16 Anti-Aging Products for Summer That Skin Care Experts Swear By

If you’re anything like me, summer means one thing: spending as much time in the sun as possible. After a long winter hunkered down in my New York City apartment, it’s time to take full advantage of the days in the parks, sidewalk Aperol Spritzes, and, of course, shopping trips to Soho. While that all sounds very “laissez-faire,” I spent a lot of time cultivating the best anti-aging summer skin care routine possible—going so far as to interview experts to ensure my picks were top-of-the-line. Between harsh UV exposure and the transition from cold, dry air into unwavering humidity, the conditions aren’t as simple as that walk in Central Park.

See, I’m around the corner from the big birthday (it’s none of your business how old I’m turning, thanks), and anti-aging skin care has become my new best friend, especially during the warmer months. We can all recall a time when a long day wearing full-coverage foundation in the heat has clogged pores, and we have all been warned about the lasting effects hours at the beach without sunscreen will have on that youthful bounce in skin. Skin care is a labor of love, and I wanted my hard work to pay off while simultaneously enjoying all that the summertime has to offer. So, the goal? Restore and maintain balance with anti-aging serums, SPF, and even LED masks to combat signs of aging and protect my skin.

Anti-Aging Summer Skin Care Must-Haves

You may already have your favorite tried-and-true serum or moisturizer, but the shift in conditions may require you to alter your routine to help troubleshoot the sweltering season. A gentler retinol—such as Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Beauty Retinol Night or Obagi’s Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream—is a smart swap to protect your skin barrier from the sun. You’ll want to invest in a solid sunscreen like BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer SPF 50 that not only protects against UV but also signs of heat aging (yes, it’s a thing). And when you get back from a long day swimming in salty ocean water, your skin will be begging you for intense hydration that Dermalogica’s Stabilizing Repair Cream can provide. Aiding in cell repair is key when it comes to defending against signs of aging, so ending your routine with a red light therapy mask from Omnilux or CurrentBody will suit you well.

Anti-Aging Serums

It’s no secret that, as fun as summertime can be, it can bring out a slew of other issues like excess oil and clogged pores. “SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF is perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, combining 15 percent L-ascorbic acid with salicylic acid and silymarin (milk thistle extract) to reduce oiliness and prevent oxidative stress,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Dermalogica’s Pro-Collagen Serum is my personal holy grail–it’s super silky and layers perfectly under makeup. Heather Hickman, VP of Education at Dermalogica, shares that heat and UV exposure can compromise firmness over time, so this serum has become a mainstay in my rotation for anti-aging benefits, especially in the summer.

Anti-Aging Moisturizers

“Hydration is key during summer months to help maintain a healthy skin barrier function and to retain moisture in the skin,” says Suzan Obagi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. Olay’s sculpting facial cream is a homerun for the majority of skin types. Its smoothing effects are undeniable, and it glides on beautifully under makeup and SPF. If you’re someone who struggles with oiliness in the summer, Dr. Garshick suggests the La Roche-Posay Double Repair Matte Moisturizer. “This moisturizer helps to replenish moisture without leaving the skin looking shiny, and works to repair the skin barrier. It contains a combination of ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and niacinamide to soothe the skin,” she says.

Anti-Aging Under-Eye Treatments

It’s not just you that needs caffeine in the morning. Your under-eyes do, too. Kseniya Kobets, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, suggests Vichy 89 Fortifying eye serum and offers accolades to its “hyaluronic acid to gently plump up the skin, while caffeine helps to puff and adds antioxidant action.” If you’re looking for an eye cream that can offer a lift, you’ll want to check out the Lancer Skincare Eye Contour Lifting Cream. “This cream firms, smooths, hydrates, and addresses dark circles. A great, rich in one formula,” says Harold Lancer, M.D., a celebrity dermatologist in Beverly Hills and the founder of Lancer Skincare 

Anti-Aging Retinol

No matter the time of year, retinol is the foundation of any anti-aging skin care routine, thanks to its powerful cell turnover qualities. With that being said, it may leave your skin more sensitive than usual, so it’s key that you protect your skin barrier if you continue to use retinol in the summer. Dr. Kobets recommends switching from a prescription-strength retinoid to a gentler, over-the-counter formulation during the warmer months to avoid irritation. One of her favorite options is Dr. Whitney Bowe’s Beauty Retinal Treatment. For a restorative and moisturizing approach to retinol, you may want to consider Obagi’s Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream, which boosts skin firmness and elasticity while remaining gentle.

Anti-Aging Cleanser

After hours in the sun, bouncing between beach clubs or staying active outdoors, you’ll want to invest in a cleanser that can take off all of the excess oil, dirt, and pollution of the day. Dr. Garshick suggests La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Facial Gel Cleanser as an everyday staple. “It’s a brightening gel cleanser with niacinamide, melasyl, and PHA. This works to even tone and visibly reduce dark spots without drying out the skin, making it a great option for the summer months,” she says. Another cleanser that equally detoxes as it restores is SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser. Dr. Lancer raves that it works for “all skin types, removes makeup and debris, and includes panthenol and a ceramide complex to calm and strengthen skin.”

Anti-Aging Night Creams

Thanks to Dermalogica’s Stabilizing Repair Cream, I wake up with soft, supple skin that’s ready to take on the heat every morning. “Skin does most of its repair work overnight, and this ultra-replenishing cream is like a reset button for dry, photoaged skin. It’s my go-to for deep nourishment, especially after a day at the beach,” says Hickman. For a budget option, you’ll want to consider Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer. “This face moisturizer contains a patented micropeptide technology to help boost collagen production in addition to bakuchiol,” says Dr. Garshick. “This helps to firm the skin and plump the skin while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Anti-Aging SPF

Arguably the most important part of any anti-aging skin care routine is the daily use of SPF. I love a light, nongreasy SPF, especially in the summer when oil and sweat become a factor, and Dermalogica’s BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer SPF 50 has earned its spot in my arsenal. “This antioxidant-rich SPF not only defends against UV rays but also helps combat the visible effects of heat aging. I love that it hydrates, protects, and brightens all in one lightweight layer,” says Hickman. If you’re looking for another summer-friendly formula that also offers a hint of blurred coverage, this glowy sunscreen from Innisfree is a favorite among editors.

Anti-Aging LED Masks

Dr. Kobets and I agree that the OmniLux LED Contour Face mask is a go-to all year-round. She confirms that “it’s proven to work on building collagen and helping inflammation,” but cautions that any red light device shouldn’t be used directly after sun exposure. Dr. Lancer suggests the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask. He says it’s a “flexible, FDA-cleared mask with red and near-infrared light for anti-aging and radiance.” Whichever one you choose, it’s set to become a key part of your summertime skincare regimen. 

Why Shop With Us

Kendall Becker is a fashion and beauty writer as well as a trend forecaster for global brands, retailers, and publications. Her expertise lies in translating cultural trends into tangible products. For this story, she interviewed and consulted with the following skin care experts:

• Marisa Garshick, M.D., is a leading board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey at MDCS Dermatology.
• Suzan Obagi, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon as well as the chief medical director at Obagi Cosmeceuticals. 
• Kseniya Kobets, M.D., is the Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care.
• Heather Hickman is the VP of Education at Dermalogica.
• Harold Lancer, M.D., is a celebrity dermatologist in Beverly Hills and is the founder of Lancer Skincare.