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Protecting your skin from the effects of aging is a practical, comfortable and even enjoyable way to engage in self-care. And while the anti-aging market is a multibillion-dollar industry, you don’t have to plunk down vast amounts of cash to obtain high-quality products.
We asked three experts to recommend the most effective creams, serums, and lotions for fighting the effects of aging. Best of all, these dermatologist-recommended products cost less than $50 on Amazon.
Dr. Martha H. Viera is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida, and she also cites sun protection as a basic key component of anti-aging skincare. She suggests finding a sunscreen that contains certain minerals, including zinc and titanium dioxide.
EltaMD is one of her favorite sunscreen brands, and this one uses zinc oxide and hyaluronic acid to smooth and soften skin, decreasing wrinkles while protecting against damaging rays. It glides on easily and absorbs into the skin quickly.
“The second thing will be a topical antioxidant of vitamin C or precursor of vitamin C,” Viera says.
She says La Roche-Posay is one of the most effective brands. Their vitamin C face serum is suitable for sensitive skin.
“The last basic step in a skincare regimen is retinoids,” Viera advises.
This anti-aging serum from La Roche-Posay is formulated with pure retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles, improve skin’s texture, and produce an even skin tone.
For eyes, La Roche-Posay eye cream uses a dermatologist-developed formula to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fatigue while being sensitive enough to use around the eyes.
Also, when choosing anti-aging products, don’t forget about your lips.
One of Viera’s favorite brands is SkinCeuticals. Their lip treatment contains powerful antioxidants that help prevent premature signs of aging and emollients that hydrate and heal dry, cracked lips.
Another anti-aging brand she recommends is Revision Skincare. This microdermabrasion cream scrubs away dead, dehydrated skin, leaving softer, smoother, brighter skin behind.
“There are also hyaluronic acid or products [containing it] that are great for the skin, such as Mineral 89 from Vichy,” she says.
This skin-fortifying daily booster hydrates, plumps, and fortifies skin. It is paraben-, oil-, alcohol- and fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Dr. Tiffany L. Clay, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, explains that the most essential weapon against aging skin is sunscreen.
“Allowing the skin to be exposed to ultraviolet rays each day is allowing the skin’s collagen to be degraded and welcoming fine lines and discoloration,” Clay says. “I suggest that everyone use a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.”
With a broad spectrum SPF of 60+, this sunscreen is hypoallergenic and oil-free, making it ideal for even sensitive skin.
Retinol is also effective as an anti-aging product, according to Clay.
“This is a vitamin A-derived topical product that enhances skin cell turnover, reduces the production of brown spots, exfoliates to give the skin a healthy glow, and increases the skin’s collagen production, which helps reduce the production of fine lines,” she says.
Choosing a trusted brand is essential.
“When shopping online, look for products that are backed by board-certified dermatologists and not fall victim to products endorsed by non-medical influencers,” she advises.
This nighttime moisturizing cream checks all the boxes. With retinol that gets deep within the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, this cream also contains vitamins B5 and E to help skin become soft and smooth.Â
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Clay advocates buying anti-aging products from trusted sources only.
“Be sure that you are purchasing authentic products from a doctor’s office or authorized product retailer, so you don’t get expired or counterfeit products,” she says. “Buying products that are expired or counterfeit may result in side effects [like] rashes, irritation, or an ineffective product.”
For a daytime face cream with retinol, Dermasil is another dermatologist-endorsed brand you can trust. This oil-free cream moisturizes and enriches skin with vitamins A and E. It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, leaving you feeling soft and smooth.
Dr. Sara Greer, a dermatologic surgery specialist in Southlake, Texas, recommends dermatologist-approved products that will keep your skin healthy, supple, and protected from the sun.
She recommends DRMTLGY sunscreen, which has an SPF of 45 and a fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free formula ideal for all every skin type. With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (vitamin B3), it also hydrates and plumps the skin.
The doctors offer some final yet vital thoughts on caring for your skin.
“I would avoid home remedy-type products,” Clay says. “I tend to see patients who have chemical burns, skin irritation, and dark marks from using vinegar, lemon juice, and other products they read would help their skin.”
“Keep in mind, not every product is perfect for every person,” Greer says. She also suggests checking with your own dermatologist to achieve the best results for your individual skin type.
About the Author
Tricia is a professional writer and editor who lives in North Texas with her family and one smelly dog. She is a wannabe problem solver, junk food maven professional coffee practitioner, web guru and general communicator. More.
