Updated April 19, 2021
Anti-aging skincare over 35 can be a little daunting. So many products claim to solve all of your products, turn back the hands of time, and make you look ten years younger.
Walk into any store that sells skincare and the options are endless. Do you splurge on some products and save on others? What ingredients are you supposed to look for?
A few years ago I interviewed my dermatologist and asked her what we should splurge and save on and her advice was so good! So many topical products just don’t deliver the promises they make.
The other thing is… why do so many people have such complicated skincare routines? Why are they using 8 products? The thing is – if you enjoy a lengthy pampering skincare session, do it. Skincare is fun to layer and I am all about self-care. But that is not for everyone.
Some of us have very limited time to dedicate to a skincare routine and want to keep it as minimal as possible with the best possible products. The truth is – you can keep your skincare routine very simple.
Today, I’m chatting all about the top 3 best anti-aging skincare products, especially if you’re over 30. If you’re looking to reap the benefits of some amazing anti-aging ingredients but want to keep it simple, this post is for you.
As a note and disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am an almost-38-year-old beauty nerd and research junkie. Here’s what I have found and some of my personal preferences.
Top 3 Best Anti-Aging Skincare Products
I made a video discussing my top 3 favorite anti-aging skincare products! I have a few suggestions in some of the categories, too, depending on your budget and what you are looking for.
What did you think of the video? Let’s chat more in depth about the products!
1. SPF
SPF may be “boring” but it is the thing you should be wearing 365 days a year, whether or not you go outside. SPF can protect you from light coming through windows and some can protect from blue light that omits from devices. If you use SPF not only are you protecting yourself from potential cancerous conditions, you are also preserving your skin’s youth.
My favorite sunscreens are the Elta MD UV Clear and the Supergoop Glowscreen.
The Elta MD is more mineral-based, works well underneath makeup, and great for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. If you’re not sure what to get, start with this! It’s recommended by so many dermatologists and skincare professionals.
The Superoop Glowscreen is more of a “fun” sunscreen that has a luminous finish. It really is like an Instagram Filter in a bottle. I like this on no-makeup makeup days or using it as a glowy primer to my makeup. Looks beautiful worn alone or worn with makeup! This is a “clean chemical” formula that I have not had any issues with whatsoever (not greasy and no breakouts).
2. Tretinoin (or Retinols/Retinoids)
Tretinoin is in the prescription-grade version of retinols/retinoids. Incorporating a retinol/retinoid into your skincare routine is a great start, but if you want to reap the full benefits and change your skin, getting a tretinoin is the way to go. All three products are derived of Vitamin A, which aids in collagen production. They’re all exfoliating to the skin and one of the proven skincare ingredients to really do what it says it will do.
The traditional route of getting a Tretinoin prescription would be through your dermatologist, but I personally prefer to get mine through Curology. Why I like Curology is because it’s more accessible, and that they develop you a custom formula. All you do is complete an online quiz and then you’re paired with a dermatology provider who will then prescribe you your custom formula.
Mine has Tretinoin, Niacinimide, and Tranexamic Acid. If tretinoin/retinoid/retinol can make your skin a little reactive and sensitive, you can start off with a very low percentage and build your way up. I’m very happy with my low percentage of tretinoin because I reap all of those benefits but have minimal irritation.
I use my Curology in the evening only, underneath my moisturizer.
If you use my Curology link, you can try it for free for your first month (only pay $4.95 for shipping). I have been on it for 8 months and it is one of the best things I have done for my skin!
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another one of those skincare ingredients that actually works. Vitamin C can target dullness, uneven texture, fine lines, scarring and more. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can prevent or repair damage to our skin cells.
L-Absorbic Acid isn’t the prettiest smelling ingredient (in fact, it smells like hot dog water… haha), but it works. The gold standard serum is the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, which is awesome. If you don’t have that kind of money to spend, I highly recommend the Dr. Brenner Vitamin C Serum. It’s made with almost the exact ingredients and is only $20 (I truly don’t know how they do it, but it really is so similar).
Another Vitamin C that works really well is the Sunday Riley CEO Brightening Serum. It is not made with L-Absorbic acid, so it doesn’t have the same smell. Apparently it’s made with a “more stable version” of Vitamin C. I find that it works really well and it’s a lovely serum!
I apply my Vitamin C serum in the morning, underneath my moisturizer and sunscreen.
I hope this was helpful for you! If you incorporate all three of these into your routine you are going to see a big difference. Use Tretinoin every night, and Vitamin C and SPF every day!
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