Serums are indispensable in a comprehensive anti-aging beauty regimen. They can repair and rejuvenate skin during rest periods, like hyaluronic acid and retinol serum used at night, or shield skin from sun damage throughout the day, such as vitamin C serum applied in the morning.
In consultation with dermatologists and anti-aging experts, we have identified three must-have serums that can help achieve youthful and luminous skin, aside from the three popular ones mentioned above.
We gained insights and recommendations from Dr. Elaine F. Kung, M.D., FAAD, dermatologist and the founder of Future Bright Dermatology and Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team. Read on to discover why these serums are essential and how they can improve skin health and elasticity.
First Off, The Main Essentials— Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol
If you're someone who is either a beginner in the realm of anti-aging skincare or a seasoned expert, then you're probably aware of the plethora of advantages that come with using vitamin C during the day, such as reducing fine lines and enhancing the brightness of your skin. Additionally, hyaluronic acid at night is extremely effective at providing your skin with ample amounts of moisture and hydration.
Furthermore, retinol is an excellent option to incorporate into your routine either on a daily basis or once a week, as it can significantly boost collagen production. “The fountain of youth in skincare” aka the products most likely to help you reach your anti-aging goals, Kung says, revolve around the following checklist.
“[The products you use need to] provide sun protection from UV damage, use antioxidants as protection from UV and air pollutant damage, have building blocks for collagen synthesis, help with fine lines and wrinkles and provide moisture to repair the skin barrier,” Kung explains.
With that said, let’s get into 3 other serums that can help you boost collagen, smooth your skin texture and improve its complexion, according to experts.
2 Additional Serums to Try for A Firmer Complexion
1. Peptides
Peptides, amino acids that are vital building blocks for skin proteins like collagen and elastin, are produced by your body. Kung suggests that incorporating a peptide-rich serum can result in skin that appears more youthful, firm, and supple. “Peptides are amino acids that are building blocks that can be used for collagen synthesis,” she says.
“Peptides in serums or creams can penetrate the skin barrier, whereas collagen itself is too bulky.” She recommends a peptide-based serum rather than a collagen cream since “collagen creams only sit on top of the skin as a glorified moisturizer, whereas peptides in serums have been clinically shown to help.”
2. Glycolic Acid
Skin firmness, plumpness, and elasticity are all characteristics of collagen, the vital protein. Stimulating its production is necessary for anti-aging skincare, and this can be done with the help of gycolic acid, Chacon says.
Glycolic acid, a collagen-boosting skincare ingredient, brings about a range of beneficial effects on your complexion, she notes, from smoothing away wrinkles and lines to enhancing tone and texture. "Glycolic acid is my favorite ingredient that is rejuvenating with anti-aging properties other than retinol," says Chacon, who notes that it is also a "skin brightener."
She goes on: "I have many skincare products that contain it including cleansers, lotions, and serums. It has never stung my skin or caused irritation in any way." The more you know!
