You may already know about the importance of consuming calcium for your bone and heart health. But did you know government studies show that topical application can help your skin? Studied to strengthen the skin barrier, boost hydration and increase cell turnover, calcium may be your new favorite skincare ingredient.
If you’re looking for a way to apply it directly (and easily), this calcium multi-balm stick from Korean beauty brand Dr. Melaxin may be calling your name. Named “a time machine for my face,” and “PERFECTION in a stick,” it’s a fast-absorbing oil-balm that’s quickly becoming users’ favorite skin care item. According to our price trackers, a tube costs around $30, meaning it’s currently on sale at Amazon for 22% off. Even better, you can also score it in a buy two, get one free deal if you choose. In other words, if you’re looking for skin tightening and other needs, you should snag a throuple — and fast.
Reviewers say the balm is helping them “Benjamin Button their way through life” — especially smokers, tanning bed users, “sun lovers” and people with chronically dry skin.
Dr. Melaxin made the map for its viral peeling exfoliating scrub, loved for unclogging pores and removing blackheads. (Which is currently on sale, too.) Yet, this smoothing calcium stick is soonly becoming a new staple for hydration and plumping. Made with calcium, vitamin D, collagen and other powerhouse ingredients for firming and elasticity (this study on adenosine is super interesting), this magic tube is offering anti-aging results — fast.
“I saw a difference after the first week of use,” one said. With another reviewer who was skeptical at first, noting their forehead lines were noticeably better after two weeks. “My fine lines are gone, especially the ones around my mouth and eyes,” MamaK wrote.
While it’s a mighty under-eye treatment, the brand recommends using the stick on your lips, neck or anywhere else that you’d like to hydrate and firm.
Fans note the balm helped with everything from “turkey neck” to chapped winter lips and even dryness on their chest. Reviewers say it doesn’t just smooth their skin, it “seemingly plumps up the surface from the inside out,” resulting in a more rested, youthful look. (Some even credit it for brightening dark circles.) “Made my fine lines and wrinkles plump and made my make up application perfect,” one wrote. “Skin has never looked better.” Reviewer Ashley Monique noted their skin was visibly plumper and more moisturized after consistent use.
While some say it has no smell, others call the scent “yummy,” saying it plays well with other products, wearing over and under makeup, with their other skin care or just on its own. Coming in a travel-friendly tube that’s easy to apply, reviewers say the formula is smooth, without feeling heavy or greasy and melts into their skin, giving a “soft, hydrated finish.”
Reviewers love this K-beauty calcium balm stick for smoothing skin and bringing a youthful glow. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one for yourself while it’s still on sale.
“Wrinkles, be gone! This magical stick is like a time machine for my face. Five days in, and I’m practically Benjamin Button-ing my way through life. It glides on smoother than a buttered-up dance floor, leaving my skin so hydrated that even the Sahara would be jealous. No rubbing required – just swipe and strut. One stick lasts longer than my last relationship, and trust me, that’s saying something. Who needs Photoshop when you’ve got this miracle worker?” — Susan d.
“I wanted to wait until a full month before a gave my review and now it’s time! I am in love with this product my fine lines around my mouth are gone and the crows feet are gone literally all but gone now i am 55 years old and was a heavy smoker and drinker back in the day sad to say but that’s what made me want to want this product to begin with and now i’m just so pleased and excited to purchase more!” — Amazon customer
″I really like everything about this stick. I use it morning and night in my skin care protocol. Smells yummy, very easy to apply, application is smooth and feels silky. I am almost done with my first stick and I have noticed a difference in my skin for sure. I will be 62 this year and started noticing the wrinkles and laugh lines around my mouth. Definitely great to add extra moisturizing when we get a little older to achieve that youthful glow, which it does.. It’s lightweight and easy to apply.” — powens
“Excellent skin care product! I am 60 and the fine lines have invaded my face and neck. I tried many products but all of them only prevented they never improved and reduced the lines. I have only been using this 1 month and everyone notices the difference! Not just me. I am extremely happy . It’s also great for you lady’s who want to prevent getting those lines and creases. It’s even helped my lip lines. Works awesome under my makeup too.” — Suzy
Want more neck-smoothing options to compare? Check these 3 finds — all either on sale, with a gift card, or priced affordably enough to deem them worthy — curated by Senior Shopping Writer Tessa Flores.
Target
A multi-correction cream for crepey skin
Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, suggested this daily cream, also from RoC. The formula’s secret notable ingredient is what the brand calls a Hexyl-R Complex, which is meant to target skin thinning, volume loss and the appearance of fine lines. The luxe cream also contains a bevy of seed oils and butters to nourish and deeply hydrate.
Bonus: Target’s got a $5 gift card if you buy $30 worth of personal care in this lineup here. It’s especially perfect if you’re running low on a few things anyway.
Amazon
A UPF 50+ -infused neck scarf
“Consider wearing a scarf or neck gaiter made of lightweight UPF fabric,” Camp said. “Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) fabrics provide protection by blocking the sun’s rays. Sun scarves and neck gaiters can complement an SPF moisturizer.”
Based on his suggestion, we found this gender-neutral bandana made from a soft and cool UPF fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. It comes in four colors like black, apricot and white.
Amazon
A gentle pro-retinol cream
New York-based dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek previously suggested this affordable pro-retinol cream to HuffPost addressing the signs of aging on the neck. According to Gmyrek, this is a good option for anyone who wants to get the benefit of retinol — an ingredient that can promote collagen production — but is worried about experiencing irritation thanks to the inclusion of centella asiatica, a hydrating skin soother.
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.)