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Vogue
01-08-2025
- Health
- Vogue
The Best Exfoliating Scalp Treatments Remove Flakes, Oil, and Buildup
A point that board-certified nurse practitioner and aesthetics expert Vanessa Coppola drives home is how you care for your scalp directly affects the health and appearance of your hair, making the case for exfoliating scalp treatments even more clear. A proper exfoliating treatment can harmonize your scalp, boost circulation, minimize itch—all of which sets the stage for shinier, healthier strands. 'Most people focus on their hair strands but forget that healthy hair starts at the root," she begins. With her background in integrative wellness, she sees the scalp as an extension of the skin. 'Just like your face, it needs to be balanced, exfoliated, and nourished to function optimally. Scalp treatments remove excess buildup from products, sebum, and environmental pollutants that can clog follicles and disrupt natural growth cycles. A healthy scalp environment supports stronger, thicker hair, improves circulation, and even enhances how well your other hair-care products work.' Vogue's Favorite Exfoliating Scalp Treatments Are you wondering how to know if your scalp is screaming for extra TLC? There will be obvious signs (other than this article, of course—consider this one of your signs). It's time to add in a exfoliating treatment to detox your scalp 'if your hair feels more oily, itchy for no reason, or just plain blah' board-certified physician associate Paula Brezavscek previously told Vogue. That means brushing up on your exfoliation game, especially when flakes, excess sebum, or styling residue start overstaying their welcome. Ready to polish your routine? Below, 13 Vogue-approved scalp treatments, from purifying scrubs to luxurious oils and detoxifying elixirs. In This Story Best with Charcoal: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Treatment Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Tea Tree Treatment $32 AMAZON $32 NORDSTROM Why We Love It: Limp hair, be gone! Briogeo's scalp serum delivers a cooling sensation while lifting impurities that weigh down hair hair down. The formula leans on binchotan charcoal for a deep clean, plus tea tree and peppermint oils to create that instant-refresh tingle. Coppola recommends this pick for anyone who needs to detox from lots of styling products or dry shampoo.'Charcoal is a powerful detoxifier—it pulls out impurities and buildup, while the soothing agents calm irritation,' she says. Limp hair, be gone! Briogeo's scalp serum delivers a cooling sensation while lifting impurities that weigh down hair hair down. The formula leans on binchotan charcoal for a deep clean, plus tea tree and peppermint oils to create that instant-refresh tingle. Coppola recommends this pick for anyone who needs to detox from lots of styling products or dry shampoo.'Charcoal is a powerful detoxifier—it pulls out impurities and buildup, while the soothing agents calm irritation,' she says. Key Ingredients: Binchotan charcoal, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, witch hazel extract Type: Leave-on scalp serum Best For: Dry, flaky, or congested scalps Size: 1 fl oz. Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Oil Erasing Scalp Serum L'Oréal Oil Erasing Scalp Serum $12 AMAZON Why We Love It: Infused with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, L'Oréal's Oil Erasing Scalp Serum offers a salon‑grade cleanse that leaves the scalp feeling purified and refreshed for up to 72 hours—while hydrating your lengths, never stripping them. Powered with salicylic and hyaluronic acids, the lightweight, water‑thin texture absorbs instantly without residue, making it ideal for those who want fresh, balanced roots without heaviness. Infused with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, L'Oréal's Oil Erasing Scalp Serum offers a salon‑grade cleanse that leaves the scalp feeling purified and refreshed for up to 72 hours—while hydrating your lengths, never stripping them. Powered with salicylic and hyaluronic acids, the lightweight, water‑thin texture absorbs instantly without residue, making it ideal for those who want fresh, balanced roots without heaviness. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, salvia, glycerin-rich components Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, salvia, glycerin-rich components Type: Pre‑shampoo leave-in serum Pre‑shampoo leave-in serum Best For: Oily or congested scalps who want their roots to stay fresh longer Oily or congested scalps who want their roots to stay fresh longer Size: 3.45 fl. oz Best for Oily Roots: Act+Acre 4% Niacinamide Oily Scalp Serum Why We Love It : By now, you've likely tapped into niacinamide's skin-clearing prowess for your face, but have you considered it a solution for all your scalp woes? 'Niacinamide is a skin-barrier superstar, and this lightweight serum brings that same balance to the scalp,' says Coppola. 'It's the perfect pick for people with oily roots because it regulates oil production without over-drying, which is key to maintaining scalp health.' Not to mention, with regular use, this serum can keep time in between your shampoo schedule blissfully stretched. : By now, you've likely tapped into niacinamide's skin-clearing prowess for your face, but have you considered it a solution for all your scalp woes? 'Niacinamide is a skin-barrier superstar, and this lightweight serum brings that same balance to the scalp,' says Coppola. 'It's the perfect pick for people with oily roots because it regulates oil production without over-drying, which is key to maintaining scalp health.' Not to mention, with regular use, this serum can keep time in between your shampoo schedule blissfully stretched. Key Ingredients : Niacinamide, fermented green tea extract, bio-fermented astragalus : Niacinamide, fermented green tea extract, bio-fermented astragalus Type : Serum : Serum Best For : Oily hair, scalp buildup : Oily hair, scalp buildup Size: 2.2 fl oz. Best Custom: Prose Custom Scalp Serum Prose Custom Scalp Serum $56 PROSE Why We Love It : Like all Prose products, this serum completely removes the guess work out of finding the perfect formula for your hair concerns. After a quick quiz, the brand creates a customized intensive scalp serum with a blend of hydrating ingredients and purifying chemical exfoliants perfectly catered to your skin's needs. What's included in yours? You'll have to click 'add to cart' to find out, and discover your uniquely blended salve. : Like all Prose products, this serum completely removes the guess work out of finding the perfect formula for your hair concerns. After a quick quiz, the brand creates a customized intensive scalp serum with a blend of hydrating ingredients and purifying chemical exfoliants perfectly catered to your skin's needs. What's included in yours? You'll have to click 'add to cart' to find out, and discover your uniquely blended salve. Key Ingredients : Ingredients vary per customized formula. Prose picks from hundreds of clean ingredients, all sustainably sourced. Fragrance- and silicone-free options are also available. : Ingredients vary per customized formula. Prose picks from hundreds of clean ingredients, all sustainably sourced. Fragrance- and silicone-free options are also available. Type : Serum : Serum Best For : All hair types and scalp concerns : All hair types and scalp concerns Size: 8.5 fl oz. Best Salicylic Acid Treatment: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment $15 AMAZON Why We Love It : 'Salicylic acid helps to banish dandruff flakes,' Brezavscek previously shared, citing this The Inkey List treatment which leads with the ingredient. 'Salicylic acid gently exfoliates and clears clogged follicles similar to how it works on acne-prone skin,' adds Coppola. 'It's excellent for reducing flakes, keeping pores clear, and helping your scalp breathe so hair can grow healthier.' Meanwhile, panthenol and castor oil calm things down, soothing itchy irritation with ease. : 'Salicylic acid helps to banish dandruff flakes,' Brezavscek previously shared, citing this The Inkey List treatment which leads with the ingredient. 'Salicylic acid gently exfoliates and clears clogged follicles similar to how it works on acne-prone skin,' adds Coppola. 'It's excellent for reducing flakes, keeping pores clear, and helping your scalp breathe so hair can grow healthier.' Meanwhile, panthenol and castor oil calm things down, soothing itchy irritation with ease. Key Ingredients : Salicylic acid, Fluidipure 8G, panthenol, hydrogenated castor oil : Salicylic acid, Fluidipure 8G, panthenol, hydrogenated castor oil Type : Prewash treatment : Prewash treatment Best For : Oily scalp, dandruff, itchiness : Oily scalp, dandruff, itchiness Size: 5 fl oz. Best with Keratin: Virtue Exfoliating Scalp Treatment Why We Love It: Think of Virtue's exfoliating formula as a clarifying facial—just for your scalp's hair follicles. Powered by Alpha Keratin 60ku, this pre-shampoo treatment gently lifts product buildup, excess oil, and dead skin while supporting healthy hair growth from the root. It's a weekly reset that leaves your scalp feeling detoxed, refreshed, and perfectly prepped for whatever styling comes next. Think of Virtue's exfoliating formula as a clarifying facial—just for your scalp's hair follicles. Powered by Alpha Keratin 60ku, this pre-shampoo treatment gently lifts product buildup, excess oil, and dead skin while supporting healthy hair growth from the root. It's a weekly reset that leaves your scalp feeling detoxed, refreshed, and perfectly prepped for whatever styling comes next. Key Ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku, rice exfoliator, fruit enzymes, jojoba beads Alpha Keratin 60ku, rice exfoliator, fruit enzymes, jojoba beads Type: Cream Best For: Congested scalps, oily scalps Size: 5 fl oz. Best with Spicules: Celladix Hair Boosting Scalp Serum Celladix Hair Boosting Scalp Serum $22 AMAZON Why We Love It: The same benefits of spicule serums for skin applies to the scalp. This K-beauty roll-on serum uses needle-like structures to deliver tea tree oil, rosemary, charcoal, and actives straight to the scalp to refresh and rebalance without irritation—dispersed through a cooling metal tip that a soothing touch as you apply. A personal favorite, I love the mess-free application of this serum. I can never quite nail a dropper serum without it dripping onto my forehead. With this pick, I section my hair, roll, and go in the mornings without long-lasting residue or sacrificing style. The same benefits of spicule serums for skin applies to the scalp. This K-beauty roll-on serum uses needle-like structures to deliver tea tree oil, rosemary, charcoal, and actives straight to the scalp to refresh and rebalance without irritation—dispersed through a cooling metal tip that a soothing touch as you apply. A personal favorite, I love the mess-free application of this serum. I can never quite nail a dropper serum without it dripping onto my forehead. With this pick, I section my hair, roll, and go in the mornings without long-lasting residue or sacrificing style. Key Ingredients: Redensyl, biotin, caffeine, niacinamide Type: Roll-on serum Best For: Thinning hair, weak strands, overall scalp health Size: 1.7 fl oz. Best for Dandruff: Jupiter Restoring Serum Why We Love It: Chronically flake-prone scalps, meet your match. Jupiter's Restoring Serum is a lightweight, leave-in treatment designed to soothe irritation, reduce dandruff, and balance oil—all while promoting a healthier scalp barrier. That's thank to it's star ingredient, zinc, a well-regarded agent for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. With its non-greasy finish and calming blend of actives, this is the kind of daily fix that works behind the scenes to keep your scalp clear, without leaving and residue or heaviness behind. Chronically flake-prone scalps, meet your match. Jupiter's Restoring Serum is a lightweight, leave-in treatment designed to soothe irritation, reduce dandruff, and balance oil—all while promoting a healthier scalp barrier. That's thank to it's star ingredient, zinc, a well-regarded agent for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. With its non-greasy finish and calming blend of actives, this is the kind of daily fix that works behind the scenes to keep your scalp clear, without leaving and residue or heaviness behind. Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, niacinamide, green tea extract, aloe vera Zinc pyrithione, niacinamide, green tea extract, aloe vera Type: Serum Serum Best For: Dandruff, itchiness, oily or sensitive scalps Dandruff, itchiness, oily or sensitive scalps Size: 2 fl oz. Best for Curly Hair: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Deep Scalp Detox 2-in-1 Hair Serum Cleanser Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Deep Scalp Detox 2-in-1 Hair Serum Cleanser $29 NORDSTROM $29 AMAZON Why We Love It : For curly girls, Coppola considers this pick the ultimate reset. 'Pattern's pre-shampoo purges dead skin cells and product buildup, deeply cleansing while infusing nourishing ingredients, making it ideal if you have a lot of buildup or have been overusing heavy conditioners or oils,' she says. Plus, it's perfect for a scalp refresh after braids and sew-ins, when natural curls and coils haven't been getting consistent TLC. Simply part your hair in sections, shake the bottle, and apply it directly to the scalp before shampooing. : For curly girls, Coppola considers this pick the ultimate reset. 'Pattern's pre-shampoo purges dead skin cells and product buildup, deeply cleansing while infusing nourishing ingredients, making it ideal if you have a lot of buildup or have been overusing heavy conditioners or oils,' she says. Plus, it's perfect for a scalp refresh after braids and sew-ins, when natural curls and coils haven't been getting consistent TLC. Simply part your hair in sections, shake the bottle, and apply it directly to the scalp before shampooing. Key Ingredients : Australian tea tree oil, lemon peel oil, pink clay : Australian tea tree oil, lemon peel oil, pink clay Type : Prewash treatment, daily serum : Prewash treatment, daily serum Best For : Scalp detoxifying : Scalp detoxifying Size: 4 fl oz. Best with Mandelic Acid: Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator Why We Love It: Living Proof's Scalp Care Exfoliator preps the scalp for your hair washing and styling via a blend of effective chemical exfoliants like mandelic and gluconolactone acids, which Coppola notes, offer a gentle approach to exfoliation. The pointed applicator offers precise application, ensuring its blend of glycolic acid, BHAs, and PHAs can eliminate flaking and reduce surface oils. Living Proof's Scalp Care Exfoliator preps the scalp for your hair washing and styling via a blend of effective chemical exfoliants like mandelic and gluconolactone acids, which Coppola notes, offer a gentle approach to exfoliation. The pointed applicator offers precise application, ensuring its blend of glycolic acid, BHAs, and PHAs can eliminate flaking and reduce surface oils. Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid, prebiotics, beet root extract, agave extract Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid, prebiotics, beet root extract, agave extract Type: Pre‑shampoo treatment Pre‑shampoo treatment Best For: All hair types, dandruff-prone scalps All hair types, dandruff-prone scalps Size: 3.4 oz Best Scrub: Typology R52 Scalp Scrub Typology R52 Scalp Scrub PHA 5% + Jojoba Beads $38 TYPOLOGY Why We Love It: French brand Typology is all about no-nonsense high-performing cosmetics with its recent foray into haircare following the same ethos. Take this pre‑shampoo exfoliating gel for example. Think of it as the ultimate hair reset—delivering dual action physical and chemical exfoliation. Natural jojoba beads gently scrub away dirt, oil, and impurities, while 5% gluconolactone idssolves dead skin cells. 'PHA is a gentle exfoliant, even softer than AHA, making this scrub ideal for sensitive scalps. With a good lather, it helps reset the scalp environment without causing redness or irritation,' says Coppola. This exfoliating scalp scrub is a safe bet for sensitive skin types struggling with dandruff or psoriasis. French brand Typology is all about no-nonsense high-performing cosmetics with its recent foray into haircare following the same ethos. Take this pre‑shampoo exfoliating gel for example. Think of it as the ultimate hair reset—delivering dual action physical and chemical exfoliation. Natural jojoba beads gently scrub away dirt, oil, and impurities, while 5% gluconolactone idssolves dead skin cells. 'PHA is a gentle exfoliant, even softer than AHA, making this scrub ideal for sensitive scalps. With a good lather, it helps reset the scalp environment without causing redness or irritation,' says Coppola. This exfoliating scalp scrub is a safe bet for sensitive skin types struggling with dandruff or psoriasis. Key Ingredients: PHA 5%, jojoba beads, silica, aloe vera juice, peppermint oil, eucalyptus leaf oil PHA 5%, jojoba beads, silica, aloe vera juice, peppermint oil, eucalyptus leaf oil Type: Exfoliating gel scrub Exfoliating gel scrub Best For: Pre-shampoo treatment Pre-shampoo treatment Size: 3.38 fl oz Best for Itchy Scalps: Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment $48 NORDSTROM Why We Love It: Sometimes scalp buildup requires a little comfort—and Oribe's luxe leave on treatment does just that. The formula delivers a cooling surge of peppermint and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate loose flakes and soothe irritation. Whether post-workout, after styling, or anytime scalp discomfort strikes, this feels like restorative self-care in a chic tube. Goodbye, itchy scalp! Sometimes scalp buildup requires a little comfort—and Oribe's luxe leave on treatment does just that. The formula delivers a cooling surge of peppermint and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate loose flakes and soothe irritation. Whether post-workout, after styling, or anytime scalp discomfort strikes, this feels like restorative self-care in a chic tube. Goodbye, itchy scalp! Key Ingredients: Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss extract blend, salicylic acid, peppermint oil, caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss extract blend, salicylic acid, peppermint oil, caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol Type: Leave-on scalp treatment Leave-on scalp treatment Best For: Dry, itchy, or flake-prone scalps in need of soothing Dry, itchy, or flake-prone scalps in need of soothing Size: 1.7 fl oz Best Soothing: Aavrani Scalp Rescue Serum Aavrani Scalp Rescue Serum $42 AMAZON Why We Love It: Think of this serum as a soothing spa session in a tube—designed to calm, balance, and detox your scalp without any veil of heaviness. Aavrani's Scalp Rescue Serum leverages 1.8% salicylic acid to gently dissolve flakes and buildup, while colloidal oatmeal and neem (an Ayurvedic herb with antimicrobial properties) deliver instant soothing and relief. Within minutes, even irritated scalps feel noticeably healthier. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it's the kind of leave‑in formula that resets your scalp's equilibrium without disrupting second- or third-day hair. Think of this serum as a soothing spa session in a tube—designed to calm, balance, and detox your scalp without any veil of heaviness. Aavrani's Scalp Rescue Serum leverages 1.8% salicylic acid to gently dissolve flakes and buildup, while colloidal oatmeal and neem (an Ayurvedic herb with antimicrobial properties) deliver instant soothing and relief. Within minutes, even irritated scalps feel noticeably healthier. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it's the kind of leave‑in formula that resets your scalp's equilibrium without disrupting second- or third-day hair. Key Ingredients: 1.8% salicylic acid, neem extract, colloidal oatmeal, peppermint, patchouli 1.8% salicylic acid, neem extract, colloidal oatmeal, peppermint, patchouli Type: Leave‑on milky‑gel serum Leave‑on milky‑gel serum Best For: Dandruff-prone, flaky or irritation-sensitive scalps Dandruff-prone, flaky or irritation-sensitive scalps Size: 2 fl. oz Everything You Need to Know
Elle
03-07-2025
- Health
- Elle
Death to Strawberry Makeup—Guava Girl Summer Is Officially Here
When happy hour beckons, my go-to cocktail almost always stars a fruit—passionfruit, to be precise—shaken with a dash of gin. But during a recent post-work outing with a friend, a new contender stole the spotlight: a fizzy spritz bursting with a playful tug-of-war between guava and mint. I've always known guava as a tart yet sweet delight, compressed into a juice so addictive that it demands encore sips until surrender. I assumed my guava affair would end in that quaint Lower East Side hideaway where we laughed over drinks. However, as it turns out, the beauty world had other plans: bottling the fruit's juicy essence into kissable balms, lather-worthy washes and butters, and spritzable potions ripe for summer indulgence. Folks have already dubbed the upcoming warm season Guava Girl Summer—and fittingly so. Cut the fruit open and you'll be greeted by its glossy pink heart, the same finish that informed the season's buzziest lip glosses and blush launches. My aversion to food-themed beauty turned me away from joining the 'strawberry makeup' or 'brownie glazed lips' bandwagon. However, upon researching guava's benefits, the fruit goes beyond its aesthetic appeal—guava actually boasts impressive benefits for the skin and hair. 'For skin, guava is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps brighten the complexion, fade dark spots, and boost collagen production,' says Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, board-certified physician's associate and the founder of AZALA SkinClinic in Miami, Florida. Guava is also packed with another antioxidant named lycopene that 'protects the skin against environmental stressors and signs of aging. I especially love guava for its dual-action benefits: It protects and perfects. Plus, it has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, a great option for acne-prone or sensitive skin,' Brezavscek adds. The powerhouse vitamins harnessed from the fruit offer additional strengthening and protection benefits to the hair. 'I've even seen guava leaf extract used to calm dandruff and soothe irritated scalps. It's one of those ingredients that supports both the health of the hair and the skin underneath it. To me, guava isn't just a seasonal ingredient, it's a fruit-forward glow-up that actually delivers,' Brezavscek says. Enticed by more than just the taste of the tropical fruit? Allow these guava-infused and guava-themed beauty picks to satisfy your craving. These days, the supple, glossy sheen you notice on most lips comes courtesy of Summer Fridays' cult-favorite lip balms. The brand's latest iteration of its viral formula has an even pinker hue than, say, Pink Sugar or Birthday Cake, to mimic the color of the fruit's core. Rahua's curl cream is formulated with fortifying and strengthening ingredients, including biotin, African shea butter, and oils, among others, with guava as the standout. 'Think less damage, more shine. It hydrates and smoothes the hair cuticle, which results in softer texture and a natural, healthy glow, all with that fresh, fruity scent lingering behind,' Anna Ayers, founder of Rahua, explains. Vacation starts as soon as you spritz on a Kopari fan-favorite SPF formula. However, in this case, your real respite begins in-shower. Beyond the guava scent, the Hydrating Body Wash caresses the skin with calming aloe, hydrating coconut water, and antioxidant-rich sea kelp to prep your skin for a day of fun. This lightweight leave-in conditioner will help your hair achieve its silkiest, softest form. Guava extract conditions and adds sheen to every strand, while aloe vera juice and plum extract lock in hydration. You get the best of many worlds from this one spray. Ceremonia's Guava Rescue Spray serves as a detangler and nourisher, while guava offers heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether worn alone or paired with a lip liner, this YSL formula glides effortlessly onto the lips for a comfortable, soft-sheen finish in a light pink shade. One scoop of this body cream is enough to give your skin a vacation-like glow, and its delicious scent is the cherry, uh, guava on top. As the moisturizing formula imparts a subtle sheen and softness to the skin, your body is wrapped in the scent of guava, coconut water, and gardenia. Ayesha Curry's Sweet July offerings are love letters to her Caribbean upbringing, and the Pava cleanser utilizes the tropic island's star ingredients to address a bevy of skin concerns. Papaya, guava, and glycolic acid work together to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a refreshed, smoother, and more refined complexion. Florals and fruits fight for the spotlight in this fragrance, which features a medley of creamy florals ylang-ylang and osmanthus, and vibrant banana and guava for a fruity touch. This toner is powered by Dezi Skin's patented Guavazyme technology, comprised of guava and pear extracts, aimed at reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and scarring. Ere Perez's tan drops allow you to achieve a sun-kissed glow without a sunny escape. Made with vitamin C from guava and aloe vera, these drops can be mixed into your favorite serum and moisturizer, so you can wake up feeling like you're in the tropics—without leaving home. As its name suggests, Tropical by Arquiste smells like a summer cocktail waiting to be indulged. Ginger anchors the juicy tang of ripe guava and lime upon first spritz, and as it settles, guava continues mingling with the notes.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best anti-wrinkle serums of 2025, tested and reviewed
No one is ever thrilled to see their first wrinkle, but after a certain point in life, both fine and deep facial lines are unavoidable, an inevitable result of things like genetics, sun exposure and repeatedly smiling or frowning — in other words, being alive. And while most wrinkles can be treated with injections of neurotoxins like Botox which temporarily "freeze" the facial muscles and keep them from further crinkling, not everyone has the desire — or the funds — to undergo this kind of regular in-office procedure. An average neurotoxin treatment lasts just three months, which means, in about 90 days, you have to re-up — or hunt down a longer-term Botox alternative. This is where the best anti-wrinkle serums come in. "If you're looking for a smoother appearance with fewer fine lines without using Botox, the most effective approach is to combine treatments," says Paula Brezavscek, the founder of Miami's Azala Skin Clinic. Along with daily use of high-SPF sun protection and complexion smoothers like micro-needling, Brezavscek recommends "a consistent, at-home, medical-grade skin care routine." What that means in layman's terms: daily use of products with high concentrations of things like peptides and retinoids, ingredients that have been thoroughly researched, studied and proven to both build collagen and improve skin texture and, in the process, soften wrinkles. "Peptides stimulate collagen production. As we age, collagen production declines, leading to wrinkles, sagging and thinner skin," explains Boston board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Akshay Sanan. "Peptides can actually have a 'Botox-like' effect by relaxing facial muscles and reducing the depth of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements." In addition to peptides, studies show that, over time and with consistent use, retinol — one of many vitamin A compounds known as retinoids — effectively reduces the appearance of fine and even deeper lines. "Retinol and retinoids are highly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving overall skin texture," says Sanan. "They work by targeting the root cause of wrinkles — collagen breakdown. By increasing collagen, retinoids thicken the dermis, reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles." I'm 51, and I spent the past 18 months testing anti-wrinkle serums on my own increasingly lined face. Read on for the ones I found most effective — and those we definitely would not recommend. The best anti-wrinkle serum of 2025 Other top anti-wrinkle serums we recommend for 2025 How we tested anti-wrinkle serums Other anti-wrinkle serums we tested that didn't make the cut What to look for in an anti-wrinkle serum Anti-wrinkle serum FAQ Meet the experts I spent the past 18 months testing more than a dozen anti-wrinkle serums, applying each one at least once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. I rated them on efficacy (did my fine lines soften?), absorbency, ease of use, texture, versatility (is the product safe for many skin types?), ingredient quality, ingredient potency and value. I tested Esteé Lauder's famous Night Repair Serum and found that it didn't absorb well into my skin and instead pilled in a gross way, knocking it out of consideration. Though it's often included in other best lists, Glow Recipe's Peptide Serum was inferior in all ways to the two I chose to include above — it has a sticky, tacky texture and didn't seem to do much for my skin. And, while I regularly recommend RoC retinol products, during this testing period, I found the formulas more irritating and harsh but with similar benefits to (the much less expensive) Differin gel. Look for high potency of key ingredients — actives like peptides should be listed in the first five ingredients. For safety reasons, only purchase skin care from trusted retailers and reputable brands. Most dermatologists recommend proactive, preventative use of anti-aging serums starting in your late 20s and early 30s, as this is when collagen production starts to slow down. But it's equally never too late to begin a quality skin care regimen — consistent application of targeted, high-quality products, plus religious use of daily sunscreen will go a long way to improve your skin at any age. "Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily is a non-negotiable for me," says Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at San Diego's Art of Skin MD. "If you aren't protecting your skin from UV damage, all your best efforts — skin care, diet, lasers, injectables — are going down the drain." This depends on the number of steps of your personal skin-care routine, but, as a rule, serums should always come after cleansing but before moisturizing. You want the active ingredients to really sink into your face, so the cleaner your skin, the better. Dermatologists also recommend using these products at night to give them even more time to absorb while you sleep. Many anti-aging serums are potent and the ingredients can be irritating and harsh — and not safe for everybody. If your skin is sensitive or ultra-dry, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before adding these to your skin-care regimen. Dr. Akshay Sanan, MD, Boston board-certified facial plastic surgeon Paula Brezavscek, the founder of Miami's Azala Skin Clinic. Kimberly Austin, an aesthetician at the Los Angeles 7QSpa Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at San Diego's Art of Skin MD
