There was a time (a long time, at that), after I started to get interested in Skin Carewhen i used to say “oh i’m too young for that” about many things products and treatments. For the most part, those days are gone. At 37, I’ve moved on from simple anti-aging products to more potent ones. And while my skin can be quite dry and sensitive, I’ve found products that work well without causing a lot of redness and peeling (with a little experimentation, of course).
Except Clear + Brilliant occasionally laser treatment (highly recommended!), I very rarely get facial care and instead prefer to spend money on skin care products that I can use over and over again. Considering that most people don’t believe me when I tell them I’m 37, I think it’s paying off (but it’s also worth noting that I try to stay out of the sun and wear at least SPF 30 on my face every day). Below, learn about 19 powerful anti-aging products that I can vouch for.
Skin Care by Dr. Dennis Gross
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
I don’t really mind that my eyes are a little more wrinkled than before, but I’ve been switching to a retinol eye product to help delay the inevitable. This one from Dr. Dennis Gross glides on without any pulling and has a satisfying jelly-like consistency. I’ve found that my eyes are a little less wrinkled since I’ve been using it consistently.
Eighty days
Regenerating serum
I get really excited the nights I use this serum. I don’t use it all I use it every night because it’s quite expensive, but I really think it’s worth it. My skin really glows the next day when I use it and I swear the lines around my mouth have diminished since I started using it. This is one of those products that I would be happy to have a lifetime supply of.
Shani Darden
Retinol Reform
After a run-in with a retinol product that was too strong a few years ago (but determined not to give up retinol), I started using Retinol Reform and I have never looked back. My skin tolerated this gentle yet powerful serum from the start and I think I will be a fan for life.
Alastin Skin Care
Retinol regeneration
This is another retinol product that I find myself tolerating. It has ingredients that help calm, hydrate, and soothe the skin. It’s so gentle on my skin that I think I could even use it at night (if I didn’t like testing so many different products all the time).
Augustine Bader
Creamy facial cleanser with gentle cleanser TFC8
I was so excited when Augustinus Bader introduced a bunch of new products to their line last year, all of which were highly anticipated and well-received. This anti-aging cleanser is one of my new favorites. It’s perfect for winter because it doesn’t dry out your skin, but still leaves it feeling clean (which isn’t always the case with moisturizing cleansers).
Skin Care by Dr. Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
When my skin is looking dull and needs a quick pick-me-up, I always rely on these peels. I reach for them when I need a good exfoliation. My skin definitely looks fresh and youthful the next morning.
Dr. Barbara Strum
Face mask
I first tried a small sample pack of this mask and was immediately convinced that I needed to buy the full size. It’s especially great after a late night or a flight when your skin is dull and needs an antioxidant boost.
Alastin Skin Care
Skin Restoration Complex
Another one of my favorite Alastin products (I have several) is the Restorative Skin Complex. I like to use it in the morning before sunscreen because it absorbs right in and is not greasy at all. Its powerful ingredients help restore volume and improve elasticity and its effectiveness on wrinkles is very remarkable. For me, this is truly a luxury product.
NuFace
Mini facial firming device
I get intimidated by skincare gadgets (and honestly, who doesn’t), but the NuFace makes me feel like a professional facialist. If you’re not familiar, it’s a microcurrent device that tightens facial muscles, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. You’re supposed to use it every day, but I use it a few times a week and still find my face looks noticeably firmer and slimmer afterward.
Tatcha
Violet-C Radiance Mask
I’ve never bought a Tatcha product I didn’t like, but this one is a longtime favorite of mine. This is what I like to call my morning mask, because it gives you a bright, radiant complexion (thanks to the AHAs and two different types of vitamin C) throughout the day. Bonus: It’s incredible how soft it makes your skin feel.
SkinBetter Science
AlphaRet Night Cream
My trusted dermatologist first recommended this product to me when I asked what to do about the fine lines around my mouth that were becoming more pronounced in my 30s. I gave it a try and she was right. It’s somehow both rich and lightweight, and when used at night, your skin will look noticeably smoother (thanks to the retinoid combined with the AHA).
SkinBetter Science
EyeMax AlphaRet Night Cream
I loved the night cream so much that I had to try the eye cream, and just OH. Not only does it fight wrinkles, it also reduces puffiness and dark circles. I tend to get red and dry under eyes and this product has eliminated that.
Skin Care by Dr. Dennis Gross
DRx SpectraLite BodyWare Pro
As far as skin care tools go, this LED device is about as easy to use as it gets. Just like Dr. Dennis Gross’ LED Facial Care DeviceThis product targets wrinkles, dark spots and body blemishes. I like to use it on the important neck and chest areas.
Tatcha
Ageless Revitalizing Neck Cream
Speaking of the neck, Tatcha’s neck cream is my go-to. It’s packed with antioxidants from vitamin C and makes me feel good knowing I’m taking an extra preventative step for my neck and chest, even if they’re not showing any signs of aging yet. (Plus, it smells amazing.)
Peter Thomas Roth
Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum Smoother
Peter Thomas Roth’s new Resurfacing Serum has had great reviews, and I can see why. The powerful combination of glycolic acid and retinol is effective, and the addition of hyaluronic acid and collagen is hydrating.
U Beauty
Combination Skin Resurfacing Treatment
This serum brightens, smooths, firms, hydrates, and protects. It can even be used under the eyes. I love using it when I can’t wear a lot of products, and it’s great for traveling. My skin tone and texture have improved dramatically with this little bottle.
Dr. Devgan
Microdermabrasion
If you want to look like you just had a $500, two-hour facial but don’t want to actually do (or spend) the money, get this $65 bottle. It’s incredibly effective (but not abrasive) and will leave you with youthful, baby-soft skin.
Fresh
Black Tea Night Mask
I’ve always been intrigued by the glowing reviews of this mask, and it’s definitely not a hoax. I don’t know how it works, but it left my skin looking firmer, more elastic, and incredibly hydrated (but not greasy) overnight.
Skinceuticals Cosmetics
Antioxidant lip recovery
You probably already know and love SkinCeuticals, but I’m here to introduce you to another great product from the brand. I’ve been making lip care a priority lately, and I find this to be a great preventative product to combat premature aging of the lips. It’s great to apply before bed—letting it work its magic while you sleep.
Next, 30 Books Under $50 That a Senior Beauty Editor Will Buy Until the End of Time.
This article was originally published earlier and has been updated.
