Wake Up to Gorgeous Skin With the 13 Best Anti-Aging Night Creams Available (According to the Experts)

As a lifelong beauty obsessive, I know as well as anyone how difficult it can be to keep from amassing too many products. But as I’ve gotten older, my skincare routine has become more streamlined. That’s why I consulted three experts to give us their takes on the best anti-aging night creams.

Over the years, I’ve found that using fewer, high-quality products (as opposed to piling on a 10-step skincare routine) has improved my skin, made my bedtime routine faster, and is actually easier on my bank account. Having a night cream that does a lot of the heavy lifting is a huge part of that. And while these products are all categorized as the best anti-aging night creams, it’s important to note that we’re all about healthy aging and prioritizing skin health.

What matters most is feeling our best at every stage of life. Getting older is a gift, and if anti-aging ingredients are what keeps me looking and feeling like my truest self, I’ll take it.

In the past, my initial reaction was always to balk at higher-priced items. But now I can honestly say that investing in one or two high-end skincare products makes a world of difference and actually gives you the ability to save money. Less really is more! Luckily, our experts recommended a few incredible drugstore options that are just as high-quality and effective as the rest. Because, when it comes to picking the best anti-aging night creams, finding what works best for your individual skin is key.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Esthetician Matthew Miller points out that while the term “anti-aging” usually targets a certain age range, most anti-aging products focus on hydration and plumping. Anyone can use an anti-aging cream, especially those with dry skin. Esthetician Kasey Boone agrees and strongly believes that skincare is for everyone. She started using them when she was 18 and notes that it’s always better to prevent damage, as opposed to reversing it.

Since the main benefits of anti-aging creams are hydration, plumping, and barrier support, Miller says this helps to preserve the skin by keeping it healthy—especially as our collagen and moisture levels decrease as we age.

Dr. Nancy Samolitis, co-founder and medical director of FACILE dermatology and boutique, explains that certain ingredients, such as retinol, are most beneficial when used at night. This is because the skin is in rest and repair mode, and not being exposed to UV light or other environmental pollutants.

The Best Anti-Aging Ingredients

When it comes to powerhouse anti-aging ingredients, Boone turns to vitamin C, which helps produce collagen. She also reminds us that hydration is key, so you’re going to want to look for ultra-moisturizing ingredients as well. Miller turns to ceramides and peptides to help with hydration, moisture loss, and soothing properties. He also lists antioxidants because they protect the skin against environmental stressors.

All of our experts recommend retinol since it promotes cellular turnover that can lessen the appearance of wrinkles, pore size, acne, and pigmentation. However, Miller warns us that anything containing retinol should be used slowly in the beginning. And in fact, most people don’t have to start using gentle retinol until their mid to late 20s. Dr. Samolitis mentioned that combining it with niacinamide can help to combat potential irritation and dryness. 

The Best Anti-aging Night Creams For Hydrated Skin

This post was originally published on August 23, 2021, and has since been updated.