Including items from The Ordinary, Paula’s Choice, and CeraVe.
When it comes to creating a daily anti-aging skincare regimen, it might not be obvious where to begin. To help you avoid unnecessary trial and error (and save money), we reached out toDr. Dendy Engelman,a certified specialist in cosmetic dermatology and a Mohs surgeon atShafer Clinicin New York City, for the best product suggestions to address typical skin aging issues.
Having approximately twenty years of expertise in both medical and aesthetic dermatology,Dr. Engelmanpossesses deep expertise in personalized treatments targeting fine lines, reduced elasticity, pigmentation, and general skin wellness. “Over the years, I’ve developed methods that help mature skin appear revitalized, healthy, and naturally glowing,” she states. She revealed her seven essential products priced under $50from Amazonto address these concerns, such as CeraVe moisturizing cream, La Roche-Posay serum, EltaMD sunscreen, and RoC retinol cream. Additionally, she mentionedReal Simplewhat to avoid for a successful anti-aging routine
Dermatologist-Approved Anti-Aging Products
- Neostrata PHA Facial Cleanser, $36
- Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Boosting Serum, $49
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Tinted Facial Sunscreen, $37 (was $46)
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension, $13
- CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $12 (was $15)
- RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $20 (was $30)
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $40
Related: Top Budget-Friendly Skincare Brands of 2025, as Recommended by Real Simple Editors
Don’t Purchase: Aggressive Body Exfoliants
Buy Now: Mild Chemical Exfoliant Containing PHAs
$36 at Amazon
Severe physical exfoliation can lead to tiny tears in the skin, as noted by Dr. Engelman, resulting in irritation and increased sensitivity over time. She mentioned that polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) aid in promoting cell renewal while preserving skin hydration, which is essential for maintaining a youthful look in the long run.
“I love the Neostrata PHA Facial Cleanser, which enhances texture without causing micro-tears or damaging the skin’s barrier,” noted Dr. Engelman. “It is also moisturizing, making it suitable for sensitive or aging skin.”
Don’t Buy: Alcohol-Heavy Toners
Buy Instead: Niacinamide Serum
$49 at Amazon
Dr. Engelman mentioned that toners high in alcohol can remove the skin’s natural oils, damaging the skin barrier and leading to more dryness and irritation. “I love thePaula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Boosting Serum, which enhances the skin’s protective layer, minimizes the appearance of pores, and enhances skin complexion without removing hydration,” she explained.
Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, and as the doctor explains, “it works wonderfully with retinoids and vitamin C.” She notes that niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and reinforces the skin’s barrier, which minimizes irritation caused by retinoids and sensitivity from vitamin C. “At the same time, it doesn’t hinder their effectiveness, so you benefit from smoother cell renewal due to retinoids, brighter skin and antioxidant protection from vitamin C, and overall balanced, calm skin thanks to niacinamide.”
Don’t Purchase: Cosmetics That Contain Only SPF
Purchase Instead: Tinted Sunscreen with Full-Spectrum SPF
$46
$37 at Amazon
As stated by Dr. Engelman—and the majority of dermatologists—SPF is the most crucial anti-aging product available. She emphasized that regular use of SPF helps reduce aging, maintains collagen levels, and ensures long-term skin health. “Exposure to the sun is a major cause of early aging. No serum, cream, or treatment can reverse continuous UV damage, but using daily broad-spectrum SPF shields your skin from the root cause,” she said. “It serves as the base for all other anti-aging approaches.”
Although your preferred SPF-infused foundation may give your skin a perfect appearance, it could offer “inadequate sun protection, making your skin susceptible to UV damage and early aging.” Ensure you’re also using facial sunscreen—tinted sunscreen, in particular, provides sun protection along with a touch of color.
My favorite [tinted sunscreen] isEltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, which provides protection against UVA/UVB and visible light using niacinamide and antioxidants. Niacinamide enhances the skin and evens out its appearance, while antioxidants combat free radicals caused by the sun and pollution, according to Dr. Engelman.
Don’t Buy: Unsupervised Steroids
Buy Instead: Azelaic Acid
$13 at Amazon
Dr. Engelman states that self-administering potent prescription treatments without medical supervision over an extended period is not advisable. This practice can harm your skin, as steroids may cause it to become thinner, and hydroquinone might lead to irritation or even darkening of the skin over time—contrary to the intended outcome. Azelaic acid, on the other hand, is milder, helps soothe the skin, reduces pigmentation, and can be safely used alongside most other skincare ingredients, according to Dr. Engelman.
“My favorite is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, which enhances, smooths, and reduces redness without the adverse effects associated with prolonged use of steroids or hydroquinone. “It is suitable for ongoing maintenance.”
Don’t Purchase: Coconut Oil or Other Oily Substances
Purchase Instead: Moisturizers That Repair the Skin Barrier Containing Ceramides
$15
$14 at Amazon
Pure coconut oil and other occlusive agents may pose challenges for those with acne-prone skin, as these components have the potential to block pores, thereby exacerbating acne flare-ups, as noted by Dr. Engelman. “I loveCeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which restores ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to promote strong, durable skin without blocking pores.”
Ceramides are lipids that occur naturally in the skin and play a role in building and sustaining the skin’s protective layer, she says. A robust barrier helps retain moisture, shields from irritants and environmental pollutants, and stops the skin from becoming dry or sensitive. “Incorporating ceramides into your skincare routine helps rebuild this barrier, maintaining skin that is healthy, moist, and strong.”
Don’t Purchase: Intense “Facial Firming” Masks
Purchase Instead: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$40 at Amazon
Regular use of strong masks can damage the skin and lead to irritation instead of tightening, said Dr. Engelman. “Rather than causing dryness, this”La Roche-Posay serumDeeply moisturizes and firms the skin, temporarily minimizing the look of fine lines and enhancing skin elasticity. It offers an excellent hydration boost for skin of any age.
Don’t Purchase: Moisturizers Lacking Scientific Support
Buy Instead: Retinol Cream
$30
$20 at Amazon
Night creams that lack scientific support often make claims about their effectiveness without having ingredients that truly deliver results, which means they fail to enhance the skin, according to Dr. Engelman. “Supported by decades of retinol research, this”affordable [OTC retinol] formula is clinically provento diminish fine lines and lessen the appearance of sun damage over time.
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