10 Most Effective Anti-Aging products for Your Skin

In the world of skin care, trendy new anti-aging ingredients are coming and going fast. (From breast milk to snail mucus, they're being touted as the latest and greatest wrinkle fighters. Seriously.) And sure, they may get a lot of buzz and attention, but when it comes to proven, true anti-aging ingredients - the big hitters that actually get the job done - it's a pretty finite list of effective options that the experts will tell you actually work. It's a pretty finite list of effective options that experts will tell you actually work. Each of the top ingredients boosts youthfulness in the skin in slightly different ways, and each has its own pros and sometimes cons. To help you navigate the skincare space, we've asked dermatologists to review 10 essential anti-aging ingredients. Here's what you need to know and our recommendations for the top anti-aging products Try them out.

10 Most Effective Anti-Aging products

1. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

This is technically a product, not an ingredient, but stay with us here. There is no point in wasting your time and money on other anti-aging ingredients if you are not faithfully using sunscreen. It is a provable fact that sun exposure is one of the main causes of all signs of aging, from spots to wrinkles and everything in between. Suffice it to say, daily sunscreen is an absolute necessity. That's exactly why broad spectrum sunscreens are included in this list.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens block both the UVA rays that cause aging and the UVB rays that cause burns, explains dermatologist Rita Linkner, M.D., of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. The recommended daily value is SPF 30, and it's important to remember that reapplication is also essential. You can find broad spectrum sunscreens, both mineral and chemical. The former works by sitting on top of the skin and deflecting the sun's rays, while the latter is absorbed by the skin to prevent the rays from damaging the cells. Mineral options are unlikely to irritate sensitive skin, but that's a matter of personal preference, Linkner says. And according to some of the latest FDA findings, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two of the most commonly used mineral sunscreen ingredients, have been found to be safe and effective. Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF50 Hydrating Shield.

2. Ceramides

The outermost layer of the skin is known as the skin barrier, and its primary role is to let in the good stuff (hydration) and keep out all the bad stuff (irritants). Ceramides are lipids that keep this barrier strong and healthy and seal moisture into the skin, says Chicago dermatologist Jordan Kirkville , M.D. From an anti-aging perspective, the more moisture your skin has, the younger you look. Ceramides help prevent irritants, so they're also a good ingredient to look for if you're prone to eczema, Linkner says. Ceramides have essentially no drawbacks, making them effective for all skin types. Ceramides are found in CeraVePM Face Moisturizer ($16; ulta.com ).

3. Collagen

Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the skin, and like the box spring under your mattress, it is the foundation that keeps your skin strong and firm. The problem is that our natural collagen production slows down with age, adding insult to injury, and all kinds of external factors (ahem, sun exposure) also contribute to collagen degradation.

It makes sense that collagen is an excellent anti-aging ingredient, but it's not that simple. Topically, it's not active, which can make a big difference, largely due to the fact that it's a large molecule that's hard to get into the skin, says Linkner. You may have seen a lot of collagen available for ingestion lately. Various pills and powders have flooded the market, touting all sorts of skin, hair, and nail benefits. Still, it's hard to get to the level of skin where oral collagen makes a difference, warns Linkner. Bottom line: take this collagen craze with a grain of salt, but it won't really hurt you, so give it a try if you want to.

4. Glycolic Acid

Part of a group of acids known as alpha hydroxy acids, this is unique in that it has the smallest molecular size, allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin, says Linkner. Glycolic acid features the traditional exfoliating effects of AHAs, gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells to improve skin texture, tone and pore size, Carqueville adds. However, glycolic acid also has another unique anti-aging effect. It boosts the levels of both collagen and elastin in the skin, which can also help prevent wrinkles. Warning? Glycolic acid can cause irritation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations, so start using it gradually to give your skin enough time to adjust. For a gentle introduction to glycolic acid, Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

5. Lactic Acid

Another type of AHA, this is usually derived from milk and is generally milder and less irritating than glycolic acid, says Linkner. It is a common anti-aging ingredient in both mild office peels and many at-home exfoliating products, and helps keep the skin more even and radiant. In addition, unlike many other exfoliating ingredients that can dry out the skin if not used properly, lactic acid has been shown to increase the skin's natural moisturizing factor, says Carqueville. Remember that skin becomes more sensitive to the sun, Linkner warns, so you want to be more diligent on your sunscreen game when lactic acid is part of your anti-aging arsenal. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance AHA Intensive Peel

6. Hyaluronic Acid

A fan favorite in the world of moisturizers, hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, drawing water into and trapping it in the skin, Linkner explains. This means it not only moisturizes, but can also hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, plumping the skin and helping to fill in fine lines, says Carqueville. (Unfortunately, these benefits are only temporary.) Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that occurs naturally in our bodies and produces itself until about age 20, making it very inert and unlikely to cause skin complications. Keep in mind that for this anti-aging ingredient to work most effectively, moisture must be present, Linkner says. In other words, if you apply it to dry skin while sitting in the middle of the desert, it won't work. Your best bet is to apply hyaluronic acid to slightly damp skin, or layer it with another moisturizer. Inky List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

7. Jojoba Oil

has become as popular as face oil, the concept may still be off-putting to some. However, jojoba oil is one of the best skin care oils out there. Derived from the nut-like sheath of the plant, jojoba oil is biomimetic and works like the oils found naturally in the skin. Because it's not comedogenic, it won't clog pores, is moisturizing, and soothes dry, irritated skin, Carqueville says. Translation: don't worry about breakouts. Jojoba oil also contains vitamin E. This means it may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bonus: It's equally effective at rehydrating your hair and scalp. Botanics 81% Organic Hydrating Day Cream

8. Niacinimide

If you're dealing with any kind of redness, inflammation, or conditions such as rosacea, Niacinimide is for you. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, helps soothe inflamed skin, says Carqueville. He adds that it is generally well tolerated for all skin types. It also has the added benefit of brightening the skin and helping to target unwanted pigmentation. This anti-aging ingredient is

9. Retinol

Also known as vitamin A, this is one of the most effective skin transforming ingredients, says Linkner. It's part of a larger group known as retinoids, of which there are many prescription and over-the-counter options, but to keep things simple, they all work essentially the same way.

Retinol is an excellent anti-aging ingredient for targeting fine lines and sun damage because it speeds up cell turnover, or the exfoliation process. For the same reason, it's also good for fighting blemishes, Linkner says, so if you're dealing with the oh-so-fun double-whammy pain of adult acne, wrinkles and pimples, this is for you.

If that sounds too good to be true, it's because it is, because that's what we're like. Retinol has a few major drawbacks. Namely, it can be very irritating for many people. By gradually incorporating it into your routine and sandwiching it between two layers of plain moisturizer, you can minimize unsightly side effects (redness, flaking). Also, only a pea-sized amount is needed for the entire face. Any more than that is definitely not good in this case. Be sure to save this product for use at bedtime only, as it becomes inactive when exposed to sunlight. Lancer Advanced Retinol Treatment

10. Vitamin C

This vitamin, taken when you have a cold, provides three benefits to your skin. Not only is it an excellent antioxidant, helping to neutralize skin-damaging free radicals caused by exposure to environmental factors such as the sun and pollution, but it also hinders the production of excess pigment in the skin, helping to weaken spots and discoloration. And if that's not enough, it also helps to stimulate collagen production (topically or ingested, FYI). Some people are more sensitive to vitamin C than others and may experience some irritation. It also becomes inactive very easily when exposed to the sun or air. Look for vitamin C products that are packaged in dark, opaque bottles and store them in a cool, dark place like a drawer.

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