as well as internal factors like metabolism and stress. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat this free radical damage while also promoting collagen synthesis and brightening the skin.”
Product Recommendation: Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum (Skinbetter). “This antioxidant-rich serum not only contains a vitamin C ester derivative (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), but also a variety of other antioxidants that help fight free radical damage,” says Dr. Kobets. “It's fragrance-free, paraben-free, and won’t clog your pores.”
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Hydration is a key aspect of every skincare routine, particularly when it comes to anti-aging. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, helping to hydrate and plump skin cells. This results in a fuller, more radiant complexion.
“I highly recommend incorporating hyaluronic acid into your routine as soon as possible,” suggests Jeanette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine. “All skin types, regardless of age, require hydration, especially when using drying ingredients like chemical exfoliants or retinol. Maintaining a healthy moisture barrier is essential for overall skin health.”
Product Recommendation: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier (Dermstore). Dr. Graf advises, “I suggest using this serum daily—either in the morning or at night. Apply it after your toner and before your moisturizer and sunscreen.”
4. Peptides
Peptides are small protein chains that assist in repairing damaged skin cells. They also help increase your body's natural collagen production, which plays a key role in slowing down the visible effects of aging.
“Peptides are unique because they stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin,” explains Roberta Del Campo, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute. “They enhance skin quality by firming and strengthening the skin.”
Product Recommendation: Doctor Babor Power Serum Ampoule (Babor). “These ampoules provide the ideal amount for both the face and neck,” says Dr. Del Campo. “They’re enriched with three types of EGF and FGF peptides, as well as hyaluronic acid.”
5. Ceramides
While it’s important to draw moisture into your skin, it’s equally essential to lock it in. Ceramides excel at this task, making them an indispensable anti-aging product recommended by dermatologists.
“Ceramides are a key ingredient in many moisturizers because they help retain moisture. They also mimic the natural skin barrier, as ceramides are naturally present in our skin,” explains Elizabeth Hale, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Product Recommendation: SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream (Dermstore). Dr. Hale recommends, “I like applying a ceramide-rich product at night over a retinol-based product or one with retinol-like properties so that the skin can repair itself while you sleep.”
6. Retinoids
Retinoids, a form of vitamin A, are a vital ingredient in anti-aging routines. It's hard to find a dermatologist who doesn’t keep at least one or two high-quality retinoids in their skincare collection.
Dr. Hartman explains that retinoids accelerate skin cell turnover, which helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin tone. They are also known for their effectiveness in treating acne. He adds, “The benefits of retinoids are unparalleled and arguably the most crucial step for overall skin health and anti-aging, second only to SPF.”
He advises starting with an over-the-counter retinol with a concentration of 0.25% or 0.5%, emphasizing that anything lower than 0.25% will be ineffective. For beginners, start by using it once or twice a week at night, just before your moisturizer, then gradually increase usage to daily. As your skin becomes accustomed, you can consult your dermatologist for a stronger prescription retinoid.
Product Recommendation: Skinbetter Alpharet Clearing Serum (Skinbetter). Dr. Hartman says, “This formula combines retinol with salicylic acid to enhance the skin’s overall appearance without causing dryness.”
7. Bakuchiol
While retinoids are amazing, they may not be suitable for sensitive skin and are not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
“Bakuchiol is an excellent alternative to retinol for individuals who cannot tolerate prescription retinoids,” says Dr. Hale. “Bakuchiol has similar properties to retinol but is gentle on the skin. It promotes cell turnover, supports healthy skin, and helps even out skin tone and pigmentation.”
She notes that even individuals with sensitive skin, including those with eczema and rosacea, should be able to use this ingredient nightly. Begin slowly with a once or twice-a-week application and gradually increase usage to nightly over time.
Product Recommendation: Isdin Melatonik Lightweight Night Serum with Bakuchiol (Dermstore). Dr. Hale shares, “This formula offers a potent alternative to prescription retinoids and is ideal for sensitive skin.”
