14 Anti-Aging Breakthroughs Dermatologists Need You to Know
While you can’t turn back the clock, these innovative products and procedures come pretty darn close
Fraxel
Billed as “the original fractional skin-resurfacing treatment,” Fraxel laser treatments have proved their worth. “Not only does it lessen brown spots and reduce wrinkles, but it also targets actinic keratoses lesions, which are precancerous,” says Janet Prystowsky, MD. “Combining youth-boosting and therapeutic benefits is a win for sun-damaged baby boomers.” You might be interested to learn the 10 ways dermatologists turn back the clock overnight.
LovelySkin Luxe Brightening Gel
Struggling with age spots? Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf contributor, recommends LovelySkin Luxe Brightening Gel. It contains asafetida—a natural gum from the roots of Ferula species of herbs—which helps with hyperpigmentation; it also has patented proteinlike filaments called filaggrin that help speed up cellular turnover (with no irritation). “In my opinion, this is a truly novel product that has a unique way of exfoliating effortlessly, while evening tone and radiance.”
DefenAge Clinical Power Trio
“This past year, some compelling evidence came out showing that defensins can stimulate stem cells to produce newer, younger skin,” notes Jennifer L. MacGregor, MD. What the heck are defensins? They’re proteins loaded with cysteine, and they also seem to protect against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. DefenAge Clinical Power Trio leverages synthetically produced defensin peptides—plus niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and sea whip extract—to keep skin youthful. Find out 8 things people with perfect complexions always do before bed.
Juvéderm Volite
“Juvéderm Volite is a new treatment in Europe that involves a series of shallow injections of hyaluronic acid gel all over the face,” reveals Dendy Engelman, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist. It works to hydrate, smooth lines, and increase elasticity. The one caveat? It’s not yet approved by the FDA. Hopefully that will change soon.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
ISDIN is another company doing an awesome job with skin-rejuvenation technology, according to the experts. Dr. MacGregor likes Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+, which combines DNA-repair enzymes, antioxidants, and broad-spectrum sunscreen into an all-star formula. “These ingredients actually guard against and reverse sun damage—with the added benefit of making your complexion look radiant and fantastic.” Don’t miss the best anti-aging products for every decade.
AquaGold Fine Touch
AquaGold Fine Touch is a micro-needling device that uses 24-karat-gold needles, each thinner than a strand of hair, to place custom solutions—Botox to shrink pores, for example, or Restylane for volume—deep into the dermis, says Michele Green, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist and RealSelf contributor. Dr. Green particularly likes the way a doctor can tailor the treatment to your needs.
Ultherapy
Not ready to go under the knife? “If there was a Holy Grail of noninvasive rejuvenation, Ultherapy would be the winner,” says Dr. Schlessinger. So how exactly does it work? The well-reviewed treatment uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten loose skin—which would normally be “nipped and tucked” during a face-lift—while stimulating collagen production. On the flip side, read up on the 12 things dermatologists say you should never, ever do.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Hydrating Shield
According to the American Lung Association, 41 percent of Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of smog and soot. “Environmental aggressors cause hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and loss of firmness,” notes Dr. Engelman. “There are many products that tackle pollution-related issues. My favorite is Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Hydrating Shield. It protects and prevents future damage with a [strengthening] DNA Enzyme Complex.”
Skin Medicinals
The Skin Medicinals platform allows dermatologists, for the first time, to completely customize anti-aging topicals for patients. As Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, explains it, everything starts with a retinoid (strength can be changed based on sensitivity) and a base of vitamins C and E, turmeric, and resveratrol. From there, you can add hyaluronic acid for better hydration or azelaic acid to diminish dark spots. Make sure you’re not following any of these 37 worst pieces of skin-care advice dermatologists have ever heard.
Aerolase Neo
As the name implies, Aerolase is a laser-based treatment. The company recently debuted a device called Neo that targets dark spots, rosacea, wrinkles, and acne. “It requires a series of sessions at monthly intervals and is effective for all skin types,” says Francesca Fusco, MD. The best part? The laser is safe and gentle for patients.
Vampire Facial
Perhaps you’ve heard of the Vampire Facial or seen it on an episode of Kourtney & Kim Take Miami, but how much do you really know about this infamous procedure? “Platelet-rich plasma (taken from your own blood) is injected into the face to stimulate cell turnover and collagen production,” Dr. Green notes. While it may look scary, the procedure has made many patients happy. Check out these 13 age-reversing secrets dermatologist don’t always share.
Exilis Ultra
“One of the greatest technologies is the Exilis Ultra, which combines a radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound device,” explains Suneel Chilukuri, MD, founder of Refresh Dermatology in Houston, Texas. Unlike its painful processors, this game changer provides a more comfortable “hot-stone massage-type experience” with stellar outcomes. “I’ve seen significant lifting and tightening of the face with an improvement of texture.”
Senté Dermal Contour Pressed Serum
Have you heard of heparan sulfate? This glycosaminoglycan plays a role in many aspects of skin health; studies show it may help cells receive messages to make more collagen. Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf contributor, suggests slathering on Senté Dermal Contour Pressed Serum. Sold exclusively through physician offices, this first-of-its-kind formula harnesses the power of this wonder ingredient to amp up firmness and elasticity. Of course, beauty isn’t just skin deep. Consider buying these 15 worthwhile anti-aging supplements.
Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Until now, your doctor’s best weapon against stubborn dark spots, or hyper-pigmentation, has been hydroquinone, which is irritating and harsh on skin, potentially triggering inflammation that can cause even more hyper-pigmentation. NYC dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, has created a hyper-pigmentation treatment that not only works as fast as prescription-strength hydroquinone but is gentle on skin. “With Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum, I hand-picked proven pigment-fighting ingredients, deliberately layering them in specific clinical concentrations to create a potent corrective serum that significantly fades the look of stubborn dark spots and discoloration for all skin types, all while preventing future hyper pigmentation,” Dr. Gross says.
Don’t miss the best anti-aging products at every price point.