{"id":17495,"date":"2020-11-17T11:21:54","date_gmt":"2020-11-17T19:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=17495"},"modified":"2021-12-10T09:58:04","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T17:58:04","slug":"medical-grade-hydrators-with-anti-aging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/medical-grade-hydrators-with-anti-aging","title":{"rendered":"6 Medical-Grade Hydrators With Powerful Anti-Aging Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to skin care, you have your hydrating ingredients in one corner and your anti-agers in the other. Both are great on their own, but put them together, and you end up with a truly perfect pairing—the peanut butter and jelly of skin care. <\/p>

As far as hydrating goes, humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which work by attracting water to and retaining it in the skin, are the best of the best, says Dr. Sheryl D. Clark<\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.  It’s worth noting that while the two terms are often used interchangeably, hydration<\/em> and moisturization<\/em> aren’t the same thing. “Hydration refers to water being added to the skin, whereas moisturization is about adding oils or lipids,” notes Dr. Clark. For the best end result, you need both. Hydration helps plump the skin, to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while moisturization smooths the skin and eliminates a patchy, flaky appearance, she explains. As far as moisturizing ingredients go, options such as ceramides, shea butter, and aloe are some of the best, she adds.<\/p>

In the anti-aging realm, retinoids are the unequivocal gold standard, known for their proven ability to smooth fine lines, even out texture and tone, minimize the look of prominent pores, and more. Other tried-and-true classics include antioxidants, glycolic acid, and peptides, says Dr. Clark.<\/p>

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Why combine your hydrating ingredients and anti-agers?<\/h2>

The obvious convenience factor aside, there are notable benefits for your skin. Pairing anti-aging ingredients that are potentially irritating—we’re looking at you, retinoids—with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients makes them easier to tolerate, notes Dr. Clark.  On top of that, it’s the simplest way to achieve your desired end result. While the anti-agers typically work on the deeper layers of the skin, the hydrators and moisturizers work more superficially, making for more visible results that become apparent much faster. “The anti-aging ingredients alone will be effective, but without hydration and moisture, you’re never going to be able to achieve that smooth, glowy skin everyone is after,” explains Dr. Clark.  <\/p>

The bottom line: it’s always a good idea to seek out products that offer both benefits. Here are six of the best medical-grade anti-aging hydrators.<\/p>

Senté Dermal Repair Cream<\/a> ($158)<\/h2>
\"Senté<\/figure>

This boasts both sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid, and the brand’s proprietary ingredient, heparan sulfate analog. The latter replenishes the heparan sulfate (a complex sugar) that’s naturally found in our skin but decreases with age. The ingredient straddles the anti-aging and hydrating line, locking in moisture while promoting collagen and elastin production. The formula also contains green tea extract, one of Dr. Clark’s top recommended antioxidants.<\/p>

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