Aging skin experiences reduced elasticity, diminished moisture, and lower natural oil production. These changes, plus additional environmental factors such sun and pollution, all contribute to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, reduced firmness and a less vibrant complexion. Targeted ingredients can help mitigate these common signs of aging—and more importantly, improve skin health and appearance.

Key Skincare Ingredients for Aging Skin:

Retinol to Enhance Collagen Production

Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, supports collagen production and cell turnover. It can visibly reduce fine lines and improve skin texture, leading to a more youthful look.

Retinol is converted in the skin to retinal and finally to retinoic acid, the biologically active form. Another Vitamin A derivative is retinaldehyde or retinal, which is the closest retinoid to retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is available as a topical prescription called Tretinoin.

Vitamin C to Provide Antioxidant Protection

Vitamin C, a well-known potent antioxidant, shelps shield the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to visible signs of skin aging. L-ascorbic acid, the biologically active form of vitamin C, aids in supporting the skin's natural repair process and can visually brighten the complexion.

Lucent-C, our brightening vitamin C serum, is clinically proven to increase radiance and luminance.

Peptides to Support the Overall Appearance of Healthy Skin

Peptides, short chains of amino acids, are native to the skin but can be applied topically to improve visible signs of aging. There are five categories of peptides that differ based on their mechanism of action and aid in skin appearance and health in different ways.

Half & Half, our lightweight moisturizer with peptides and ceramides, hydrates and helps improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing the skin's moisture barrier.

Niacinamide to Help Deliver Barrier Support

Known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a precursor to important coenzymes responsible for several biochemical reactions. It fortifies the skin's barrier, improves texture, and promotes more even skin tone while diminishing the impact of environmental stressors.

Polyglutamic Acid for Added Hydration

Polyglutamic acid delivers essential moisture to aging skin, which may lose the ability to stay hydrated. It’s a powerful humectant: It can help support skin elasticity, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase production of your natural moisturizing factor (NMF), leaving skin plump and radiant.

Multi-Quench, our plumping polyglutamic acid serum is formulated with 1% pure polyglutamic acid and is clinically tested for 48-hour hydration. (After just one week of daily use, 100% agreed it made their skin appear more youthful; 100% agreed it made their skin more plump; and 96% agreed the product made their skin appear more radiant.)

AHAs to Offer Enhanced Exfoliation

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, exfoliate to remove top layer dead skin cells and reveal healthy-looking skin. These acids truly target improved skin texture and skin tone, unlike BHAs that help additionally with sebum control.

Our Multi-Acid Milk AHA Exfoliating Peel is a clinically tested milky solution that exfoliates, smooths and visually brightens, without compromising the skin barrier—making it a great exfoliating option for mature skin.

Ceramides to Help Lock in Moisture

Ceramides reinforce the skin's moisture barrier, key for retaining hydration and maintaining a smooth, supple complexion. Our natural ceramide levels decrease with age but topical application of ceramides has been proven to help replenish levels. They help restore and fortify the skin barrier improving skin appearance and texture.

We named our lightweight moisturizer “Half & Half” because it’s half peptides and half ceramides: Two powerfully hydrating and nourishing targeted ingredients, in one formula.

Skincare Routine for Mature Skin

• Start with a gentle cleanser to prepare your skin for specific ingredients.
  • Prequel recommendation: Gleanser Non-Drying Glycerin Cleanser
    
• Next, apply water based serums that contain retinol, vitamin C, or peptides.
  
  • Prequel recommendation: Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum and Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum
• Use moisturizers with peptides and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
  • Prequel recommendation: Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer (followed by AM/PM Modern Moisturizer if you have normal, combination or dry skin)
• Integrate AHAs through weekly exfoliation to gradually improve skin texture and radiance.
  
  • Prequel recommendation: Multi-Acid Milk Peel

For sensitive skin or those new to these ingredients, begin with lower concentrations and less frequent application to build tolerance. Observe how your skin reacts and adjust accordingly. Always consult with a dermatologist before starting a new skincare regimen, particularly if you have concerns about reactions or sensitivities.

Aging skin benefits from a thoughtful approach that includes a variety of targeted ingredients. By choosing products that contain these key components and following a layered application strategy, with true commitment to application, you can carefully nurture your skin and help address the visible signs of aging effectively.

DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.