18 Skin Care Products That Erase Years

By Ilana Blitzer
Updated September 23, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Lisa Shin
Update your anti-aging game with little-known tricks and picks from America's leading skin doctors.
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Erase years like a pro

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We spoke to leading skin doctors about their top ways to brighten skin, prevent sun damage, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles—and no, not one of them recommends you go under the knife. Discover their favorite products to upgrade your anti-aging game.

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In your 30s...

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Bridgit Nolan, MD, age 32, dermatologist in Bay Harbor Islands, Fla.

"Like most women my age, I'm trying to undo damage from my earlier years as well as improve my skin going forward. It's about using sunscreen and antioxidants to fight free radicals and prevent UV damage, while also focusing on moisturizing and brightening the skin so it's optimized to be radiant. Ultimately, healthy skin is beautiful skin."

Her favorite anti-ager
"Cream-based retinoids are more moisturizing than gels and easier for skin to tolerate. My personal preference is tretinoin, which seems to be the least irritating. I call it my youth serum. It's so great for promoting skin rejuvenation and improving the appearance of fine lines. As long as you're not pregnant or trying to get pregnant, I believe in using one of these."

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Elure Advanced Face Wash

Lisa Shin

$30; amazon.com

"This wash is gentle, and I love how it contributes to a brighter complexion. I alternate it with a 10 percent glycolic exfoliating cleanser from our practice."

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EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

Lisa Shin

$30; amazon.com

"It has physical UV blockers, antioxidants to prevent aging and ingredients that help with acne and redness. I use it every morning. It's very light with a benign scent, and makeup goes on evenly over it."

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Revision Skincare Teamine Eye Complex

Lisa Shin

$70; amazon.com

"This eye cream is designed to help with dark circles, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and firm—so basically to do everything. And it works!"

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SkinMedica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex

Lisa Shin

$125; amazon.com

"When I first started using it, I'd go to the hair salon and everyone would say, 'You're glowing. What are you using?' It takes several weeks for it to fade spots, but as for that day-to-day glow, you see it immediately."

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 45

Lisa Shin

$13; amazon.com

"I apply it before I leave the house, giving it 20 minutes to sink in if possible. I spritz my neck, chest, feet and the backs of my hands—whatever is exposed."

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Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Lisa Shin

$17; walmart.com

"I use the fair-to-light one in place of foundation most days. It reflects light really nicely off my skin and also has SPF with UVA and UVB coverage, which is a good boost on top of the sunscreen I wear underneath."

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In Your 40s...

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Jessica Wu, MD, age 46, dermatologist in Los Angeles and author of

Feed Your Face
"I used to spend more time and money on makeup than skin care. I'd cover up my blemishes—when I wasn't trying to scrub them off!—and cake on concealer. Now I wear less makeup and spend more time on my skin. I've learned it's not just about your face but your whole body and lifestyle choices."

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Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment

Lisa Shin

$10; amazon.com

"This has willow-bark extract, a natural source of salicylic acid that's as effective as the stronger stuff."

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Eclos Daily Facial Cleansing Oil

Lisa Shin

$11; ulta.com

"I used to have bad hormonal acne, so I avoided oils like the plague—until I tried this. My skin has never felt cleaner or softer."

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L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Lisa Shin

$12 for 1 oz.; sephora.com

"Some of my patients have allergies, so I need a fragrance-free hand cream. This one has no odor and isn't greasy."

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Kiehl's Lip Balm #1

Lisa Shin

$7; nordstrom.com

"It really conditions, and lip color goes on smoothly."

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MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Lisa Shin

$32; sephora.com

"What I wear when I go paddleboarding. It has a bit of a tint and is very water-resistant."

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RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Lisa Shin

$25; ulta.com

"I alternate it with prescription-strength Renova. Retinoids build collagen and elastin; they're crucial for anti-aging."

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In Your 50s...

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Doris Day, MD, age 52, dermatologist in New York City and author of Forget the Facelift

"I feel more beautiful in my 50s than I did in my 30s because I'm happier and more fulfilled. For me, it clicked at 50. I call it Part 2. I know who I am and feel confident in my skin. You stop stressing about the little things the way you used to and just accept yourself."

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Garnier Clean + Refreshing Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Lisa Shin

$6; ulta.com

"At night I use a makeup remover towelette to pre-clean, then I wash my face. I like to get the first layer of gunk off before exfoliating with a cleansing brush."

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NIA24 Intensive Recovery Complex

Lisa Shin

$118; nia24.com

It's so moisturizing, it has become my go-to cream when I need extra hydration."

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Clarisonic Smart Profile Sonic Cleansing Brush

Lisa Shin

$265; sephora.com

"It whisks away dull skin, so you get this immediate glow. I use the sensitive brush head on my face and a stronger one on my body. I also use the extension so I can reach my back in the shower—love that!"

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SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Lisa Shin

$157; skinceuticals.com

"The powerful mix of vitamins C and E and ferulic acid in this serum just helps everything else do its job better."

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Olay ProX Eye Restoration Complex

Lisa Shin

$45; ulta.com

"I always come back to this eye cream because it's got proven ingredients like niacinamide, which is so effective on fine lines."

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ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 30

Lisa Shin

$52; amazon.com

"It's my sunscreen touch-up because it goes over makeup so nicely. And I put it on my chest, the backs of my hands, even my husband's neck!"

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By Ilana Blitzer