As we age, our skin becomes thinner, drier and less elastic. This makes it more susceptible to wrinkles and discolouration. Although no cream or lotion can guarantee beauty and youth forever, the best anti-aging creams can slow down the effects of aging and provide targeted ingredients that will make skin more comfortable as it ages.

Which products are worth the investment and why? We have sifted through hundreds of tubes and jars of night and day creams in our quest to find the ones that truly smoothen skin and soften wrinkles. Before you buy, here are some important information.

What are the skin’s effects on ageing?

As we age, our skin produces fewer natural oils to keep it healthy and plump. The result is that the skin can appear dry and dull. The body’s natural skin-repairing ingredients, collagen and elastin, start to decline. Skin doesn’t bounce back after smiling or frowning, so fine lines and wrinkles can begin to form. Dark spots and circles under the eyes can appear, particularly after exposure to sun.

Products for skin that target the first signs and symptoms of ageing are designed to hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines. For mature skin, products provide intense nourishment to repair and restore skin’s elasticity.

What is the importance of my skin type?

It is worth spending the time to learn about your skin type in order to match the ingredients. The treatment that works best for you will depend on your skin type. It will determine how your skin age. Exfoliating agents such as glycolic and salicylic acid are best for oily skin. They encourage natural skin-renewal. Hydrating creams with antioxidants may be beneficial for sensitive and dry skins. They can reduce damage from the sun, pollution, and increase healing.

In your 30s, a lighter cream or serum might be suitable, but as you age, you will likely need a thicker, more nourishing cream. Specialist eye products are best for delicate skin around the eyes.

Are anti-ageing creams effective?

The performance of a product will depend on its ingredients and how often it is used. It also depends on the time it is used and how long it remains in use. You should also consider whether it is suitable for your skin type. Although it isn’t possible to reverse deep wrinkles with an anti-aging cream, evidence suggests that they can reduce fine lines and at least stop the progression of wrinkles.

While your chosen cream may help, you can also reduce the appearance of ageing by not smoking and using an SPF cream that provides both UVA/UVB protection throughout the year. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers, which can strip the skin’s natural oils. Use a cream cleanser, balm, or gentle scrubber to clean your skin. Keep that sun hat on!

What ingredients should I be looking out for?

The Mayo Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, recommends the following skin care ingredients: retinol (a vitamin A derivative), vitamin C (an antioxidant that protects against skin damage), and peptides (originally for wound healing and stretch mark prevention). Look for creams that have a sunscreen built in – at minimum SPF15 and better, broad spectrum to block both UVA rays and UVB rays.

Retinol and other ingredients can cause skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, making it even more important to use an SPF cream. Retinol can cause irritation when it is first introduced. It’s best to only use these products once a week to build tolerance. Before adding any new products to your skincare regimen, make sure you do a patch test or consult a dermatologist if you have skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.

How do I apply my anti aging cream?

If you have one, apply the cream after cleansing, toning, and serum. You should wait a few minutes before you apply your makeup (day or night cream) to allow it to soak into your skin. Some creams can be used in the morning or evening. Night creams and masks that are thicker or more hydrating are best used as part of an evening skincare routine.

These are the top anti-aging creams that you can purchase in 2022

1. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marin Cream SPF30: The best antiaging day cream

This world-famous day cream is widely regarded as the best anti-aging cream available. This cream contains soothing rose and Mediterranean sea algae. It is lightweight in texture, but delivers big results. You can expect to see fewer lines within two weeks.

It’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive. After applying your favorite serum, apply a small amount to your neck and face every morning. The cream will quickly absorb into your skin, so you can apply your makeup immediately. The SPF 30 version is recommended for sun protection. There’s an ultra-rich version available for those with dry skins, as well as a men’s version that is perfect for after shaving.

2. Clinique Repairwear Uplifting firming cream: The best anti-ageing lotion for dry skin

Clinique’s rich moisturising lotion with brightening vitamin A and nourishing vitamin E stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production. This results in a firmer, more youthful-looking skin. It has a light chemical scent in the jar but it quickly disappears after use. The cream is noticeably rich, but it easily sinks into the skin leaving it baby-soft and glowing. Dry skin feels hydrated, soft, and comfortable immediately after application. After four weeks, your skin should feel firmer and smoother. Repairwear Uplifting dry is ideal for very dry or dry skin. It’s also available as a combination-friendly version.

3. L’Oreal Revitalift Moisturizer SPF 30, The Best for Skin Discoloration

L’Oreal’s brightening moisturizer contains retinol, a powerful ingredient that can soften skin and promote healing. It also includes a protective sunscreen of 30 and vitamin C to treat discolouration and dark spots. You will notice a smoother, lighter, and more even-toned complexion by using it daily. It is pleasant-smelling and quickly absorbs. Use twice daily, after cleansing, to see visible results in just a few weeks.

4. Drunk Elephant Protini Cream Polypeptide: Best for the first signs of ageing

Drunk Elephant’s powerful combination of cell-boosting amino acids and peptides will help improve your skin’s texture and tone. This high-protein concentrate can be used alone or mixed with a moisturiser, serum or moisturizer. It contains nourishing oil and waterlily as well as signal peptides which direct skin cells to rebuild their cell-building proteins.

The vegan formula is fragrance- and silicone-free. The first application will result in firmer skin and less dark spots.

5. Clarins Multi-Active nuit: The best antiaging cream

Combination skin is a combination of dry cheeks and oily T-zones on the forehead and nose. This can be very difficult to treat. Exfoliants that are too harsh may cause dry cheeks. Oily areas may feel and look worse. Clarins Multi-Active Nuit is a great option. This night cream is designed to treat both types of skin.

This lightweight cream is infused with the heavenly floral scents jasmine, freesia and heliotrope, which will brighten tired skin by morning.

6. Olay Regenerist 3-point Age Defying Day Cream: The best anti-aging cream on the high street

Are you looking for an affordable anti-ageing product that doesn’t cost a fortune? Olay Regenerist is a hydrating cream that millions of women love. It contains firming amino-peptides and plumping hyaluronic acids, as well as vitamin B3, which improves the skin’s texture. Olay claims that the skin-firming ingredients penetrate 10 layers to increase cell regeneration. It is easy to apply and leaves skin feeling smoother and moisturised. Skin will look smoother and more even with regular use of the non-greasy formula. It combats dullness and brightens the complexion. Great results at an affordable price.

7. Creme de la Mer 60ml – The finest premium luxury face cream

This world-famous, ultra-premium face cream is the best for hydrating, nourishing and rejuvenating skin. Creme de la Mer, the cream that kept Friends’ female cast looking fresh through the 1990s is well-known. It can be found backstage at Fashion Weeks around the world, soothing busy supermodels’ faces.

The formula was developed by Dr Max Huber to repair burns. It contains citrus extracts, algae and a trademarked Miracle Broth. This ultra-soothing ingredient is known for making the skin feel softer, smoother and more radiant. First, warm the opaque balm with your hands and then gently apply to the neck and face.

8. L’Occitane Immortelle – The best for mature skin

This famous face cream will give you the feeling of having just had a facial. Named after the immortelle flower extract, the moisturiser’s incredibly fragrant antioxidant ingredient. It is rich in texture but easily melts into skin, leaving it feeling hydrated, softened and moisturized.

Immortelle Divine cream is especially effective in replacing dull-looking skin due to thinning. You can wipe out years of your appearance by using it in conjunction with the Immortelle Overnight Recovery Serum.