This Face Cleanser ‘Feels Like Magic In A Bottle’ For Dark Spots — And It’s On Sale

As skin experts previously told HuffPost, before applying your favorite lotions and potions, washing your face is a major step in warding off wrinkles and dark spots. Not only does cleansing help to remove the dirt and grime from the day (which, if unwashed, can lead to wrinkles and blemishes), but experts say cleansing can help your other skin care products be more effective, helping them truly penetrate your skin’s barrier. Lucky for you, we spotted La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 anti-aging face wash, which one user says “truly feels like magic in a bottle,” on a rare sale for over 20% off.

Deemed “a must-have for my thin aging skin” and “everything you need and more,” reviewers swear by this cleanser for keeping their skin feeling even, smooth and bright.

The cleanser can be used every day.
The cleanser can be used every day.

This stuff is designed to give your skin a little bit of exfoliation and help promote new skin growth, and the brand recommends applying it to wet skin before patting dry. It’s an ideal first step to a longer routine or just a great way to clean the day off your face before heading to bed.

Made with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that can “help smooth, brighten and strengthen your skin,” per the Cleveland Clinic, La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water, and “melasyl,” the brand’s proprietary molecule designed to brighten the skin, this cleanser offers brightening, smoothing and evening, while still being gentle.

“It feels gentle on my skin, works well for my sensitive skin, and leaves my face feeling clean and refreshed without feeling harsh,” one wrote.

Another reviewer who wrote “my skin is EXTREMELY sensitive” describes, “I’ve only been using it for 2 weeks and already see it working! Skin looks clearer, feels softer, and a tad younger.”

Many speak to the brightening properties of the wash, celebrating how even it leaves the skin. “I loved it so much that I started using it on my hands and forearms too, and my skin feels smoother and looks brighter there as well,” Shannon wrote. “It truly feels like magic in a bottle.”

“I am 70 years old with sun damage, age spots and skin cancer prone. This really makes my skin look even and dark spots fading,” another said. “A little expensive, but you use a tiny amount so it should last.”

Be warned, once you try this one — you will “never go back to using anything else.”

In addition to keeping the skin clean and clearer, many say the cleanser lives up to its “anti-aging” name, saying it leaves their skin feeling even and more radiant. “Bye Bye Dark Spots,” one said. “My dark spots and rough area are already improving after one week!”

Others say that once they started with La Roche-Posay, they couldn’t justify using other washes. “I have officially found my forever facial cleanser! I’ve tried so many face washes over the years, and nothing compares to this one,” one wrote. “My skin has never looked or felt better. It’s gentle enough to use every day, but it leaves my face feeling incredibly clean, soft, and refreshed without drying it out. The biggest surprise was that I noticed one of my stubborn brown spots fade after using it for two weeks! I honestly couldn’t believe the difference!”

Check out even more promising reviews about this super-effective face wash and grab yourself a bottle while it’s at its lowest price ever.

“I have officially found my forever facial cleanser! I’ve tried so many face washes over the years, and nothing compares to this one. I will never go back to using anything else. My skin has never looked or felt better. It’s gentle enough to use every day, but it leaves my face feeling incredibly clean, soft, and refreshed without drying it out. The biggest surprise was that I noticed one of my stubborn brown spots fade after using it for two weeks! I honestly couldn’t believe the difference! I loved it so much that I started using it on my hands and forearms too, and my skin feels smoother and looks brighter there as well. It truly feels like magic in a bottle. A little goes a long way, it lathers beautifully, and it’s perfect even for sensitive skin. If you’re on the fence, don’t hesitate—this has become a permanent staple in my skincare routine, and I’ll be repurchasing it again and again!” — Shannon

“Wow! I have used this for two days in addition to the Mela B3 serum and Touleraine moisturizer with 30 spf and my skin looks softer. It only takes a tiny amount to cleanse my face and it doesn’t feel dry. I am 70 years old with sun damage, age spots and skin cancer prone. This really makes my skin look even and dark spots fading! A little expensive, but you use a tiny amount so it should last.” — Phyllis J Hornbeck

“This product is a must have for my thin aging skin. I use other LaRoche Posay products with it and am very happy with their products.” — No Name

“Bye Bye Dark Spots! This cleanser is everything you need and more. It is very gentle and doesn’t dry out your face. My dark spots and rough area are already improving after one week!” — Amazon costomer

Looking for more ways to improve your skin’s texture and tone? Check out these three vitamin C serum options, curated by the HuffPost Shopping team.

Sephora

Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster (25% off)

This powerful serum from Paula’s Choice is formulated with 15% vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid and peptides that can help to fade away sun damage and hyperpigmentation as well as post-acne scarring while moisturizing and smoothing the skin. Get it for 25% off.

Promising reviews: “Products gives a good glow, notice a difference when I forget to apply in the morning. I have very sensitive skin and this product does not irritate my skin at all. Apply a SPF after, always.” — tdkh
“Great addition to skincare routine. This is my first time using vitamin C and it’s been almost three weeks since I started. I have dry skin and adding this to my everyday routine has been a game changer. My skin looks brighter and looks/ feels smoother.” — gigiatsephora

Maelove

Maelove Glow Maker antioxidant serum

Considered by many skin care enthusiasts to be an affordable alternative to SkinCeuticals’ cult-fave serum above, this option from Maelove is full of vitamins C and E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid. It provides long-lasting hydration as well as all the benefits that come along with a powerful vitamin C serum.

Promising reviews: “So many c serums out there, but Maelove is wonderful. I stopped using SkinCeuticals. Maelove is less expensive and the serum does give me a clean tight glow.” — Kay B.

“My derm recommended this product and even he was impressed! Works just as well if not better than that very expensive brand we all know. I’m thrilled that I found maelove!!” — Erica M.

“Glowing skin. I love the texture! I noticed my skin looked a lot more alive, less dull and brightened within a couple of days. I use this consistently every morning after I wash my face.” — Danielle K.

The Inkey List

The Inkey List 15% vitamin C and EGF serum

Ideal for sensitive skin or those who are only just beginning to dabble in active ingredients, this serum from The Inkey List is as powerful and effective as it is gentle. Vitamin C and plant-derived epidermal growth factors can help smooth, brighten and tighten the appearance of skin.

Promising review: “Wonderful for Brightening. I have very sensitive skin, and have tried countless vitamin c serums. This is the only one that doesn’t burn when I apply, and leave my skin covered in red bumps. My skin looks brighter since I’ve started using this, and more plump. I feel like I can get away with wearing way less makeup on a daily basis since starting this.” — miaaaa96

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

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This 44% Off Red Light Mask Made A Noticeable Difference In My Skin’s Texture And Brightness In ‘Less Than A Month’

If you want a spa-like routine with spa-like results, but without spa-like prices — today is your lucky day. We spotted a highly rated red light therapy mask that reviewers say made a noticeable difference in their skin’s texture and brightness in “less than a month.” While these luxury-leaning devices can cost close to $500, today’s find is a whopping 44% off, making it just under $100. Made from soft, malleable silicone, reviewers call this rechargeable mask “better than the $400 brand-name ones” for its comfort and design — and it can be yours for less than a fourth of that.

Though red light masks vaguely resemble something from a Marvel movie, don’t be intimidated. Reviewers say this particular gadget is surprisingly easy to use, comfortable over the face and delivers fast results. The bendable silicone feels soft on the face and moves with you, plus it shields the eyes for added protection of your peepers.

“It is comfortable to wear and covers my face completely,” one reviewer wrote. “I have noticed a difference in the texture and brightness of my skin already, and it has been less than a month.”

The mask has a wired remote with a variety of light therapies, including near-infrared/red to repair skin and boost collagen, amber light for evening tone and texture and blue light for helping clear acne and blemishes. You can choose between 10-, 15- and 20-minute sessions, and the brand suggests using it between three and five times a week.

“I’ll admit I was skeptical about the effectiveness of red light masks, but this is the REAL DEAL,” shopper Jackie wrote. “I’ve only been using it every other day for two weeks and I can already see a difference! Fewer wrinkles and fine lines… my skin is so smooth.”

“I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now, and I definitely noticed my skin looking a lot better and healthier,” another said. “You can do it while you work on schoolwork or even just chilling on the couch…This is a great price for what you get!”

“I’ll admit I was skeptical about the effectiveness of red light masks, but this is the REAL DEAL! I’ve only been using it every other day for two weeks and I can already see a difference! Fewer wrinkles and fine lines… my skin is so smooth. I’m going to buy one for my daughter now.” — Jackie

“I’m really enjoying this red light therapy mask! It’s easy to use, fits comfortably on my face, and I love that I can just relax on the couch while using it. The light is bright but still comfortable with the eye openings. The mask feels sturdy and well made, and the strap keeps it securely in place. I’ve added it to my skincare routine and look forward to seeing the results with continued use!” — “Nicole’s Real-Life Amazon Finds”

“I love this mask. It’s comfortable to use and has multiple settings and preset depending on what you need to tackle. It allows me to still relax and either scroll social media or watch a TV show while wearing it.

The mask is easy to wear and adjust to your face. It’s flexible enough and returns to shape once removed. The LED lights look strong and shine bright. Do not expect results from wearing it one or two times, but after a month of testing I can say results are starting to show up. Being battery powered it allows me to move while it’s on and battery lasts long enough for multiple sessions and charges quite fast.” — Insider Reviewer

“Very excited to add a red light therapy mask to my skin routine. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now and I definitely noticed my skin looking a lot better and healthier. It’s super easy easy to plug in and has a long cord that you can do it while you work on schoolwork or even just chilling on the couch. It fits securely on my face and it feels pretty universal in size for the face mask. I love the pink color, and the instructions are very easy to understand. This is a great price for what you get!” — Devin

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

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These On-Sale Chin Masks Are Like ‘A Face Lift Without Surgery’

You don’t want to forget your jawline whenever you’re upgrading a skincare routine. Without proper care, it’s an area that can begin to sag with age, ultimately forming jowls. Interestingly, smoking is also linked to premature jowls! Thankfully, we’ve found collagen chin masks reviewers love for noticeably lifting their jawline. In fact, a 58-year-old reviewer said the masks “took about 10 years off my face.” Shoppers admire the mask’s softness, lack of odor and cooling abilities, saying it’s actually comfortable to sleep in. And if you need even more reason to give them a try, ahead of next week’s October Prime Day, the 7-pack is 20% off, making it even more affordable than the 5-pack. Sounds like a steal to us!

Fans say these masks work like a charm to depuff, contour and revitalize your jawline, earning the title “a facelift without surgery.”

Designed with power-packed Japanese hydrogel, this mask is a true treasure for folks determined to sculpt their jawlines to perfection. Unlike other V-line face masks, these masks provide a precise lift and a stretchable fit, featuring ultra-soft ear loops for seamless, non-slip wear for face shapes. “Color me surprised,” one reviewer shares. “I can’t believe this worked. I have lost 100 pounds after having gastric sleeve and my neck has noticeably been sagging and looking rough. I have only done two treatments so far, but even after one, the changes were super noticeable! I’m definitely going to add these masks to my nighttime skin routine.”

“It instantly made my neckline tight, smooth and younger looking,” another said. “I only wore it for an hour on the very first day and literally had my 18 year old daughter tell me she couldn’t understand how I looked SO young!”

Another shopper who used the mask before a family event says the tightening effect was so visible, “my mother asked me if I had cosmetic surgery!” “It snatches perfectly, obviously professional level,” they wrote. “It’s a staple in my skincare routine.”

And while no topical product can give you the exact results of cosmetic procedures, many compare the mask’s effects to professional treatments. “I had doubts about the product when I first ordered it, but the face masks exceeded my expectations,” one wrote, adding, “I do feel like they give you a mini facelift, however long it lasts.”

The lifting masks are formulated with skin-loving ingredients for individuals partial to multitasking.

This beloved jaw-tightening mask also features a mix of natural ingredients — collagen, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid — that work to deeply moisturize and refresh skin, while also boosting skin radiance. Granted, while skincare goals vary, everyone appreciates a product that can provide the basics while snatching your jawline to perfection.

“These masks really work! I can tell a huge difference in my jawline and neck,” says Cashlady. “These are much more comfortable on my ears because they stretch without breaking like some of the other brands. My face feels moisturized, soft, and smooth after each use, and I can see my jawline and neck tightening up after each use! I have tried several brands, and this is by far the best.”

If you’re ready to stop spending money on firming creams, painful masks, or trying to define your jawline with targeted exercises, these Stylia masks may be the missing piece to your nighttime routine.

Need to know a bit more before adding these to your cart? Take a look below to hear from other shoppers who are in awe of these jaw-tightening masks.

“I came across an ad for these. I figured it was just another scam and I was going to waste my money. I am pleasantly surprised by these. I feel like these are very high-quality and fit nicely. They stretich nicely, the silicone on the inside sticks very well and the outer side is a soft, felt like material. I’ve been wearing these with an additional chin strap at night for a few hours while watching TV and doing things around the house. After I remove this, I do my normal skin care routine and I have been wearing a chin strap at bedtime. I really didn’t think I would see any results. This morning I woke up and I honestly couldn’t believe my neck skin is tighter. I also started a few facial exercises. So I believe these along with the strap at bedtime and some facial exercises are making an impact on my skin. I absolutely recommend these. I think the key is to treat before it becomes a big problem. I wish they had these 30 years ago. I would’ve started treatment when I was 20 as a preventative.” — Dobie Girl

“I love this product. I had some facial injections in my chin, lip, and jaw area, and had significant bruising. I put this on right when I go to bed, and I leave it on all night. I also store it in the refrigerator. It really helped with the bruising, the overall texture of my skin, and especially improved the hydration of my skin. I also think it helps improve the jawline. I wake up, looking so refreshed. I have worn one every night for the past week and will probably go to once or twice a week, or when I need a pick-me-up. I will continue to re-purchase.” — DRA

“I was skeptical at first. However, using it according to the directions, it actually lifted and tightened my chin. I started noticing the difference after two weeks, so please be patient. People have noticed without me saying anything. I’m about to be 58 years old, and it looks like I took about 10 years off my face. It’s very comfortable; sometimes I forget I’ve put it on. It is definitely not sticky and fits your chin perfectly. It does say to stretch it before you put it on, but I recommend stretching it as you’re going along this way; you don’t overstretch it, so it fits perfectly around the ear without missing any part behind the jaw. They have no odor. I highly recommend these because it actually works. I am very pleased with the results.” — peppercorn

“This product is really good for lifting and smoothing out wrinkles on the neck. It doesn’t just work on the double chin; it also helps with the wrinkles on the neck while lifting up the chin. I really like these chin and neck lifts.” — Josephine Harris

Looking for more skin care finds for keeping the chin, neck and chest looking fresh? Check out these three favs. (Psst: some are also on sale.)

Amazon

,

Amazon

An LED right light mask with a neck panel (42% off)

Reviewers love this on-sale LED red light mask with a neck panel for providing a spa-like experience, without paying spa-like prices. The mask offers a removable neck panel, allowing you to treat your chin and neck, as well as your face, with a variety of light color therapies.

Amazon

Eight Saints Firm Intentions neck cream (23% off)

Packed with collagen-boosting protein peptides, this fragrance-free formula from Eight Saints is specially designed to boost firmness and elasticity on your neck. Made with a protein peptide blend designed to increase your skin’s collagen production and Vitamin B5 for soothing and calming, the Eight Saints cream helps your skin stay firm and soft. You’ll also get hyaluronic acid for plumping and moisture-binding and green tea antioxidant, for brightening and warding off premature signs of aging. “How something can both firm up my neck while making my skin super soft is pure magic!” Eri wrote. “This is a must have!” While it’s $44 on the Eight Saints website, you can currently find it for 23% off at Amazon.

Amazon

Medicube’s neck cream with a built-in gua sha tool

Promising review: “I’ve really been enjoying the Medicube PDRN Collagen Gua Sha Neck Wrinkle tool. It feels high-quality and comfortable to use, and it has quickly become part of my daily skincare routine. The gua sha design makes it easy to gently massage my neck area, and it feels very soothing after a long day. After consistent use, my skin feels smoother, more refreshed, and slightly firmer. I also love how relaxing it is to use, especially with my favorite serum or moisturizer. It glides well and doesn’t tug on the skin. Overall, I’m very happy with this purchase and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to improve their neck care routine.” — Lisa

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

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People In Their 50s Say This $21 Tool Is A ‘Next-Level Holy Effing Grail’

I always believed my natural hairiness was due to my Italian heritage. Every drop-dead gorgeous woman in my family spent Saturdays religiously waxing their upper lip. While it is certainly each person’s choice whether to wax and why, in my family, it was basically a rite of passage. At 10 years old, I sat at the kitchen table as my mom dripped microwaveable hot wax onto my lip, then ripped it off to searing pain. When I hit my 20′s, the hair growth was… intense. I realized that it wasn’t my heritage alone making me a little fuzzier than the average woman; it was actually a medical condition: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which causes hirsutism (the rapid growth of facial hair) in women. Now, after over 20 years of waxing, I am done: The skin damage, the pain— I am determined to find a better way. And I think I may have found it in this little-known $20 device hiding on Amazon.

Evidently, facial trimmers are some of the best ways to remove hair. Not only are they painless, but they’re also precise.

This particular design is meant to remove facial hair closely without the risk of razor bumps or nicks. It comes with two heads: One for your delicate areas like the upper lip, chin, and neck, and another for your eyebrows and even your nose. As one reviewer put it, the design makes for “great precision and a smooth, gentle trim every time.”

It features a 1,000 RPM motor for “faster hair removal” and even comes with a little LED light to make visibility even easier. And with dual blades and a titanium-plated head, skin irritation should be at a minimum. Several reviewers noted how great it is for being cautious with mature and even sensitive skin.

The razor is also portable and rechargeable, so it is easy to throw in your bag for trips or take on the go to freshen up. Additionally, as a fun aside, it’s available in a multitude of colors.

While I should be above societal beauty standards, I am, alas, just a girl looking to lead a peach-fuzz-free life. This cool find can give people like me the convenience and ease of hair removal on the go. As someone who has spent many a frantic five minutes in the car plucking out rogue chin hairs before an event, something like this could be life-changing.

Even if you aren’t a hairy gal trying to prevent a 5-’o-clock shadow like me, this little device is well worth it for other reasons.

People are reporting it helping with a few different skin needs. Several reviewers also note that it helps remove dead skin.

Plus, one user shared that it also helped with their blackheads triggered by ingrown hairs.

If you wear makeup, just give this a quick swipe over your face, and your products will lay smoother and more evenly than before.

For less than the price of a salad and a Diet Coke, I can embark on my quest for baby-smooth skin? That’s an immediate add-to-cart for me. Snag it today while the price is this good. Check out more promising reviews below:

“As a 52 year old woman, I [have] always struggled with facial hair. I have been using these type of devices since they first came out… late 90… early 00s? Before that it was those awful smelly creams. Let me tell you ladies, this is next level holy effing grail!!!!!! My face has never, ever in my life felt so smooth, looked so nice… not a single stubble to be seen or felt. I was hesitant to buy this one for a while thinking I have tried them all and it can’t be better then the one I was currently using. Wish I had bought it sooner, it’s life changing!” — Anyasings

“As a Senior, this product was easy to assemble and to use. It is gentle to an old face and did a wonderful job on the fine peach fuzz and firmer hairs. I’d recommend this product, I’m very well pleased with it and would buy it again.” — Camille

“This face and eyebrow hair trimmer remover is absolutely the best thing in the whole world I suffered from acne my whole life now I’m 51 years old and I have very deep blackheads and I’ve tried everything to remove them and nothing worked and as a trimming my facial hair it was removing my blackheads I am like beyond happy with this product and it works perfectly to remove my facial hair I am just so happy with this product” — Alana J. Cooley

“Old crone’s delight. Just what is needed to keep looking good. A quick fix for lip/chin hairs, as well as touching up the eyebrow area. Best grooming product ever for the hair-gifted out there.” — Ragnar

If you’re looking for some creams and skin care to further nourish your face, check out some of these deep wrinkle options from previous HuffPost reporting.

Amazon

A night cream designed for deep wrinkles (30% off)

In recent coverage, HuffPost contributor Claire Gallam sang the praises of this drugstore retinol cream. After scouring reviews online, she picked this lightweight and creamy serum, delighted to find it wasn’t too harsh for her sensitive skin and visibly reduced her forehead wrinkles.

Promising review: “Excellent for senior skin. I swear this stuff works like magic!
I have it on auto delivery. My dermatologist asked what I’d been using ! Wow! Fine lines & age spots really shows big results. I’d do a commercial for this product!! It’s that good!!” — michael j murray

“It works! 50+ year old man with deep set wrinkles in the forehead and crows feet. 3 nights of use and I tell you this, the wrinkles have filled in 50-60%. Guys, yes. It’s legit shizz. Use a decent moisturizer right after. Maybe seal all the juice in place with some organic castor oil. Golden.” — Charles Shelton

Target

A hugely popular face and body lotion designed to target crepey skin

We’ve covered this affordable face and body cream from Gold Bond before, and it doesn’t seem like its popularity is going away any time soon. If you’re dealing with thin, fragile, “crepey” skin, this non-greasy, fast-absorbing product is specifically formulated to firm and hydrate the skin with seven moisturizers and three vitamins. You can use this on your face as well as your neck, arms, the backs of your hands or wherever else you notice your skin looking dry, thinner and more fragile.

Promising review: “This stuff is magic. It really does show improvement in two days. The crepe on my neck due to weight loss is 80% better. The crepe on my hands is 95% better. I started using it on my face a few times a week. It minimizes my deep set forehead lines, they are very much still there, but definitely an improvement. I need to use it at least twice a week to maintain results. Will be getting it on subscription. Wish I would have taken before and after pictures.”

Amazon

A wrinkle-fighting serum one reviewer called “botox in a bottle”

The idea that a sub-$10 skin care serum could offer the same benefits as an expensive in-office injectable sounds too good to be true. So, you can imagine my skepticism when a video on TikTok suggested The Ordinary’s 10% Argireline Solution could do just that.

The Ordinary’s lightweight and water-based solution features a 10% concentration of Argireline, otherwise known as acetyl hexapeptide-8, “a skincare ingredient that may reduce the appearance of expression lines by working as a neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide,” a dermatologist previously told HuffPost. One Sephora reviewer corroborated Argireline’s temporary muscle-freezing potential by claiming they could finally relax their overactive forehead muscles after using the serum for just a week.

Promising review: “What can I say Botox in a bottle? They’re not joking. I’ve been using this twice a day for the past probably two years or more and my forehead wrinkles maybe are there but not visible. It’s gentle on your skin. I even use it under my eyes with no burning. And I have sensitive eyes. It might be something that you’ve not heard of or you think you don’t need but I would like to challenge you to try it for a week or two I’m telling you you’ll never stop buying it.” — K. Dietrich

“Love this stuff. It was my first time trying this type of peptide and it really works. It’s probably the closest thing to Botox you will find in the skincare aisle” — Kimberly Money

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

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The $9 Toner People With Aging Skin Call ‘Heaven In A Bottle’ For How Many Problems It Fixes

The Ordinary is a tried-and-true skin care brand recommended by dermatologists and religiously used by our very own beauty expert and Senior Shopping Writer Tessa Flores. It’s generally beloved by so many for its product efficacy and budget-friendliness. Of The Ordinary’s product line, people with mature skin in their 50s and up swear by the Glycolic Acid 7% exfoliating toner for restoring their skin against a plethora of age-related challenges ranging from wrinkles to dullness to age spots. So many of them can’t believe they spent hundreds on creams and serums just to discover that a $9 toner would ultimately win out as their holy grail. But here we are and today it’s secretly 33% off its regular retail price.

Glycolic acid helps exfoliate, lighten dark spots and clear up the skin according to experts.

The hero ingredient in this Ordinary serum is 7% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with a long history in skin care. San Diego-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi previously told HuffPost that old skin cells become lazy as we age and pile up, thus preventing fresh, new healthy skin cells from surfacing.

“AHAs are water-soluble acids [good] for fading pigmentation, improving texture and tone, softening fine lines, and minimizing pores,” Shirazi said.

And many reviewers seem to vouch for this toner doing exactly that for their aging skin.

This toner is designed to reduce age spots with consistent application.
This toner is designed to reduce age spots with consistent application.

People swear by it addressing age spots, hyperpigmentation, large pores, dryness, flaking, dullness and more!

“I am 62 and my skin was showing my age,” one shopper shared. “It just looked drab before I began using this, now it looks so much clearer and just better as long as I use it every night… My pores which are naturally huge tend to look smaller. I hope they keep this stuff around forever…”

63-year-old shopper K.M. tried all sorts of fixes for the age-related dullness she started to observe. “I tried lots of highlighting products but thought they looked too ‘sparkly’ for me – what I wanted was luminosity to my skin, not sparkle on top of it,” she wrote. “Two months of daily use of this product has me shocked at the difference. I can honestly say I have better skin now than I did 10 years ago. In the last two weeks a few old friends have commented on it and asked what I’m using.”

And K.M. really appreciates that it doesn’t overcomplicate her existing skin care routine. “I apply it to my face and neck with my fingertips after showering,” she shares. “Then use light moisturizer with sunscreen. Skin is smooth and more reflective than it has been in years.”

The toner isn’t just easy to use; it also seems to beat out other higher-priced alternatives in the speed-to-results department too! Yes, being consistent with your skin care routine yields the best results, but a product making positive changes to your face immediately never hurts.

“I’ve tried too many other brands that claim to do what this product does at an incredibly increased price, and they are never satisfying to me,” one reviewer wrote. “This product produces results right away!! You will see your skin become brighter and refined, smoother!!! Mine is like new compared to when I began using it!! It’s transformative for me! I’m a woman of a certain age, and I’m amazed!! My friends are wondering why I’m glowing!!!!”

Another bonus? The toner also doubles as an odor-killer since you can use it as a substitute or supplement for deodorant that people say WORKS.

Another bonus of 7% glycolic acid? It can kill odor-causing bacteria. Some shoppers (and several Redditors!) say they use this stuff as a natural deodorant, helping lower the skin’s pH, and killing odor-causing bacteria. It’s also a great supplement to use with your deodorant. Just apply this to your palms, pat your pits, and then apply your preferred deo as usual.

“I’ve been searching for something to help with my underarms and scalp, and this product actually ended up helping with both problems,” explains one user. “I have a really dry, flaky scalp, and putting this in my hair has helped stop the flakes. […] I also heard that it helps with underarm odor, and I have to say it really does help kill unwanted smell. I’ve been using it for these two reasons and it’s been great.”

Keep in mind, this is still a mild chemical peel, so be cautious of overuse to avoid irritation or burning. Also, as another important warning courtesy of one reviewer named Matt explains: “… DO NOT USE IT RIGHT AFTER YOU SHAVE.”

Other than that, this gem from The Ordinary is literally the epitome of a holy grail skin care product.

Get yourself a bottle of this exfoliating brightening serum that’ll address darn near anything you throw at it — and peep more reviews below to see what other users have to say about it!

“Heaven in a bottle. This stuff is GOLD. Use it for everything.” — Jenna

“My skin has a natural glow. Makes a tremendous difference, especially with all the sun exposure and my age. Love this product.” — Booknut

“I wanted products that worked on aging, sensitive skin and The Ordinary is my answer. I’m older and tired of spending $75+ on a tiny amount of serum with minimal results. Have been very pleased with The Ordinary’s whole product line and able to affordably target my problem areas, such as rough skin, sun damage, exfoliation, wrinkles and more. This product is something I use about twice weekly on my sensitive skin, I see brightening and improvement every week! Nice to have a product that does what it says it will do!” — JJ Alexander

“The first time I used it my skin did tingle, and felt a little ‘warm.’ I noticed right away that my skin cleared, and started glowing. I have acne scarring, and aging skin, and my skin looked supple, and the scarring looked to be diminished. I read a lot of reviews that said there is a film, but I didn’t experience that. It soaked into the skin well, I used a vitamin C serum with a CeraVe moisturizer after, and those products seemed to soak right in. I am so glad I found this. Also, the bottle is HUGE! This will last forever.” — Lenise Holmes

Sephora

The Ordinary’s 10% argireline solution: An incredibly affordable serum that’s earned a reputation for being “Botox in a bottle”

Earlier last year, The Ordinary’s 10% argireline solution appeared on my TikTok feed, with reviewers claiming it’s “Botox in a bottle.” After speaking with a board-certified dermatologist, I learned that this lightweight and water-based solution features a 10% concentration of Argireline, otherwise known as acetyl hexapeptide-8. It’s a fancy name for a skincare ingredient that may reduce the appearance of expression lines by working as a neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide similar to how the neurotoxins in Botox work. This could help soften dynamic expression lines and deep-set wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. One reviewer who referred to this serum as nothing short of a “miracle” said that, “after just two weeks of usage, my forehead lines have faded SIGNIFICANTLY.”

Since our first time covering the argireline solution, HuffPost readers have responded in kind, snapping up bottles of this affordable serum left and right. In fact, it was one of the most-shopped products of 2025, and it has continued to be suggested by skin care experts whenever the anti-aging benefits of peptides are mentioned.

Amazon

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta daily peel pads: “Magical” exfoliating peel pads that can make skin look younger

Just last month, HuffPost contributor Carolin Lehmann described her experience with the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta daily peel pads, reporting that, since she started using them, people keep underestimating her age.

“I simply wipe down your face with these exfoliating pads, go to sleep, and wake up glowing like never before. These wipes are seemingly “magic,” helping my pores look smaller, minor acne clear up, fine lines iron out, and my skin [feel] baby smooth,” Lehmann said.

Also previously suggested to HuffPost by board-certified dermatologists, the Dr. Dennis Gross daily peel pads can offer the benefit of a chemical peel, but with a gentler approach than what you might find in a dermatologist’s office. Each treatment contains two pads: one to exfoliate and smooth your skin, and one that provides anti-aging benefits. The pads are pre-dosed with five acids, including glycolic, salicylic and lactic, that each work to reduce dullness and uneven texture, pores and hyperpigmentation. They were even compared (and preferred) to an in-office chemical peel by Amazon customers.

Amazon

Medicube Zero Pore pads: A budget alternative that our reporters adore

If you want a more affordable alternative, the Medicube Zero Pore pads are a favorite of senior shopping writer and beauty-obsessive Lourdes Avila Uribe, who said: “I’ve ditched my traditional AHA serums for these bad boys, and my skin has never looked better.”

The Medicube pads are designed to help exfoliate, balance and brighten skin, reducing oil production, minimizing breakouts and refining the look of pores. They are formulated with powerful alpha and beta hydroxy acids like white willow bark, vitamin C and calming botanical extracts like lavender to soothe skin.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

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Why Your Glutes Are A Tell-Tale Sign of How Fast You Are Aging

Many of us look for the obvious signs of aging. Gray hair. New lines around the eyes. Doing things a little slower than we used to.

But the mobility experts who work with older adults look at one particular part of the body: Your backside.

Physical rehabilitation specialists watch your glutes and whether they can still get you to your feet steadily. More than one in four Americans over 65 falls each year, and fewer than half report it to their doctor. For many people, a fall is the first sign that strength, balance or mobility have changed.

“The legs are the engine of independence,” said Scott McAfee, an orthopedic physical therapist. They drive you up out of a chair, help stabilize you when your weight shifts, and help you stay upright as you move.

A 2014 study in BMC Geriatrics compared 58 adults over 65 who had fallen in the past year with those who hadn’t. Muscle changes were evident throughout the lower body, but the glutes were the worst affected. Among the fallers, the gluteus maximus fat was twice that of the people who hadn’t fallen. The researchers said changes like that may contribute to poorer balance and a greater risk of falls.

To see whether that muscle can still do its job, McAfee uses the 30-second chair stand. With your arms crossed, stand all the way up and sit back down as many times as you can in half a minute. McAfee watches how clients stand and sit.

The number he counts matters as much as how you do it. “So a fit 62-year-old woman knocking out 18 is in great shape,” McAfee said. “The same woman managing only 9 or 10 is telling me her fall risk may be climbing.”

McAfee added, “If a person has to push off their thighs or the armrests to stand, you stop and score it zero. That’s automatically high-risk.”

The way back down counts too. “A strong mover lowers under control, while a rising fall risk drops the last few inches into the seat because the muscles that decelerate the body are already failing,” he said. “I watch the descent as closely as the ascent.”

Priyank Patel, a chiropractor in Brooklyn who sees older adults for hip, low back and gait problems, is looking at what the trunk and hips do on the way up. “If they pitch their torso forward a lot to get momentum going, that tells me their quads and glutes aren’t generating enough force on their own, so the body is borrowing momentum instead,” Patel said.

Asymmetry counts too. “If one hip hikes up before the other or the knee wobbles inward as they rise, that’s asymmetry I want to dig into,” he said.

Getting you up is only one of the glutes’ jobs. They also help stabilize you when your weight shifts from one leg to the other. Austin Misiura, an orthopedic physical therapist, tests both. He has people get down to the floor and back up without their hands, then balance on one foot.

This floor-rise test catches something the chair stand doesn’t. “For the chair stand there’s almost no mobility requirement,” Misiura said.

“The mobility component of the floor stand is completely missed by pretty much every other standardized test,” he said, “as essentially everyone can be in a standing or sitting position with little to no insight on mobility.”

Misiura said the tests reveal more than watching someone walk. “People walk all types of ways, and change how they walk based on being tested,” he said. The giveaway comes when they can’t cover for it. “Clients won’t even want to get on the floor, or they will need help right away,” Misiura said. On their feet, the same people move slowly and close to the ground, with “a shuffling gait to try and get the foot onto the ground as quickly as possible.”

That same stability matters when someone turns. Dr. Alexander Acosta, a physician and medical consultant with the hospital bed company SonderCare, said that a “turn is a move that causes someone to place load on one leg for a moment, revealing balance and strength.” He added, “A sicker patient will not be able to disguise this.”

Acosta counts the steps it takes to come around. Most healthy adults take three or four, he said. “I begin to pay more attention when someone needs five steps or more, or reaches out for a wall or chair,” Acosta said. He had one patient who needed six steps and a hand on the wall to make a single turn. “The difference between four steps and six isn’t subtle once you know what to look for,” he added.

Your glutes can reveal a lot about your fall risk and longevity – but the good news is that you can train them at any age.

MStudioImages via Getty Images

Your glutes can reveal a lot about your fall risk and longevity – but the good news is that you can train them at any age.

How to test your glutes at home

The experts say you can try these at home. Keep someone close by and stop if you feel dizzy or unsteady.

1. Stand up from a chair.

Try the 30-second chair stand. On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s scale, a man in his early 60s should manage at least 14 stands, and a woman at least 12, with the number dropping each decade. Pay attention to whether you need your arms to help you up, and whether you control the descent back into the seat.

2. Get down to the floor and back up.

If you can do it safely, get down to the floor and back up without using your hands or furniture.

3. Stand on one foot.

With eyes open, balance on one foot. Aim for 10 seconds on each side. Losing it in the first few seconds is worth noting.

4. Turn a full circle.

Stand by a door frame, turn all the way around and count your steps. Acosta says this should be done in three or four steps. Five or more, or a grab for the wall, is something he pays close attention to.

A low result is a reason to start working on it, because muscle responds to training at any age. “One low score should not be discouraging,” McAfee said. “Maybe just a nudge to see your physical therapist to improve it.”

Gray hair and new lines don’t respond to that kind of nudge. The muscle that gets you up out of a chair, off the floor or around a turn does.

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If You Deal With Pain From Sciatica, An Expert Says These Products May Help

If you deal with pain or discomfort from sciatica, you’re not alone. Up to 40% of people in the U.S. experience the condition at some point in their lives.

Characterized by irritation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back (or lumbar spine) region, sciatica “usually feels like a deep throbbing pain that radiates from the back or buttocks,” said physical therapist Chris DeRosa. DeRosa, who is a co-owner of Los Angeles-based Davis and DeRosa Physical Therapy, specializes in lower back pain and sciatica, among other issues.

Sciatica-related pain often continues down the leg and can travel as far as one’s toes, DeRosa noted, and may be accompanied by numbness or tingling.

According to DeRosa, because these symptoms are typically (though not always) muscular in origin, targeted exercises and physical therapy can be immensely helpful in improving sciatica and even resolving the condition completely.

“Sciatica is 100% treatable in most cases, and your physical therapist is your best line of defense,” DeRosa said. “Especially when symptoms first arise.”

DeRosa recommended some equipment that, in conjunction with proper exercises, can help assuage pain from sciatica. Before using any of the tools, be sure to consult with a physical therapist or doctor.

The experts consulted for this story do not endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

Amazon

A supportive lower back brace with 40,000 5-star ratings

In addition, DeRosa recommended this popular back support belt, designed to soothe lower back pain through firm yet comfortable support.

The belted brace is made with breathable, flexible mesh, so it’ll stabilize your back while still allowing for natural movement. You can also make use of its removable lumbar pad for days when you need additional stability and targeted compression.

Another plus, according to reviewers, is that the brace is subtle enough to wear under clothes if you prefer, lacking the bulkiness characteristic of other models. It’s available in three colors and in sizes XS-XXXL.

Amazon

Gentle stretching with a dedicated nylon strap tool

According to physical therapist and co-owner of Los Angeles-based Davis and DeRosa Physical Therapy, Chris DeRosa, if a patient with sciatica has been clinically diagnosed with muscular symptoms, “the piriformis muscle, or as I call it, the ‘pain in butt muscle,’ is usually the culprit.”

“Sometimes, self-massage using a foam roller or massage gun/ball, followed by gentle stretching, can help with the symptoms and [be] part of our prescription for recovery,” DeRosa said.

DeRosa recommended this six-foot Stretch Out Strap for gently stretching the legs and upper and lower body. It’s designed with 10 loops that help you stretch with greater control; you can also use the loops as comfy yet grippy handholds.

The tool also comes with a stretching exercise booklet and access to a video stretching guide.

Amazon

A budget-friendly foam roller for gentle exercise

DeRosa also recommended this foam roller from Healthy You for gentle stretching and self-massaging.

The roller is made with medium-firm foam that’s dense and durable yet slightly soft to the touch. It comes in three sizes, though DeRosa recommended the largest size (36 inches long).

Amazon

Or self-massage using specialized deep-massage tools

In addition, DeRosa suggested this trio of massage balls for massaging the gluteal area.

Designed to address muscle pain across the body, the rubber set includes a textured ball for targeting “trigger” points, a spiky ball for more intense tension relief and a firm, smooth ball for precise muscle massage.

Amazon

A reviewer-favorite roller that offers penetrating massages

Per DeRosa’s advice to invest in a foam roller, we think this textured massage roller is a good option for folks wanting the stretch of a roller and the precise targeting of a more specialized tool.

This “next level” medium-density foam roller is super popular among Amazon reviewers, who’ve given it 28,000 5-star ratings. It’s designed with three zones so you can customize your self-massage: a “palm” area that mimics the feeling of a light massage; a “finger” zone created for tissue flushing and an especially intense “thumb” region with projecting nodes.

Amazon

Self-massaging, including with a vibration therapy massage ball

DeRosa also recommended the Hyperice vibrating massage ball for gently massaging the piriformis muscle in your gluteal area. Small enough to fit in your palm, the massage ball offers three vibration speeds to help soothe muscle stiffness and soreness.

Amazon

Or an extra-textured roller for even more intensity

If you’re seeking an especially intense massage, we chose this deep tissue roller based on expert suggestions. The tool’s firm textured bumps are supposed to deeply penetrate into muscles while the spaces in between allow for movement of your soft tissue.

Something of a hidden-gem recovery tool, the piece has earned 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. “It’s amazing how much of a difference the Rumble Roller has made in my life,” wrote one reviewer. “The roller really helped ‘loosen’ things up and significantly decrease[d] the pain and stiffness that I was suffering from.”

The roller is available in an “original” firm style and an extra-firm version. You can also grab it in several sizes.

Amazon

A handheld massage gun to relieve stiffness and tension

DeRosa also suggested the Hyperice percussion massager for targeting muscles in the gluteal region.

Designed to loosen knots and soothe stiffness, the device has three speeds and two interchangeable heads (which you can swap out depending on your needs). Available in two colors, it’s lightweight enough for you to carry with you and, according to reviewers, impressively quiet given its 40-watt motor.

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

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‘Skip The Botox’: This $17 Cream Makes My 68-Year-Old Skin ‘Look 10 Years Younger’

Despite being a lifelong beauty fanatic, I am not into gimmicky skin care products. I much prefer a hardworking, straightforward formula without bells and whistles that will keep my acne-prone skin happy without the fuss. So when I started seeing Korean beauty creams formulated with futuristic jelly-like capsules, I was very skeptical. Much to my surprise, I have been utterly won over by Medicube’s wildly hydrating, nourishing and majorly glow-inducing PDRN pink collagen capsule cream. It’s so effective that I would gladly pay triple the price, so today it’s a sure-fire steal with a 23% discount thanks to Amazon’s early Prime Day deals.

Uribe with only the Medicube cream on her skin.

Lourdes Avila Uribe/HuffPost

Uribe with only the Medicube cream on her skin.

While I’m skeptical of anything new, I’ve loved the Medicube pore pads so much that my interest was piqued when I spotted this moisturizer. It’s made with a unique encapsulation formula that the brand claims is the most effective delivery method of PDRN, a popular and effective anti-aging ingredient found in a lot of Korean beauty products.

In previous HuffPost reporting, board-certified dermatopathologist and skin care brand founder, Dr. Gretchen Frieling, said “PDRN has been shown to accelerate repair of damaged skin and promote new tissue growth… It also boosts hydration in the skin, promotes cellular turnover and reduces hyperpigmentation.”

In addition to PDRN, you can find the cream in vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, turmeric and tranexamic acid with niacinamide — all of which are currently on sale, too.

The result is a highly customizable and effective cream that is light as a feather yet somehow also *incredibly* hydrating and “ridiculously bouncy.”

The satiny, dewy finish makes it feel like it’s much more expensive than it actually is. Medicube encourages you to mix the capsules into the jelly as you go, so you can determine your preferred cream-to-jelly ratio depending on how thick you want it to feel on your skin. After trying this method for a few days, I just mixed the whole thing up, because I love how the combination of the two components feels on my skin and also because I am incorrigible.

Many speak to how effective the cream is, with one joking, “my face is basically a VIP now,” calling the cream “luxury in a jar.” “The golden capsules make my skin soft, hydrated, and ridiculously bouncy,” they said. “I apply it and suddenly my reflection looks like it’s ready for a photoshoot.”

Another reviewer advises others to “skip the Botox,” noting that after using it for two months, “I was talking to my mom about getting Botox because of my smile lines and [she] goes, ‘Your smile lines are gone, hun. Whatever you’re using, just keep doing that.’”

After several weeks of use, my skin is better than ever. I’ve even ditched additional anti-aging serums because this beauty does all the heavy lifting in my routine.

Dryness, acne and wrinkles are a thing of the past. My main concern was that it would cause breakouts, since any deviation from my regular routine usually causes a flare up. Yet, my skin has a glass skin glow, is smooth to the touch and feels bouncy and supple. I recently got a facial and my aesthetician confirmed that the state of my skin was much improved.

Even though Medicube often appeals to younger crowds, I can’t think of anything better for my mid-life, perimenopausal skin, and highly recommend it to others who are 40+ as well. “Saw some results immediately but after two weeks people were noticing and commenting about my skin. I noticed major tightening and glow,” one wrote. “I am 68 years old and skin looks ten years younger.” “Absolutely amazing stuff gives my skin a youthful glow and helps my saggy old neck look younger,” another said. “Great value for money.”

As someone who is incredibly finicky about her skin, I’m cautious when introducing a new product. Yet, this capsule cream won me over. Check out more promising reviews and grab some on a rare sale.

“4 days in and I’m hooked. OMG! I have used this along with the face wash, toner pads, and night wrapping mask and the PDRN serum and all I can say is WOW. I’m 44yrs old with melasma (I use Roche posay to treat – i will continue to use this as it’s the ONLY thing that’s both gentle on my skin and works) and I’ve just started to notice some fine lines that I am not ok with. Well the combo above I’ve been using less than a week and please hear me when I say I don’t think I can go with it now. My skin is brighter and tighter, moisturized, and fine lines are starting to disappear! Several reviews say this is too sticky…. Use a serum first, then the boba cream, after a a few mins use a regular facial cream and you won’t feel that stickiness. Also use less. A little goes a long way. I can’t scream enough how happy I am about what medicube has done for me in such a short time but I can’t wait to see the progress over time. Side note: I have seen medicube on TikTok for a while but it seemed gimmicky. I’m not for gimmicks and my hubby hates how much I generally spend on skincare so I never contemplated getting this. But my 23yr old daughter requested a kit for Christmas so when black Friday sales came around I bought her a bundle, saw some other things at a lower than normal price so I grabbed it for myself. I’m so glad I did. Buy bundles to save money. Flash sales. But definitely buy it if you’re maturing and wanting to reverse that some.” — Jamie VB

“This Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Moisturiser feels like luxury in a jar. The golden capsules make my skin soft, hydrated, and ridiculously bouncy. I apply it and suddenly my reflection looks like it’s ready for a photoshoot.” — Agi

“Best moisturizer I’ve used. Go buy this already medicube literally continues to blow me away my skin looks and feels amazing after using their products my skin looks so plump and glowy.” — Elizabeth Schmidt

“Omg. Let me start by saying my skincare journey has been exactly that.. a JOURNEY. Ive tried so many products its ridiculous. Everything is either too drying, or too greasy, or makes me break out. Once I added this and the pdrn serum into my routine, it was a game changer! Instant new staple. I’m already on my third or fourth jar! I mix thr beads all in together when I open it. Its so satisfying lol” — Sarah Brophy

For the ultimate glass skin, pair this moisturizer with one of these can’t-miss K-beauty sunscreens, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.

Sephora

This antioxidant-rich luxury option (15% off)

Chasing luxury? This hard-working formula provides a smooth, hydrating finish without leaving a white cast, making it suitable for daily use and as a base under makeup. It’s made with Korean white ginseng to protect from environmental aggressors — plus, a blend of five herbals work to moisturize and balance skin. Grab it for 15% off at Macy’s.

Sephora

This convenient SPF stick

With a sunscreen stick like this one from Belif, there’s really no excuse to skip re-application. And why would you? The formula delivers an immediate glow and blurs the look of pores. Plus, the stick format makes it easy to tote around in your bag without the risk of spillage.

Sephora

This lightweight, radiant finish SPF

A pioneer in K-beauty, Dr. Jart’s science-first approach means you’re getting the best of the best when it comes to sun protection. This SPF 50 formula has a liquid-y texture for a smooth application and lightweight coverage — perfect for all skin types, oily included.

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

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More Men Are Getting Facelifts Than Ever — And These Are The Areas That Bother Them Most

For years, facelifts were largely associated with women looking to turn back the clock on aging, but plastic surgeons say the tables are starting to turn. More men are heading into the operating room for facial rejuvenation, and in many cases, husbands are booking that facelift appointment before their wives.

We spoke to plastic surgeons as well as men who have undergone facelifts to learn more about what’s driving the rise in male patients and why men are becoming more comfortable going under the knife.

Facelift Considerations Among Men

For a male patient of board-certified plastic surgeon and facial rejuvenation specialist Dr. Anthony Admire, the decision to get a facelift came down to a disconnect between how he felt and what he saw in the mirror. “Over time, I could see that my face and neck had changed more than I realized. I still felt young and active, but in photos I looked older and more tired than I felt,” he said.

For him, the goal wasn’t to erase every sign of aging but to restore a more rested, refreshed version of himself. “I wasn’t looking for a dramatic change or trying to look like I was 20 again. I wanted my outward appearance to better match how I actually felt,” he said.

This desire to look as youthful and energetic as they feel is something surgeons are hearing more frequently. “Many of my male patients are in fantastic physical shape, and they’ll tell me, ‘I feel 45, I’m active like I’m 45, but when I look in the mirror, my face and neck make me look 60 or older.’ That disconnect is a very powerful motivator,” Admire said.

Men often notice structural changes that soften the lower face and make the once-distinct separation between the face and neck less defined.

Daniel Lozano Gonzalez via Getty Images

Men often notice structural changes that soften the lower face and make the once-distinct separation between the face and neck less defined.

When it comes to the specific signs of aging that bother men most, the neck and jawline tend to top the list, and treatments like Botox, filler and lasers can only go so far. “I had tried Botox and some filler, and while they helped with certain things, they couldn’t really address the skin laxity or the loss of definition and tightness in my lower face and neck. I eventually realized that continuing to do smaller treatments wasn’t going to correct what was actually bothering me,” said Admire’s patient.

And those concerns tend to be fairly specific. Rather than focusing on fine lines or wrinkles, men often notice structural changes that soften the lower face and make the once-distinct separation between the face and neck less defined. “The specific complaints are a jawline that has lost its border, fullness under the chin that persists regardless of weight or training, vertical banding in the neck and jowling that breaks the line between the jaw and the neck,” said board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould.

One of Gould’s male patients echoed this sentiment: “I’ve had some Botox before, and it helped some. I also had a few laser treatments, but there are certain things those treatments just don’t accomplish. I didn’t want to do filler or keep having to repeat procedures that didn’t really address what was a main structural issue. That’s why I decided I would have a facelift.”

Pre-Surgery Considerations

According to Admire, one of the biggest concerns men have before undergoing a facelift is whether the results will look obvious. “It’s probably their biggest psychological barrier to surgery. Men will frequently tell me, ‘I don’t want anyone to know I did this.’ They don’t want to walk into the office looking different. They don’t want their friends asking what happened to their face. They simply want people to think they look rested, healthier or maybe that they’ve lost some weight,” he said.

For his patient, ending up looking unnatural or noticeably different was a big factor. “I wasn’t trying to change the way I looked or have people immediately know I’d had cosmetic surgery. I wanted to still look like myself,” he said.

Achieving that kind of subtle result, however, has a lot to do with surgical technique. This shapes the operation in that there should be “no tension on the skin, incisions planned around the beard and the hairline rather than around convenience, conservative work at the lateral brow and restraint in the midface so the cheek doesn’t become rounded or full in a way that reads as feminine,” said Gould. “The goal is a jawline and neck that look structurally sound, with a face that still looks like it belongs to the same person.”

What Happens Post-Surgery

What happens in the days and weeks after a facelift can be just as important, particularly for men who are hoping to keep their surgery under the radar. “During the early recovery period, it’s difficult to picture exactly what the final result will look like because of the swelling and healing. As that started to resolve and I could see the result taking shape, I was really pleased that I looked refreshed without looking like a different person,” said Admire’s patient.

For many, the difference between a good facelift and a great one often comes down to whether people can pinpoint exactly what has changed. Admire’s patient noted how a couple of people who didn’t know about the surgery asked if he had been on vacation or commented that he looked happier or well rested. “What stood out to me was that no one asked if I’d had anything done. They could tell something was different, but they couldn’t identify what it was. To me, that was probably one of the best indications that the result looked natural.”

The same rings true for Gould’s patient: “The swelling wasn’t very extreme, so I actually went back to work in about two to two and a half weeks. No one really noticed anything. Usually, people might think that I lost weight or something.”

Ultimately, the rise in men getting facelifts reflects a larger shift in the way they think and talk about cosmetic surgery. They’re doing their own research, seeking out surgeons independently and becoming more comfortable admitting that they want to look as good as they feel.

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15 Simple Home Additions That Can Make Living With Arthritis 10 Times Easier

For folks whose arthritis affects their spine, this bestselling belted back brace is worth your time. Reviewers rave about it, saying it provided “instant relief” for their back pain and calling it a “true blessing.”

The brace balances firm support with breathable, flexible mesh to stabilize your back while still feeling comfy and allowing for natural movement. You can also use the tool’s removable lumbar pad for days when you need additional support.

As another bonus, the brace is subtle enough to wear under clothes if you prefer, lacking the bulkiness of many braces.

The piece is available in three colors and in sizes XS-XXL.

Promising review: “This belt works !! I suffer from chronic lower back pain– Mild scoliosis, arthritis of spine, spinal bone spurs, and a few compressed discs thrown in for good measure. I have been using this belt for approx 3 weeks for all my outdoor work in my yard–planting, digging , loading into truck–anything which might put stress on my back. It is amazing how much more work I can get done without pain that lays me up for a day or 2 after the work. I have tried it on the golf driving range, and again it is terrific. It is easy to adjust, and after a couple of times wearing it I got to feel what the right amount of compression was. I have had a couple of other belts, but they just didn’t provide the support this Sparthos does. I wish I had found it long ago. I’m 75 years old. If you want to stay active, and have a cranky back, try this one.” — JFG

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