A Dermatologist Shares the Best Anti-Aging Serums (and What They Really Do)

Deciphering all the products in the skincare section at a beauty store can be as difficult as learning a foreign language. Between all the cleansers, masks, toners, serums, lotions, and potions, how are we supposed to decide which ones we need, and of those essentials, which options are best? Indeed, developing a comprehensive, personalized skincare routine is intimidating, especially if it's unfamiliar territory and as we start thinking about more specialized products that target certain concerns. The more specific the product, the more eyebrow-raising it is, but they're also highly effective and easy to understand if you hone in.

So to start, we decided to unpack one of the most essential and elusive items: a serum that wards off signs of aging and promotes a youthful glow. To learn more about the basics and to ease the selection process, we reached out to dermatologist Doctor Roland Moy, MD, a partner MFC Dermatology and founder of the world-renowned anti-aging and sun damage–reversal line, DNAEGF Renewal. Read through Moy's step-by-step lesson in everything you should know about serums, as well as his anti-aging advice below. Then, click through the 13 best anti-aging serums to decide which to add to your vanity lineup based on your skincare needs and price point.

While most us know we need to pile on some sort of moisturizer after washing our faces, serum seems a bit more obscure. If there's no immediate impact on our skin, what's the price tag for? In reality, it's different from a moisturizer, and it's just as important of a step in your skincare routine. Moy sets the record straight, explaining that "a serum is a clear, non-greasy formula designed so the active ingredients penetrate deeply into your skin while a moisturizer is typically a greasy formula designed to moisturize the top layer of the skin."

So even though it does provide some moisturizing benefits, you still need to use a moisturizer on top so the long-term benefits are at their most effective. The cost of effective anti-aging creams and serums are usually less than $150. As long as they have ingredients that help repair damage and boost skin's regenerative process, it's worth the extra buck."

Serums, in general, are great for targeting specific concerns, it just depends on which active ingredients your skin needs to look and feel healthier. For example, you may want to fight acne, while someone else may be looking for one with inflammatory benefits. As for anti-aging serums, they "work on a cellular level to repair the DNA damage that occurs from sunlight, pollution, and even blue light from computers and phones," Moy describes.

These particular serums "help boost the skin's ability to repair itself while protecting it" so you can see long-term results rather just the immediate payoff. Basically, "anti-aging means that you're choosing to use ingredients that help repair different types of damage that have been shown to accelerate the signs aging. From sun damage to thinning skin, it's so important to be preventative with your skincare."

If you're wondering when you can start benefiting from an anti-aging serum, there is no rule of thumb. As Moy says, this is because "the biggest anti-aging culprit is the sun, so you should really start using serums or moisturizers that have anti-aging properties when sun damage occurs at any age." You can start using it as early as you want in order to take preventative measures or you can start using it later in the game to reduce the appearance of fine lines and thinning and to restore a youthful glow. As long as you choose one that has DNA-repairing enzymes, you'll be on the right track.

And on that note, check out Moy's recommendations, as well as 11 more top sellers below to decide which of the best anti-aging serums you want to integrate into your skincare routine.