Anti-Aging creams help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone and improve its elasticity – three things our beauty experts were asked about when seeking out the ideal face cream to reverse aging for each type of skin. We conducted extensive surveys among these beauty professionals in search of an optimal anti-Aging treatment product to suit every need.
This formula contains bakuchiol (also known as natural retinol) to address fine lines and uneven skin tone, as well as rambutan to help firm and boost elasticity, and shea butter to moisturize.
1. Retinol Cream
Retinol is one of the most potent anti-aging ingredients on the market. A derivative of vitamin A, it promotes cell turnover and collagen synthesis to decrease fine lines and wrinkles and combat acne breakouts – and can even help control acne outbreaks! “Retinol should be part of any anti-ageing routine,” advises dermatologist Nazanin Saedi.
There are many retinol products on the market, both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription. Your dermatologist can assist in selecting which strength best meets your skin type; start slowly to build tolerance to it over time. Also be sure to use sun protection as using retinol can make you more vulnerable to sunlight exposure.
Opt for a cream that contains both retinol and glycolic acid to firm loose skin, such as La Roche-Posay’s Substiane Riche Anti-Aging Cream with Retinol Glycolic Acid Shea Butter which provides plumping effects while softening wrinkles – great for dry or sensitive skin as well as those new to using Retinol!
Another vegan and cruelty-free clean beauty cream option is this vegan and cruelty-free product from Greenfield that combines plant-based retinol alternative (Bidens pilosa) with red microalgae to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Greenfield advises layering it with serum that has niacinamide to avoid irritation.
2. Ceramide Cream
Ceramides are essential in creating the skin’s protective barrier and should play an integral part in keeping out moisture, toxins, and microbes that could penetrate its surface. Without its natural supply of ceramides, your skin could become dull and dry; to reinstate its own natural barrier look for a cream with a high concentration of the lipid; additionally this product should contain humectants like shea butter and hyaluronic acid to seal in moisture as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe irritation.
Studies show that topical application of ceramide cream increased skin hydration while simultaneously decreasing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), producing healthy, youthful-looking skin. Furthermore, this cream was not irritating and safe for use across a wide variety of ages and skin types.
If you want to add ceramide creams into your routine, take note of these formulas and choose one which fits with your skin type:
Though you can find ceramide creams with various skin-nourishing ingredients, moisturizing serums may be preferable as these won’t clog pores as easily. Be sure to choose one without comedogenic effects though for maximum success! As oily skin formulas may lead to breakouts, you should look for light serums containing ceramides as well as soothing and hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba oil. Eadem’s product boasts three different ceramides as well as other key ingredients like niacinamide to even out skin tone, peptides and squalane that nourish and refresh your complexion. With its light whipped texture that sinks quickly without feeling heavy, this serum also comes packaged in an airtight opaque bottle to protect it from light exposure that could render its formula less effective over time.
3. Hyaluronic Acid Cream
Hyaluronic acid, an abundant naturally-occurring substance found in skin tissue, acts as a “biologic humectant,” drawing water into it to produce a plumping effect and fill out wrinkles, according to dermatologist Shari Marchbein. One teaspoon of hyaluronic acid holds one and a half gallons of moisture at once; therefore it is widely considered the superior polymer (both natural and artificial) at retaining water in our bodies, as well as being the cornerstone ingredient in most moisturizers.
Be wary before applying any cream with “hyaluronic acid” written on its label; make sure it actually contains this form of hydration. Other products often use sodium hyaluronate instead, which has lower molecular weight and penetrates more readily into skin pores; some formulas also include niacinamide which is related to vitamin B-3 for brightening effects as well as helping with dark spot reduction and brightening complexion.
Customers with oily or combination skin might enjoy our testers’ recommendation of this cream that offers intensive hydration to combat fine lines and wrinkles, our testers noted. Its lightweight formulation means it can easily be worn under makeup without feeling greasy, while it doesn’t irritate their complexion like some retinol-based products can do.
This luxurious cream was a favorite among our editors, who named it as one of the top anti-ageing moisturizers for mature skin. Formulated with royal jelly and bee venom to boost collagen production and diminish wrinkles. Furthermore, bakuchiol–often considered a natural retinol–helps improve texture while dark spots are addressed as well as rambutan for increased elasticity – this moisturizer also comes alcohol and fragrance-free for sensitive skin types!
4. Green Tea Cream
Green tea is an antioxidant-rich botanical source, boasting polyphenols known as catechins that have anti-ageing properties. When applied topically in skincare applications, Green Tea helps protect the skin against UV radiation exposure while simultaneously diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as stimulating healthy cell production for enhanced skin cell health.
Green tea has also been shown to contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight breakouts, reduce excess sebum (which clogs pores and feeds P. acnes bacteria), as well as reduce dark circles and puffyness under the eyes, all while improving skin elasticity by increasing collagen production. In addition, these benefits have also been seen by increasing skin elasticity with regular consumption of green tea.
Before adding green tea face creams to your daily regimen, always consult with a doctor first. Certain medications may interact with green tea, such as quinolone antibiotics, birth control pills, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, anticoagulants and some antidepressants – it’s essential that you notify your physician if taking any such drugs as they could hinder its absorption and effectiveness in the body.
This moisturizing cream is specially formulated with eco-friendly Jeju Green Tea extract and seed to keep skin hydrated throughout the day. Plus, it’s free from paraben, mineral oil and imidazolidinyl urea! Plus its gel-based formula easily absorbs into skin layers for deep hydration – great for dry skin types! Additionally it boasts protective benefits from Vitamin E and Shea butter to defend against environmental stressors!
5. Vitamin C Cream
Vitamin C is a beloved product among dermatologists for its ability to brighten dull skin and diminish dark spots, wrinkles, and uneven tone. Plus it acts as an antioxidant against free radicals caused by environmental elements like pollution or sunlight as well as internal sources such as metabolism.
Lipner notes that for optimal results when selecting a serum, cream or face oil, L-ascorbic acid should be your top ingredient of choice – clinical trials have demonstrated its superior absorption over other derivatives of vitamin C. Products containing other acidic ingredients like retinol may irritate skin further.
Water-based serums are great anti-ageing solutions because they’re lightweight and can penetrate deeper into your skin, as well as being easy to layer with other skincare products and sunscreen for customization of an anti-ageing regimen. If you have sensitive skin, look for lower concentrations of vitamin C (10-20%) as well as products containing ferulic acid to keep complexion stable.
If you choose a product with an increased concentration of vitamin C, ensure it is stabilized with vitamin E and contains ferulic acid to avoid irritation. A formula with glycerin and hyaluronic acid will also hydrate your skin effectively.
For maximum absorption, Wexler suggests choosing a serum with a pH level between 3.0-3.5 to allow your skin to easily soak it up. Furthermore, dark glass bottles offer protection from light and air degradation and should also be stored in the fridge to prolong shelf life.
