Even for magnificence specialists like us, anti-aging skincare can typically really feel frivolous, if not downright useless. We all know we’re fortunate to be growing old in any respect! Why can we obsess over a coupla jowls and a few eyelid crinkling? Who cares about crepey neck pores and skin? What of it in case your once-defined chin is now a jiggly turkey wattle? The world is a harsh place, there are extra vital points to take up mind area! However this is the reality: Adjusting to growing old pores and skin and an growing old face isn’t straightforward (for all kinds of causes— societal ageism, grieving one’s youth, and so forth). Even at our most constructive and accepting, it is may be an ongoing problem to observe our jawlines sink, to witness the looks of unpleasant darkish spots and wrinkles, to really feel as for those who look drained on a regular basis on account of under-eye baggage or indignant on account of frown traces.
And, whereas there are myriad methods to eradicate these points in a dermatologist’s or facial surgeon’s workplace (and by handing over mountains of money), step one towards wholesome, youthful-looking pores and skin is to take care of a constant, high-quality skincare routine that works on your specific wants. “As we age, our pores and skin can not recuperate or restore itself prefer it used to when it was youthful,” says Beverly Hills beauty dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, “we have to assist it in new and alternative ways.”
As two over-40 magnificence editors, we speak to pores and skin specialists and check anti-aging merchandise for a residing. Over the previous 12 months, we have consulted dozens of dermatologists like Shamban to seek out what goes into the “supreme” anti-aging skincare routine. We have researched and reviewed tons of of merchandise to determine every part from the very best vitamin C serum to the very best face moisturizer. Although everybody’s dermatological wants are completely different — and there aren’t any “miracle” merchandise that can flip again the clock — by prioritizing pores and skin well being, using clinically-proven substances and persistently following a couple of common guidelines, we can maintain our faces mushy, supple and extra glowing general. Learn on for our favourite anti-aging merchandise of the 12 months (up to now).
Desk of contents:
Greatest anti-aging skincare merchandise of 2024 (up to now)
Advantages: Collagen boosting, wrinkle softening, complexion smoothing, redness decreasing, brown spot diminishing | Formulation: Versatile silicone masks | Pores and skin Kind: All, however particularly good for older pores and skin | System specs: 132 purple and near-infrared bulbs
OK, let’s simply get this out of the best way upfront: Carrying an LED face masks makes you look each ridiculous and terrifying, like a Jetsons-era zombie out for Astro’s blood. These gadgets work when focused, long-wavelength LED purple mild penetrates completely different layers of your pores and skin, stimulating collagen manufacturing and sending your pores and skin’s pure therapeutic course of into overdrive alongside the best way. For any sort of outcomes, you must use the masks persistently, for 10 minutes per day, day-after-day, and in that 10 minutes you’ll for positive freak out anybody who encounters you, together with your partner and even your cat.
However this is the excellent news: These suckers WORK. Inside days of utilizing CurrentBody’s Mild Remedy Masks, my pores and skin seemed tighter, notably round my cheekbones. Inside six weeks, the wrinkles on my brow appeared much less deep and so did these round my mouth. Inside two months, my complexion was clearer general.
CurrentBody’s model is my favourite of all of the LED masks I’ve tried for a large number of causes. For one, it is highly effective, with 132 bulbs (30% greater than many well-liked masks) that ship each purple and near-infrared mild enabling it to penetrate deeper layers of the pores and skin. This masks is FDA authorised. It is also clinically confirmed to considerably scale back wrinkles in 28 days. Moreover, it is extra comfy than many I’ve tried, fabricated from a clean, highly-flexible silicone that is straightforward to make use of and clear. Nevertheless, whereas comfy, the masks would not fairly match as snugly as I would like, particularly across the chin and jaw. This did not appear to impression the outcomes, however as many purchasers be aware, the match is a bit … odd.
Final, a couple of security notes: LED mild masks are thought-about protected when and if you observe all the producer’s directions — together with defending your eyes throughout use. Additionally vital: Not everyone seems to be a candidate for LED mild remedy — for instance, folks with photosensitivity ought to keep away from these gadgets, as ought to these with particular ailments like lupus and people taking sure drugs. It is a good suggestion to seek the advice of with a dermatologist earlier than buying and making an attempt any LED mild masks — together with CurrentBody’s. — Jennifer
- Versatile silicone is comfy and simple to put on and clear
- 132 highly effective bulbs ship up each purple and near-infrared mild
- FDA-approved
- Clinically confirmed to cut back wrinkles inside a month of constant use
- Might match higher across the chin/jawline
- Some customers complained nostril plate was restrictive
- Costly
Profit: Helps scale back undereye discoloration, puffiness, the looks of high-quality traces | Formulation: Cream | Measurement: 1.25 ounces | Pores and skin goal: Undereye space | Key substances: Caffeine, ginseng root, horse chestnut extract, lutein
Sunday Riley’s merchandise are nearly uniformly best-in-class and this extraordinarily hydrating, nearly immediately/magically de-puffing serum isn’t any exception. It is full of caffeine, ginseng and the anti-oxidant lutein and it is almost scent-free, which makes it an important choice for delicate pores and skin. The feel is silky and it each brightens darkish circles and absorbs rapidly, abandoning a dewy glow I discovered nice. It additionally accommodates “mild reflecting particles” which appeared like gibberish to me till I noticed the way it rendered my beneath eyes noticeably brighter inside seconds of utility.
One draw back is the absence of retinol, which implies it is not serving to to construct collagen within the space. Nonetheless, it is a high-quality cream I would suggest to anybody involved about high-quality traces, bagginess or, actually, any under-eye difficulty you will (annoyingly) discover. — Jennifer
- Excessive-quality substances
- Light-weight system absorbs quick
- Successfully brightens and depuffs undereye space
- Silky texture
- Extremely-hydrating
- On the upper finish, price-wise
- Does not include retinol
Advantages: Pores and skin cleaning, soothing | Formulation: Gel | Measurement: 8 ounces | Pores and skin Kind: Oily, mixture, dry, regular | Key substances: Kale, spinach, inexperienced tea, alfalfa, vitamin C, vitamin E
As soon as I began utilizing this cleanser, my first response was anger — I received mad at myself for taking so lengthy to attempt it! Now, I take advantage of it nearly day-after-day. It really works extraordinarily nicely to take away make-up (particularly black liquid liner and mascara) — so nicely, actually, that typically I don’t even must double cleanse.
On the substances facet, it’s chock-full of superfood antioxidants that present all types of fine stuff, like safety from free radicals and rising hydration. At about $40, it may be expensive for some, however it’s lasted me a very long time, heavy eyeliner and all. A few pumps go a good distance. — Marie
- Refillable glass bottle
- Vegan and cruelty-free system
- Freed from PEGS, dimethicone, parabens, phthalates and synthetic dyes
- Dermatologist examined
Advantages: Pores and skin cell turnover, smooths complexion, evens pores and skin texture | Formulation: Wipes | Measurement: 30 remedies + 5 bonus | Pores and skin Kind: Regular, mixture | Key substances: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, chamomile, retinol, resveratrol, inexperienced tea extract.
Whereas interviewing celebrities about their magnificence routines through the years, I’ve at all times taken be aware when a sure product retains popping as much as the purpose the place it begins to really feel like there is a skinspiracy occurring. However typically it’s only a legitimately good product that individuals, well-known or not, actually love. A kind of merchandise is Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel pads. This well-liked chemical exfoliator does its magic through a two-step course of. You employ the primary pad, which is soaked with 5 completely different AHA and BHA acids to elevate away useless pores and skin cells, then observe up with the second pad, which has retinol to combat wrinkles and features.
Whereas it is a movie star favourite, you don’t need to take Sydney Sweeney’s phrase for it. Once I use these often, my pores and skin seems to be phenomenal, as if I’ve gotten a facial each single day. One time, my husband even requested me what I used to be doing with my face. I requested him why, and he stated that I seemed youthful (sort of impolite, TBH). The advance in my complexion is noticeable sufficient that after I stopped utilizing the pads, I truly stopped getting compliments (additionally impolite). If you happen to really feel like you may’t be bothered to do a two-step product, which I perceive, I’m right here to inform you that it’s fully value the additional couple of minutes to get that glow. There are additionally three forms of peel pads, together with “Ultra Gentle” for dry and delicate pores and skin and “Extra Strength” for greasy pores and skin, which is nice for darkish spots. — Marie
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Helps scale back the look of pores
- Smooths texture
- Incorporates 12 antioxidants
- Reduces high-quality traces and hydrates pores and skin
- Requires two steps so it takes a bit extra time
- Individually wrapped which isn’t eco-conscious
- Expensive
Advantages: Brightens pores and skin and darkish spots, reduces look of sagginess and high-quality traces, provides pores and skin a “glow” | Vitamin C efficiency: 15% | Pores and skin Kind: Any, however could also be too harsh for essentially the most delicate pores and skin | Dosage: Just a few drops within the morning | Measurement: Simply over 1 ounce together of serum and powder | Cruelty Free: Sure
Each dermatologist I’ve spoken to says vitamin C is an important ingredient for any truly efficient skincare routine. I really like Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Contemporary Day Serum for all kinds of causes — together with the truth that after six weeks of twice-daily use, it each lightened darkish spots on my cheeks, noticeably tightened my pores and skin and persistently gave my complexion a reasonably, brighter glow. However what makes C-Firma superior to almost any competitor is the distinctive means it is packaged: The system arrives in two components — a liquid serum together with an accompanying vial of pristine vitamin C powder. You combine the 2 simply earlier than your first use, maximizing the soundness of the vitamin C molecules and thus making certain freshness. As soon as combined, the product stays potent for 3 to 6 months, relying the way you retailer it (i.e., ideally in a cool, darkish place, like a cupboard).
And there is extra to like: C-Firma accommodates ferulic acid and vitamin E, which enhance its efficacy. It is available in an easy-to-use/easy-to-travel bottle with a convertible pump. It is light-weight and absorbs rapidly, although the feel might really feel a bit sticky for some. Lastly, it is potent — it might even sting your pores and skin a bit.
As in comparison with its foremost competitor, Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma beneficial properties factors for being each cruelty-free and free from a foul odor (C E Ferulic has a deeply disagreeable scent). Whereas many magnificence editors will inform you that C E Ferulic is the one vitamin C recreation on the town, needless to say it is also $182 to $285 for simply one ounce, making it inaccessible for many bank-account-having people, at the least for long-term use. (I do not care if it is fabricated from gold, I’m not spending that sort of cash on one thing to dab on my face — and I do not assume it is best to need to both!)
At $74, C-Firma just isn’t precisely a steal, however the system (plus the impact in your pores and skin) is top-notch. My first bottle lasted 4 months with twice-daily use, so a bit goes a good distance. —Jennifer
- Highest-quality substances
- Modern packaging means the product stays more energizing longer
- Brightens pores and skin
- Improves texture of growing old pores and skin
- Light-weight
- Absorbs rapidly
- Some might discover the feel sticky
- Could also be too harsh for essentially the most delicate pores and skin
Advantages: Pores and skin hydration, evens complexion, reduces the looks of high-quality traces Formulation: Gel | Measurement: 1.5 ounces | Pores and skin sorts: Regular, dry, mixture, oily | Key substances: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, star flower, sacred lotus
Of all of the serums I’ve ever used, Saint Jane’s Star Flower stays on my favorites record. A lot in order that every time I see the bottle, I am unable to assist however pump out a few drops and apply it proper then and there. Micro pearls, which home all the lively substances, burst if you apply it to your pores and skin, and it’s like heaven.
Not solely is the system deliciously hydrating, however it makes the pores on my nostril and cheeks look smaller. For that purpose, I really like utilizing this within the morning earlier than sunscreen and make-up. The star flower not solely sounds fairly, however it helps with redness, whereas sacred lotus helps diminish pores. My pores and skin at all times seems to be extra even after I use it often. — Marie
- Good for high-quality traces and wrinkles
- Calms redness and reduces the look of pores
- Stunning packaging
- Light-weight system
- Cruelty-free
- Expensive
- Some customers with dehydrated pores and skin say they want a thicker serum
Advantages: Hydration, plumps up pores and skin, reduces the looks of high-quality traces, helps scale back “crepey” look | Formulation: Cream | Measurement: 3.52 ounces | Pores and skin kind: Dry, dehydrated | Key substances: Hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn water
CosRx has helped popularize snail mucin as a skin-care ingredient, however you shouldn’t sleep on its different merchandise. Living proof: the Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream. A favourite among the many Okay-beauty crowd, this face cream packs and seals moisture into dry, dehydrated pores and skin to forestall additional hydration loss. I really like this moisturizer for its light-weight, fast-absorbing system and antioxidant substances. The feel is completely wealthy with out being too heavy and the product itself absorbs quick.
Bonus factors: Along with hyaluronic acid, this cream accommodates vitamin tree water (often known as sea buckthorn), which is full of nutritional vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids that assist strengthen the pores and skin barrier and improve hydration much more. The midrange worth level is the cherry on prime. — Marie
- Hydrates and plumps dry, dehydrated pores and skin
- Diminishes the looks of high-quality traces and wrinkles
- Dermatologist examined
- Freed from parabens
- Some customers say it feels oily
- Won’t be greatest for breakout-prone pores and skin
- Is available in a jar as a substitute of an hermetic pump
Advantages: Reduces look of darkish undereye pigment | Formulation: Cream | Measurement: .5 ounces | Key substances: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
This highest high quality vitamin C eye cream from Paula’s Selection is clinically formulated to brighten beneath eye discoloration whereas smoothing and firming the fragile pores and skin on this space. The feel is light-weight and supple and it is full of hydrating substances like hyaluronic acid, which is a should for the undereye space — for the reason that pores and skin in that space holds much less moisture than the remainder of the face.
Whereas it would not include retinol, that is my prime choose for a (pretty) reasonably priced undereye cream for darkish circles due to its supreme mixture of antioxidants and lively substances. — Jennifer
- Clinically confirmed system
- Brightens and lightens darkish circles
- Light-weight
- Moisturizing
- Extremely concentrated substances
- Reduces puffiness
- Potent system might not work for delicate pores and skin
- Lacks retinol, so not the very best for constructing collagen and softening high-quality traces
Advantages: Solar safety, hydration, disguises pores and skin imperfections | Formulation: skinny cream | Energetic Components: Zinc oxide | SPF: 40 | Measurement: 1 ounce | Water-Resistant: No | Reef protected: Sure | Cruelty-Free: Sure
At age 50, I began creating a little bit of hyperpigmentation on my face and redness round my nostril and chin, which implies I now look higher in make-up than I do with out. Nonetheless, I despise basis. It at all times feels too thick and too “performed” for my on a regular basis life, like I am cosplaying (Kosplaying?) as a Kardashian at camp pickup. However as soon as I got here throughout this glorious tinted moisturizer (with bonus SPF!), I knew I would lastly discovered the complexion-smoothing answer this no-makeup make-up woman will truly use.
If you happen to’re looking for a lightweight protection basis that can go away your pores and skin dewy and noticeably luminescent such as you received the very best sleep of your life; with the sort of glow that implies you truly drink all of the water you propose on ingesting and chase it down with a inexperienced juice, then Ilia’s Pores and skin Tint is for you. As a moisturizer-makeup-sunscreen hybrid, it is made for lazy folks. It additionally is available in 26 shades and accommodates skin-fortifying substances like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so that you’re treating your face whereas defending it. —Jennifer
- 26 shade decisions
- Evens pores and skin tone/smooths imperfections
- Leaves pores and skin dewy
- Pores and skin nourishing
- All-day put on SPF 40
- Could be a bit greasy
- Some reviewers complain of watery consistency
- Expensive
Advantages: Solar safety | Formulation: Cream | Quantity: 2 ounces |Energetic substances: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Ask any dermatologist for an important step in an anti-aging skincare routine they usually’ll undoubtedly say high-quality solar safety. Of all of the sunscreens I’ve examined, EltaMD SPF is essentially the most persistently prime rated, particularly by docs who suggest a tinted mineral sunscreen like this one, which supplies broad-spectrum bodily protection and hydration — and works nicely beneath make-up. Its additionally fabricated from pure substances zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and leaves a clean end, even on dry or delicate pores and skin. — Jennifer
- Mineral sunscreen
- Works nicely beneath make-up
- Good for delicate pores and skin
- Is pricey in comparison with drugstore manufacturers
- Some reviewers discover the tint too mild
Advantages: Reduces the looks of enlarged pores, improves circulation, refines complexion | Key substances: 5% glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera, fructose, sucrose | Measurement: 3.4 ounces | Pores and skin kind: All
On the earth of toners, Pixi’s Glow Tonic is without doubt one of the most celebrated and well-rounded. Magnificence editors and specialists have counted on Glow Tonic to enhance their complexion for years. It has 5% glycolic acid for exfoliation and witch hazel to cut back the looks of pores (one among my foremost points), however it’s light and soothing because of aloe vera and different botanicals. Curiously, it additionally has ginseng, which is believed to assist enhance circulation. Plus, it is decently priced. For $15, you get 100 milliliters, and for beneath $30, you get a huge bottle — 250 milliliters.
It is at all times a good suggestion to start out slowly with acids. I am at all times cautious when utilizing a glycolic acid product, however Glow Tonic is extremely light. I can use it day-after-day with out difficulty, and it is easy to use (simply a few swipes utilizing a reusable cotton pad). My pores and skin is smoother, my pores look much less distinguished and I’ve an general brighter complexion. — Marie
- Appropriate for all pores and skin sorts
- Alcohol- and paraben-free
- Not examined on animals
- Incorporates added perfume and colour components
- Some reviewers say it is drying
Advantages: Pores and skin hydration | Measurement: 1 oz | Pores and skin Kind: Oily, mixture, dry, delicate, regular | Key substances: Hyaluronic acid, plum extract, polyglutamic acid, vegan collagen, silk protein, vitamin B
I am not going to lie; I used to be first drawn to Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump’s beauty. That luscious, mild purple bottle is divine! Nevertheless, I used to be rapidly happy with how nicely the serum carried out. The light-weight, soothing system (that has a ton of antioxidants) feels unbelievable post-cleanse, absorbs properly and makes my pores and skin look recent and dewy regardless of my feeling like a drained, wretched witch on the within. (Word: You wish to make certain your pores and skin is a bit bit damp if you apply for optimum absorption.)
Time for a fast lesson: Molecular weight is certainly a factor in the case of hyaluronic acid. The smaller the molecule, the decrease the molecular weight, and the additional it may possibly penetrate the pores and skin (which is what we wish). Nevertheless, specialists say the very best factor to search for in a hyaluronic acid serum is a mixture of differently-sized hyaluronic acid molecules. Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump has 5 molecular weights: ultra-low, low, medium, excessive and ultra-high. — Marie
- Good for all pores and skin sorts
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Incorporates multi-weight hyaluronic acids
- Antioxidant-rich substances
- Some say it is sticky
- If you happen to’re involved with perfume, this has a lightweight fruit scent
Different anti-aging magnificence merchandise we love
Solawave is the hottest identify in skin-care tech: Utilizing mild and warmth remedy, together with therapeutic therapeutic massage, these versatile wands assist scale back wrinkles, clean scarring, improve blood circulate and provides pores and skin a extra even tone. The Radiant Renewal Wand is clinically confirmed and award-winning. When prospects used it persistently (for simply three minutes per day!) they noticed outcomes inside weeks. — Jennifer
This ultra-nourishing salve is a favourite {of professional} make-up artists who usually must take away severe face paint with out damaging their (usually high-profile) purchasers’ pores and skin. It is stuffed to the brim with soothing substances like chamomile and lavender, and because the (many!) TikTok videos attest, it actually works for each cleansing and plumping. — Jennifer
This serum stick is the perfect supply system for softening high-quality traces, prepping pores and skin for make-up and concentrating on dry patches. It is fabricated from 80 % squalane — a identified pores and skin fortifier — and can also be fragrance-free, cruelty-free plus dermatologist-tested. After we tried this ultra-silky balm it left behind a dewy end wherever it was utilized. Plus, it is past wonderful for smoothing the undereye space earlier than making use of concealer, to discourage make-up from settling into high-quality traces. —Jennifer
E.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! line of merchandise is strong, so it is a pure selection as the highest honorable point out for the very best cleanser. Full of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it leaves pores and skin clear, plump and hydrated, in fact. And it is solely $6! — Marie
I’ve interviewed roughly 7 million magnificence specialists in my life. Essentially the most sincere normally say one thing alongside the traces of “You do not want costly merchandise; high-quality drugstore lotions will do.” Living proof: Just a few years in the past, legendary magnificence guru Jean Godfrey-June instructed me she makes use of this wealthy, all-natural, chamomile and calendula physique cream on her face within the winter, that it is the greatest product she’s discovered for shielding and treating chapped pores and skin. It is also a mild, non-irritating system for dry arms, tough heels, scaly elbows or wherever you would possibly want a hydrating enhance. I actually maintain a tube by the kitchen sink to make use of after dishwashing duties. It is the very best sort of present in that it smells good and feels wealthy. —Jennifer
A simple, light-weight, reasonably priced skin-care product that, when used persistently, softens wrinkles, smooths pores and skin texture and even lightens age spots. I do know snail secretions could seem bizarre, however actually this works: I have been raving about this product for years. — Jennifer
Anti-aging skincare FAQs
Do anti-aging merchandise truly work?
Like we have stated, there aren’t any miracles right here — you are not trying 25 once more by dabbing on a $75 cream. Nevertheless, analysis reveals that with constant use, sure substances (like vitamin C) and sure gadgets (like purple LED mild) can truly refine pores, scale back the looks of high-quality traces and wrinkles, replenish moisture and assist re-build collagen, the primary structural protein that makes our pores and skin look bouncy and agency after we’re younger and which we lose quickly as we age.
What merchandise ought to I’ve in my skincare routine?
“This can differ relying in your pores and skin wants however: protectors [like SPF], correctors [like dark spot creams] and substances for cell turnover, collagen and elastin manufacturing are all key classes to search for,” says Dr. Ava Shamban.
She emphasizes {that a} high quality anti-aging skincare would not need to be difficult, although it ought to contain a couple of steps you observe each within the morning and earlier than you go to mattress. “Throughout the day, your pores and skin handles vital duties like defending in opposition to UV injury and pollution,” Shamban advises. “At evening, it focuses on repairing and renewing itself. Specializing in maintaining pores and skin in sync [with these tasks] will assist it operate optimally and maintain your pores and skin trying and performing youthful.”
Here is an instance of an efficient evening and daytime routine, culled from interviews with dozens of dermatologists, together with Shamban.
Skincare necessities for day:
*optionally available: Toner, hyaluronic acid, different serums, moisturizer
Skincare necessities for evening:
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Face cleanser
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A resurfacing exfoliant with acids AHA / BHA, 2-3 occasions per week
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Antioxidants — particularly a steady type of vitamin C
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Eye cream
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Prescription retinol 3-4 occasions per week
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A heavier moisturizer to seal in moisture ranges
*optionally available: cleaning balm for a double cleanse, hyaluronic acid, toner, serum, face oil, darkish spot cream
Skincare necessities for anytime:
Wherein order ought to use my skincare merchandise?
Skincare is extremely private and making selections concerning the merchandise you will use persistently usually comes down to private preferences and the way your particular person pores and skin reacts. Here is a tough step-by-step information to an “optimum” at-home pores and skin remedy course of. Keep in mind to identify check any new product to see how your pores and skin reacts and — exterior of sunscreen — take or go away any steerage based on your specific pores and skin wants.
Step 1: Cleanser
Step 2: Toner
Step 3: Serums (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, and so forth)
Step 4: Retinol (at evening)
Step 5: Eye cream
Step 6: Moisturize
Step 7: Sunscreen
Meet our professional
Dr. Ava Shamban, Beverly Hills beauty dermatologist