As we age, our skin changes in myriad ways. Instead of dealing with sporadic breakouts and oily T-zones, the skin instead loses its elasticity and becomes prone to dryness and dehydration.
No, you’re not imagining it. No matter your gender, your skin is definitely getting drier. “Many adults will experience dull, dry skin; irregularity in pigment and redness; and increased fine lines and deep wrinkles,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ope Ofodile, co-owner and partner of Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta in Marietta, Georgia.
Even more, Ofodile says that drinking water can help — but it’s no longer enough to ramp up oil production. So what can you do? Incorporating a hydrating serum that can replenish your skin barrier won’t just keep your complexion looking dewy and bright, it can also ward off fine lines and wrinkles.
“Well-hydrated skin requires both internal and external supplementation,” says Ofodile. “Adequate daily water intake remains vital in addition to topical treatments containing hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.”
What does hyaluronic acid serum do?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar found naturally in the skin that holds water, according to Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “It’s a clear, thick gel-like substance that our body produces and can be found in high concentrations in the skin, connective tissue and eyes. It helps to retain and attract water, and keeps tissues hydrated and lubricated.”
Though it’s a relatively inexpensive ingredient, it’s the gold standard in terms of skin hydration — especially in serum form.
What do antioxidant serums do?
The merits of sun protection have been studied for decades, but it’s especially important as you age. Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, dryness and yes, melanoma. While SPF 50 or higher is an everyday essential for protection, there’s one more way to keep your skin hydrated: antioxidants. Ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E and niacinamide fall into this category.
“Antioxidants help to block some of the damaging effects of the sun during the day,” says Ofodile. If your skin is damaged, it can’t produce oil effectively.
The best hydrating serums for dry skin
Hartman calls this serum “a cool drink of water for the skin. Not only does it contain hyaluronic acid, but it also has 15 minerals found in Vichy’s proprietary volcanic water, which has been found to correct inflammation and dehydration caused by all of the external factors that we face every day,” he says.
“This serum gives a double punch with glycerin plus hyaluronic acid, two of the best humectant ingredients we have to plump the skin,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology. “It can be layered underneath your regular moisturizer for an extra hydration boost.”
“This oil-free gel provides hyaluronic acid hydration that is light yet moisturizing,” says Hartman. “The hyaluronic acid provides a protective barrier on the skin and helps to build collagen to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles.”
This everyday serum features four types of hyaluronic acid, "which binds to water to plump and hydrate the skin," Zeichner says.
According to Zeichner, because hyaluronic acid is so stable naturally, it’s usually not necessary to spend a ton on a straight serum. Usually, when other ingredients come into play (like ceramides or other hydrating complements), the cost can go up.
If you want to look dewier and more hydrated instantly, this serum is it. It has hyaluronic acid, watermelon and niacinamide for a threefold punch of moisture.
Like a topical supplement for the skin, this collagen booster comes in freeze-dried spheres that are activated by a hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serum to deliver a targeted dose of anti-aging benefits.
The best hydrating serums for mature skin
Ofodile calls this one an all-time favorite. “It supports the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture and provides an immediate smoothing effect for more radiant, rejuvenated skin,” she says. “This is my go-to for dry, parched skin types.”
“This is another excellent moisturizer for maturing skin,” says Ofodile, who also mentions that it’s non-comedogenic, oil-free and ideal for normal to oily skin types.
Pairing hyaluronic acid with firming pro-collagen peptides and smoothing amino acids, this booster serum targets wrinkles by keeping the skin plump and toned.
This hydrating serum has hundreds of 5-star reviews for good reason: It relies on tried-and-true ingredients like glycerin and willow bark extract to hydrate and smooth. It's also an expert-approved pick for acne-prone skin.
Dr. Kathleen S. Viscusi, co-founder and partner at Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta, says this serum “is an incredible option for this age group. This well-balanced moisturizer is deeply hydrating yet still lightweight; it’s ideal for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and restoring skin health for a vibrant, more youthful appearance, all with a non-comedogenic formula.”
The Isdin Hydralift Serum “contains plant-based stem cell extract, peptides, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to help promote healthy cell turnover for radiant, hydrated skin,” says Viscusi.
A great under-$50 option, this serum targets wrinkles and signs of aging with matrixyl 3000 — made from two peptides — as well as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
This soothing serum-in-moisturizer boasts Japanese indigo extract, hyaluronic acid and mondo grass root for hydration.