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No skincare routine is complete without a serum, especially if you have mature skin and need to restore your skin’s moisture, firmness, and radiance. When formulated with the right ingredients for your skincare type and concerns, experts say that an anti-aging serum can transform your complexion and help you achieve that youthful glow it’s been missing. Keep scrolling to get all the lowdown on how serums work and to find the best anti-aging serums according to dermatologists:
What Do Serums Do?
It's no secret that anti-aging serums are considered to be the most sought-after products among the skincare community, but there's still some confusion as to what it is that they do for the complexion. These powerful products are designed to penetrate deep into the skin to deliver skin-healthy ingredients straight to the cells for optimal repair, hydration, and nourishment.
"Serums are skin care products that are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. There are many different types of serums on the market that perform different jobs, ranging from hydration to skin brightening," said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital's department of dermatology.
Some skincare experts even prefer serums to moisturizers for their ability to lock in hydration. Celebrity esthetician Karee Hays notes that a serum shouldn't necessarily replace your moisturizer, but it should definitely be used in addition to it if you're struggling with dryness and uneven texture.
"A serum is able to hydrate more effectively than even the heaviest creams," she says. "The molecules are able to truly penetrate the skin and hydrate on the deepest level, while the heavier creams more so sit on those top layers. Hydrating serums do not necessarily replace your moisturizer, but can boost the hydrating effects of your moisturizer."
What To Look For In A Serum
When it comes to finding the best anti-aging serum, experts suggest opting for formulas that are fortified with antioxidants and skin-healthy vitamins. "Antioxidant-specific serums are ones that prevent free radical damage and inhibit oxidation. Free radicals cause damage to the DNA and our cells," Dr. Debra Jaliman, New York City dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains. "Antioxidants complex the free radicals, which are missing a molecule, and neutralize them.”
It's also important that your serum adheres to your specific skincare needs. If your concern is dryness, dermatologists recommend choosing a formula that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, whereas someone with dull skin would want a serum with brightening agents like vitamin C or calming ingredients like rosehip oil and aloe vera. Those with who are concerned with fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture can benefit from using a serum that contains powerful anti-aging ingredients like retinol or niacinamide.
The Best Anti-Aging Serums According To Dermatologists:
Eau Thermale Avene Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum ($38)
What It Does:
-Boosts skin's hydration using a high concentration of avène thermal spring water.
-Delivers a more supple-looking complexion that is radiant and refreshed.
-Soothes skin and helps reduce inflammation in the skin.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
Dr. Jennifer David of Schweiger Dermatology Group is a fan of this serum for its hydrating properties. She notes that this is the perfect serum for those looking to combat dryness and get their skin's bounce back. "Pair that with fatty acids and glycerin, and together they help restore a cohesive, smooth skin barrier and prevent water loss,” Dr. David tells Oprah Magazine.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum ($80)
What It Does:
-Helps to replenish lipids and visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles using vitamins C, E, and D.
-Neutralizes pollution, environmental stressors, and the damaging effects of free radicals over time while brightening the skin.
-Formulated with a powerful antioxidant complex that gives skin essential nutrients, fruit enzymes, and a chronopeptide for a healthier complexion.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
This cult-favorite serum comes recommended by skincare experts for its vitamin C-rich formula, which is an important ingredient that helps restore skin's brightness and evenness while also promoting collagen production and neutralizing the damage caused by the environment. "It also contains fruit enzymes that gently exfoliate your outermost layers of skin. It has a dual effect: Not only does it smooth and brighten skin, but it helps the antioxidants of your serum penetrate more deeply,” says dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah of SmarterSkin Dermatology.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum ($17.97)
What It Does:
-Helps smooth fine lines and texture using Retinol SA.
-Brightens and even skin tone while fading deep, stubborn wrinkles and age spots.
-Hyaluronic acid adds line-plumping moisture to help hydrate, replenish, and rejuvenate the look of skin.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
This drugstore serum is an all-time favorite for Dr. Zeichner, who recommends it for its effective retinol formula, which helps improve cellular turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots over time.
"Retinol is a highly unstable molecule and commonly causes irritation to the skin, so it's important to choose the right formula to make sure you're getting an effective treatment that is well-tolerated," he says. "The delivery system of this particular retinol has been well-studied and has proven effectiveness, which is why I have been using it."
Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum ($72)
What It Does:
-Brightens the complexion while improving dullness and uneven tone and texture.
-Formulated with two percent hydroquinone to fade the look of dark spots, age spots, and sun spots.
-Exfoliating glycolic acid lifts away dull, dead skin cells and allows active ingredients to penetrate more quickly.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"For women with melasma or dark spots after a breakout, this product works wonders," says Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City, who recommends the Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin.
