Dr. Sam Ellis on What Really Works for Mature Skin

"Let's start off with a drugstore option, the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum. This is going to run you about $24 to $30 depending on which retailer you are purchasing it from. It is 10% L-ascorbic acid, so a slightly lower concentration than your average vitamin C product. And what I really like about it is the consistency. It's sort of like a thicker gel. And a lot of vitamin C serums are very watery, which makes them great for layering, but it can also make them kind of messy. Aside from that ascorbic acid, it also has those skin barrier supporting ceramides that CeraVe is super well known for. And I would have to say this is one of my absolute favorite budget friendly vitamin C serums. It's very fairly priced. It's good for travel. It still has the most proven form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, at a slightly lower concentration. So if someone does have slightly sensitive skin, but still wants to be using the most proven form of vitamin C, excellent option."

"One of my favorites for this is the Timeless Coenzyme Q10 Serum. This not only has the coenzyme Q10, but also has Matrixyl 3000, which is probably the best anti-aging peptide. So you get a peptide, you get coenzyme Q10 in this really luxurious, non-irritating serum that you can use morning or night. It's also super affordable."

"Adapalene, also known as Differin Adapalene 0.1% gel, used to be a prescription retinoid you could only get from your doctor but it's now available over the counter and that is so wonderful. If you're looking for a retinoid that's available over the counter to help you with your acne, this is absolutely my number one choice. Do not bother with retinols or retinoic acid. Adapalene is known as a third generation retinoid so it's going to work on those retinoic acid receptors within your skin but it's considered to be a lot more gentle and people tend to have less irritation when using something like adapalene compared to tretinoin. There are studies showing that 0.1% adapalene is just as effective as 0.025% tretinoin. Within the US, this is the most potent retinoid that you can get over the counter without a prescription."

"I do recommend light therapy masks if you can be consistent with them. They're not a total waste of money. [...] There are tons of LED mask brands out there. The two I typically recommend are by Omnilux and by Current Body. Those masks both have the right specs to get you the right results. They have the right power to get you the right results. And they're both really high quality masks. I have used both and loved both."

"If you have really sensitive skin but you still really want to incorporate a retinoid into your skincare routine, I would try the Olay Regenerist Retinol. This is a little bit more gentle, it's in a more creamy base, and you still get those skin strengthening retinoid benefits."

"This is a peptide and growth factor serum. You just need one pump for your entire face and neck. It's definitely a more expensive skincare product, and I always say if you're going to invest a hundred or more dollars in a skincare product, it should generally have some type of clinical trials showing its efficacy. This has good clinical data showing it helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and even skin sagging. There's not a lot in skincare that helps with sagging. It's not going to lift your jowls up, but for people who apply it to their neck or around their eyes, they do notice noticeable improvements. This is just a product I really enjoy using. As someone with rosacea and more reactive skin, I also find it quite calming and not irritating. I'm a big fan. They recommend using it morning and night, generally on clean skin."