Incorporating serums into an anti-aging beauty routine is vital. They have the ability to repair and rejuvenate skin while it rests, such as hyaluronic acid and retinol serum used at night, or protect it from sun damage during the day, like vitamin C serum applied in the morning.
After consulting with top dermatologists and anti-aging experts, we have compiled a list of four must-have serum types that promote youthful and radiant skin in the winter, while reducing wrinkles and fine lines in those over 50.
Dr. Elaine F. Kung, M.D., FAAD, founder of Future Bright Dermatology, and Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, have provided invaluable insights and recommendations on the essential serums and how they can improve skin health and elasticity.
Keep reading to discover the reasons why these serums are indispensable and how they can elevate your skincare game.
4 Serum Ingredients to Try over 50 for A Firmer, Hydrated Complexion
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Chacon recommends applying a hyaluronic acid serum to freshly cleansed skin at night to give your skin an instantly more hydrated look. This ingredient, she says, helps "replenish and lock in moisture to the skin." Hyaluronic acid 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 points out, 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."
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."
3. Niacinamede
When frequently using a niacinamede serum, you'll probably notice a more glowy appearance overall, Kung says. "Niacinamide serums are helpful for your skin tone because they help regulate pigment and also help reduce redness," she says.
Apart from helping combat skin discoloration, Kung also says that she finds this common serum ingredient to be "beneficial for other visible signs of aging," such as sagging and drooping, and wrinkling. Niacinamede, she explains, is also known as vitamin B3, and helps to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent a loss of moisture which often leads to dry, dull-looking skin.
4. Peptides
Peptides are the result of the amalgamation of several amino acids, Chacon says, and these proteins are crucial for the health of the skin. "Because collagen is composed of three polypeptide chains, introducing peptides can boost your skin's production of collagen," she explains.
She adds that peptide-containing products such as serums can help to reduce the visibility of wrinkles by delivering moisture and hydration to the skin. Dehydrated skin is prone to premature aging, so peptide-infused skincare aids in keeping your face healthy, supple and radiant. Of course, in order to optimize your results, a nutritious diet and adequate hydration are essential, she stresses. "Peptide serums decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she concludes.
