In the quest to get rid of fine lines and plumping lax skin, going under the needle — whether you're opting for botox injections, neuromodulator, or filler — reigns supreme. That being said, if you wince at the thought of sharp objects or don't have hundreds (or thousands!) to drop on in-office treatments, there are pain-free, subtle, and relatively inexpensive topical products that we like to call "botox in a bottle" that you can add to your skin-care routine and help stave off early signs of aging. As collagen is such a large molecule, it’s believed that hydrolyzed collagen—with a smaller molecular size—is more effective at penetrating the skin. Many of the products mentioned above also contain collagen peptides which are another variation of collagen created when whole collagen proteins are broken into smaller pieces.

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can contribute to skin aging and dullness. Smith WP. Comparative effectiveness of alpha-hydroxy acids on skin properties. Int J Cosmet Sci. 1996;18(2):75-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2494.1996.tb00137.xAqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Pleiogynium Timoriense Fruit Extract, Podocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Pantothenic Acid, Phospholipids, Sodium Hydroxide, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Raphanus Sativus Root Extract, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Potassium Sorbate, Propylene Glycol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Formate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum*. Keep in mind that once you apply moisturizer on your skin, any other products that you use afterwards will no longer be absorbed, which is why you should start with the serum first before applying moisturizer. David Shafer, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Shafer Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, a cutting-edge facility with a specialty in medical treatments for healthy, youthful looking skin. Popular ingredients in facial serums include hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, brightening ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol, and exfoliators such as salicylic acid. These ingredients often pop up in moisturisers, but a serum will deliver them in a much more concentrated form, allowing them to penetrate deep into the skin to produce more noticeable benefits. Serums work hand in hand with the rest of your skincare products, enhancing the effects of your favourite cleanser and moisturiser.

A good skincare routine starts with cleansing, toning and moisturising. For an added boost to your daily regimen, a facial serum is the best way to give your skin a concentrated burst of any skincare ingredient. Despite what we were led to believe for many years, acne-prone skin needs hydration, too, and this plant-based formula has been specifically designed to aid healing and control sebum production. As well as containing papaya fruit extract to gently exfoliate, there’s cold-pressed hemp seed oil and vitamin E-rich argan oil to repair and soothe.Now in my testing experience, C E Ferulic isn't the best option if your skin is oily and/or acne-prone, but don't worry because Skinceuticals has a slightly different vitamin C serum called Silymarin CF that's specifically formulated to help curb breakouts and give your skin a glow too.