An age-defying skincare routine for anyone alive who’s not Benjamin Button can help you get older gracefully. Although we can’t stave off wrinkles and thinning skin forever, the right anti-aging skincare products can help slow down the visible effects of aging to a crawl. In fact, with a solid routine, you can improve moisture content in the skin, prevent dryness, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

But what are the best anti-aging skincare ingredients and products to use to keep the skin as smooth and supple for as long as possible? With these top anti-aging skincare products, you can help stop aging in its tracks.

Retinol

Retinol is a known superstar for skin aging. A form of vitamin A, retinol helps encourage cellular turnover. As we age, cellular turnover—the process in which old skin cells are replenished with healthy new ones—slows down. Retinol helps keep the process up so you can continue to have younger-looking skin as you age.

Although most people go through an adjustment period when introducing retinol into their anti-aging skincare routine, you can expect to start seeing results within three to six months with regular use. Start by using a product with retinol just a couple of times a week before working up to daily use.

Consider: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream

Made with 1.0% vegan retinol, peptides, linoleic acid, marula, and jojoba oil, this cream can be used morning and night, but be sure to use sunscreen to prevent skin irritation or damage.

Moisturizers

Since skin loses some of its ability to retain moisture as we age, it can become dry and dull. Sebum—your skin’s natural oil—production also decreases with age. Dry skin is also more prone to fine lines and wrinkles, so keeping skin moisturized has a twofold effect: it helps prevent wrinkles and lines from forming in the first place, and it minimizes the appearance of the ones already there.

Regardless of your skin type, keeping your skin moisturized is a must for anti-aging skincare. Key ingredients to consider in your moisturizer include ceramides, peptides, retinol, plant-based oils and butter, and key vitamins and nutrients, including antioxidants. And if you’re looking for a moisturizer that can do more heavy lifting than the average Joe, consider a cream.

Consider: Earth Harbor SIREN SILK Multi-Tasting Hydration Creme

Formulated specifically for dry and rough skin, this creme contains a plant-based form of retinol along with vitamins E and B5 to improve skin resilience. Fruit oils from blueberry, olive, and avocado create a rich blend of omega fatty acids to bring on the glow and protect your skin’s barrier. Use anytime and let fully absorb before layering or heading to bed.

Serums

Serums are liquids that typically contain concentrated amounts of skincare actives. Designed to be used after cleansing, research shows that hydrating serums used in combination with a moisturizer can reduce dryness and improve skin softness. 

There are many different types of serums available, including vitamin C, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and retinol serums. Which one you choose for your anti-aging skincare will depend on your skin type and what you’re trying to achieve. For example, vitamin C serums can help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, while niacinamide can calm stressed-out or acne-prone skin.  

Consider: Josh Rosebrook C Bright Complex

This powerful vitamin C serum uses a high-quality form of vitamin C along with ferulic acid and vitamin E to help diminish dark spots and support a bright complexion as well as collagen production. Aloe vera, olive fruit oil, and a combination of rosehip and avocado oil also support skin tone and texture. Use both morning and evening after cleansing, toning, and hydrating.

Eye Creams

The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate. As we age and skin stops producing as much oil and collagen, the eyes are prone to wrinkles—namely crow’s feet, but also tear troughs, which can accentuate dark, puffy areas under the eyes. An eye cream can help keep the skin around your eyes smooth and reduce wrinkles. 

Some professionals suggest using eye cream starting in your 20s to help prevent wrinkles as you age. However, it’s never too late to add an eye cream to your anti-aging skincare regimen. If you struggle with dark or puffy eyes, try using an eye cream with caffeine to reduce swelling and dark circles.

Consider: 100% Pure Super Fruit Oil Nourishing Eye Cream

Pomegranate water, avocado butter, plum, and acai oils make this eye cream intensely nourishing. It also contains coffee oil and goji berry extract to perk up tired eyes. It can be used any time, day or night, to protect the skin around your eyes and potentially prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Neck Creams

Your neck skin is also delicate and prone to wrinkles as the skin around your eyes. You can use your facial moisturizer on your neck and chest; however, choosing a dedicated neck cream for your anti-aging routine may be more beneficial.

Neck cream can help improve skin hydration, texture, wrinkles, and even skin laxity. Choosing a neck cream with the same beneficial anti-aging ingredients you use in your facial creams can help keep neck skin soft and smooth as you age.

Consider: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Lifting Neck Cream 

This neck cream from Juice Beauty uses peptides, algae, vitamins C and E, and squalene to help improve the appearance of neck wrinkles and skin texture on the neck and chest. Apply morning and night after cleansing, massaging in upward motions.

Cleansers

Although cleansers may not appear to be the most important anti-aging skincare product, they matter more than you may believe. If you use a harsh cleanser, it can damage your skin barrier. This means that your skin will lose more moisture and be less protected from UV rays, pollution, and dryness.

Think of using the right cleanser as the most important first step in your skincare routine. Choose a gentle cleanser based on your skin type for the most effectiveness. There are many different types of cleansers, so you can experiment and choose the one that’s right for you. The skin should feel soft, not dry and tight, after cleansing.

Consider: True Botanicals Nourishing Cleanser

This anti-aging cleanser helps nourish dry or dull skin with green and white tea extract, aloe, and lavender. Use one or two pumps and cleanse your face gently as the first step in your skincare routine.

What’s Your Skin Type?

If you don’t know your skin type yet, find out by taking our free quiz. Knowing your skin type is crucial to finding the best anti-aging skin care products to support youthful skin at any age.