Best Anti-Ageing Creams for Men 2024: An Expert Tries and Tests

Clinically-proven to visibly lift and firm the appearance of the skin by 60 per cent, this next-level age-renewal serum makes some pretty bold claims… claims that I can substantiate. Only two weeks into using it, my best mate asked if I had indulged in any cosmetic injectables; something he has never asked me before. Supporting collagen production, it dramatically reduced the appearance of sagging, loss of volume, lack of firmness and hard-to-shift wrinkles: in short, it worked miracles. Using a patent-pending Micro Growth Factor Technology (MGF) which penetrates deeper into the skin, it creates multiple modes of action to help support the anti-inflammatory response. Suitable for all skin-types, it can also be used to complement cosmetic injectables, which, incidentally, I still haven’t had.

Bynacht Nocturnal Signature Anti-Age Cream

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Benefits: Promotes cell-renewal while you sleep | Visibly diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Powered By: ByNacht Rejuvenate Complex, Swiss garden cress sprouts, low and high molecular hyaluronic acids, marine collagen, Persian silk tree extract
• Texture: Cream

Research and scientific studies have shown us that skin renewal and cellular regeneration happens almost exclusively at night. To take full advantage of this down-time, Bynacht has created a line of über-efficient nocturnal skincare formulas that are complemented with sleep-promoting aromatherapeutic balms and oils that help you effortlessly drift into the land of nod. I found the Nocturnal Signature Anti-Age Cream delivered transformative results in helping diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, after using it for only four weeks. I also woke up feeling refreshed, with my complexion felling hydrated and ready to take on the day.

What are the best anti-ageing ingredients?

As far as key ingredients go, you’re going to want to look out for a certain top three. Moisturisers with ceramides, squalane and/or hyaluronic acid-based formulas have all been designed to keep skin looking plump and hydrated. A second string includes antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which helps to protect against environmental damage, which is a main skin concern.

Resurfacing ingredients are a little different, and are the solution for fading age spots and fine lines while stimulating cell renewal. Ingredients with these properties include AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like glycolic and lactic acid. They also include that perennial grooming buzzword retinol. Ultimately, the best defence against premature ageing is to look after your skin, utilising a proper moisturiser routine, using sunscreen when you head out into the scorching summer heat, and thoroughly taking advantage of our pick of the best age-reversing creams to make your skin look and feel younger and stronger.

What about retinol?

A potent de-ager that encourages cell production, retinol is a craze in grooming circles right now, but it has been around since the 1970s. Dr Alexandrides explains: “Part of the Vitamin A family, retinol works by increasing cell turnover speed to diminish the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.”

“Topical retinol leads to a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles and increased production of glycosaminoglycans and collagen. It’s also invaluable when it comes to minimising the appearance of pores and improving your skin’s overall texture as you age.”

Should older men use face cream?

These matters are rarely a case of “should”, but if you care about the way your face will look in another five, ten and even 20 years time, then you certainly could consider an anti-ageing cream — whatever age you are. At the very least you should be using a daily SPF/sunscreen, but you could incorporate one of the above creams or serums in order to hydrate and plump skin, reduce fine lines and improve the overall texture of your skin.

How we test anti-ageing creams

Here at GQ, we’re all for staving off the ravages of Father Time. Not with hopes, prayers and weird tricks we learned off TikTok, but with cold hard science. So out of pure self-interest as much as anything else, we’ve tested a hell of a lot of anti-ageing creams and serums over the years in order that we might remain our most handsome selves for as long as humanely possible. Who did we rope in to complete this task of rolling back the years? Adrian Clark, who has been trying and testing all of the best skincare products for British GQ and other publications for over two decades, honing his craft as an expert on staying young and keeping healthy. Each product on this list has been tested and appraised by him over a period of at least two weeks.

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