Each of these top ingredients gives skin a youthful boost in slightly different ways, and each has its own set of pros and, sometimes, cons. To help you navigate the skincare space, we asked dermatologists to weigh in on the best anti-aging ingredients for your skin. Here’s what you need to know, plus some highly-rated anti-aging products to try.
Top Anti-Aging Ingredient Picks
“A broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks both UVA rays, which cause aging, and UVB rays, which cause burning,” explains dermatologist Rita Linkner, MD, of RVL Skincare in New York City. The recommended daily value is SPF 30, and it’s important to remember that reapplication is also essential. You can find both mineral and chemical broad-spectrum sunscreens; the former work by sitting on top of the skin and deflecting the sun’s rays, the latter absorb into the skin to prevent the rays from damaging the cells. It’s a matter of personal preference, though mineral options are less likely to irritate sensitive skin, says Linkner. And, per some of the latest FDA findings, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two of the most commonly used mineral sunscreen ingredients, have been found to be both safe and effective. Try Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($30; sephora.com) for dry skin and Starface Clear as Day SPF 46 ($24; starface.world) for oily, acne-prone skin. In terms of anti-aging, the more hydrated your skin is, the more youthful it will look. Because ceramides are great for helping keep irritants out, they’re are also a good ingredient to seek out if you’re prone to eczema, notes Linkner. And since ceramides have basically no drawbacks, they’re an effective ingredient for any skin type. You can find ceramides in CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer ($19; ulta.com). While it makes sense that collagen would be a great anti-aging ingredient, it’s not quite so simple. Topically, it’s not an active that can make a big difference, Linkner says, largely due to the fact that it’s a big molecule that is challenging to get into the skin. You may also have seen lots of ingestible collagen lately; various pills and powders have flooded the market, touting all kinds of skin, hair, and nail benefits. Still, “it’s difficult for oral collagen to make it to the level in the skin where it would make a difference,” cautions Linkner. The bottom line: Take this collagen craze with a grain of salt, but if you want to try it, go for it, since it really can’t hurt. You can find topical collagen in Algenist Genius Sleeping Collagen ($98; sephora.com). But glycolic acid also has another unique anti-aging benefit: “It boosts levels of both collagen and elastin in the skin,” says Linkner, so it can help ward off wrinkles, too. The caveat? Glycolic acid can be irritating for some people, especially those with super sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations, so start using it gradually in order to give your skin enough time to get used to it. For a gentle introduction to glycolic acid, try Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner ($18; ulta.com). Plus, unlike many other exfoliating ingredients, which can be drying if not used properly, “lactic acid has been shown to increase the natural moisturizing factors in the skin,” says Carqueville. Just keep in mind that it will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, warns Linkner, so you want to be extra diligent and on top of your sunscreen game when lactic acid is a part of your anti-aging arsenal. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar in our body—we produce it on our own up until about the age of 20—so it’s very inert and unlikely to cause any kind of skin complications. Just remember that in order for this anti-aging ingredient to work most effectively, there needs to be moisture present, Linkner says. In other words, if you slather it on parched skin while sitting in the middle of the desert, it’s not going to work. Your best bet is to apply hyaluronic acid on either slightly damp skin, or to layer it with another moisturizer. Try The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($9; sephora.com). Jojoba oil contains vitamin E as well, which means it may have some antioxidant properties, Carqueville adds, and it is anti-inflammatory, too. Bonus: It works equally well to hydrate your hair and scalp. Find this anti-aging ingredient in ApotheCARE Essentials PhytoDefend Protecting Serum ($29; target.com). Because this skincare ingredient increases the rate at which your cells turnover—aka speeding up the exfoliation process—retinol is a great anti-aging ingredient for targeting fine lines and sun damage. For the same reasons, it’s also good for combating blemishes, says Linkner, so if you’re dealing with adult acne, that oh-so-fun double whammy of wrinkles and pimples, this one is for you. If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it kind of is. Retinol has some big negatives, namely that it can be very irritating for many. You can help minimize its unsightly side effects (redness, flaking) by working it in to your routine gradually and sandwiching it between two layers of plain moisturizer. You also only need a pea-size amount for your entire face—more is definitely not better in this case. Because it’s rendered inactive when exposed to sunlight, be sure to save it for bedtime use only. Some people can be more sensitive to vitamin C than others and may experience some irritation, and it’s also very easily rendered inactive if exposed to sun and air. Look for vitamin C products housed in dark, opaque bottles, and stash them in a cool, dark place, like a drawer. Find this anti-aging ingredient in Renée Rouleau Vitamin C & E Treatment ($70; reneerouleau.com).
