It can be tempting to stick with the same beauty routine for decades, but as you age, it is best to upgrade your products and look for specific ingredients meant to hydrate, plump and smooth fine lines.
It is difficult to figure out which serums and creams actually work. Beauty gurus on social media rave about certain skincare options, like neck creams and collagen, but not all of them are entirely effective.
Luckily, Dr. Aya Ahram has told the Daily Mail the best products to buy at Ulta during the 21 Days of Beauty Event and the ones to skip because they are not at all necessary.
‘One of the products that I find unnecessary is a cream that is specifically marketed as a neck cream,’ Dr. Ahram advised, explaining that ‘most contain the same active ingredients as anti–aging facial moisturizers – retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and hydrators.’
Instead, the New York City–based dermatologist tells her patients to use their retinoid, moisturizer, and sunscreen down to the neck.
Another no–go that many TikTok beauty gurus claim is a necessity? Certain beauty buys that boast collagen. Instead, Dr. Ahram is a fan of using products with retinoids or peptides to stimulate collagen production.
‘Collagen itself is a structural protein in the skin that provides firmness, plumpness, and elasticity,’ Dr. Ahram said, adding that ‘topical collagen products are generally not very effective at boosting collagen because the collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin deeply.’
Dr. Ahram, who specializes in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology, spilled the best skincare products to leave mature skin glowing, hydrated and wrinkle–free.
It can be tempting to stick with the same beauty routine for decades, but as you age, it is best to upgrade your products and look for ingredients meant to hydrate and plump (stock image)
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a potent skincare ingredient that is used for anti–aging because it helps improve skin texture and firmness (stock photo)
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a potent skincare ingredient that is used for anti–aging because it helps improve skin texture and firmness
Retinols
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a potent skincare ingredient that is used for anti–aging because it helps improve skin texture and firmness, but it can be hard to decide which one will work best when it comes to improving pigmentation and reducing fine lines.
While dermatologists believe retinoids are a necessity because they can wipe years off your face, some can be overly harsh, especially when first added to a basic skincare routine.
Dr. Aya Ahram told Daily Mail the best products to buy at Ulta in every price range
The board–certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery, suggested CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($21) for sensitive skin, which Dr. Ahram said ‘contains an encapsulated retinol to increase skin cell turnover and boost collagen production to help with dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as licorice root extract to help brighten the skin.’
‘It also contains ceramides to help restore the skin barrier and maintain hydration of the skin,’ Dr. Ahram explained. The serum, which can also be found at drugstores, was developed by dermatologist and helps minimize pores and resurface skin texture.
The inexpensive serum receives rave reviews, with commenters on the Skincare Addiction Reddit saying it is one of the gentlest retinols and ‘works like a charm.’
For a more expensive but stronger formulation, Dr. Ahram recommended the Avène Retrinal 0.1% Intensive Multi–Corrective Cream ($68), which contains retinaldehyde, making it stronger than a retinol.
‘It contains glycerin, squalene, and thermal spring water to help hydrate and soothe the skin,’ Dr. Ahram explained.
The potent but still gentle anti–aging cream is a massive hit with Ulta shoppers, who call it a ‘little tube of magic’ and insist it brightens, tightens and fights wrinkles.
The $12 ROC cream contains retinols, antioxidants, and zinc and copper gluconate, which Dr. Ahram said help calm down inflammation and boost collagen
Eye Cream
While someone can look youthful, tired, darkened and sunken undereyes are a dead giveaway when it comes to age.
‘The biggest issue around eyes is fine lines, creasing, and pigment,’ Dr. Ahram explained, suggesting an under eye cream that contains active ingredients to help target these issues.
Her two favorite options are the La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti–Aging Retinol Eye Cream ($48) and the ROC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream ($12).
The La Roche-Posay, which is also available at drugstores like CVS and Sephora, contains retinols to help reduce the look of crow’s feet, wrinkles and dark circles, as well as helping with natural exfoliation.
The gel cream contains caffeine to help promote a brighter, more–rested look by decreasing puffiness and soothing the skin.
For a more affordable option, the $12 ROC cream contains retinols, antioxidants, and zinc and copper gluconate, which Dr. Ahram said help calm down inflammation and boost collagen to promote skin firming, renewal, and elasticity.
Dr. Ahram said peptides are becoming popular because they ‘stimulate collagen production, support skin repair, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity’
Peptides can also be helpful in lip products, like the Lip Plumper Peptide Treatment ($32) from Sara Happ, which contains hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E to hydrate, softens and nourish
Peptides
Peptides are the latest hot skincare ingredient, with celebrities touting their benefits while showing off ageless visages.
Dr. Ahram said peptides are becoming popular because they ‘stimulate collagen production, support skin repair, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity,’ making them a dream ingredient for mature skin that cannot tolerate retinoids
One of her favorite peptide products is the Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid ($32), from celebrity beauty guru Hailey Bieber’s buzzy brand.
Dr. Ahram said to look for peptide products combined with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help with skin radiance and texture.
Another solid but more expensive option is the Oak Essentials Firming Plant Peptide Serum ($98) which describes itself as a potent anti–aging serum that delivers long–term moisture for mature skin.
Peptides can also be helpful in lip products, like the Lip Plumper Peptide Treatment ($32) from Sara Happ, which contains hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E to hydrate, softens and nourish.
The Ordinary offers an inexpensive $9 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides that has received rave reviews for its ability to smooth texture
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is recommended as part of any complete skincare routine as you age, as it helps hydrate and improve the skin barrier.
HA can also plump fine lines temporarily, which makes it easier and smoother to apply makeup.
The Ordinary offers an inexpensive $9 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides that has received rave reviews for its ability to smooth texture, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
The formula is said to provide plumping hydration for smoother skin by locking in moisture. It also includes B5, which can improve the skin’s moisture retention.
Dr. Ahram explained that while HA does not directly treat aging skin, ‘it can work well in conjunction with retinols to offset potential irritation caused by retinols by providing increased moisture to the skin barrier.’
