Starting a daily anti-aging skincare routine can be a bit daunting. To help you with that, we consulted Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist from Shafer Clinic in New York City. With nearly two decades in the field, she’s got a solid grasp on what works for common skin aging issues.
Dr. Engelman emphasizes that understanding mature skin is key to finding the right products. “I’ve honed my methods to keep mature skin appearing rejuvenated and healthy,” she mentions. She shared a list of seven effective products, all priced under $50. Some noteworthy mentions include CeraVe moisturizing cream, La Roche-Posay serum, EltaMd sunscreen, and RoC retinol cream. Also, she pointed out a few things to avoid when setting up an anti-aging regimen.
Dermatologist-Approved Anti-Aging Products
Don’t Buy: Harsh Physical Scrubs
Buy Instead: Gentle Chemical Exfoliant with PHAs
According to Dr. Engelman, physical scrubs can inflict tiny tears on the skin, which leads to irritation and hypersensitivity over time. Instead, she suggests polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to promote cell turnover while keeping the skin moisturized. “I personally recommend the Neostrata PHA Facial Cleanser,” she says. “It smoothens skin without causing damage or dryness.”
Don’t Buy: Alcohol-Heavy Toners
Buy Instead: Niacinamide Serum
Dr. Engelman cautions against alcohol-based toners, noting they strip the skin’s natural oils. “Try Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster Serum instead,” she advises. “It fortifies the skin barrier without dehydrating it.” Niacinamide is particularly beneficial as it works in harmony with retinoids and vitamin C, calming inflammation while enhancing overall skin health.
Don’t Buy: Makeup with SPF (Only)
Buy Instead: Tinted Sunscreen with Broad-Spectrum SPF
Dr. Engelman asserts that a good SPF is crucial for slowing the aging process and protecting collagen. “Relying solely on makeup with SPF might leave your skin vulnerable,” she warns. It’s better to apply a dedicated tinted sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, which also contains niacinamide and antioxidants for extra protection.
Don’t Buy: Unsupervised Steroids
Buy Instead: Azelaic Acid
Using strong prescription treatments without guidance is risky, as they can thin skin or cause irritation. Instead, consider azelaic acid. “My go-to is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%,” says Dr. Engelman. It brightens and calms the skin without harsh side effects.
Don’t Buy: Coconut Oil or Other Occlusive Oils
Buy Instead: Barrier-Repair Moisturizers with Ceramides
Dr. Engelman mentions that occlusive oils like coconut oil can clog pores, especially if you’re acne-prone. She recommends CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for its ceramides that help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Don’t Buy: Harsh “Skin Tightening” Masks
Buy Instead: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Frequent use of harsh masks can leave your skin irritated and stripped. Dr. Engelman suggests using the La Roche-Posay Hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate and temporarily plump the skin.
Don’t Buy: Night Creams That Aren’t Backed by Science
Buy Instead: Retinol Cream
Dr. Engelman warns about the many night creams that make lofty promises without science to back them up. “An effective OTC retinol formula can soften wrinkles and reduce signs of photoaging,” she notes, emphasizing that consistent use yields the best results.
