If you’ve always kept your skincare routine to the bare minimum, embracing the world of anti-aging products calls for taking things to the next level, starting with using an essence. You may not even know what an essence is, but they’re another anti-aging essential. The liquid formulas include concentrated active ingredients and can have benefits for dry and aging skin. They’re used after cleansing (but before applying serum) to help prep your skin for the rest of your routine.

We recommend Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence, an anti-aging formula that helps smooth skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and boost radiance. It’s formulated with iris florentina extract, lipo hydroxy acid (a form of salicylic acid), and sodium hyaluronate, and it’s suitable for all skin types—including sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic acid has gained quite the reputation as an anti-aging ingredient, and there’s a good reason for that. Studies show hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.^VI Hello, hydration. Research also suggests that formulas with hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle depth.^VII To see for yourself, try Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum. Smooth the hyaluronic acid serum on, and its lightweight texture will quickly absorb. With time, results include visibly reduced fine lines, improved texture, and stronger skin.

The skin surrounding your eyes is delicate and oh-so-thin—even if there isn’t a single crease on your forehead, there may be wrinkles around your eyes. Your eye area is one of the first spots to show signs of visible aging, which makes using eye cream crucial. Dark circles are one sign of aging that your eye treatment can help address.^VIII Treat your eye area to Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum. The serum, which is uniquely formulated for the delicate eye area, contains 10 percent pure vitamin C—an ingredient you’re already well-versed in the benefits of. Apply the dark circle cream morning and night to decrease the appearance of under-eye circles as well as crow’s feet, puffiness, and lines.

Kiehl's Expert Tip: Don’t underestimate just how delicate your eye area is. Be careful not to get rough when smoothing on your eye serum. Dab the product on using the pad of your finger, then carefully pat until it absorbs. We recommend using your ring finger to dab the serum in, as it has the most gentle touch and therefore is less likely to tug or pull at the fragile skin.

No effective anti-aging skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. You may love basking in the summer sun, but it’s an unfortunate fact of life that the sun’s rays can speed up signs of aging.^X Data shows that photoaging (damage to the skin caused by UV exposure) causes 90 percent of the visible changes you observe in your skin. Yes, 90. UV rays damage your skin’s DNA, which causes a chain reaction that decreases collagen levels and leads to ineffective attempts to repair the damage. This results in wrinkles.^XI

To best protect your skin from aging UVA rays (and burn-causing UVB rays), you need to be diligent with sun protection. This includes wearing a broad-spectrum (i.e., protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation) sunscreen every single day, rain or shine. Super Fluid Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ makes this easy thanks to its lightweight formula that works for all skin types. Apply in the morning as the last step of your skincare routine. If you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, make sure to reapply every two hours for the best protection.

It’s also crucial to take other sun protection measures. These include limiting time in the sun during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and wearing clothing and accessories that cover exposed skin.^XII

You may not notice signs of aging impacting your pout in the same way you’re able to detect them on your face or neck, but aging indeed affects your lips. With time, you’ll see changes to your lip shape and texture.^III Our best tip is to stay consistent with caring for your lips. They deserve TLC, just like the rest of your skin. Use Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 30 to provide your pout with soothing moisture and a pop of color. This lip balm also features broad-spectrum SPF 30, which you know we love.