Most of us know that keeping our skin looking healthy and youthful for as long as possible comes down to staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, practicing proper sun protection, and even eating the right foods.
But there is also something to be said about taking preventive measures against premature aging by building a strong skincare routine.
We know all about washing, moisturizing, and exfoliating but there are two products that a lot of us tend to overlook even though they hold the keys to radiant skin: toners and serums.
So, what’s the tea on toners and serums?
First off, let’s talk about serums. They can be watery, oily, moisturizing, and a whole host of other contradictions, but that’s because they’re made for many different reasons but one purpose—to deliver a high concentration of beneficial ingredients directly to your skin.
I like to think of it like this: imagine sucking all the powerful ingredients out of your favorite skincare products and applying them directly to your face. That’s basically a serum.
Toners, on the other hand, are liquids that remove any leftover impurities (like makeup, sweat, and excess oil) that your cleanser didn’t catch.
Sometimes they’re formulated with ingredients that moisturize and exfoliate, but for the most part, they’re your face wash’s most helpful friend.
Okay, but how do they help with anti-aging?
While not all toners and serums are geared toward preventing premature aging, the ones with ingredients that do have anti-aging benefits ensure that you’re getting the most out of your products by allowing the most beneficial ingredients to be applied directly to your skin.
Yes, that moisturizer you love so much might have all the ingredients needed to fight wrinkles and fine lines, but it’s also created with a bunch of other things that could be dulling the benefits of what you need the most. Not to mention that:
- Toners and serums work to hydrate your skin which improves elasticity and lessens fine lines, wrinkles, and overall dull, tired skin.
- Serums are often formulated with popular anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, hydroxy acids, and botanical extracts.
- Toners help cleanse and protect skin from impurities that lead to premature aging.
Long story short, you toners and serums are your friend! Ready to get started and not sure what would be a good fit for you? Try one of these 5 anti-aging toners and serums that are perfect for women over 40.
Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Serum 10, $45
Designed to combat dry, dull skin, this serum is formulated with both Rhamnose (a plant sugar) and ultra-moisturizing hyaluronic acid which fights fine lines, wrinkles, and crows feet by making sure your skin stays hydrated.
Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Green Tea Balancing Toner, $39
This super gentle toner is one of the best options for those of you with super blemish and inflammation-prone skin.
Packed with antioxidants from clean, natural ingredients such as green tea and jasmine water, this toner will balance and calm even the most tired skin.
Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse, $36
One of the biggest complaints about the toner is that the alcohol in most formulas harshly dries out and irritates your skin.
This toner, however, is super hydrating because it’s alcohol-free and formulated with familiar ingredients such as water, chamomile, and aloe juice.
Dermalogica Age Smart Antioxidant HydraMist, $45
This toner from Dermalogica creates an antioxidant protective barrier on your skin that fights external stresses to the skin like overexposure to sunlight and air pollution.
Plus, the formula uses pea extract to help firm the skin, while clove and rose extracts work to refresh dry and tired areas.
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum, $36
This silky-smooth serum blends retinol, vitamin c, and other potent antioxidants to create a powerful formula that firms skin and erases the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tones on all skin types.
All you have to do is use it twice a day for an instantly revitalized and refreshed look.
