18 Skin Care Products That Erase Years

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.

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."

$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."

$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."

$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!"

$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."

$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."

$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."

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."

$10; amazon.com

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

$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."

$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."

$7; nordstrom.com

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

$32; sephora.com

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

$25; ulta.com

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

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."

$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."

$118; nia24.com

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

$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!"

$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."

$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."

$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!"