The 3 anti-aging skin care ingredients every mama should know about

Let’s face it: Even though being a mama is the best job ever, it can be a little… unkind (okay fine, super taxing!) on your complexion. Sure, there are lots of laughs and an infinite amount of smiles that come with the gig, but as happens with the passing of time, there’s also the inevitable aging of mama’s skin. And while keeping a straight face could maybe help with those laugh lines, having kids means it’s practically impossible not to smile. Instead, stock up on anti-aging skin care products that will make you even more radiant than you already (*blush blush*) are.

These few specific and powerful ingredients can help slow down Father Time. Plus, they’ve all been proven to eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost hydration and even skin tone. What’s more, you don’t need to choose just one anti-ager, rather, you can incorporate all three into your routine. Bonus points that they’re all available in one place—Walmart—where they’ve already done the hard work of weeding through hundreds of skin care products to offer the best (and most affordable) options to work that mama glow even more.

1. Vitamin C

Even though you probably get your daily dose of vitamin C from that glass of OJ, it’s important to use the antioxidant on your face as well. Not only does it helps to brighten and even out your complexion, but it also helps to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Because of its free radical-fighting properties, try using vitamin C in your morning routine with a highly concentrated serum such as Obagi Professional-C Vitamin C Serum or Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion (30%). Apply either of these to clean, dry skin using gentle tapping motions with your fingers. Let it sink it for a few minutes, then top off with moisturizer and plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Another great way to get extra antioxidant benefits throughout the day is to spritz on a face mist such as Olay Energizing Facial Mistwith Vitamin C and Bergamot. It can help to set makeup, refresh a dry complexion, or honestly just help you wake up while the kids are napping and you have those precious few minutes to yourself. Bonus points for the seriously invigorating scent, too.

2. Retinol

Arguably the holy grail of the skin care world, retinol is a true do-it-all wunderkind, helping to not only reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but also help put an end to acne, too. Adding the vitamin A-derivative speeds up cellular turnover, cleans out less-than-pristine pores, and stimulates collagen production which plumps the appearance of skin. But because retinol is a photosensitive ingredient, though, make sure you only use it at night while you wash up before you hit the sack (or realistically, whenever you get five free minutes in front of the sink).

Try a PM-specific moisturizer infused with retinol, such as Image Skin Care Ageless Total Retinol-A Creme, or layer in a serum such as Olay Retinol Serum, a few nights a week to start. This type of gradual introduction will help your skin adjust to the potential irritating effects it can have, particularly for sensitive types.

And despite its potent nature, retinol is also a miracle worker for the delicate eye area—clutch when you’re a mama who is seriously short on sleep. Try a product at night like Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream or RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment, both of which work to eliminate puffiness, crow’s feet and other signs of aging.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

Healthy skin is, first and foremost, hydrated skin. And perhaps no ingredient is more effective at moisturizing than hyaluronic acid, which can and should be used both day and night. (Or again, because #momlife, whenever you can steal those extra few minutes at the sink!) Although HA, as it’s often called, occurs naturally in the skin, our production of it decreases as we age, which is why supplementing with skin care products becomes all the more important.

Daily, look for creams, serums and lotions that are made with the hydrator that plays well with both your daytime dose of vitamin C and nighttime dose of retinol. Two we love? L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, which layers beautifully under moisturizer, as well as Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturize lotion, which already has your wrinkle-busting retinol layered in, too. For a serious shot of hydration, try adding a mask like Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydro Boost Face Mask, into your routine after you cleanse but before you apply serums, moisturizer, and SPF.

Motherly is your daily #momlife manual; we are here to help you easily find the best, most beautiful products for your life that actually work. We share what we love—and we may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You’ve got this.

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