Dermatologists advise against being lured in by the latest beauty craze: trendy new ingredients vs tried-and-true solutions that work. Instead, they advocate sticking with these tried-and-tested favorites for skin rejuvenation benefits that deliver results.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) such as glycolic and lactic acids help minimize wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and fine lines by loosening dead skin cells from their bonds so they can shed. Furthermore, AHAs unclog pores and refine skin texture.

Retinol

Retinol, an effective form of Vitamin A, has long been recognized for its ability to combat wrinkles and increase skin cell turnover. Studies have also revealed its ability to decrease dark spots while improving the tone and texture of the skin.

Bowe suggests using over-the-counter retinol products. She advises starting out slowly by applying a pea-sized amount of low-percentage formula twice weekly and giving your skin time to adapt before increasing frequency or intensity of use, like on days you exfoliate or undergo treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling that could potentially irritate it further.

Retinol can also help reduce stretch marks, which appear as pink, red, or purple lines caused by pregnancy, weight gain, or rapid muscle growth.

Retinol also lightens dark spots caused by sun damage as well as treats psoriasis and clear pores – but remember it’s an active ingredient that should only be used sparingly to avoid dryness or irritation; if this does happen to you then switching brands or considering time-release formulas may help provide relief from dryness or irritation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a science-backed and dermatologist-recommended ingredient that may reduce early skin aging and sun damage.

It brightens and evens out skin tone, heals blemishes, fades discoloration, reduces redness and irritation, promotes collagen production for firm, plump skin, fights free radicals, and can boost the absorption of other anti-aging ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids for increased efficacy.

Vitamin C works to inhibit an enzyme called Tyrosine that produces melanin, helping fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots for brighter and more radiant skin. Plus, its moisturizing benefits can benefit all types of complexions – especially those that are dry or sensitive.

Consider serums containing L-ascorbic acid (the most studied and effective form of Vitamin C) or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which is more stable.

Stabilizing ingredients, such as Vitamin E or ferulic acid can also help prevent oxidation and irritation, so apply your Vitamin C serum after cleansing, moisturizer, sunscreen application, and before bedtime for maximum absorption.

For best results ingest vitamin C-rich food or supplements along with topical serums applied topically!

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (pronounced hi-a-luron-ic) is a gooey substance found throughout the body–especially eyes and joints. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it a powerful humectant (a substance that draws moisture into the skin).

Hyaluronic acid also plays a crucial role in collagen formation as well as helping skin cells move more smoothly across its surface.

At present, glycolic acid, a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), can be found in various skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, and eye creams, to fight fine lines and wrinkles.

Furthermore, injections of hyaluronic acid have also proven successful at shaping and plumping specific areas of the face.

Hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated by most. However, like retinol, vitamin C, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids, it may irritate those with sensitive skin. When shopping for hyaluronic acid products, look for additional soothing ingredients such as peptides or botanicals to reduce potential irritation.

Also, take note of its molecular weight; lower molecular weight indicates quicker penetration into skin layers – higher molecular weight means slower-acting products will work more rapidly or deeply than their counterparts.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide may not garner as much praise as other skincare heroes like retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, and vitamin C, but this versatile multitasker should still be included as part of any comprehensive skincare regimen. Niacinamide brightens, calms, and strengthens your skin barrier to keep skin looking its best!

Plastic surgeon and aesthetician Maryam Zamani notes that collagen helps inhibit melanin (pigment) transfer, helping reduce dark spots over time while evening out skin tone over time. Furthermore, collagen contributes to skin elasticity and firmness as a whole.

One advantage is its ability to reduce pores by strengthening the skin barrier and working as an effective antimicrobial, inhibiting biofilm formation and supporting healthy inflammation response pathways. Furthermore, it has also been found to protect against oxidative stress-induced yellowing (known as glycation).

Serums and moisturizers should be preferred over cleansers that must be quickly rinsed off the face, to ensure optimal safety. Look for formulas with low hazard ratings and fair or better data availability from EWG’s Skin Deep database; for maximum safety be sure to patch test any new products prior to using them on your face.

Peptides

Every day it seems, there’s another new skincare ingredient claiming to reduce wrinkles and firm skin, including peptides. Sometimes these claims may just be hyped-up; other times they could truly be useful additions to your daily regimen; one such option being peptides.

Peptides are essential building blocks of protein found in our skin naturally, but as we age their production decreases and signs of aging appear. By adding peptides to your skincare regime you may signal your body to produce more of these anti-ageing proteins thereby combating fine lines and sagging skin.

There are various types of peptides and they can be found in products like serums, masks, and moisturizers.

For effective skin rejuvenation, combining peptides with other potency ingredients that address specific concerns is key – for instance, pairing vitamin C’s brightening properties with firming and hydration-focused peptides will deliver maximum anti-aging results.

Niacinamide is another fantastic ingredient that can reduce redness, shrink pores, even out skin tone, and enhance hydration for maximum aging results!

Why Dermatologists Recommend Alpha Hydroxy Acids

In the world of skincare, it’s tempting to chase the latest trends, but experts recommend sticking with proven ingredients that deliver results.

Classic ingredients like AHAs, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides remain the gold standard in skin rejuvenation. These ingredients offer real benefits, from reducing fine lines and wrinkles to evening skin tone and enhancing hydration.

Embracing a routine based on these tried-and-true ingredients ensures a reliable approach to maintaining healthy, glowing skin.