5 Skin Care Ingredients Dermatologists Swear By

It's okay to give up on your dreams of finding the Fountain of Youth, because there are ways to achieve a glowing, youthful complexion - and they're not mythological. Today, you can easily find quality anti-aging products that will help minimize and ward off wrinkles, brighten complexion, and keep your skin radiant. Sure, that all sounds just as miraculous as stumbling upon a magical spring that grants you the gift of eternal youth, but these claims are actually backed by science. If you want to enhance your skincare routine, find products that include the following dermatologist-backed ingredients.

Retinol

Retinol has long been considered the gold standard of skincare. As one of the best anti-aging products available, retinol is a must-have in your skincare regimen. Retinol is a vitamin A-derivative that spurs cell turnover, thereby increasing the production of collagen and treating wrinkles, sun spots, sagging skin, and more.  Be sure to use this product at night, though, as retinol makes your skin extra sensitive to the sun.

Antioxidants

Whether you consume them or apply them topically, antioxidants provide a bevy of health benefits for your skin. These powerful ingredients protect your skin from free radicals, such as the sun's damaging rays and pollution, and thus can help prevent and reverse signs of aging. Look for products with antioxidants like vitamin C, pomegranate, or green tea to apply in the morning to boost cell repair and fade dark spots. And feel free to really load up on your different antioxidants - they are most powerful when they work in packs!

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

To slough off dead skin cells and reveal young, radiant skin, rely on powerful Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Incorporating AHAs into your skincare regimen can help minimize discoloration and pore size, as well as create a more even, smoother skin tone. What's not to love about those benefits? There are several types of acids under the umbrella of AHAs, including glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and lactic acid. Don't go overboard with your AHAs, though, as these ultra-strong ingredients can aggravate sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

One of the single most important factors in achieving beautiful skin is moisture. Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the simplest ways to avoid early signs of aging, which is why dermatologists swear by hyaluronic acid. As a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid actually draws water into the skin, thus keeping it plump and supple all day long. Hyaluronic acid helps quickly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also preventing future signs of aging. Look for this ingredient in a daily moisturizer, and apply it liberally whenever you need it.

Sunscreen

Okay, okay. You've heard this one before, oh maybe a million times. There's a reason why every single dermatologist stresses the importance of sunscreen - it's because it's really important. Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from sun damage (aside from staying out of the sun altogether), and no sun damage means youthful, flawless skin that looks decades younger than its actual age. So slather on that SPF - your future skin will thank you.  

Conclusion

Next time you are in the beauty aisle debating which products to buy, check the labels to see if they include any of these skincare workhorses. After all, if you're going to rely on a particular product to give you these skincare/anti-aging benefits and improve your complexion, don't you want the power of science behind it?