Once you hit a certain age (which is different for everyone), it can suddenly become very apparent to you that you are, in fact, aging. While getting older is certainly a blessing, not everyone wants those signs of maturity to be so obvious on their face—which is where anti-aging skin care products come in handy.
Since there are so many good products on the market to target fine lines and wrinkles, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the various options. So to help you on your quest for turning back time, we asked RealSelf Insiders for the anti-aging product that they swear works for them. From wrinkle-fighting retinols to dark-spot-erasing serums, our audience clearly knows a thing or two about looking younger—and as a bonus, all their top picks are under $100.
Differin Adapalene Gel ($16)
“I love Differin’s Adapalene Gel, which you can buy at most drugstores. It’s a retinoid, so it fights fine lines, but it is also FDA-approved to treat acne. I’ve used all sorts of expensive retinoids, and this one is just as good as any of them. My skin did purge when I first started using the gel, but I haven’t had a single breakout since.” —Noelle, 38
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum ($42)
“This product makes my skin feel tight, firm, and baby soft. It even helps with acne!!” —Chelsea, 31
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($35)
“This is one of the best sunscreens, and it prevents sun damage. It’s excellent for sensitive skin—one of the best tools in my toolbox for anti-aging!” —Anne, 59
Related: 8 Dermatologists Reveal Their Favorite Vitamin C Serum Under $100
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Power Serum ($98)
“I love this serum because it tightens my pores and makes my face glow in a natural way. Makeup also goes on smoother [after use].” —Maria, 37
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum ($22)
“I can’t believe how many compliments I get about my skin since starting to use this product. This oil-free serum—which smells great—helps me avoid breakouts while plumping my skin to minimize fine lines. It also makes my skin glow!” —Jennifer, 43
Tretinoin (Typically under $100, depending on insurance)
“This is a prescription product that has clinical evidence to prevent and repair wrinkles and damaged skin. I use it, along with vitamin C serum, to keep my skin at its best.” —Brenda, 71
Goldfaden MD Vital Boost Even Skin Tone Moisturizer ($68)
“This is the first time I’ve ever actually fallen in love with a moisturizer. I have very red, blotchy, and uneven skin. For me, to go out and buy more [of the same product] means it really works! It’s so good that even my husband noticed, and he doesn’t notice small changes. My skin glowed, it was more [even-toned], and the redness disappeared. I recommend this to anyone with similar skin problems as me.” —Becky, 35
Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Vitamin C Serum ($68)
“I use this twice daily and have seen fine lines go away, my face glows, and [the product] tightens [my skin]! —Leslie, 56
Related: 7 Best Skin Treatments You Can Get for Under $250
AnteAge MD Accelerator ($95)
“I decided to give AnteAge MD Serum and the Accelerator a try about a month ago. It’s $280 for the set, but each can be [bought and] used individually. I am seeing quick changes in my pores, [my] pigmentation [issues], and [the] redness around my nose—which has always been a problem! My skin has a nice glow to it, like “spa skin.” This product does not get a lot of press and I had to track down a doctor who sold it, but it was worth it. Change came fast.” —Marie, 67
Dermaesthetics Purifying Glycolic Foam Cleanser ($54)
“I love this glycolic cleanser and the brand’s Advanced Collagen Formula ($95). The glycolic cleanser helps with the cell renewal process—it speeds up the cell turnover rate with a gentle exfoliation. The Advanced Collagen Formula helps to fortify and rebuild collagen, which firms and plumps my skin.” —Sarah, 33
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel ($88)
“These peel pads make my skin look healthy and glowy. And they minimize my forehead frown lines too.” —Tania, 41
The Ordinary. Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone ($7)
“This is a straightforward product, with science backing it, for a price that’s less than [what you’d pay for] a fancy cup of coffee.” —Rachel, 41
