The skincare market is flooded with anti-aging products, fine-line reducing serums and anti-wrinkle creams, often prompting the question:‘Do they really work?’ While some dismiss them as marketing gimmicks, others have faith in their efficacy. According to Dr. Benjamin Barankin, medical director and founder of the Toronto Dermatology Centre, “anti-aging products can work.”
Ingredients such as “retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs, peptides, and growth factors, among others, are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” he tells Yahoo Canada. While anti-aging skin care products are not miracle workers, they do offer a ton of benefits. Active ingredients can “improve the texture of the skin, give more glow, and fade and prevent sun-caused brown spots,” he explains.
Which skincare products and ingredients actually work when it comes to anti-aging? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Best anti-aging skincare brands, according to a dermatologist
Barankin recommends high-end medical-grade skincare, including ZO, SkinCeuticals, and Skin Medica, for the best results as they contain “beneficial ingredients.” However, you don’t need to spend a ton to see results. Many Neutrogena products also feature “high-quality” active ingredients with the “correct concentration” to yield results, he explains.
Skinceuticals
This patented ceramide cream refills cellular lipids and restores the skin’s moisture barrier to nourish dry skin.
Neutrogena
Vitamin C
If you’ve ever thought retinol, collagen, and vitamin C were just skincare jargon, Barankin clears the air: “The ingredients work.” The secret to success is consistency. “The more consistent you are, the better the results. The best way to introduce acid-based products into your skincare routine is to use them sparingly at first and work your way up, as they can cause irritation like redness, dryness, stinging, and peeling when used too aggressively,” he explains.
Vitamin C, in particular, “helps minimize the exposure to pollution,” that could potentially expedite the signs of aging.
Air pollution is one of the leading causes of skin damage, including dark spots and wrinkles, due to oxidative stress. Studies have shown that products containing ferulic acid and vitamin C significantly help counter the effects of pollutants due to their potent antioxidant properties.
Skinceuticals
The brand’s bestselling vitamin C serum delivers advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Neutrogena
These 20 per cent vitamin C serum capsules help fight the signs of aging by reducing the look of dark spots.
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, are “useful for hydration” and also have anti-inflammatory effects,” Barankin tells Yahoo Canada. “There’s a reason every dermatologist uses them.”
Not all hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums are created equally, but Barankin is a fan of the MATKAS Korean Triple Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The serum is formulated with vitamins and peptides, which gives users a youthful glow if used consistently.
MATKAS
Sunscreen
It’s a tale as old as time, but it bears repeating: Sunscreen and sun protection are “critical to preventing wrinkles and sun damage,” Barankin says.
Sunscreen is the most imperative step in skincare as it delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by fighting sun damage such as UV rays.
Skinceuticals
Neutrogena
Collagen
Studies have also shown that collagen supplements help the onset of visible signs of aging. Collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when administered orally. Additionally, collagen can reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Sports Research
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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