If you’ve become aware of the onset of fine lines and wrinkles or have been considering the application of a serum, night cream, and moisturizer to remedy them, there is good news in store. We have collaborated with certified dermatologists and skincare specialists to compile six serum recommendations suitable for novices in anti-aging skincare, alongside three suggestions for night face and neck creams. These recommendations possess the capability to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while also fostering a luminous, moisturized appearance perfect for the summer season.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology, Dr. HariKiran Chekuri, a dermatologist and the medical head of ClinicSpots, Dr. Jenelle Kim, skincare formulator and founder of JBK Wellness Labs and Madelyn Cusimano, esthetician for The A Method.
6 Anti-Aging Serums That Target Wrinkles, Fine Lines And Dark Spots, According To Dermatologists
1. Senté Bio Complete Serum
Kung recommends this serum for women over 40 and describes it as a "complete" serum that can be used at nighttime. "I'm a simple skincare person who just wants to use one product after cleanser and before moisturizer to take care of all my skin care concerns - discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and skin barrier repair," she shares, while explaining how this serum is effective for those reasons.
This product, while pricer than the others on this list ($118 via the Senté site), is a viable solution for those with sensitive skin, as it can effectively reduce the visibility of fine lines and result in a more refined and balanced complexion.
Moreover, Kung says it is gentle enough to be utilized by individuals who have never used retinol before.
2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Chekuri suggests this vitamin C serum, since this ingredient is a "powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage the skin."
A vitamin C serum like this SkinCeuticals classic ($208 via the brand's site) can also "brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and boost collagen synthesis," he says. Chekuri adds that it's best to use this serum in the "morning, before sunscreen, to enhance sun protection and prevent photoaging."
He also recommends "looking for serums that contain at least 10% of vitamin C, preferably in the form of L-ascorbic acid, which is the most potent and stable form."
3. Urban Skin Rx Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment
This serum-like formula is especially helpful for diminishing stubborn dark spots or acne scars over 40 while also promoting more supple skin, Kung says. "Some skincare ingredients that have been scientifically and clinically studied to help with discoloration include kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and bakuchiol, which are all found in this product," she explains.
For $58, you can grab this clean serum product via the Urban Skin Rx site, and Kung says it has the ability to effectively combat hyperpigmentation. Kung points out that this product's ingredients function to decrease the appearance of persistent dark spots, refine uneven texture, and visibly diminish signs of aging skin.
Moreover, it is gentle enough for use twice daily, enabling users to target dark spots and fine lines throughout the day and night.
4. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil
Chacon deems retinol to be a "dermatologist-recommended type of vitamin A" and a "potent ingredient in this anti-wrinkle serum that fights fine lines, dullness, wrinkles, and dark spots." She recommends keeping an eye out for Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil when perusing the aisles of your local drugstore for a retinol serum.
This serum, available at Neutrogena's website for $30.99, also "contains hyaluronic acid," which Chacon says adds "plumping moisture to help hydrate and revitalize the appearance of skin." As for how often to use it, Chacon recommends "applying to a clean face and neck two times per day."
A pearl-sized amount should be "distributed evenly and massaged in until fully absorbed," she advises. When not in use, Chacon says to always "replace and tighten the cap."
5. Paula's Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum
Chekuri also recommends experimenting with a powerful serum like Paula's Choice Phystoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum (currently on sale via the brand site for $34.30), designed to enhance the appearance of elasticity, reduce crepey texture and minimize visible signs of aging associated with estrogen decline when applied to the face and neck.
Retinoids, as found in this serum, are "derivatives of vitamin A that can increase cell turnover, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and even out skin tone," Chekuri notes. He adds that "retinoids are also effective for treating acne and preventing breakouts." A serum like this is "best used at night, as they can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight."
Chekuri also suggests "starting with a low concentration of retinoid, such as 0.25% or 0.5%, and gradually increase the strength as your skin tolerates it."
6. The Ordinary "Buffet" Multi-Technology Peptide Serum
This serum, known as "the buffet", purportedly provides age-supporting benefits to the skin through its multifaceted peptide formula, according to Chekuri.
Peptides "are short chains of amino acids that can act as messengers in the skin, signaling it to produce more collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity."
Peptides (found in this $61.99 serum via Amazon) can also "help hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and repair damaged tissue." He notes that "peptide serums can be used both in the morning and at night, depending on your preference and routine."
3 Dermatologist-Approved Nightly Face & Neck Creams For A More Supple Hydrated Look This Summer
1. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
This neck cream (which you can find on the brand site, Ulta or Target with prices ranging from $27.49 to $36.99) is known for its anti-aging properties, Kim says, and it contains niacinamide, amino-peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
"These ingredients help moisturize, firm the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she adds. Kim notes that ceramides "help strengthen the skin barrier, leading to improved hydration and a smoother texture."
Chacon explains that hyaluronic acid helps "replenish and lock in moisture" to the skin. "Hyaluronic acid is also generally safe for all skin types," she stresses. "It rarely has adverse skin reactions as it is a natural substance in the skin."
2. Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
This "thick, creamy moisturizer" is a "popular beauty pick" in French pharmacies, and can also be found for $40 via the brand site, Chacon says.
"Its soothing properties aid in the restoration and rebalancing of dry skin, and it prevents skin water evaporation by strengthening cell cohesion," she adds.
Chacon also notes that this $40 product can effectively "remove dehydration lines" to help your skin look supple and more nourished, as its shea butter ingredient "helps to reduce signs of aging, dryness, and dehydration."
3. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
This cream (which you can pick up at countless drugstores like Walgreens, CVS and Target with prices ranging from $19.99 to $21.79) contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, Kim explains, which help "hydrate and strengthen" the skin barrier.
"It also includes peptides, that may support collagen production, promoting a smoother look over time," she notes. Chacon points out that peptides are powerful "amino acids that combine to form particular proteins required by the skin."
Because collagen is composed of three polypeptide chains, "introducing peptides can boost your skin's production of collagen," she continues.
The Bottom Line
Overall, while these are nine go-to and often praised eye, face and neck creams and serums, our experts suggest visiting your dermatologist for more personalized and specific recommendations.
Cusimano concludes that skin creams work best for anti-aging goals when paired with another retinol product (your dermatologist can help you find one that suits your needs).
Retinol, she says, will help "feed the collagen and encourage cell turnover, while the peptide will help support all the progress the skin is making." Both, she stresses, "work on collagen stimulation and strengthening the skin."
