Aging gracefully involves more than just accepting the passage of time; it’s about nurturing and protecting your skin using the right tools and treatments. As we age, our skin’s ability to repair itself slows down, leading to visible signs of aging such as sagging, roughness, and loss of elasticity. Just as sun protection offers long-term benefits, targeted anti-aging products can provide remarkable, visible results over time. Consistency, patience, and the right information are key to building an effective anti-aging skincare routine.
They say the moment we hit our mid-20s, it’s time to start it. Fortunately, the beauty market is brimming with effective anti-aging solutions to combat these issues. From serums packed with potent ingredients to luxurious creams that offer deep hydration, there’s an anti-aging product for each skin type and concern. All we need now is to know what to do and when to start, the products to indulge our skin with, and how to use them.
WHAT ARE THEY
Anti-aging products are specialized formulations that offer more than regular skincare products, containing potent ingredients that target specific signs of aging. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Beatrice Chan, MD, DPDS explains, “Most anti-aging products— you’ll be surprised to know—contain the usual skincare actives that we’re all familiar with. These actives include retinoids, antioxidants like vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and of course, sunscreen.”
These products are also available in a variety of formulations—creams, gels, serums, and lotions—to maximize the effectiveness of the ingredients. “I would still advise everyone to go for anti-aging serums,” says Dr. Chan. “Because serums are inherently more potent, [they] would contain a higher concentration of skincare actives, and very useful for targeting skincare concerns. Likewise, they are expected to deliver better and faster results.”
WHEN TO APPLY THEM
When incorporating anti-aging products into your skincare routine, how you apply them can make a difference in their effectiveness. “For anti-aging serums, it is ideally best used after cleansing the face and the application of toner to promote better absorption. The general rule for layering skincare is from thinnest to thickest consistency,” Dr. Chan advises.
This approach ensures that each product can deeply penetrate the skin and deliver its targeted benefits. Starting with lighter serums before applying heavier creams or oils can ensure that the powerful ingredients really sink in and enhance the absorption of active ingredients while maximizing their efficacy in tackling specific skincare concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture.
WHY YOU NEED THEM
Contrary to common misconception, anti-aging products aren’t just for mature skin. They’re known to be at their most productive when used during your 20s because they play a vital role in preventing and delaying the visible signs of aging, such as sagging, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. These products not only improve the appearance of your skin but also enhance overall skin health regardless of age.
Dermatologists recommend starting early with skincare actives to reap their long-term benefits, stressing the importance of consistency to get the best results. “I’ve always advised my patients, especially females in their mid-20s, to already start incorporating skincare actives,” shares Dr. Chan.
“In order to maximize the benefits of these skincare actives, it is not only important to start early but to also be consistent with application. Oftentimes, I see patients get discouraged after a few months of application because they can’t see any drastic improvements,” she says. “But then again, when it comes to topical skincare, realistically, you don’t expect your skin or face to change overnight or in just a few months.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Understanding what to look for makes all the difference in finding products that truly work for your skin. The key to any effective anti-aging skincare routine is the active ingredients. For instance, Dr. Chan shared, “Retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide stimulate collagen production. Niacinamide can also effectively repair existing photodamage and subsequently prevent more signs of aging.”
When it comes to combating environmental stressors and enhancing skin repair, antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E are invaluable because these ingredients not only protect against harmful elements but also promote wound healing and regeneration, according to Dr. Chan.
Hydration is another important factor in anti-aging. “Hydrators like hyaluronic acid boost the skin’s plumpness and elasticity,” explains Dr. Chan. “When we say elasticity, it is the ability of your skin to return back to its original state after being stretched out.”
To maintain a healthy skin barrier, look for products containing ceramides. “Ceramide, which, just like collagen, starts to decline with age, is essential to replenish our supply to maintain our skin barrier at its healthiest state,” Dr. Chan notes.
There are also some lesser-known but effective ingredients that are worth considering. “Bakuchiol is a new ingredient that can be used for those with sensitive skin and intolerant to retinol,” says Dr. Chan. Bakuchiol is slowly gaining popularity as a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol because it provides similar benefits without the associated dryness and irritation.
“Squalane is also an oil naturally produced by our skin, but as we age it gets depleted. So it is also essential to replenish our supply by using moisturizers with this ingredient,” she adds.
And of course, incorporating sunscreen into your anti-aging routine is a must. “90 percent of visible changes associated with aging are actually caused by sun exposure,” says Dr. Chan. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any anti-aging routine.
Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing anti-aging products, everyone’s skin reacts differently to anti-aging ingredients, so expect some trial and error before finding the right products for you. “In reality, we cannot really predict how your skin will react to a specific brand or formulation,” explains Dr. Chan. For potent actives like vitamin C and retinoids, it is still best to start with the lowest concentration to minimize the risk of irritation.”
Ultimately, “the best anti-aging product is something that you will use and enjoy using,” Dr. Chan says. Keeping these tips in mind can help in choosing effective products that will not only address your current skin concerns but also pave the way for lasting skin health.
WHAT TO USE
Accessible and Locally Available Picks
Whether you’re starting your anti-aging journey or want to try effective solutions without breaking the bank, these accessible products can get the job done.
Good: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Night Cream, P1,899, Lazada
Known for its affordability and effectiveness, this cream hydrates and firms the skin overnight, reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving skin texture. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to introduce anti-aging products into their routine. It also has a fragrance-free and gentle formula, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
Better: Pili Ani Ageless Concentrate, P3, 600, Pili Ani
This powerful anti-aging serum features the highest concentrations of elemi oil and pili oil in Pili Ani’s entire skincare line. Elemi oil detoxifies the skin and fights bacteria, while pili oil protects the skin from environmental toxins, pollutants, and free radicals. This potent combination targets numerous signs of aging, such as fine lines and enlarged pores, while promoting a healthy and more revived complexion.
Best: VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Cream: Primary Anti-age Moisturizer, P3,000, VMV Hypoallergenics
True to its name, this cream stands out for its holistic anti-aging benefits because it doesn’t just target one aspect of aging, but aims to “re-everything” your skin (revitalize, reboot, re-dew) by addressing fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and uneven skin tone. It’s formulated with unbuffered glycolic acid along with a blend of antioxidants and virgin coconut oil, all working to moisturize, exfoliate, and nourish the skin.
Serums for Targeted Treatments
Serums are great at delivering concentrated ingredients directly to your skin, targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. Here’s our pick of serums that provide effective, targeted treatments for different needs.
Good: Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum, P2,850, Sephora
This serum is a good introduction to retinol-based skincare. It’s formulated with a blend of powerful antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients that work together to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Its lightweight and silky texture absorbs quickly, making it an easy addition to your nighttime routine. Ideal for those new to retinol or prefer a more affordable option, this serum also provides noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone.
Better: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum, P6,100, Look At Me
Designed to target wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of firmness, this serum has a potent blend of ingredients, including peptides, retinoids, and hyaluronic acid. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it suitable for use during both the morning and night. Many users appreciate the serum’s non-irritating formula which allows it to work well even for those with sensitive skin.
Best: Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic High Potency Triple Antioxidant Treatment, P13,165, Trunc
This high-performance serum contains a powerful combination of antioxidants, with 15 percent pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), one percent vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and 0.5 percent ferulic acid. Together, these ingredients provide advanced protection against environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance skin firmness and brightness, making it worth the investment for those seeking the best results.
Eye Products for Delicate Areas
The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate and prone to showing signs of aging. These eye creams may help keep that area looking fresh and youthful.
Good: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Crème, P5,000, Lazada
This gel-crème is a good all-around option for those looking to target multiple concerns for the eye area. It works overnight to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles and deliver deep hydration. Its lightweight yet potent formula is infused with antioxidants, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, making it ideal for tackling signs of eye aging and fatigue.
Better: Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate, P4,750, Lazada
This concentrate provides targeted anti-aging benefits with an extra focus on brightening. This concentrate is formulated with a potent combination of 10.5 percent pure vitamin C and Haloxyl™, which work together to visibly reduce fine lines and the appearance of crow’s feet while brightening the under-eye area, making it an excellent choice for those who need both these benefits in one powerful product.
Best: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, P27,000, Rustan’s
This exquisite cream is formulated with the brand’s signature ingredient—Caviar Premier—to lift, firm, and hydrate the delicate eye area to provide a remarkable improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, dryness, and dark circles. The rich and indulgent formula provides deep nourishment and rejuvenation, leaving the skin around the eyes looking youthful and lifted, perfect for those seeking the most advanced anti-aging eye treatments.
All-Around Creams
A versatile all-around cream can streamline your skincare routine by delivering holistic anti-aging care in one easy step.
Good: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Triple Action Night Cream, P1,999, Lazada
This night cream is an effective and accessible all-around anti-aging product that delivers impressive results. It’s formulated with 3 percent pro-xylane and LHA which work together to smooth wrinkles, firm the skin, and brighten the complexion while providing the skin with continuous hydration.
Better: Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Soft Crème, P7,550, Lazada
Infused with Hibiscus Morning Bloom Extract and Moringa Extract, which are known for their exceptional nourishing properties, this luxurious cream boosts the skin’s natural collagen production and enhances firmness and elasticity. Its silky-soft texture melts into the skin, delivering intense hydration without heaviness, which makes it perfect for those who want a balance between efficacy and comfort.
Best: La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, P13,800, Rustan’s
This luxurious anti-aging cream stands out as the best due to its legendary formula, which includes the brand’s signature Miracle Broth™, a nutrient-rich formula derived from sea kelp, along with lime tea extracts and vitamins C and E that deeply nourish and regenerate the skin. It’s renowned for its ability to transform the complexion, provide intense hydration, boost skin firmness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
