7 Ingredients That Can Make Your Skin Look Years Younger and Compete with Expensive Treatments, According to Dermatologists

      To be clear: No topical skincare ingredient can entirely mimic the results of an in-office procedure. Treatments like Sofwave, Ultherapy, and Fraxel lasers are significantly more precise than a firming peptide serum—there's no denying that. However, this doesn't mean you should discard your serums and potions! A strong skincare regimen is excellent for postponing skin-aging issues such as sagging and dark spots for as long as possible, and for those who opt for in-office treatments, maintaining a routine at home is vital between sessions. Ignoring proper skincare would essentially waste your investment. Furthermore, beauty ingredients are becoming increasingly advanced. Though they may not instantly plump your skin like injectables do, a select few have surprisingly similar effects with results that appear more gradual and natural. I consulted dermatologists to discover the most popular options to look for this fall and winter, which I've detailed below. Scroll down—your radiant skin will appreciate it.

      PDRN

      "The biggest trend right now is PDRN," states board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, from New York Dermatology Group. "It has been buzzing for over a year, and it’s hard to miss on Instagram and TikTok!" This excitement is likely due to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston, who apparently frequently indulge in PDRN facials.

      "What's crucial is that this is not merely a fad. It's highly effective," Kim adds. For those unfamiliar, PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is sourced from salmon sperm DNA—hence the viral "salmon sperm facials" on TikTok—and it has gained immense popularity in Korea for over ten years. (It's important to note that salmon sperm in skincare is not a new concept; it's simply novel to the U.S.) This ingredient has demonstrated improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness, although these advantages are notably more potent in its injectable form, which is not yet FDA approved in the U.S. You could either book a trip to Seoul or choose topical PDRN products, which also provide a skin-plumping effect. "I believe PDRN will maintain its popularity for a considerable time," Kim shares. "It can be applied topically alongside other treatments, like lasers and microneedling, to improve delivery without injecting it directly into the skin."

      Exosomes

      If you consider yourself knowledgeable about skincare advances, you've probably noticed exosomes appearing everywhere—from eye creams and moisturizers to hair and scalp oils. "Exosomes are vesicles released by cells that carry growth factors, RNA, mRNA, and other beneficial materials," explains Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Facet Dermatology. "Think of them as emails—when cells 'send' exosomes, the contents relay essential messages to cells throughout the body, informing them and directing their actions." Some of these actions include enhanced collagen production, expedited wound healing, and diminished inflammation. "They can transport everything from soothing ingredients to actives that promote repair," adds dermatologist Muneeb Shah, DO. Thus, skincare products infused with exosomes have surged in popularity, but we are just beginning to understand their potential benefits. "As we incorporate innovative actives, I think they could be transformative," Shah adds.

      Copper Peptides

      "Copper peptides are excellent for stimulating collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer skin and fewer fine lines," notes Shah. Different peptide types have specific benefits (some are celebrated for tightening skin, while others excel in wound healing), and copper peptides are especially effective at smoothing lines. "Unfortunately, they can be costly to formulate with, so not every product contains an effective concentration," Shah warns. It's generally beneficial to look for a blue tint in your serums and creams, as this indicates quality copper ions, provided no dyes are included.

      Peptides

      Of course, peptides continue to be a significant focus. "Some function as hydrators, others boost collagen, and some are too large to have much effect," Shah explains. One of my favorites is Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide), a clever neurotransmitter peptide that inhibits the nerve signal responsible for muscle contractions. Some even claim it has effects similar to Botox. "While these are much milder, they work similarly to botulinum toxins in reducing facial muscle movement, thus improving and preventing expression lines," board-certified dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, MD, has previously stated about the ingredient.

      Ectoin

      When discussing hydrators, ectoin is an often-overlooked hero. It is technically an emollient, meaning it is highly moisturizing and fills in tiny microcracks in the skin. "Emollients help skin retain moisture, but ectoin also offers protective and anti-inflammatory properties, along with skin-brightening benefits," Yadav has said. "This ingredient is ideal for individuals with inflammatory skin issues, like eczema, and for those who have overexfoliated