24 Best Anti-Aging Face Creams for Men
Top Men's Wrinkle Creams & Serums
Like fine wines, men have a certain advantage when it comes to aging. People often say that a crinkle of crow’s feet or a sprinkle of lines make men look “distinguished” or “rugged.” The general idea is that men get better with age (double standard? maybe), but that doesn’t mean you’re required to just accept it when you start noticing signs of aging. There are things you can do to help slow their progression, like using the best anti-aging products, from creams to serums.
The reason men seem to age differently, and slower, than women is mens’ thicker and oilier skin, says dermatologist and Men’s Health advisory board member Corey Hartman, M.D., but “men are still subject to the same intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause volume loss, fine lines, discoloration, and sagging skin.” In that case, an anti-aging skincare regimen is your best bet in both slowing and preventing signs of aging.
“The good news is that an effective skin care regimen doesn’t have to be labor intensive to yield results,” says Dr. Hartman and all boils down to three ingredients that he calls the “Holy Trinity of Skin.” The first, and most important anti-aging product, is sunscreen. “Aside from genetics, exposure to the sun is the single most important determinant of how our skin ages,” he says. “Daily sunscreen protects against ultraviolet, visible, infrared and even blue light that is emitted from our constant use of devices. If you can prevent the damage in the first place, there is less to correct later.” After sunscreen, he recommends antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which help to neutralize collagen-damaging free radicals caused by sun exposure and other environmental factors. Third is retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, which aids in cell turnover and exfoliation. “Regular exfoliation keeps the pores from becoming clogged, boosts collagen and elastin production and helps to balance hydration levels.” Speaking of those hydration levels, moisturizing can help as well since “dryness and dehydration which accelerate the development of fine lines, wrinkles and creases,” he advises.
“While it is true that the earlier you start, the better the result, it’s never too late to start caring for your skin,” says Dr. Hartman. The best way to do it is to start simple with your anti-aging skincare routine. After cleansing, apply an antioxidant serum, a moisturizer, and sunscreen (or a combo like a moisturizer with SPF) in the morning, and a retinol serum at night. Other anti-aging products, like eye creams, are just icing on the cake. It may take some trial and error to find the best anti-aging products for you, but the best place to start is this list.
The 13 Best Wrinkle Creams for Men
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Even if you don’t yet have wrinkles, you still need a wrinkle-fighting cream just as much as your furrowed friends. That’s because wrinkles and fine lines are easy to minimize if you take a proactive approach. They will show up eventually, but that ‘eventually’ can be a lot more gradual if you act now.
That’s frequent advice given by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Milton R. Moore of San Antonio, TX. “I tell my patients that it is more expensive to reverse the negative effects of skin damage than to prevent them,” he says.
But there’s good news for even the wrinkly among us: You can reduce these folds and firm the skin with a targeted approach—let’s say, with a retinol-powered night cream and a peptide-rich eye cream—to make up for the lost time.
What’s the secret to a good wrinkle cream? “All good anti-aging creams generally have a retinol and collagen-producing or enhancing ingredient,” Dr. Moore says. And the following are some of those key ingredients:
Collagen: “There is data to show that marine collagen can be used twice daily to increase skin elasticity after 30 days,” says Dr. Moore.
Algae extract: “Algae extracts improve collagen equilibrium (homeostasis) by blocking a protein which causes collagen degradation.”
Peptides: “Peptides are amino acids, which are the building blocks of the proteins used to make collagen. One good thing about peptides is that they are more tolerable to patients with sensitive skin than retinol, so these can be used in combination with other skincare products,” Dr. Moore says.
Hydroxy Acids: “Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are commonly used exfoliating agents, but the benefits are far greater. They also have been proven to increase collagen [synthesis] and improve the quality of elastic fibers in our skin.”
Retinol: “Cosmeceutical (OTC) retinol are effective and can be less irritating than prescription retinol,” notes Moore. Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that brightens skin, reverses and prevents wrinkles, and significantly reduces acne and oil production.
SPF: “SPF is imperative every day, even on cloudy days and especially when working from home,” Moore says. “UV rays have a cumulative detrimental effect on skin and can penetrate clouds and windows. I would suggest a minimum of SPF 40 applied throughout the day.” SPF is particularly imperative if you use retinol, which makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
So, what are our favorite wrinkle creams for men? Read on and find out.
24 Best Anti-Aging Face Creams for Men
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Whether you’re in your twenties and want to keep aging at bay or you’re a few years older and hoping to smooth out those wrinkles, it’s time to add an anti-aging face cream to your skincare regimen. Unsure where to start looking for the right product? Check out this list of the best anti-aging face creams for men and arm yourself in the battle against time.
When Should You Start Using Anti-Aging Products?
Believe it or not, most experts recommend starting with anti-aging face creams as young as your early 20s. That’s because the aging process starts when we’re born and continues throughout our lifespan, so addressing signs of aging before they’ve appeared is a good way to delay the process.
As we age, our skin naturally starts to sag as we age, and collagen production slows. This can lead to droopy skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as dark spots and a dull complexion. Get back to the glowing, firm skin of your youth when you incorporate anti-aging products into each day.
What Are Ways to Avoid Wrinkles?
While some form of aging is natural, there are a few ways you can keep wrinkles and damage to a minimum:
Wear Sunscreen. Most signs of premature aging are related to sun exposure, so slathering on the high SPF sunscreen before prolonged activity outside is a great first step. Make sure to reapply every so often, especially after swimming or sweating.
Most signs of premature aging are related to sun exposure, so slathering on the high SPF sunscreen before prolonged activity outside is a great first step. Make sure to reapply every so often, especially after swimming or sweating. Stop Smoking. If you’ve picked up the habit, add skin health to your list of reasons to quit. Nicotine wreaks havoc on the skin thanks to its ability to narrow blood vessels, making it so that oxygen and nutrients have a more challenging time getting to your skin cells. Smoking may also cause premature wrinkles and a dull complexion.
If you’ve picked up the habit, add skin health to your list of reasons to quit. Nicotine wreaks havoc on the skin thanks to its ability to narrow blood vessels, making it so that oxygen and nutrients have a more challenging time getting to your skin cells. Smoking may also cause premature wrinkles and a dull complexion. Avoid Fake Tans. Want that bronze glow you only get from spending hours out on the beach? Go for self-tanner rather than a tanning bed. Tanning beds use UV light which can be extremely harmful and speed up your skin’s aging process.
Want that bronze glow you only get from spending hours out on the beach? Go for self-tanner rather than a tanning bed. Tanning beds use UV light which can be extremely harmful and speed up your skin’s aging process. Cut Down on Alcohol. Regularly drinking more than one or two servings of alcohol in one sitting can age the skin fast. That’s because alcohol dehydrates you and, over time, can affect your liver and lead to more skin issues. Stick to one serving of alcohol a few times a week to mitigate damage.
Regularly drinking more than one or two servings of alcohol in one sitting can age the skin fast. That’s because alcohol dehydrates you and, over time, can affect your liver and lead to more skin issues. Stick to one serving of alcohol a few times a week to mitigate damage. Eat a Healthy Diet. Some studies have shown that diets high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can contribute to rapidly aging skin. Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health but it also may slow down the aging process and keep your skin youthful for longer.
Some studies have shown that diets high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can contribute to rapidly aging skin. Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health but it also may slow down the aging process and keep your skin youthful for longer. Stick to a Skincare Routine. With all the other responsibilities you have going on in your day, keeping to a regular skincare routine may not be at the top of the list. Well, if you’re hoping to avoid your skin aging, it should be. Typically you should aim to cleanse your face morning and night, as well as after an intense workout. Follow cleanser with toner and a moisturizer to lock all the nutrients and hydration in.
If you only choose one product to add to your skincare regimen, it should be this one. That’s because Blu Atlas has expertly crafted a moisturizing cream that delivers the nutrients and hydration your skin craves without the presence of any artificial ingredients.
Mango seed butter acts as an emollient, coating the top layer of your skin to keep water in. Important nutrients come in the form of seaweed extract, helping your skin let go of irritation and strengthen in the face of environmental damage. Then vitamin C comes to the rescue to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while delivering antioxidants that help preserve youthful-looking skin.
Men love how this product gives them soft and soothed skin without leaving a greasy residue. Plus, they feel good about treating their skin to an all-natural product!
2. Age Defender Moisturizer
Since men’s skin is thicker than women’s, it’s essential to find a moisturizer formulated with men in mind that penetrates deep, like this Age Defender moisturizer from Kiehl’s. The most important ingredient is linseed oil, or flaxseed oil, which is praised for its ability to smooth out wrinkles and firm up skin. Then capryloyl salicylic acid works as an exfoliant to allow the ingredients to absorb better, and caffeine brings your complexion back to life.
Kiehl’s has been a reliable skincare brand for decades, thanks to its origins as an apothecary and its careful testing of award-winning products. You can’t go wrong with Kiehl’s, just as you can’t go wrong with this best anti-aging face cream for men.
3. Hims Anti-Aging Cream
With this Hims Anti-Aging cream, you get prescription-strength care in a personalized product. Tretinoin is your wrinkles’ worst enemy, so be prepared for smoother, brighter, firmer skin after just a few uses. This cream is also designed specifically for men’s skin, so you can trust that it will work for you better than your wife’s moisturizer you borrowed that one time.
Hims works by starting with an online consultation with a professional to discuss your unique skin care needs. Then, the team puts together a formula that will work best with your skin, using prescription-strength anti-aging ingredients to increase collagen production and give you your best skin yet. With the option to adjust your formula along the way, you’re fully supported on your anti-aging journey.
4. Bulldog Age Defense Moisturizer
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Check out Bulldog’s Age Defense Moisturizer. With this straightforward product, you can count on a more youthful complexion in just one month. That’s thanks to a winning combination of antioxidants like rosemary, echinacea, and vitamin E that work together to protect your skin from damage while smoothing out wrinkles and hydrating at the same time.
Men love this no-fuss formula because it smooth without any residue and is unscented. That means it works great for men with extra sensitive skin, too. All this from your favorite easy-going men’s skincare brand, built with your simple daily routine in mind.
5. Jack Black Double Duty Moisturizer
What makes this moisturizer so great for anti-aging? It also doubles as a sunblock, giving your face a little extra protection from UV rays as you go about your day. This will help prevent further damage or accelerated aging by staving off photodamage that can cause discoloration.
This formula features a few key natural ingredients. First, blue algae extract contains a healthy dose of vitamin E to firm up and smooth skin. Then, sea parsley delivers vitamins C and A for an even complexion. There’s also phospholipids, which help soak up the moisture in your skin and seal it in to fortify your natural barrier.
Jack Black has become a cult favorite in the 20 years since its inception. That’s because the brand has tailored its products to the customer, making natural, effective skincare products for men that won’t break the bank.
6. Brickell Anti-Aging Cream
If you’re trying to be more conscious about the ingredients that come into contact with your body, you’ll love that this anti-aging cream from Brickell is 100% natural and 81% organic. While the names of the key ingredients may seem complicated, they’re all plant-derived, gentle, and natural.
Dimethylethanolamine helps to naturally tighten the skin, helping you avoid atrophy that can lead to sagging. Then methylsulfonylmethane, which is found in spinach, targets hyperpigmentation and helps fade age spots. Hyaluronic acid is this formula’s moisturizing superpower, as it helps your skin retain water to keep it smooth and soft all day long.
This formula is great for crow’s feet, so definitely pick it up if that’s a top concern of yours. Then use it guilt-free, knowing this product is all-natural and made in the US!
7. Super Shape’s Skin Recharge Cream
Here we have the next iteration of Baxter of California’s original anti-aging cream from 1965. Anti-aging botanicals, like apricot kernel oil for wrinkles, vigna extract for cell regeneration, soy protein for firmness, and caffeine for a pick-me-up, blend in an innovative formula that is made specifically for men’s skin.
Men love the combination of gel and cream in this moisturizer. It soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin or any extra shine. And because this formula is fragrance-free, it’s also safe for men with sensitive skin and works for all skin types. There’s no better pick-me-up for tired, droopy skin than this Super Shape cream!
8. Jaxon Lane Relax and Repair
Finally, an anti-aging moisturizer that goes on matte and tackles dryness and aging and breakouts! This cutting-edge formula from Jaxon Lane uses Gotu kola, squalane, and ceramides to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and seal moisture in. At the same time, hyaluronic acid provides the ultimate dose of deep hydration.
Then, niacinamide clears up skin, gets rid of blemishes, soosoothesflamed areas, and improves texture. Centella Asiatica targets signs of photodamage to reveal younger-looking skin, and ginseng helps maintain collagen levels in the skin to combat aging.
Jaxon Lane was created with the mission of providing excellent skincare for men. For decades products like moisturizer, face wash, and face masks were thought to be exclusively for women, but now we know for sure that men deserve great skin, too, and Jaxon Lane is helping them get it!
9. Clinique For Men Anti-Age Moisturizer
The next best anti-aging face cream for men is a no-nonsense product from Clinique. Caffeine stimulates your skin cells, glycerin provides soothing moisture, and squalane tackles inflammation. Then cucumber extract soothes the skin while combating puffiness and itching, barley extract provides a dose of antioxidants, and St. Paul’s wort provides antibacterial properties while taking down inflammation.
This product goes on smoothly, absorbing instantly. That means you don’t have to give it a second thought once you’ve massaged it into your cleansed and toned face.
This anti-age moisturizer comes from the first dermatologist-developed skincare brand, which uses gentle, effective ingredients since they launched their first products in 1968.
10. Aesop Parsley Seed Hydrating Cream
Using something called “Parsley Seed Hydrating Cream” on your face might feel a little extravagant, but trust us, it’s worth it. Aesop consistently releases top-notch products that use high-quality ingredients to tackle real skin issues.
In this particular formula, aloe lends its soothing properties to your skin, shea butter locks in moisture, and lactic acid helps promote cell turnover. Almond oil also clears up both eczema and acne, tea improves your glow, and parsley seed oil serves as an antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial component. All of these ingredients come together to boost your skin at the source and save aging for another day.
11. Hyper Even Serum
Your wrinkles and dark spots don’t stand a chance when using this serum from Hyper. Vitamins C and E tackle aging while providing nutrients, antioxidants, and a solution to hyperpigmentation. Then hyaluronic acid penetrates with hydrating power, and kojic acid exfoliates while reducing the appearance of dark spots.
There are plenty of other botanicals to be found in this formula, which combines to bring lots of antioxidants to your skin and protect it from signs of aging. Hyper is a clean brand sold at Sephora, meaning you can rest assured knowing that it contains only the best, straight from nature to your skin.
12. Lab Series Anti-Age Max
If you have particularly oily skin but still want a moisturizer that combats aging, try this product from Lab Series. This lightweight formula delivers potent ingredients to firm, lift, smooth, and increase collagen production without clogging up your pores.
Anti-aging peptides are behind this face cream’s success, which works together to promote elasticity and fade away those wrinkles. Hydrolyzed rice extract pairs with sodium hyaluronate to maintain healthy moisture levels, then antioxidant-laden goji berry, cranberry, and blueberry extracts deliver nutrients to even out your skin tone.
13. Jack Henry’s Nightly Detox
What’s easier than a moisturizer you just apply quickly before bed? With Nightly Detox from Jack Henry, you don’t have to worry about forgetting this step in your skincare regimen. The formula is completely clean, with just three ingredients you recognize and can pronounce: organic coconut MCT oil, tea tree oil, and avocado oil.
These three natural powerhouses reduce inflammation and puffiness, hydrate, even out your complexion, and promote a healthy skin texture and youthful elasticity. Who knew that anti-aging skincare could be so simple?
14. The Rich Cream
There was a lot of buzz when this product was released, and we believe this best anti-aging face cream for men stands up to the hype. That’s because 30 years of scientific research went into this formula! Come on–after all that, it has got to be good!
Sustainably-sourced ingredients make up this luxury product, like evening primrose oil that’s full of fatty acids to hydrate, strengthen, and brighten your complexion. Vitamin E smooths skin while fighting signs of aging, argan oil prevents water loss, and avocado oil provides essential nutrients and hydration.
In trials, 96% of users claimed that this product helped firm up their skin, while 95% agreed that their wrinkles greatly diminished after frequent use!
15. Nivea Men Anti-Age
Stop aging in its tracks with this anti-age hyaluron cream from Nivea Men. Less production of natural oils, sun damage and slowed cell regeneration are behind aging skin’s tendency to dry out, and this cream is the solution.
Hyaluronic acid is a must-have for dry skin and may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, this cream has the added bonus of SPF 15, so it helps protect you from future sun damage while working to minimize the effects of older damage.
The best part of this skin cream from Nivea? It won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for excellent value at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with this cream.
16. Dr. Dennis Gross Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Trust Dr. Dennis Gross, a dermatologist with over 25 years of experience if you want to turn back time. This particular formula includes ferulic acid, which strengthens their abilities when paired with other sources of antioxidants. And you’ve probably heard of retinol, the key to younger-looking skin thanks to its ability to penetrate deep into the dermis and neutralize free radical damage. Retinol boosts your skin to make it firmer and smoother than ever before.
Gallic acid will take out your dark spots, bakuchiol matches retinol’s effects without irritating sensitive skin, and rambutan boosts your skin’s collagen production. You’ll find all this in your new go-to anti-aging moisturizer from Dr. Dennis Gross.
17. Patricks AM1
Patricks AM1 has won awards from many publications for its luxury grooming products. Men with anywhere from normal to dry skin will benefit from this potent formula that relies on ingredients like vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, and even omega 3s.
All of these ingredients encourage your skin to be the best, most moisturized, and firm version of itself. Then squalane boosts collagen production to bring back the skin elasticity from your youth. You can even apply this moisturizer just once a day since its highly concentrated formula lasts around 24 hours.
18. Green People 24-Hour Cream
If one of your resolutions for this year was to start investing in better products for both the environment and your skin, you’ll love what Green People has to offer. This brand focuses on organic, cruelty-free, vegan products that work. While Green People does have a line of products just for men, this particular anti-aging cream is from their unisex line and works wonders.
Users love the smooth texture of this cream and its ability to keep skin feeling smooth and soft for a full day. Ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba ensure moisture while evening primrose oil reinforces your skin’s natural barrier. Perilla seed oil will calm irritated skin, rosemary alleviates swelling, and seaweed extract brings powerful nutrients.
89% of this formula’s ingredients are organic, and it is naturally free from parabens, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances, so you have the green light to apply this to sensitive skin!
19. Clarins Men Hydra Sculpt
Clarins Men’s Hydra-Sculpt cream exfoliates, moisturizes, and firms–three birds, one stone. The unique formula features a gel and a cream component that mix as you apply to your skin, tightening and plumping while providing a generous dose of moisture.
Lemon mixed with salicylic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant so that the following ingredients can penetrate your skin. Organic oat sugars tighten skin to give you that dramatic jawline of your youth, then Centella Asiatica fights the results of photodamage. Plus, this product includes an anti-pollution blend that protects your skin from environmental aggressors that are all too common in this day and age.
20. Algenist Advanced Wrinkle Fighter
Men with all skin types flock to this high-tech formula from Algenist. The science behind its anti-aging power is microalgae, a nutrient-dense plant that gives new life to your skin. Alguronic acid and algae proteins combine to share antioxidant power with your skin and help your cells regenerate efficiently.
The blend also features watermelon fruit extract that takes care of sun-damaged skin and shea butter to lock in moisture. In one test, 93% of users claimed that their skin felt plumper after ten days, and 91% noticed that their wrinkles had faded within 28 days of use.
If the idea of applying seaweed to your face is putting you off, just imagine the sculpted, contoured face you’ll have once you add this to your routine.
21. AlphaScience Ultra Firm
Men who are only swayed by facts and science will approve of this product from Alphascience, which was developed by a French scientist and backed by innovative technology. The cutting-edge shiitake complex reduces carbamylation, the leading protein associated with aging, and boosts collagen production with the help of L-glutamine.
Genistein, a soy-derived compound, promotes skin elasticity and evens your complexion. All these ingredients also contribute to this cream’s soft, matte texture and its quick absorbency. Simply wash your face, apply this cream, then go about your day as it goes to work on your skin.
Fight off signs of aging with science when you incorporate this anti-aging cream into your days!
22. Ishga Men Marine Cream
Ishga is the Gaelic word for water, and the brand uses ingredients from the Scottish coast to help you go back in time to an era of youthful, clear skin. Hand-harvested seaweed is the ingredient you have to thank for the marine cream’s effects, as it delivers essential nutrients to give you completely new skin.
Shea butter and macadamia provide fatty acids to the blend, which have been proven to enhance your skin’s natural barrier while encouraging health on a cellular level. Vitamin E is a key ingredient for anti-aging, as it helps to firm and even out skin tone while citrus peel detoxifies.
You’ll also find fucus serratus extract that neutralizes free radicals, apricot kernel oil for moisture, aloe vera to soothe irritation and inflammation, and cucumber extract for its renowned soothing properties. Plus, all these natural ingredients are organic, too, allowing for guilt-free application.
23. Dr. Craft’s Bio-Bakuchiol Face Cream
Nature and science meet in this face cream from Dr. Craft. The brand was founded after 15 years of scientific research between two professors at The University of Leeds who studied green chemistry and sustainability. With the knowledge, they created a line of skincare products that feature the ingredient bakuchiol, which provides benefits of retinol without the potential for irritation.
This bakuchiol comes from a sustainable, clean process so there’s no waste or harm done. It’s then added to this formula alongside powerful moisturizing agents like cocoa butter, shea butter, and flaxseed oil that impart other benefits to your skin. This cream also stimulates collagen growth and encourages firmer skin. And all this comes in 100% recyclable packaging–what’s not to love?
24. Tom Ford Crème Concentrate
Tom Ford isn’t just a go-to for classy fragrances! Pick up this scientifically engineered cream, which was created with the expert knowledge of skin scientists. The secret behind this lightweight cream is the addition of some powerful natural ingredients.
White porcelain, cacao, and gyokuro (a kind of Japanese green tea) stimulate the skin with caffeine for a brighter, more even appearance. Algae extract soothes irritation, hyaluronic acid, and humectants give you 24-hour moisture protection, and peptides blur those fine lines and wrinkles.
While this comes with a steep price tag, it’s well worth it not only to own another Tom Ford product but also to treat your skin to a luxurious anti-aging experience that produces excellent results.
Ready to stop time in its tracks and return your skin to its best, most youthful appearance yet? Add one of these anti-aging creams to your skincare regimen, and you won’t be disappointed.
The news and editorial staff of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.
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