Dr. Sonya Abdulla, dermatologist

With so many anti-aging products on the market, knowing which to incorporate into your routine can be confusing. Skin care expert and dermatologist Dr. Sonya Abdulla breaks down the science behind the most sought-after anti-aging ingredients.

Q WHAT INGREDIENTS DO YOU RECOMMEND MOST TO YOUR PATIENTS?

AThe solutions I recommend for preventing and reducing the look of signs of aging include retinol, a powerful antioxidant like vitamin C, a daily sun protection with ideally SPF 30 or higher... and hyaluronic acid. These are the gold standard in dermatological ingredients and I’ve found that products containing them are the most effective over the years.

Q HOW DO THE PRODUCTS CONTAINING THESE KEY INGREDIENTS TARGET SIGNS OF AGING?

Solutions with antioxidants such as vitamin C brighten and A even out skin tone to reveal a more youthful appearance. To help reduce the look of deep wrinkles, I always recommend using moisturizers with retinol. Since older skin requires more intense hydration, look for products containing hyaluronic

acid, which is able to absorb 1,000 times its own weight in water and leaves skin feeling immediately plumper. Always be sure to use a product with SPF in the morning if you use retinol or vitamin C. These ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.