Two of the most common products used to keep skin in excellent condition are hyaluronic acid and retinol. What should a person use between hyaluronic acid or retinol? Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production.
Serums contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, and since they're so thin and light, Dr. Van Dyke says, they penetrate skin more efficiently than creams. And since they're grease-free, serums work especially well for people with oily skin.
Our best foundation for mature skin is No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation SPF 15. It instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking firmer and more even.
Some anti-aging creams are meant to brighten skin as well.” Unlike a serum that could potentially dry out or over-exfoliate your skin, depending on the ingredients, a cream is more gentle and can be applied both morning and night.
For wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and invisible photodamage, Wexler recommends looking to retinol, a derivative of vitamin A that when applied topically, promotes skin renewal, brightens skin tone, clearing up hyperpigmentation, and aids in production of collagen.
Reach for a retinol or retinoid product to turn over dull skin and help increase collagen production. “Because these ingredients can be drying, I typically recommend patients start with a retinol- or micronized retinoid-based treatment to lower the possibility of irritation," Herrmann says.
“I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It's a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Waldman.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This drugstore option comes highly recommended by dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., for its moisturizing properties and versatility.
Find a serum that claims to do just what you need it to. - Secondly, consider your skin type. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, select a face serum with salicylic acid and retinols, as well as rosehip seed oil. For mature and dry skins, try something with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C.
Ultimately, face serum and moisturizer are both necessary for a holistic skin care routine and to ensure that your skin doesn't dry out during the day. Face serum can't replace moisturizer, and moisturizer doesn't give your skin the extra vitamins and nutrients it needs to succeed and look great for years to come.
Keep skin looking younger for longer with the clinically proven, anti-aging No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting moisture and protecting skin from external stressors. Use morning and evening as part of your daily skincare routine.
No7's age-defying Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate combines No7's unique retinol complex with Matrixyl 3000+, to reboot and renew skin. Lines look smoother, pores & texture look refined and skin tone more even, while skin appears firmer, lifted and more radiant.
No7's Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum is clinically proven to address the 5 key signs of aging for a younger looking face & neck in just 2 weeks. An ideal formula for mature skin to firm, lift, and even skin tone for a revitalized, youthful radiance.
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel, for example, can help treat acne. Studies have found evidence to suggest adapalene is just as effective as stronger retinoids, but the skin tends to tolerate it better.
In general, retinoids are stronger than retinol. They contain a higher concentration of the product, and the molecular structure of vitamin A in this form allows it to turn over skin cells at a faster rate than retinol.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.