The Best Anti-Aging Products For Your Money
Just because you’re anti-aging, doesn’t mean you’re pro-reading a lot of complicated labels.
By Ariba Alvi
If you’re confused by all the ads touting the latest-and-greatest innovation on the market, fear no more! We’ve sorted through the hottest anti-aging ingredients and broke-down the six most effective options to make them easier for you to understand. Best of all: once you’ve found your optimal ingredient, we’ve done the work of selecting products (in a range of prices!) to ensure you won’t earn another worry line in the process of shopping your new skincare regimen.
VITAMIN C
Ordinarily found in fruits like oranges, this is not your average vitamin. It’s a powerful antioxidant prized for its ability to shield skin from harmful free-radicals (think: sun damage and pollution) in addition to preventing melanin production, which causes dark spots. Vitamin C also boosts collagen production for firmer skin, while brightening skin tone.
Our Affordable Pick: Dr. Dennis Gross Color Smart Cleanser & Mask, $28; dgskincare.com
Our Indulgent Pick: Shiseido Bio-Performance Glow Revival Serum, $89; shiseido.com
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MUSHROOM
Used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, mushrooms are incredibly nutrient rich and act as a natural energy source for skin cells (which helps decrease cellular aging and keeps your complexion looking younger!). At a more basic level, mushrooms work to quell inflammation and irritation, which diminishes redness and calms skin.
Our Affordable Pick: Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced Face Serum, $71; origins.com
Our Indulgent Pick: Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Sculpting/Refinishing Dual Infusion, $360; esteelauder.com
HYALURONIC ACID
Don’t let the word “acid” fool you—there’s nothing harsh about it. In fact, hyaluronic acid is the gold standard in skin hydration. It’s a naturally occurring carbohydrate that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, to instantly plump skin and give it a fuller look (which, you guessed it, reduces the appearance of wrinkles).
Our Affordable Pick: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $19; neutrogena.com
Our Indulgent Pick: Indulgence: Perricone MD Hyalo Plasma, $135; perriconemd.com
ALGAE
If Algae doesn’t necessarily jump to the top of your mind in terms of anti-aging, it should! Its ability to thrive in some of the most difficult climates (think freezing water) makes it incredibly powerful. Algae also has the ability to protect cells at the most basic level, allowing for skin renewal, while keeping it strong against oxidative stresses like free radicals.
Our Affordable Pick: La Mer Illuminating Eye Gel, $145; cremedelamer.com
Our Indulgent Pick: Indulgence: La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Emulsion, $300; laprairie.com
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RETINOL
One of the OGs (re: original gangsters) of anti-aging, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is extremely effective in getting deep into skin cells. It’s known to increase the cell turnover rate—for smoother texture—and helps boost collagen production, so wrinkles don’t have a chance to set in. The effect: a younger look and feel.
Our Affordable Pick: Exuviance Super Retinol Concentrate, $78; neostrata.com
Our Indulgent Pick: Chantecaille Retinol Intense+, $140; chantecaille.com
PEPTIDES
Scientifically, peptides are molecular bonds of amino-acids that help skin produce the skin-tightening protein, collagen. In layman’s terms, they work with antioxidants and minerals to firm skin.
Our Affordable Pick: Sephora Collection Total Age Defy Night Cream, $34; sephora.com
Our Indulgent Pick: Dr. Brandt Needles No More Instant Wrinkle Relaxing Cream, $89; sephora.com
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photos: Jeffrey Westbrook
