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The ultimate guide to drugstore antiaging products

Want your skin to look healthy and vibrant? These drugstore products deliver the ingredients that can help you achieve glowing skin.

Published: August 30, 2023 |9 minute read

Written by: Deanna Pai

Several antiaging product samples, ranging from creams to gels, squeezed out onto a blue surface.

No one is getting any younger. And as we age, our skin's natural function changes, potentially giving way to new aesthetic concerns. "By our late twenties to early thirties, we may notice the first appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor in dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City.1 After that, forehead lines and crow’s feet can begin to emerge.

Dr. Castilla notes, however, that this timeline differs for everyone. "Sun exposure and sun damage from early and teen years greatly impacts how soon the appearance of aging will appear," she says. "Excess sun exposure, especially in lighter skin types, can even push the signs of aging forward by five to ten years."

The good news? Many skin care products can help lessen the appearance of aging. Here's what you need to know about skin aging - and which ingredients may help with the appearance of aging.

En este artículo:

What causes aging skin?

There are two types of skin aging. The first is intrinsic, involving the body's "inevitable physiologic processes," says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.2 These forces include genetics, age and, for women in particular, the rapid decrease in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause.

Extrinsic factors, on the other hand, are a combination of environment and lifestyle habits. These can include sun damage, stress, pollution, an unhealthy diet and smoking, notes Dr. King.

Skin care to reduce signs of aging

There are two main ways to address aging skin. First, you can make efforts to slow the effects of premature aging - which, as Dr. Castilla notes, can make skin appear several years older than it is.

For starters, it's a good idea to "ensure that you are using a daily sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 that is separate from your makeup," she says. Dr. Castilla also suggests incorporating an antioxidant serum in the morning and to consider using a retinoid at night. Those three strategies -antioxidants, retinoids and sunscreen - have the most amount of scientific evidence to back up their efficacy.3

And because aging impacts the skin barrier, it helps to use only "gentle cleansers compatible with your skin type and a daily moisturizer to support skin barrier repair," she says. Other good sun protection habits, such as seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, can also be helpful as part of a holistic antiaging, skin-protecting game plan.

The second big strategy is to address the existing appearance of aging. Keeping skin hydrated - and incorporating products that target the appearance of aging - can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. Exercise has also shown promise for delaying skin aging, even in those who begin exercising late in life, adds Dr. King.4

The takeaway: Using the right products can be crucial. Products that can protect from sun damage or that can deliver the benefits of retinol or antioxidants can be part of a strategy to help minimize and head off fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. And it's never too late to start using them.

Skin aging and sun protection

There are two types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays to be aware of: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA exposure causes aging effects and can lead to some cancers. UVB rays are what cause most sunburns and - of course - can also lead to cancer.5

Sun protection, then, is one of the first skills to learn. "Sun-smart behavior is the single most effective antiaging option," says Dr. King. In addition to wearing protector solar, she adds, this behavior includes seeking shade, avoiding peak UV hours (midday) and wearing UV protective clothing and sunglasses.

As for sunscreen itself, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of broad-spectrum SPF 30.6 (“Broad spectrum” means that it defends against both types of UV rays.)

Some options that might fit the bill are:

Serums for an antiaging routine

In short, it's tough to beat retinoids. For the unfamiliar, retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that actively impact your gene expression, notes Dr. King.7 "This makes them very powerful and capable of producing significant changes in the skin," she says. "They increase the turnover of skin cells, reduce the tendency of cells and keratin debris to clump together and clog up pores, increase collagen production and decrease discoloration." Basically, they're a one-stop shop for antiaging benefits.

Similarly helpful (and proven) are vitamin C, a potent antioxidant8, and hyaluronic acid, a humectant that hydrates skin. Look for them in a face suero, which typically features a higher concentration of active ingredients, to get the most bang for your buck. You might consider:

Moisturizers for an antiaging routine

Great moisturizers go above and beyond moisturizing. For one, some intended for daytime may include sun protection, offering built-in defense against daily sun damage. They can also contain strategic peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that act as chemical messengers in the skin, notes Dr. King. She cites a study that looked at the peptide Matrixyl, which appeared to stimulate collagen production in skin.10

And as we age, the skin barrier naturally weakens. "Ceramides are an important part of the skin barrier, so using a moisturizer with these included can help repair and maintain the skin barrier," says Dr. Castilla. "Hyaluronic acid can help draw moisture into the top layer of the skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines."

Good finds for peptides, ceramides and hydration include:

Eye creams for an antiaging routine

While some moisturizers can hypothetically serve as eye cream, a dedicated formula for the eyes will often have targeted ingredients for the area — and, as a bonus, look out for the ones that are ophthalmologist tested for safety.

In most cases, a good antiaging eye cream will depend on your concern in question. One helpful ingredient to look for is caffeine. "Caffeine theoretically can help constrict the blood vessels around the eye and decrease puffiness," says Dr. Castilla. "Meanwhile, retinol eye cream can help with fine lines and wrinkles."

Products for age spots

The best approach for age spots is similar to that for antiaging in general. "An ideal first-line regimen is an antioxidant serum followed by sunscreen in the morning and a retinoid at night," says Dr. Castilla. You could also supplement this routine with products that contain tranexamic acid or niacinamide for further improvements, she notes.12 And patience is also key: “In general, improvement can be seen following eight to 12 weeks of consistent use,” she says.

To get started with age spot improvement, check out:

  • La Roche Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum. This targeted serum can improve the color, shape and size of dark spots and reduce discoloration.

  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Fragrance-Free Face Serum. Seeing dullness and dark spots? This serum pairs niacinamide with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin as it evens out tone.

  • Hers Fast Fader Dark Spot Corrector. This serum pairs a trio of brightening ingredients — azelaic acid, niacinamide and tranexamic acid — to help fade dark spots.

     

    *Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.