My $7 Secret That Visibly Reduces Fine Lines and Quenches Dry Skin

In my 30 years of taking care of my skin, there have been two products that have been total game-changers. One is CeraVe’s hydrating facial cleanser , which is my go-to for keeping away breakouts and keeping my skin as dewy as possible. And the other is Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment. Chances are, you’ve heard of its moisturizing powers and the protection this balmy treatment offers dry, cracked, and wounded skin. Sure, that’s its main purpose, but it’s also been helpful in improving the appearance of my fine lines.

Aquaphor 3.5 oz. Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment — $6.99

Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD agrees. He tells us that Aquaphor is a true “multitasker.” It can be used as an eye cream, a makeup remover, or even as a lip balm. This is thanks to its simple (yet effective) ingredients, which Zeichner says includes a mix of purified pertrolatum with lanolin (a type of emollient). This is a powerful formula that helps nourish and protect your skin from head to toe.

In the case of reducing wrinkles, it can be difficult for skin care alone to truly erase them or keep them forming. Because, well, life. But, moisturizing your skin consistently can temporarily help and can slow down the process. That’s where Aquaphor comes in. It not only protects your skin, but it also helps lock in moisture. The excess moisture in your skin makes it look more plump, and thus, fine lines are less noticeable.

“While not directly an ‘anti-aging’ product, by moisturizing and plumping the skin, it may even help minimize the appearance of fine lines,” Zeicher says.

I’ve experienced this kind of fantastic result firsthand in my skin-care routine. After applying my moisturizer at night, I take a dime-size amount of Aquaphor and spread it onto the areas on my face prone to getting wrinkles (aka, the folds around my mouth, the corners of my eyes, and my forehead) as the final step in my self-care regimen. Many people also do this in a process called slugging. This is a K-beauty trend that includes lathering petroleum jelly all over your face in moderate amounts.

I personally notice an immediate change in my skin when I wake up in the morning. It’s smoother and the skin feels and looks more elastic. For context, I have naturally dry skin which tends to make fine lines seem more visible. But after using this ointment the night before on a regular basis, these faint wrinkles around the folds of my mouth and forehead seem to have become less prominent almost instantly.

At the same time, please note that the Aquaphor is greasy and has a thick consistency, so it’s important to be mindful of the amount you apply. Plus, some skin types don’t play well with Aquaphor (or other balmy products, like Vaseline). If you’re unsure, apply only a small amount to one area of your face before slathering your entire visage. You can also use Aquaphor on other dry parts of the body, like elbows, heels, and knees.

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