Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you’re browsing your favorite skincare store? Not sure which serums and supplements are worth investing in? AST is here to help!

When it comes to anti-aging, many people tend to be preoccupied with addressing outwardly visible signs like discoloration, wrinkles, and dullness. However, some actives can help replace crucial lipids and proteins that make up the foundation of your skin. With sustained use, they can help reduce existing concerns and prevent them from cropping up again in the future. 

We’ll cover both sides of the issue, identifying must-have ingredients that rejuvenate the surface and others that work deeper in the skin matrix for long-term renewal. 

Retinol

When it comes to age-related collagen deficiency, retinol is an absolute powerhouse, but that’s not all it can do!

With consistent use, this vitamin A derivative can address age spots, uneven texture, uneven tone, and fine lines by increasing the rate of surface cell turnover and helping stimulate blood vessel production. 

Our Favorite Retinol Skincare:

Hydroxy Acids

Also known as fruit acids, hydroxy acids are split into two main categories: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Each of the groups has a particular anti-aging effect on our skin.

AHAs, including glycolic and lactic acid, break the bonds between epidermal cells, making them excellent exfoliants. Their use results in softer, supple skin, reduced fine lines, better moisture retention, and a more even skin tone. 

BHAs, the most popular of which is salicylic acid, are attracted to the lipids in our sebaceous follicles, making them ideal for those with oily skin. They are best for deep cleansing pores of excess sebum and sloughing away compacted dead skin cells. This can help keep breakouts, including menopause-related acne, under control. 

Our Favorite Hydroxy Acid Skincare:

Vitamin C

Topical vitamin C gives you a more youthful glow, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and buffs out rough patches for an overall more beautiful complexion. It can also help prevent further signs of aging by providing an additional layer of antioxidant protection against UV rays and free radical damage. 

Our Favorite Vitamin C Skincare:

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has long been lauded as a holy grail of skin health, thanks to its antioxidant properties and ability to stimulate blood circulation. Because your skin cells are getting more water, oxygen, and nutrients, the cells can regenerate faster, so it’s a must-have for addressing hyperpigmentation, reducing wrinkles and scarring, and keeping your pout supple. 

We recommend adding vitamin E to your nightly skincare routine, as the thick texture can take some time to absorb, making applying other products on top of it more difficult. 

You can also take supplement capsules to boost your immune system, prompt healthy cell regeneration, and give your skin a glow from the inside out. 

Our Favorite Vitamin E Skincare:

Niacinamide

In clinical trials and anecdotal client results, niacinamide (vitamin B3) has proven itself a hero of anti-aging skincare. It improves photoaging damage– fine lines, uneven texture, and age spots– and reduces skin sallowness, neutralizes redness, and improves overall skin elasticity. 

It’s also a powerful antioxidant and stimulates your body’s natural ceramide production, further boosting your skin’s essential protective barrier. 

Our Favorite Niacinamide Skincare:

Ceramides

Speaking of ceramides, this anti-aging ingredient has gotten more attention from the skincare community lately, and for a good reason! The skin surface is naturally made up of about 50% ceramides, a lipid that helps maintain your hydration levels by sealing the open areas between the cells. With age comes a marked decrease in ceramides, leading to dehydration, redness, irritation, flaking, and sensitivity, no matter how religiously you apply moisturizers. 

Look for products that pair humectants to draw moisture into the skin with ceramides to lock it in. 

Our Favorite Ceramide Skincare: