DIY Skin Care Fixes That Don’t Require a Dermatologist

4. Fix: power serums and oils that boost moisturizers 

Think your usual moisturizer has stopped doing its job? Don’t toss it. All you may need is a serum beneath it or a facial oil patted on top. Serums are highly concentrated silky liquids that deliver specific active ingredients deep into the skin’s epidermis. When layered after cleanser and before a day or night cream, they amplify the formula. Two of the most beneficial serums for mature skin focus on hyaluronic acid, such as Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum ($20,  ulta.com) and Bliss Drench & Quench Serum ($27, amazon.com) for a moisture boost, and C serums like RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum ($29, target.com) for added radiance. Serums do not replace moisturizer; you still need that topcoat of cream. Facial oils like Burt’s Bees Facial Oil With Rosehip Seed Extract ($22, cvs.com) are rich in nourishing essential fatty acids and work at the surface level to increase glow. Pat over moisturizer on spots where skin is especially tight, dull or dry, or apply instead of moisturizer or night cream as needed. Curious about the TikTok trend for skin flooding to boost hydration? Try applying a face mist before hyaluronic serum and moisturizer to trap extra moisture.

(Left to right) Womaness Plump It Up Gentle Retinol Face Serum; No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Fragrance Free Night Cream; Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum

Target; No7; Amazon

5. Fix: retinol and bakuchiol for sun damage 

Retinol is still the no-prescription-needed superhero for reversing sun damage and refining skin texture. Ignore its old bad rep for irritation and dryness and give updated retinol creams and serums and the plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol a try. Newcomers to retinol and those with sensitivity issues benefit from retinol buffered with hyaluronic acid, such as the gentle No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Fragrance Free Night Cream ($21, walmart) and Womaness Plump It Up Gentle Retinol Face Serum ($29, target.com). Bukuchiol, now popular in serum formats like Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum ($18, amazon.com), delivers similar results and is a good choice for those reactive to retinol or wary of its side effects. All work best at night when skin is at rest and free of sun, AHAs, BHA and vitamin C, which increase sensitivity and irritation. Layer retinol and bakuchiol serums under a night cream or dual day/night cream free of the above three ingredients. Start usage slowly and gradually work up from once or twice a week to every other night or daily for safe, optimal results.

(Left to right) The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream; Ole Henriksen Banana Bright + Eye Crème; DHC Eye Bright Eye Moisturizer Gel

Kohl's; Sephora; Amazon

6. Fix: eye cream to wake up your face

No matter how great your hair looks or how fabulous your outfit, count on your eyes to reveal fatigue and stress to all. That’s because the eye area is even thinner, drier and more delicate than facial skin and vulnerable to under-eye shadows, puffy lids and sag. Any moisturizing eye cream or gel with hyaluronic acid, squalane or glycerin will freshen the eye area and soften lines and crinkles better than a face cream (they’re richer, more concentrated and designed for eye area use). However, two additional ingredients — caffeine and vitamin C — can target specific issues. Try one with caffeine like The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream ($11, kohls.com) or DHC Eye Bright Eye Moisturizer Gel ($17, amazon.com) to deflate puffiness and reduce discoloration beneath the eyes. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright + Eye Crème ($42, sephora.com) with vitamin C will brighten the entire eye area and color correct dark areas. Whichever eye fix you choose, store it in the fridge for a cooling effect upon application that soothes and helps the de-puff process.

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.