Anti-aging means having an overall youthful appearance, which can mean having beautiful skin, hair, or just being confident in your own skin. Having that confidence often comes with age, because it takes time to own that femininity and all the qualities we possess. But taking good care of our bodies can translate that confidence from the inside out.
I love that skincare companies are going strong in catering for women over 40 or 50. We are the ones with the most spending power, and also, we are more interested in more complex skincare products (even though prevention should ideally start earlier).
In this article, we’ll make a list of the best anti-aging products (drugstore & high-end!), from head-to-toe, because everything needs attention, not just our complexion. All of the recommended items are products that I’ve used for a while and absolutely love, so please check them out!
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Our complexion begins to lose elasticity and structure as the years go by. This happens because essential substances, such as collagen or elastin, are produced in lower quantities because of the natural aging process, genetics, or outside environmental factors. The latter can mean anything from poor lifestyle choices, like smoking, or an unhealthy diet, to sun exposure, which causes oxidative damage.
Proper hydration can also make a significant difference for your complexion since it gives the skin’s ability to hold onto water, which offers that plump and fresh look. All these factors contribute to providing an overall youthful appearance that we all strive for.
Keep reading to get all my secrets for a younger and healthier-looking complexion. All of the recommended items are products that I’ve used for a while and absolutely love, so please check them out!
Best Anti-Aging Sunscreen:
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50
We can’t talk about anti-aging products without mentioning sunscreen – it’s one of the best anti-aging “ingredients” of any good age defying regimen! The sun causes a lot of skin damage since UV-rays produce free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the skin. This process will accelerate aging, something I’m sure we all want to avoid.
Protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging prevention measure you could ever take. This means avoiding tanning, exposing yourself to the sun excessively, wearing hats and protective clothes when needed. But for every day, the best thing to do is always wear an SPF, no matter the weather or time of year.
For the face, one of my favorite sunscreens is Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50. It’s a powder with a slight tint to it that comes in a practical packaging. You can dispense it directly with the incorporated brush, and you have a great base for the day and the much-needed UV-ray protection.
I always like to use mineral sunscreen, and this broad-spectrum SPF powder is natural-based. It also gives you a bit of color, so sometimes an added lipstick and some blush are all you need to look great.
Best Anti Aging Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, meaning molecules that impact our skin through the natural aging process, and through outside factors (UV rays from the sun being the biggest contributor). Vitamin C can reverse that process, and slow down further damage to our skin, making it a stellar anti-aging ingredient.
L-ascorbic acid is the pure form of Vitamin C, but it can be hard to tolerate for more sensitive skin. There are a number of derivatives that have similar properties, and may increase your tolerance in time. In fact, when starting any active ingredient, it is best to use a milder version or a very low concentration at first, and see how your skin reacts. In time, your skin will become more tolerant, and be able to tolerate something more powerful.
So you can choose a high-potency serum, like Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, with the pure L-ascorbic acid form, Ferulic acid that lowers the pH and helps the product be effective. It also contains Vitamin E that stabilizes the formula, since Vitamin C tends to oxidize quickly.
A milder option is Glossier Super Glow Vitamin Serum, perfect for sensitive skin. This has Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a highly stable Vitamin C derivative.
Best Anti Aging Wrinkle Night Cream:
Retin-A (Tretinoin Cream)
Younger skin often means more youthful cells. If that sounds a little odd, let me explain – the rate our skin cells are renewed has a lot to do with a healthier and younger appearance, and it’s referred to as cell turnover. The best way to stimulate that process is by using two powerful ingredients – medical-grade tretinoin and glycolic acid.
Both can be irritating and cause light sensitivity; also, it’s essential to know tretinoin is unstable to light, so you need to use it only at night otherwise, the ingredient breaks down and becomes ineffective.
Retinol is one of the best and most researched anti-aging ingredients. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and come in many forms: from the ones you can find at the drugstore, like retinol or retinyl palmitate, to prescription-only ones, like tretinoin or tazarotene. Take note that I’ve been using them for years, so my skin has built tolerance to them since they can be very sensitizing.
I’ve been using Retin A for years, meaning tretinoin, the strongest you can find on the market – 0.1%, with a prescription from my dermatologist. This goes in the deep skin levels and determines cells to reproduce faster, in a healthier way, and younger. The best anti aging retinol is the one you can actually use! Here is a list with the best retinol creams.
The results will be spectacular, from reducing hyperpigmentation to glowing, more even-looking skin. Retin A has proven effects in reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
If, however, you can’t go to your dermatologist right away, or want a milder option to start with, you can choose a retinol serum. Retinol is another form of tretinoin, of the same family of vitamin A derivatives. Olay Regenerist is an excellent option with hydrating properties, two retinol forms, and Niacinamide (a brightening ingredient).
Best Anti-Aging Oil Serum:
Bee Naturalz Anti-Aging CoQ10 Beauty Serum – Rejuvenating
Facial oils are all the rage lately and for good reasons. They work wonderfully to lock in hydration you’ve added to your skin when using humectants (ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerine).
It is best used at night because you don’t want excess oil on your face in the morning, mainly because oils break down makeup and sunscreen (remember oily skin doesn’t hold makeup as well as others, or that the best makeup removers are oil-based).
You can also use facial oils blended with your tretinoin if you want a more diluted version, maybe because you have some sensitivity on certain nights. To make it more rich and nourishing, you can even blend a few drops in your favorite moisturizer.
I’ve been using and loving Bee Naturals Anti-Aging CoQ10 Beauty Serum – Rejuvenating. As the name says, it has Q10 coenzyme, a powerful antioxidant that is skin-identical, meaning naturally produced by our skin.
The serum also has a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, rosehip (with anti-inflammatory properties, great for soothing and reducing hyperpigmentation), argan, and sea buckthorn oil. Another important ingredient is propolis oil, which has essential soothing and restorative properties and is a strong antiseptic.
Best Anti Aging Peptide Serum
Peptides are skin-identical ingredients, meaning components that are found naturally within the skin. They are a form of amino-acids that help build collagen and elastin; these hold the structure of your skin, so they are crucial to having a firmer contour.
The production of collagen and elastin decrease with age because the body produces it at lower rates. UV-rays by excess sun exposure further contribute to this process, causing early aging, and sagging of the skin.
You can start using a peptide-rich serum in order to build your collagen and elastin production. This will help you get a firmer skin and prevent further damage, making you look younger for longer. The Bliss Bright Idea serum is an excellent option because it contains three peptides, and an added powerful antioxidant in the form of Vitamin C.
Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams:
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
The eye area is very sensitive and mobile – we smile or frown with our eyes, so age shows very quickly here through so-called expression lines. There’s also the problem of dark circles that can make you look tired, dull, and older. Also, keep in mind the skin is at its thinnest here, so the under-eye area definitely needs lots of attention and care.
You can do many things to help this part of your complexion look younger, from keeping it well moisturized, soothed, and protected with proper sunscreen to more invasive procedures. The latter can mean injecting under eye fillers to reduce the appearance of dark circles, or Botox, for relaxing those deep wrinkles or fine lines.
I’ve also noticed over the years that I tend to wake up in the morning with more puffiness around the eye area. That is not a flattering look, so I found a fantastic solution in eye patches; I love Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches by Peter Thomas Roth.
They come in a jar, where they sit in a gel. The packaging comes with a little spoon, so you can just scoop two eye patches in the morning and put them in the under-eye area. You can keep them there for about 10 to 15 minutes, and they have a cooling effect that really helps with depuffing this area. The key ingredients here are:
- Humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin).
- Emollients (shea butter).
- Soothing agents (allantoin and an excellent licorice root extract).
- So many natural plant extracts that soothe and protect the sensitive eye area.
Another essential ingredient is caffeine, a powerful antioxidant known for contracting the blood vessels, essential for reducing puffiness and inflammation.
Meaningful Beauty Lifting Eye Crème – Advanced Formula
Speaking of that delicate eye area, I like to follow up on the eye patches used in the morning with a nourishing eye cream. I’ve talked about the fact that you don’t necessarily need a dedicated eye cream, you can use your regular moisturizer for the entire face.
It depends if you have different needs for specific parts of your complexion. For example, if having oily skin, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer or serum for the entire face and a richer formula for the eye area (that tends to be drier generally).
But there are some excellent options on the market, and one of them is Lifting Eye Cream by Meaningful Beauty, from Cindy Crawford’s line. It has a light texture and a great ingredient list. It combines humectants that keep the skin moisturized, such as glycerin, aloe vera juice, and hyaluronic acid, with soothing bisabolol and some plant extracts.
I like to use the Lifting Eye Cream in the morning, after removing my eye patches, and also at night. I put a few dots in the eye area and gently tap until everything is well absorbed. You can safely use it on your eyelids too, but maybe avoid that in the morning if having oily skin, and just go for eyelid primer, followed by makeup.
Best Anti-Aging Exfoliation:
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that reduces the dead skin cells layer from the top surface of your complexion. It’s an exfoliant that also stimulates cell turnover, making the cells reproduce faster and younger. This gives you a better texture and reduces dark spots and a dull look.
Several ingredients qualify as alpha-hydroxy acids, such as lactic, malic, mandelic, or glycolic acid, one of the most powerful forms. It comes in concentrations ranging from 5-10%, going up to higher ones of 20%-30% percent. For the latter, you generally have to have a prescription from your dermatologist or do professional peels in a practitioner’s office.
I use a 20% percent glycolic acid cream, a potent formula with excellent results. But keep in mind I have been using alpha-hydroxy acids for years, so you need to start at a low concentration and slowly build your way up.
La Roche-Posay 10% Glycolic Acid Dark Spot Corrector is an excellent option for a milder exfoliating acid. It has the added benefits of tranexamic and kojic acid for added brightness, and panthenol with soothing properties.
Best Anti-Aging Lip Treatment:
Beverly Hills MD Anti-Aging Lip Enhancer
The mouth and lip area are also crucial for our appearance. As we age, the lips tend to lose that defined contour and lower in volume, while the surrounding mouth area can get a lot of wrinkles.
Using a dedicated product for this area is a great idea, and I have been loving Beverly Hills MD Anti-Aging Lip Enhancer. It’s a plumping gel that you can apply multiple times a day. The gel hydrates very well and, in time, it gives your lips a more plump and full aspect.
I have to warn you that you may experience some tingles, but that is a normal effect; maybe avoid it if you are very sensitive around your mouth area or have highly reactive skin. The ingredient list includes hyaluronic acid spheres that are water binding, ceramides that stimulate collagen, peptides, and samphire extract, with great humectant properties.
Best Anti-Aging Neck Creams:
The body can also be an important factor that shows our age, not just our complexion. Especially the neck and chest area can get wrinkly and saggy because the skin has less firm structure to cling to around these parts. Plus, sun damage can cause early aging and dark spots that further contribute to a not-so-youthful appearance.
Alchimie Forever Firming Gel for Neck and Bust
I like to use a dedicated product for the neck and chest area, and lately, I’ve been loving Alchimie Forever Firming Gel for Neck and Bust. It is a gel texture that absorbs instantly, and I like to put it on my hands, then layer it on my chest and neck, with upward circular motions.
The product has a firming and hydrating effect, with ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, for retaining moisture, natural plant extracts like green tea and rosemary that have soothing properties.
By using the Alchimie Forever Firming Gel, my neck and chest area are always well moisturized and look better and more firm. Keep in mind I have had IPL done for the chest area, so getting rid of those dark spots contributes a lot to have an even, youthful appearance.
Best Anti-Aging Hand Cream:
The hands are another problematic area since they are probably the most exposed area of our entire body. They get a lot of contact with water, different substances, and detergents, so breaking the skin barrier keeps everything protected and in balance is very easy.
The hands also get a lot of sun exposure in everyday life, just driving or walking down the street. So premature aging and a lot of hyperpigmentation are a given around this area, and those elements make us look older.
NIA24 Age Recovery for Décolletage and Hands
As stated above, our hands are probably the most exposed part of our body, and they often suffer from sun damage and lack of hydration. It is essential to protect the skin here as best you can by avoiding touching harsh detergents and using a very gentle cleanser with a 5.5 pH so you don’t disrupt the skin barrier.
Of course, an essential part of protecting those hands is keeping them well-nourished, with a proper cream. This is why I love this next product – NIA24 Age Recovery for Decolletage and Hands. It has a rich texture that soothes and gives instant moisture for an overall restorative effect.
The ingredient list on this hand cream is truly impressive: potent antioxidants (like white tea and vitamin E), plant extracts with soothing properties (green tea), light oils that lock in moisture (borage oil, squalene, evening primrose oil). It also includes calming ingredients, such as panthenol (vitamin B5), and licorice root extract that also has whitening properties, excellent for reducing hyperpigmentation.
Best Anti-Aging Body Lotion:
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Even though the face, hands, neck & chest area are the ones that most ”betray” our age, we shouldn’t neglect the rest of our body. Our skin deserves to be well taken care of, with proper moisturizing and protection.
Lately, I have been loving this Brazilian Bum Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro, which is the secret to that perfect Brazilian firm skin. It has many natural extracts, such as acai, a potent antioxidant, and guarana, which contains twice as much caffeine than the actual coffee plant; this means it has great anti-inflammatory properties and constrict blood vessels, giving the skin a tighter, firmer appearance.
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is rich in emollients, like coconut oil and Cupuacu butter (can hold water, restoring firmness and elasticity to the skin). I love using this year-round, but especially in the summer months, when I know, I’ll be wearing shorts or bikinis on holidays.
Best Anti-Aging Tanning Lotion:
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops in Dark – Bronzed Glow
As stated above, too much sun exposure is a no-no because it causes oxidative damage and accelerates aging. But we all strive for that bronzed look, that island glow like we’ve just returned from a fantastic holiday.
If you want that subtle look for yourself, look no further than this following product! I am talking about Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops. It is a liquid, almost water-like texture in a spray bottle.
The application is effortless, you can spray it directly onto your skin and then rub it in with the pad, or I like to spray it on the pad directly and massage it until it’s absorbed. It has no smell to it, which is very rare when it comes to self tanners, and a hydrating film.
Another plus for this self-tanning water is that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and organic, things I always appreciate in skincare products.
Best Anti-Aging Haircare
Believe it or not, hair can also be an element that makes you look older. Our hair thins out as the years go by and becomes more dull, dry, and looks lifeless.
So taking special care of it is a must, especially as we grow older. This can make you feel more confident and improve your mood considerably – after all, who doesn’t want thicker, more luscious hair?
Oribe Gold Lust Pre-shampoo Intensive Treatment
As previously mentioned, hair tends to become more dry and brittle as we get older. So it needs a lot more care and nourishment than before unless you are those 1% lucky people who have naturally luscious hair!
For extra-hydration, I love Gold Lust Pre-Shampoo Intensive Treatment by Oribe. It is a thick paste that you leave into your hair before washing for as long as you can. I usually leave it for about an hour before hopping in the shower, and the results are visible!
There is nothing like a deep conditioning treatment before you shower because I feel like just shampoo and regular conditioner are not enough.
Healium Hair Quick Fix Leave-In Treatment
Following up with the pre-shampoo treatment from Oribe, I like to also add a leave-in conditioner for my hair after the shower. My favorite one is Quick Fix Leave-In Treatment from the Healium Hairline.
This leave-in treatment has many botanical extracts, it moisturizes and protects your hair from the sun since it includes sunscreen. It also detangles, so you get the benefit of preventing breakage as well. The Healium Hair Quick Fix Leave-In Treatment is color-safe, meaning it won’t affect your color with regular usage.
Best Products for Your Teeth
Teeth are an important element of our general appearance because they tend to get frailer and stained with age. A white, radiant smile is the perfect way to have that glowing, youthful look about you.
But of course, teeth are not just about looks, but more importantly, about health. So remember to keep excellent hygiene and visit your doctor regularly.
Opalescence Go 15% Mint
Opalescence Go 15% Mint, is an amazing product to use at home for keeping that bright smile. It includes sets of trays, one for upper and one for lower teeth, that you put on, and they leave a soft, clear film.
To achieve the desired result, you only need to leave them on for 30 minutes and repeat as often as necessary. I’ve found they work wonderfully to whiten and keep my smile bright for a long time.
More anti aging tips
We can do many things to look and feel younger, starting with regular exercise, a balanced diet, taking well-chosen supplements, and leading an overall balanced life. Skincare is an essential part of that – the right products can maintain your skin looking youthful for longer and even repair the damage, like wrinkles or dark spots.
But, at the end of the day, skincare is not just about slathering some products onto your skin. It’s more about the ritual, those moments you pause to take care of yourself and feel pampered, beautiful, and restored with all your positive energy.
Always remember to give yourself those precious moments as often as you can!
