5 Anti-Aging Ingredients Dermatologists Say You Need in Your Daily Skin Care

When it comes to targeting signs of aging, there are so many factors you need to consider, from your skin type to genetics. Finding what works best for you can be challenging and requires trial and error. With that said, there are some key ingredients that have been proven to work well for many. Here we reveal the anti-aging benefits of each with the help of board-certified dermatologists Dr. Hadley King and Dr. Joshua Zeichner..

Sunscreen 

Direct exposure to the sun can accelerate the early signs of aging. “We know that UV exposure is the biggest risk factor for brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer,” says Dr. Zeichner. Studies have also shown that people who use sunscreen every day (regardless of the weather outside) age significantly better than those who only put on sunscreen when they felt it was sunny or knew it was. spend a lot of time outdoors. Avoid sun exposure by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more every day. 

retinol 

“After sun protection, retinoids are the most proven anti-aging treatments we know of,” says Dr. King. Retinol stimulates collagen production, firms the skin and reduces the appearance of discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. If you're new to using retinol, you should be aware that it's a potent ingredient, so it's important to gradually incorporate it into your routine to avoid potential irritation or dryness. We recommend that beginners try IT Cosmetics Hello Results Daily Retinol Serum to reduce wrinkles because it is gentle enough for daily use and hydrates. If you're not new to this ingredient, Dr. Zeichner recommends trying the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum, which combines glycolic acid and retinol to fight early signs of aging and dull skin. As a pharmacy option, we also like L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Retinol Night Serum.

Antioxidants 

While antioxidants are no substitute for sunscreen, they can also protect your skin from free radical damage. “UV radiation leads to oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can lead to cell damage,” says Dr. King. This damage can show up as fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and protect against environmental aggressors such as UV rays. “Vitamin C is one of the most powerful topical antioxidants for the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. Try applying SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic every morning, followed by moisturizer and SPF for maximum protection. 

hyaluronic acid

According to Dr. Zeichner, hyaluronic acid is a must-have anti-aging ingredient. While dry skin does not cause wrinkles, it can accentuate the look of fine lines and wrinkles, so it's important to keep your skin hydrated. “Hyaluronic acid is like a sponge that binds water and draws it to the outer layer of the skin to hydrate and plump it,” he says. We recommend L'Oréal Paris Derm Intensives Serum 1.5% with Hyaluronic Acid.

Peptides 

“Peptides are chains of amino acids that can penetrate the top layer of the skin and have an anti-aging effect,” says Dr. King. "Some peptides help stimulate collagen production while others help smooth out fine lines." To incorporate peptides into your daily routine, try Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Ampoule Serum to smooth wrinkles and brighten your complexion.