What is Anti-aging cream?

Anti-aging creams are predominantly moisturizer-based cosmeceutical skin care products marketed with the promise of making the consumer look younger by reducing, masking or preventing signs of skin aging. These signs are laxity (sagging), rhytids (wrinkles), and photo aging, which includes erythema (redness), depigmentation (brown discolorations), solar elastics (yellowing), keratosis (abnormal growths), and poor texture.

Despite great demand, many anti-aging products and treatments have not been proven to give lasting or major positive effects. One study found that the best performing creams reduced wrinkles by less than 10% over 12 weeks, which is not noticeable to the human eye. Another study found that cheap moisturizers were as effective as high-priced anti-wrinkle creams. A 2009 study at Manchester University showed that some ingredients had an effect.

A great anti-ageing serum can take your skin from so-so to super. Here's our pick of the best.

In the beauty industry, the bestanti-ageing serums are relatively new. Yes, they’ve been in the background for a while, but it’s only recently that serums have been touted as a skincare essential. And, as with most beauty elements that gather hype, there comes a slew of products to choose form, which can make it quite difficult to work out which one you need. So if you’re in the market for one of the best anti-ageing serums, you’ve come to right place, because we’ve done all the hard work for you.

Over the course of time, and with the help of several beauty editors, we’ve pulled together a list of the most effective and subsequently, best anti-ageing serums out there. There are serums that will help protect and prevent wrinkles and lines in the early stages. There are those that will stop time in its place. And a few of the very best serums can almost turn back the hands of time.

The Best Serums For Younger-Looking Skin While You Sleep

Who doesn't want fresher, younger skin? If, like the rest of us you want to fight back against lines, dull or pigmented skin, then you need a serum in your skincare regime. Never used one before? Yes, it's an extra step, but a 10-second one at the very most, and the benefits will far outweigh such a negligible stitch in time. So why are serums such an essential beauty must-have?

The difference between your usual moisturizing cream and an anti-ageing serum is vast: serums are more concentrated and generally have smaller molecules, meaning not only are the ingredients super potent, they are far more easily and deeply absorbed by your skin. This makes them ideal for targeting specific problems, be it wrinkles, pigmentation, dry patches and uneven skin tone. This also means that a little goes a long way! So although some of the products below aren't cheap, a couple of tiny blobs massaged in before bed will get you well on the way to better skin. It's important to use a moisturizer too, which will nourish your skin, make it feel comfortable and create a barrier of protection -  just think of serums as your targeted treatment.

Once you’ve found the best anti-ageing serums, how should you use them?

After cleansing your skin, apply your anti-ageing serum to slightly damp skin. Then, press the serum into your skin with an open palm instead of fingertips to release the active ingredients. Leave to sink in properly for at least 5 minutes. If you’ve come across the best moisturizer for your skin type, apply it afterwards. But, if your skin feels nourished enough just from using the serum, simply add a sun protection product (SPF) and you’re ready to go.