This article has been updated to include more expert insight.
The shelves of Sephora and Ulta can be an overwhelming place — there just seem to be so many skincare products and so little time to try them all. But having every skin ingredient at your disposal isn’t necessarily a good thing because this banquet of options may distract you from focusing on key products that can hone in on your specific skin concerns.
It’s totally normal to experience the effects of aging on your skin – we’re talking fine lines and wrinkles, of course. But if you prefer to soften these lines, it helps to understand which skin ingredients will work in your favor so that you can save money, time, and the frustration of trying a bevy of products that don’t produce results.
Lilian Alishaev, R.N., and Family Nurse Practitioner at Manhattan Laser Spa who has been in the cosmetic industry for over a decade, is here to simplify matters for you.
These are the two ingredients you should alternate on mature skin to make fine lines and wrinkles disappear.
What are the three best ingredients for mature skin?
According to Alishaev, there are two magic elixirs of youth that should be in skincare routine of every woman: Vitamin C and Retinol. “Women really need to start taking care of their skin at a younger age, including incorporating any procedures that stimulate collagen,” Alishaev said. “Will any of the creams reduce wrinkles or fine lines in my opinion? No. Creams don't remove wrinkles but help to maintain the skin from forming those wrinkles. They are more to prevent and maintain the skin.”
We also checked in with Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, who also pointed out that applying a hyaluronic acid serum to freshly cleansed skin at night can give your skin an instantly more hydrated look. This ingredient, she says, helps "replenish and lock in moisture to the skin."
How do these ingredients help address signs of aging?
Retinol is known as a gold standard ingredient in skincare because the topical derivative of Vitamin A (also known as a retinoid) helps with cell turnover process, according to Alishaev. “If you never used Retinol start with a low percentage once a week before bed and increase the dates slowly, as it may cause an irritation,” Alishaev said.
As for Vitamin C, this oxidant is a powerhouse ingredient that protects against sun damage. “We all know sun is what causes our skin to age quicker,” Alishaev said. “You develop pigmentation, sun spots, wrinkles, etc, after being exposed to too much sun. Therefore, using vitamin C and sunblock helps to prevent all of that.” Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your routine each morning by applying it after your cleanser and before moisturizer and sunscreen.
Hyaluronic acid, Chacon says, is "also generally safe for all skin types, and rarely has adverse skin reactions as it is a natural substance in the skin," Chacon continues. This skincare classic also "functions as a humectant," Chacon stresses, which means it "attracts moisture and draws it into your skin via its large molecules." This ultimately "prevents water loss by sealing the moisture in," and forms a "protective film on the skin to prevent vaporization."
What other products/procedures do you recommend for mature skin?
Unfortunately, the solutions to your skin issues aren’t going to come from one bottle. The best skincare routine is one that incorporates quality products (sunscreen is key), wise lifestyle changes (like staying out of the sun and getting plenty of sleep), and in-office procedures.
“Recommendations can be given based on the condition of the skin,” Alishaev said. “It's not one formula that works on everyone, but mature skin needs more than just skincare. Treatments that boost the collagen production such as IPL, Radio Frequency, Ultherapy will help mature skin, as well.”
By alternating between retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid — and always wearing sunscreen in addition to considering procedures that can build collagen — you can keep your skin looking healthy, refreshed, and renewed.
