It’s simply a fact of life: As we age, our skin does, too. But with a curated, targeted skincare routine, your complexion can absolutely stand the test of time—so long as your regimen is packed with ingredients that help fight the clock. Those fine light-fighting actives are out there, say our dermatological experts, who shared their favorites below. One key detail to note, however: “While all anti-aging ingredients work differently from one another, they all lead to the same great result: smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel says, noting that it’s most important to choose the ingredients that work best for you.
woman applying lotion to hands Credit: Getty / Pamplemousse
Retinol
You’ve likely heard of this one (so it’s technically not a full-blown secret). That’s because the ingredient has been touted as the end-all, be-all of anti-aging ingredients for years. “Retinol has decades of scientific data that support its anti-aging potential, including reducing fine lines and wrinkles and fading brown spots,” says Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in Manhattan.
Bakuchiol
Retinol can be irritating for more sensitive skin types. For that reason, bakuchiol emerged as an anti-aging substitute. “Bakuchiol has gained a lot of traction recently as a powerful, natural anti-aging ingredient,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amanda Doyle. “It is derived from the psoralea corylifolia plant and has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Some believe it is comparable to some retinoids in its ability to increase collagen and cell turnover without the same irritation that can result from retinols and retinoids.”
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is known to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a fantastic ingredient for anyone looking to deeply hydrate their skin. And, the more hydrated your skin is, the plumper (and younger) it looks.
Glycolic Acid
This alpha hydroxy acid is known for gently exfoliating skin. It’s a water-soluble acid that D. Chang says leaves skin looking smoother and more vibrant.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, making it an oil-soluble acid. It’s particularly beneficial for those with oily, acne-prone skin. By unclogging pores (effectively making them look smaller) and helping to balance oil production, salicylic acid contributes to a smoother, younger-looking visage.
Lactic Acid
Prone to sensitivity? Consider the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids there is—lactic acid. It chemically exfoliates skin, making it look brighter and smoother as a result.
Kojic Acid
This natural ingredient is actually derived from mushrooms. “It works by inhibiting part of the pigment-producing pathway, so it’s great for reducing brown discoloration from melasma or sun damage or pigmentation from old acne lesions,” Dr. Doyle says. “It helps give skin a more even tone by reducing the discoloration and has been found to have antioxidant properties.”
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and brightens skin in the process. What’s more, according to Dr. Sobel, it helps boost collagen production, which effectively delays signs of aging.
Ceramides
Ceramides are waxy lipids that keep skin hydrated and the moisture barrier strong. “As we age, we lose ceramides in our skin surface, leaving our skin drier, which makes fine lines more visible,” Dr. Chang says, noting that we can replace these ceramides using a moisturizer filled with them.
Peptides
Peptides are amino acids that help build collagen, elastin, and keratin. “They can help hydrate the skin and improve skin texture,” Dr. Chang notes.
Niacinamide
If your complexion becomes easily inflamed (this is often the case if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin), niacinamide deserves a spot in your routine. Also known as B3, niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that reduces redness and promotes skin health.
Ginger Root Extract
According to Dr. Sobel, “ginger root extract inhibits collagen degradation by collagenase enzyme inhibition, resulting in firmer skin.”
Aloe Leaf
You know that aloe works well to calm sunburns, but did you know that it promotes younger-looking skin, too? It’s true, says Dr. Sobel: Aloe leaf extract is full of natural antioxidants that help protect the skin from the aging impact of the sun.
Cucumber Extract
Cucumber extract helps soothe inflammation, diminish puffiness, and promote a smoother, more radiant complexion, notes Dr. Sobel.
Lycopene
“Lycopene is one of my favorite ‘secret’ anti-aging ingredients,” Dr. Doyle says, noting that it’s a natural antioxidant found in foods like tomatoes. “It works by capturing free radicals that can lead to inflammation and ultimately, damage to our cells and skin.” When in concentrated supplement form, she says that it’s been shown to protect the skin against sunburn and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, ultimately making the skin look more youthful. “Lycopene should be taken in oral form in a supplement on a daily basis,” she says. “It can be used in combination with topicals to get optimal anti-aging benefits from the inside out.”
Arbutin
“Arbutin is a bearberry extract that helps to prevent the formation of melanin,” Dr. Doyle says, noting that it pairs well with vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. “It is a brightener that helps to lighten dark discoloration and evens out the skin.”
woman applying lotion to hands Credit: Getty / Pamplemousse
woman applying lotion to hands
Credit: Getty / Pamplemousse
