5 Wrinkle-Fighting Serums Over $100 That Dermatologists Swear Are *Actually* Worth It
Around 30, our bodies begin to slow down the production of collagen and elastin, which means that we’re almost guaranteed to see fine lines and wrinkles appear on our skin. Because everyone will go through these natural changes at some point (the exact timeline varies based on genetics), there are a wide array of solutions out there designed to counteract nature’s plans and leave your skin looking youthful and plump. At the dermatologist’s office, you could discuss options like injectables such as Botox or an extra potent chemical peel. But if you’re looking for a DIY solution, there are tons of dermatologist-approved serums available that can combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles if used consistently over time.
The key to selecting an at-home treatment method that works against fine lines and wrinkles is about giving your body the extra collagen and elastin it's missing while also protecting the skin’s barrier from environmental factors that cause damage (such as UV rays and blue light). Because these serums have lots of work to do beneath the skin, they typically come at a higher price point—so you have to choose wisely before spending a pretty penny. In order to make the selection process easier for you, W+G tapped five dermatologists for their must-have wrinkle-fighting serums that are worth the cost. Ahead, you’ll be able to shop their choices and *actually* see results. Hot tip: You're still going to have to be patient!
Skin-firming serums that are worth the price tag
Tata Harper’s Elixr Serum is jam-packed with botanicals formulated to smoother over wrinkles and plump the skin. In the 10ml bottle, there are 72 extra-potent botanical ingredients. If you take a peek at the extra-long ingredient list, you’ll notice familiar faces like rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil and some you likely haven’t heard of, like narcissus bulb and gotu kola. Bonus? It’s a good option for those with sensitive skin.
As Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD previously told Well + Good, “It’s important for people with sensitive skin to pick products from brands that are evaluating ingredients for biocompatibility with the skin.” Luckily, Tata Harper does just that as the brand’s namesake founder utilizes her decades of natural skin care experience to formulate clean beauty superstars that have the perfect balance between potency and gentleness—so you could add this elixir to your skin care cabinet no matter your skin type.
“This is my ultimate antioxidant serum that essentially acts as an invisible shield against intrinsic and extrinsic free radical damage,” Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD says. What makes this serum so beloved is its combination of over 20 antioxidants. To just name a few, the serum has vitamin C and vitamin E to brighten complexion, niacinamide and licorice root extract for hyperpigmentation, and peptides to plump the skin.
“The price tag isn’t cheap, but I only invest in things that have been science-backed and evidence-based,” she shares. This bottle fits 30ml of wrinkle-fighting goodness, so it should last you a while. Plus, Dr. Nazarian says “It’s the only thing I need to apply in the morning other than my sunscreen.” So, you’ll be able to treat your skin no matter how busy your morning routine gets.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD advises adding the SkinCeuticals Ferulic C E serum to your skin care routine as it’s a “patient-favorite” for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What makes this $169 serum a W+G favorite is that it’s filled with antioxidants and an extra-high concentration of vitamin C. Together, these ingredients protect the skin’s barrier, tighten skin, and brighten complexion.
These superstar ingredients aren’t alone, though, as the serum also has vitamin E and ferulic acid to protect against environmental factors—so your skin will be in tip-top condition as you tackle the day. If you’re looking to add this buzzy serum to your regimen, we approve! But, Dr. Bhanusali recommends patch testing it first as some people with sensitive skin may experience irritation because of the high concentration of vitamin C.
According to NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, Clinical Skin’s Polypeptide Firming Serum does it all to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Inside the 50ml bottle, there are four powerful ingredients “that tell your skin cells how to function optimally,” Dr. Zeichner explains.
These powerful peptides work alongside antioxidants (which protect the skin from free radical damage), ceramides (beloved for restoring the skin’s barrier), and hyaluronic acid (the holy grail for hydration) to leave skin looking smooth and nourished after each use. The best part? Dr. Zeichner says that this product was “extensively studied in clinical testing before it was launched” and the results said it all: “After 12 weeks of continuous use, participants in the study were found to have improvements in firmness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” he shares.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a leading board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and advisor of BioRepublic, also turns to Alto for their wide array of effective wrinkle-reducing products. Her pick from the beloved brand is the 50ml Defense Serum, which she says, “contains vitamin C and E, in addition to 17 other antioxidants, that work together to help protect the skin against free radical damage that can occur as a result of environmental factors, including UV rays, blue light, and pollution.”
If you’re new to the wrinkle-protection game, she says this serum is a great option for newbies because it is sensitive enough for all skin types.
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