When patients ask me how to get rid of wrinkles naturally, I always give the same answer: protect your collagen before you try to repair it, says Michelle McFarland, MSN, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of Bare Concierge. Prescription tretinoin and in-office treatments are still the best options for treating wrinkles, but many of the most effective ways to prevent them are surprisingly simple daily habits. In short, McFarland says, the choices you make every day matter more than the products you buy.
Vogue’s Guide to Getting Rid of Wrinkles Naturally
The Retinal Serum: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1, $56
The Hydrating Sunscreen: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen, $28
The Face Massager: Ranavat Kansa Wand Massage Tool, $70
The Antioxidant Protection: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $185
The Daily Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, $25
The Collagen Powder: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder, $19
The Silk Pillowcase: Slip Pure Silk Queen Pillowcase, $120
So what does natural wrinkle reduction actually look like? The experts have weighed in. Ahead, skincare specialists share their best tips for building a daily routine that supports collagen production and helps keep skin smooth and supple for longer.
In This Story
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How We Tested
Meet the Experts
SPF Is King, Rain or Shine
Wearing SPF 30 or higher every day is the single best thing you can do to prevent photoaging, which causes lines, texture, and pigment on the skin, says Carey Campbell, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Stark MD in Philadelphia. I recommend that patients don’t leave the house without it, rain or shine. Dr. Campbell generally guides her patients toward European and Korean sunscreens, which have more advanced, patented filters and are often lighter-feeling and longer-lasting than what is currently approved in the US. From the US market, she likes Alastin Hydratint, an SPF 36 formula that doubles as a daily tinted moisturizer.
But the most thorough sun protection goes beyond sunscreen. Marisa Ponzo, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist at North York Dermatology Clinic in Toronto, also recommends sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and staying out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm. It’s also a good idea to seek shade—and wear shades. Squinting and frowning matter more than people realize, says Kate Daniel, skincare expert at Skintique, a UK-based retailer of medical-grade skincare. Sunglasses aren’t just there to protect your eyes from UV; they also stop you from repeatedly screwing up your face in bright light, which is a big contributor to early crow’s feet.
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Round Lab
Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
$18 AMAZON
$28 NORDSTROM
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Alastin
HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
$84 AMAZON
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Eugenia Kim
Mirabel sunhat
$525 NET-A-PORTER
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Jimmy Fairly
The Aela sunglasses
$148 JIMMY FAIRLY
Take Your Vitamins (A&C)
A thoughtful at-home skincare routine can go a long way, too. Using a retinoid stimulates collagen and elastin production, improves skin texture, and softens fine lines over time, says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. It could be considered natural—after all, retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. Medik8’s Crystal Retinal comes in different strengths to suit different tolerance levels, while Isdin Isdiceuticals’ Melatonik uses bakuchiol, a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol.
Retinoids are best used at night, but vitamins have their place in the daytime too. Antioxidants in the morning protect the skin from free-radical damage caused by ultraviolet light and pollution, says Dr. Karcher. Another natural ingredient, vitamin C, is the best-studied antioxidant, and both topical and oral versions help prevent wrinkles. WidelySkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum is often considered the gold standard when it comes to vitamin C serums. It combines 15 percent L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with ferulic acid to provide powerful antioxidant support. Kat Burki’s Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream also includes 15 percent vitamin C, along with MSM, colloidal silver, and an ocean mineral complex to help the skin absorb it better.
A quick tip: Fresh is best. “Go and look at your vitamin C,” says Basil Russo, founder of Bar Beauty Medical in Toronto. “Fresh L-ascorbic acid is pale and straw-colored. If the bottle has turned dark amber, the ingredient has oxidized, and you’re applying expensive water. Six months after opening is the realistic shelf life.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistSkinCeuticalsC E Ferulic$185 BLUEMERCURYSave to wishlistSave to wishlistMedik8Crystal Retinal 1 Serum$56 AMAZON$55 MEDIK8Save to wishlistSave to wishlistKat BurkiVitamin C Intensive Face Cream$75 AMAZONSave to wishlistSave to wishlistIsdinIsdinceutics Melatonik Serum$175 AMAZON
Focus on Hydration and Supporting the Skin Barrier
It’s not just active ingredients that matter. “Many people focus on ‘anti-aging’ ingredients while overlooking the skin barrier,” says Funmilayo Adeola, a cosmetic chemist and founder of SwanPro Cosmetics. “Well-hydrated skin naturally appears smoother, healthier, and more resilient.” Adeola recommends products that pair humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, with barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides. La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer—a favorite among dermatologists—contains ceramides and glycerin, while K-beauty brand Aestura uses patented cream-capsule technology in its skin-barrier cream to help the skin retain moisture. Other moisturizing, barrier-supporting options include The Outset’s Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer and Naturium’s Barrier Bounce Serum.
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistLa Roche-PosayToleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer$25 AMAZONSave to wishlistSave to wishlistATOBARRIER365 Cream$32 AMAZONSave to wishlistSave to wishlistThe OutsetNourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer$44 AMAZON$44 THE OUTSETSave to wishlistSave to wishlistNaturiumBarrier Bounce Serum$24 $21 (13% off) AMAZON
Nourish the Skin from Within
“Diet also plays a role in fighting wrinkles,” Daniel points out. “Antioxidant-rich foods with vitamin C, polyphenols, and healthy fats help fight the same kind of damage that SPF protects against.” One of Vogue’s favorite vitamin C supplements, Thorne’s Vitamin C With Flavonoids, supports skin health and the vascular system, while Cymbiotika’s Liposomal Vitamin C, which also supports collagen production, has a refreshing citrus-vanilla flavor.
Dr. Karcher notes that collagen is made from amino acids—the building blocks of protein—so getting enough protein is essential for supporting natural collagen production. Vogue-approved collagen supplements include Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which provides 20g of collagen peptides per serving, and Par Olive’s Pearl Marine Collagen Superpowder, developed by dermatologists to support skin, hair, and nails. Dr. Karcher recommends aiming for about 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day—and more for some adults—combined with regular exercise.
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistVital ProteinsCollagen Peptides Powder$19 AMAZONSave to wishlistSave to wishlistPar OliveUnflavoured Pearl Marine Collagen Superpowder$48 REVOLVESave to wishlistSave to wishlistThorneVitamin C Dietary Supplement$23 AMAZONSave to wishlistSave to wishlistCymbiotikaLiposomal Vitamin C$62 CYMBIOTIKA
Stay Strong
Speaking of exercise, resistance training can also support healthier-looking skin by improving circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. “Resistance training improves circulation, muscle tone, and overall skin health,” Dr. Karcher says. To enjoy the full-body benefits, stock your home gym with space-saving tools that make it easy to add strength work to your routine. Sleek wrist or ankle weights add subtle resistance tFor everyday movement, Pvolve’s home workout kit uses resistance to engage the upper body, lower body, and core through targeted, functional exercises. For a full-body burn, a weighted vest can add intensity to walks, squats, and strength sessions. And, of course, a classic set of dumbbells is a timeless choice for building strength and improving muscle tone.
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Bala Bangles Wrist & Ankle Weights
$55 AMAZON
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Pvolve Performance Strength Bundle
$212 $205 (3% off) AMAZON
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Zeerun Weighted Vest
$25 $15 (40% off) AMAZON
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Amazon Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights
$10 AMAZON
Knead It Out With a Facial Massage
Don’t underestimate the power of a good massage. “I wouldn’t call facial massage a wrinkle cure, but as a natural ritual that can make a difference, it’s worth practicing,” Daniel says. “It boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage, which reduces puffiness and creates a plumper, more awake look.” Effective tools range from high-tech options—like Solawave’s 4-in-1 Skincare Wand or Therabody’s TheraFace PRO—to traditional ones, such as Chinese gua sha stones or Ayurvedic Kansa wands.
“In Ayurveda, a gentle three-to-five minute facial massage with a nourishing oil can boost circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, relieve muscle tension, enhance radiance, calm the nervous system, and create a deeper connection between the mind and the body,” says Ayurvedic practitioner Mangala Rao. “The key is to use gentle pressure and oil for slip so you don’t pull at the skin, but massage the muscles underneath.”
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Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand
$169 $110 (35% off) AMAZON
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Therabody TheraFace Pro Set
$420 NORDSTROM
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Ranavat Kansa Wand Massage Tool
$70 AMAZON
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Mount Lai The Amethyst Gua Sha
$34 AMAZON
Get Your Beauty Rest—on Your Back
Beauty rest isn’t just a cute expression: “Sleep is very important for the skin because skin increases its repair processes while you’re asleep,” Karcher explains. “Therefore, chronic sleep deprivation is associated with slower skin-barrier recovery and accelerated visible aging.” To kickstart sweet, barrier-supporting dreams, try adding a magnesium supplement to your nightly routine, or use a topical form of the mineral, which is thought to promote more restful sleep.
But even after you drift off, there’s wrinkle-fighting work to be done. “People never think about how they sleep,” Daniel says. “Side and stomach sleepers get compression lines on their face from the pillow, and over years these can actually turn into permanent creases, because it’s the same fold happening in the same spot, night after night.” She suggests sleeping on your back, or switching to a silk pillowcase to reduce friction against the skin. In addition to silky-smooth pillowcases, some pillows—such as Nurse Jamie’s—are ergonomically designed to reduce facial pressure and minimize skin creasing while you catch your beauty rest.
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Slippure Silk Queen Pillowcase
$120 NORDSTROM
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Youtheory Relax Magnesium Powder
$19 AMAZON
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Nurse Jamie Beauty Bear Pillow
$89 AMAZON
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Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray
$20 AMAZON
Everything You Need to Know
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional insight into the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you see on our site.
As it relates to wrinkle smoothing, we selected the best based on the following characteristics:We evaluated each formula based on ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the specific skin-care concerns they target. To do this, we combined our own hands-on testing of every product with expert advice and customer reviews to decide which ones we’d recommend. You can find more details on our testing process here.
Meet the Experts
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Carey Campbell, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Stark MD.
Marisa Ponzo, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at Toronto’s North York Dermatologist Clinic.
Kate Daniel is a skincare expert at Skintique, a UK-based retailer of clinical-grade skincare products.
Cheryl Karcher, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Michelle McFarland, MSN, is a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of Bare Concierge, a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice.
Funmilayo Adeola is a cosmetic chemist and founder of SwanPro Cosmetics.
Basil Russo is the founder of Bar Beauty Medical in Toronto.
Mangala Rao is an Ayurvedic practitioner and founder of Chasma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about reducing wrinkles naturally based on expert advice
Beginner Questions
1 What exactly causes wrinkles
Wrinkles are caused by a mix of aging sun damage repeated facial expressions and lifestyle habits like smoking or poor sleep
2 Can wrinkles actually go away naturally or just get less noticeable
Its important to be realistic you cant erase deep wrinkles completely with natural methods However you can significantly soften fine lines and prevent new ones from forming by boosting hydration and collagen production
3 What is the single most important natural step to prevent wrinkles
Sun protection Wearing a broadspectrum sunscreen every day is the 1 antiaging habit Experts call it the antiaging miracle because UV damage causes up to 80 of visible skin aging
4 What natural ingredients should I look for in skincare products
Look for antioxidants like Vitamin C Retinol Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides Green tea and niacinamide are also great gentle options
5 Are natural oils like coconut or argan oil good for wrinkles
Yes for moisture Oils like argan jojoba and rosehip are excellent moisturizers that help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration making fine lines look less visible However they dont rebuild collagen like retinoids do
Advanced Practical Questions
6 How does diet affect wrinkles Can eating certain foods help
Absolutely A diet high in sugar can damage collagen through a process called glycation To fight wrinkles eat antioxidantrich foods healthy fats and vitamin Crich foods to support collagen production
7 Is facial massage or face yoga actually effective
Experts are split but generally yes it can help temporarily Facial massage increases blood flow which brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin and can depuff It can also relax tense muscles which may soften expression lines but it wont rebuild lost collagen