Aging happens to all of us, but that doesn't mean we can't try to keep our skin healthy and youthful. But let's be honest: skincare can be super overwhelming.
With so many options, there are so many questions. Which product should be applied first? How long do you have to wait to see any actual results? And let's not even get started on trying to decode all those mysterious ingredients.
We've reached out to Sarah Tucker of Your Aesthetic Edit to share the tea on keeping skin looking fresh and her favorite anti-aging products. Tucker is an industry veteran with more than 27 years in the professional beauty world. She knows a thing or two about the science behind products and how to build an excellent skin care regimen while remaining brand neutral.
Those who have started noticing fine lines and wrinkles or slacking on an anti-aging skincare routine for too long are in luck, because we will dive into the world of youthful skin secrets with Sarah and discover the best products to help turn back the clock.
Best Retinol Body Lotion
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
What it does: Hydrates and locks in moisture with vitamin E and squalene. Encapsulated retinol smooths, brightens, and retexturizes skin from the neck down.
Why we love it: It is gentle while effectively addressing and firming the crepiness on the chest, above the knees, arms, and thighs. It can be used nightly without irritation and is very hydrating, lightweight, and not greasy. It is perfect for Houston's heat and humidity. It's also incredibly affordable, $17.99, and it comes in a large tube, so is easy to dispense.
This retinol body cream can be used daily without irritation. Photo by Versed
Best Hydrating Serum
What it does: This hydrating serum is a treat, because it contains many superstar ingredients such as Squalane, Lactic acid, Glycerin, and Ceramides, which all work together to strengthen the skin's barrier while providing instant hydration and a skin-smoothing healthy glow.
Why we love it: It is a cocktail of humectants that serves up the moisture, glow, and boosted barrier the skin craves without feeling heavy. This serum can be layered with any other topicals; it never feels tacky or too much and is affordable at $16.99.
Byoma's hydrating serum strengthens the skin's barrier while providing instant hydration and a skin-smoothing healthy glow.Photo by Byoma
Best Moisturizer
OneSkin OS-01 FACE Topical Moisturizer
What it does: This ground-breaking product harnesses the power of the first peptide proven to reverse aging on the molecular level resulting in skin that behaves and looks like it did when you were younger. It reduces the accumulation of senescent (aka zombie) cells, aged cells that have reached the end of their life cycle.
When we're young and healthy, these skin cells are quickly cleared away and replaced with new cells. But as we get older, these zombie cells accumulate and secrete biochemical signals that accelerate aging in neighboring cells, triggering widespread damage and inflammation that can make our skin function like older skin.
Why we love it: The concept of turning back the hands of time by essentially reprogramming skin cells to behave like they did when they were younger is fascinating. This great multi-tasking moisturizer is a heavy hitter regarding various anti-aging concerns. I have personally tested this product, and I can see a noticeable improvement in cellular turnover resulting in smoother texture and less crepiness. I can see visible signs of brighter, healthier-looking skin.
This moisturizer reduces the accumulation of senescent (aka zombie) cells, aged cells that have reached the end of their life cycle.Photo by One Skin
Best Skincare Tool
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
What it does: Solawave created this award-winning 4-in-1 skincare tool for at-home use to treat many skin concerns. It delivers red light therapy to reduce blemishes, fine lines & wrinkles. It provides micro-currents to stimulate the deeper layers of skin to smooth and reduce signs of aging. It also delivers a facial massage to help decrease puffiness and therapeutic warmth to increase the absorption of skincare products.
Why we love it: This lightweight magic wand is so simple to use. Skin will look smoother and brighter after consistently incorporating this tool into your nightly routine. It glides along various facial contours with a hydrating serum – the warmth and vibration feel very relaxing.
Solawave created this award-winning 4-in-1 skincare tool for at-home use to treat many skin concerns.Photo by Solawave
Best Eye Cream
COSMEDIX I Complex Advanced Eye Gel AM
What it does: It's an eye gel for AM use that is both hydrating and energizing and helps depuff. It employs a botanical clean-beauty retinol alternative called bakuchiol, which helps smooth the look of wrinkles while also brightening the under-eye area.
Why we love it: The formula delivers a lovely cooling sensation when rolled on, and the metal ball applicator, combined with the ingredients, does a great job of tackling eye bags and smoothing the skin. It is gentle enough for daytime use, as it utilizes a retinol alternative.
Cosmedix eye cream helps smooth the look of wrinkles while also brightening the under-eye area.Photo by Cosmedix
Best Recovery Mask
Kat Burki KB5 Eye Recovery Masks
What it does: These are individual pre-moistened eye masks for immediate calming, hydrating, and rejuvenating of the eye area. They have a KB5 complex, which is a luxurious proprietary antioxidant-rich blend of soothing ingredients that delivers a well-rested and lifted look in only 10 minutes.
Why we love it: Many suffer from seasonal allergies leading to dark circles and inflammation, so I'm always looking for eye masks that make a difference and work in short order. The delicate skin around the eyes starts to perk up when applying these pads while they go to work, rejuvenating the skin around the eyes. These masks do some heavy lifting and brighten, smooth, tighten, and depuff very efficiently and effectively.
These eye masks have a proprietary antioxidant-rich blend of soothing ingredients that delivers a well-rested and lifted look in only 10 minutes.Photo by Kat Burki
Best Water Cream
What it does: An ideal summertime moisturizer for all skin types, even oily, as it clarifies, smoothes, and helps control excess oil production. This lightweight water cream also ensures ample hydration without clogging pores and promises to keep them clearer and less noticeable with Japanese botanical extracts, leopard lily, and wild rose.
Why we love it: This water cream leaves the skin youthful and glowy — not shiny — with the most subtle hint of 23-karat gold. It imparts a balanced, radiant, bouncy, healthy skin finish. It is the perfect moisturizer to reach for when you need hydration, minus the fuss of aggressive active ingredients.
This lightweight water cream also ensures ample hydration without clogging pores.Photo by Tatchi
