7 Ingredients That Make You Look Younger At Every Age

When it comes to keeping your face impossibly fresh (at every age), the best strategy is to choose skincare products with dynamite ingredients. In fact, smoother, brighter, younger-looking skin can often be credited to one potent ingredient. Not sure which one is right for you? No worries—we’re breaking down seven of our favorite age-fighters you’ve probably never heard of, because we care about the future of your skin. Get ready to rake in the compliments.

Age In Reverse

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipid molecules found naturally in skin that hold cells together to retain moisture for a supple, youthful complexion. The older we get, the more ceramides we lose (thanks, sun damage and free radicals), resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. The solution? Feed your skin with more of them.

Retinol

Okay, you may have heard of this ingredient, but we can bet you're not exactly sure what it does, right? Retinol is a pure form of vitamin A, which your skin uses naturally in its repair and regeneration cycle. Its power to renew is why so many dermatologists recommend it as an antiaging ingredient. Benefits include a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and dramatic improvements in texture, tone and radiance.

Matcha

It's undoubtedly become a staple in your morning drink, but unless you're using beauty products infused with the miracle ingredient, you can be missing out on a serious glow. Because it's such a powerful antioxidant, it protects skin from environmental pollutants and can put a halt to signs of aging.

Vitamin C

You already know drinking vitamin C is beneficial for the immune system, but when applied topically, it gives skin that boost of radiance you probably haven't seen since your early 20s. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C protects against free-radical and pollutant damage that can wreak havoc and age your skin. It activates collagen production, lightens hyperpigmentation and accelerates the skin's natural repair system for an overall brighter, more youthful complexion.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Native to Europe and Asia, sea buckthorn is a plant with nourishing orange berries rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help rejuvenate skin and fend off free-radical damage. Sea buckthorn oil is also deeply moisturizing, thanks to a blend of omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, plus it offers soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits.

Squalane

Our bodies produces a compound called squalane that declines in volume as we get older—simply put, the more we age, the more squalane we lose and the older we look. The simple fix, then, is to load up on products packed with the compound for a more youthful-looking glow.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a special type of antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes that works as a defense against invading fungi. When applied to your face, resveratrol supports the skin's production of natural hyaluronic acid, leaving skin more hydrated and plump. Translation: younger-looking skin and a dewy, youthful glow.