Anti-Aging Serums should be an integral component of every skin care routine, helping reduce visible signs of aging while brightening, hydrating and plumping the skin. You can choose serums tailored towards fine lines, dark spots or enlarged pores depending on your specific needs.
Apply a serum after toning and prior to moisturizing in order to maximize its efficacy.
1. Retinol
Retinol is like the bronzer of skincare: overdo it and you risk irritation; find the sweet spot and it can smooth fine lines, even out tone and texture, reduce dark spots and boost collagen. Retinol works best when applied before bedtime as sun exposure deactivates it.
Carroll advises those new to retinol to start off slow. She suggests trying Dynamic Skin’s 3-percent Retinoid Complex serum which has continuous release for optimal skin hydration; additionally it includes soothing ingredients like Squalane and Beta Glucan for added support.
More mature skin may benefit from prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene, which are up to 100 times stronger than over-the-counter versions. But for those willing to invest time and money, Retinol Serum with 0.2 percent pure retinol may help reduce signs of aging such as fine lines, uneven pigmentation, skin tone unevenness, pores or other signs.
2. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol, extracted from Psoralea corylifolia plant, has long been used in Ayurveda to combat photoaging (dark spots and wrinkles), improve skin tone and act as an antioxidant agent – Koestline says this could even help fight breakouts!
Accelerating cell turnover and encouraging a brighter complexion while improving skin texture and discoloration fade is also beneficial, soothing irritation, redness, inflammation and puffiness around the eyes.
Bakuchiol may appear to be an attractive natural alternative to retinol, yet more research needs to be conducted on it before any definitive statements can be made about its efficacy. According to one recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, however, bakuchiol proved equally effective at reducing fine lines and improving skin color as prescription retinoids but without peeling or burning issues.
3. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring compound in our bodies that hydrates tissues and joints to keep them lubricated and fluid-free. Supplementing it through diet or injecting as dermal filler is one way to enhance its benefits; others use dermal fillers or products like face creams and serums with it as dermal filler injections or injections as dermal fillers to boost its effects.
Studies have also demonstrated how moisturizer can reduce dryness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.3
HA is an effective hydration agent, locking moisture into your skin while drawing more in. That is why products formulated with it often feel moisturizing and plump.
Note that not all topical hyaluronic acid formulations are created equal. A given formula’s molecular weight will determine its ability to penetrate skin; those with lower molecular weight tend to work best on the surface level and provide more of an occlusive effect, while higher molecular-weight ones have more water-binding capacity.
4. Peptides
Peptides, or chains of amino acids, are the building blocks of proteins and have many uses in skincare. Peptides have been proven to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production, strengthen skin’s barrier function, fight acne and heal wounds. Hailey Bieber’s Rhode line features an outstanding peptide serum which has won praise from Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab testers; this non-greasy everyday moisturizer contains over 300 peptides along with niacinamide and marula oil to plump up and hydrate skin – perfect for Hailey Bieber’s hairy locks!
Search for serum or moisturizer with peptides for use on your face; as they won’t wash off with water. They pair nicely with active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for maximum benefit. You could also incorporate more foods rich in peptides into your diet as well as taking a collagen supplement to maintain their effectiveness.
5. Collagen
Collagen is the body’s primary protein source and works like glue to hold tissues together. Thanks to collagen, your bones remain strong and resilient while your skin stays flexible enough for stretching without experiencing strain or stretching.
Collagen production declines as we age, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-age serums can help increase collagen levels to improve texture while firming skin texture.
Collagen can be obtained through both poultry and fish as well as high-protein foods rich in amino acids that your body uses to make collagen. You could also try creating your own animal bone broth or eating plenty of leafy green vegetables; but you may also find collagen products intended to restore skin elasticity or oral supplements which claim similar effects.