An effective serum will depend on your individual skin concerns; there is a range of ingredients designed to plump, firm, exfoliate and brighten. The top anti-aging face serums include antioxidants, peptides and retinoids as key players.
This powerful serum features two potent anti-ageing agents – prescription-grade retinol to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) soothes skin, as well as ferulic acid to avoid dark spots or oxidative stress.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant known for protecting against free radical damage and stimulating collagen production, thus diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, this ingredient also has skin-brightening properties and evens out skin tone.
Serums with vitamin C can also help protect against sunburn and maintain skin hydration. When shopping for one containing this ingredient, look for one with an concentration between 10-20%; read the label carefully to make sure you’re getting L-ascorbic acid as this form may be unstable and needs to be stored somewhere cool. Additionally, look for one in an airtight, opaque container so it doesn’t heat up in storage – and keep in a cool environment to store it properly!
Whenever your serum turns yellow or brown, it is time to discard it as its formula has likely oxidized and may no longer provide anti-age benefits. You could consider purchasing vitamin C products containing other ingredients such as vitamin E or ferulic acid to further boost its anti-age benefits and provide added anti-wrinkle benefits.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid (AHA) is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) most frequently employed in professional chemical peels at medispa clinics and increasingly available as at-home products and treatments. As one of the strongest exfoliators available, its small molecular structure penetrates deep pores for maximum efficacy, making Glycolic Acid an indispensable exfoliator.
Removing dead skin cells allows other skincare ingredients to penetrate more effectively into the skin and provide full benefits of treatment.
Glycolic acid not only gently exfoliates but it also stimulates collagen production to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming, even out skin tone, reduce mild hyperpigmentation (sunspots, melasma etc), as well as provide protection from sunspots or melasma. Used regularly it may even help prevent sunspots!
While glycolic acid is best-suited for oily and combination skin types, its benefits extend to dry and sensitive types when applied at the appropriate strength. Begin with low percentage strength application until your skin adjusts; gradually increase frequency according to product label instructions or dermatologist advice.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an naturally-occurring compound that keeps skin thick and flexible. It fills gaps between cells to keep them plump and firm preventing wrinkles from forming.
Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic anti-ageing ingredient, helping to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and give skin an aged-reduced appearance. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid can strengthen its lipid barrier to shield from UV radiation exposure as well as other environmental stressors that damage it over time.
Hyaluronic acid used in skin products usually comes in fragmented form that penetrates deep layers of your skin, helping fade fine lines and wrinkles as it penetrates. Hyaluronic acid may be combined with other skin-protecting ingredients like Japanese miru seaweed and vitamin E for maximum benefit, increasing skin elasticity as it penetrates. Injection of hyaluronic acid should only be done under medical advice as some individuals may experience pain, rashes, or infection after receiving injections – always consult a healthcare professional prior to receiving injections of any kind!
Retinol
Retinol works by binding to retinoid receptors in the skin and increasing cell turnover, thus decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, lightening hyperpigmentation, improving skin tone and texture, as well as helping prevent acne breakouts and fade stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight gain or rapid muscle growth. It also works to reduce acne breakouts and fade stretch marks (which appear when skin stretch due to pregnancy, extreme weight gain or rapid muscle growth).
If you have sensitive skin, you can still reap the benefits of retinol by choosing a more gentle formulation with slow release and reduced irritation. Look for serums containing hydrating ingredients like squalene or beta-glucan to support and strengthen your skin barrier strength.
Start using Retinol by applying it every other day until your skin adjusts, gradually increasing to nightly use over time. Be sure to wear sunscreen daily while using Retinol!
