5 serums that'll support your skin through the ageing process

Anti-ageing is a touchy term in the skin care community. At its core it speaks to an archaic sensibility that somehow we're attempting to turn back the very hands of time every time we slather on our skin care. 

But despite the history of the term 'anti-ageing', the skin care of today associated with the category speaks to a contemporary desire to take care of oneself, and aging gracefully in the process. 

Anti-ageing serums in particular tend to be formulated with ingredients that bolster the skin's natural functions and optimise it's resilience, resulting in a firmer, plumper, more radiant and hydrated complexion — the undeniable hall marks of a more youthful appearance. 

So, if you're interested in supporting your skin through this long journey we call life, a serum for anti-ageing might just be the ticket — here are a handful of the very best in the category.

2024's Top 3 Best Serums For Anti-Ageing

1. Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate, $140, Adore Beauty
2. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $135, Adore Beauty
3. Clarins Double Serum, $120, Adore Beauty

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
from $140 at Adore Beauty

Enhanced with a complex of seven pre and probiotics, hyaluronic acid and vitamin CG, this strengthening serum improves texture, radiance, elasticity and firmness by reinforcing the skin's barrier function. 

Key features:

Enriched with pre and probiotics, hyaluronic acid and vitamin CG
Reinforces the skin's natural barrier function
Strengthens skin's defence against environmental aggressors
Improves texture, radiance, elasticity and firmness

Available at:

• $140 from Adore Beauty
• $140 from MYER
• $140 from David Jones

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
from $135 at Adore Beauty

Formulated to restore skin while you sleep, this serum contains a patented tripeptide-32 complex, which creates the optimum conditions required for the skin's natural turnover function to do what it does best. Upon waking you should notice an improvement in the firmness and tone of your skin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, the addition of hyaluronic acid helps to address the signs of a dull and dehydrated complexion.

Key features:

Contains tripeptide-32 and hyaluronic acid
Restores skin while you sleep
Improves firmness and tone
Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Hydrates dull and dehydrated skin

Available at:

• $135 from Adore Beauty
• $135 from Sephora
• $135 from MYER

Clarins Double Serum
from $120 at Adore Beauty

This dual-phase formula is like two serums in one, which are separated in the bottle but combined when you pump to apply. The serum's intention? To address the vital functions of the skin for a radiant and firmer complexion using 21 active plant extracts (including the serum's hero ingredient turmeric).

Key features:

Two serums in one (pump to combine)
Infused with 21 plant extracts
Firms skin
Enhances radiance
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles

Available at:

• $120 from Adore Beauty
• $120 from MYER
• $120 from David Jones

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
from $139 at Adore Beauty

Although this pick is technically an essence, we'd argue it could replace a serum if your skin's on the oilier side, otherwise it's the perfect product to prep skin with, if you like to layer your serums. It contains SK-II's signature Pitera, which acts as a natural moisturising factor and supports the skin's natural regenerative process. Plus, thanks to its water-like consistency, it penetrates deep to enhance efficacy.

Key features:

Contains SK-II's signature Pitera
Uses natural moisturising factors to support the skin's natural functions
Promotes a firmer complexion
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Reduces pore size
Enhances radiance

Available at:

• $139 from Adore Beauty
• $139 from David Jones
• $139 from Sephora

COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
from $40.04 at Amazon Australia

K-Beauty brand COSRX combines a blend of peptides, hyaluronic acids, amino acids and neo-glucosamine to help address pore size, sebum regulation, firmness, fine lines, texture and tone. The skin booster has been formulated to act as the first step in your skin care routine and as a base, prepping skin for all your other serums. 

Key features:

Contains peptides, hyaluronic acids, amino acids and neo-glucosamine
Addresses pore size and sebum regulation
Helps to firm skin and smooth fine lines
Improves uneven texture and tone
Preps skin for other serums

Available at:

• $40.04 from Amazon Australia
• $44 from Adore Beauty
• $55 from RY

What is the best face serum for anti-ageing?

Ageing is an inevitability, but a consistent skin care routine can support your skin's natural functions, helping you to age gracefully. Finding a face serum that optimises the skin's natural moisture barrier function and skin turnover, is always a great place to start as this is what is going to enhance radiance, firmness, plumpness and hydration AKA the defining features of a youthful appearance. 

Main image credit: @ana_d_armas

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