The world of skin care is a confusing place. Labels contain countless unpronounceable ingredients, aisles are never-ending, and what’s good for your skin one day is supposedly bad the next. That’s where the experts come in. Skin care products that dermatologists swear by can be hugely helpful in this realm, as no one knows more about beauty products that are worth the investment than the professions who recommend them for a living. They also know tons about which ingredients really work, which strategies help for different skin issues, and which products are worth the price.
In an attempt to figure out where you should save and where you should splurge, I contacted a few dermatologists from all different areas and specializations to ask them one simple question: “What are your absolute favorite skin care picks that are well worth the investment, and why?” These experts were more than willing to share their insights into what makes a product worth the price tag, and how people with all different types of skin can benefit from incorporating them into their daily routines. If you’re lost in the skin care aisle and can’t seem to pinpoint the products that are actually going to leave you with clear, healthy skin, check out these top picks from real dermatologists.
This Serum That Plumps, Rejuvenates, And Evens
Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum, $281, Amazon
Dermatologist Stacy Chimento MD, FAAD of Dr. Diane Walder and Associates is all about this Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum. “This dual pump formulation contains growth factors and the most potent antioxidants which not only tell your skin to rev up collagen production but repairs sun damage and improves overall tone,” Chimento says. It helps skin look plumper and more even in as little as a week, and some people are saying it’s the only moisturizer you’ll need.
Protecting Your Skin Is The Best Investment You Can Make
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen SPF 50, $34, Amazon
Dermatologist and RealSelf contributor Dr. Michele Green is all about La Roche Posay sunscreen. “It protects your skin from the sun,” Green says, “which is the best single investment you can make.” It’s also really lightweight and absorbs easily into skin while leaving a tinted healthy glow that can replace your makeup. Best of all, it’s made 100 percent from minerals, so it’s healthy, gentle, and reliable.
A Serum To Use Every Day Of Your Life
LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer, $19, Amazon
“Every single person can benefit from retinol or retinoic acid creams,” says Chimento. “This ingredient does it all...anti-aging for fine lines and wrinkles, reverses sun damage. It’s also great for large pores, acne, pigmentation, tone and texture.” LilyAna Naturals retinol cream moisturizer tones and repairs your skin with retinol, but does so alongside amazing organic ingredients that moisturize and hydrate skin — a great middle ground if you find retinol products too harsh.
Gently Cleanse Away Everything Without Disrupting Skin’s Barrier
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $12, Amazon
Dermatologic Surgeon and RealSelf contributor Dr. Eric Schweiger says, “I recommend CeraVe foaming facial cleanser for normal to oily skin types, as well as for those with sensitive skin or eczema.” Schweiger loves this one because it’s gentle and contains ceramides, “which are lipid molecules that naturally occur in the skin and help prevent dehydration. This cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup without disrupting the important skin barrier.”
This Light And Moisturizing Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46, $33, Amazon
“Daily use of a broad spectrum SPF is one of the healthiest measures you can take to protect your skin against skin cancer and premature aging,” says Dr. Schweiger, who’s also a huge fan of Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46. “It’s an oil-free sunscreen that contains healthy skin ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It's safe for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin types,” and reviewers love it because it’s light, non-greasy, and makes your skin feel incredible.
Correct Redness And Dark Spots With Vitamin C
Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum, $27, Amazon
“A topical vitamin C serum is important, since it contains natural antioxidants and corrects redness and dark spots and overall effects of sun damage,” says Green. Kleem Organics vitamin C serum uses 20 percent pure vitamin C, as well as other natural and organic ingredients, to gently but effectively neutralize free radicals. Reviewers are saying things like, “Noticeably brightened my skin in just a few weeks,” and “This is the best product for my skin that I have ever purchased.”
Don’t Go To Sleep Without A Retinol Moisturizer
OZNaturals Retinol Moisturizer Night Cream, $16, Amazon
Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist at SKINNEY Medspa, is another expert who believes that if you should splurge on anything, it should be a retinol product. At the top of her essentials list is “a retinoid cream for the face at night. In my opinion, it’s the most effective topical option for anti-aging.” This OZNaturals retinol moisturizer night cream is primarily natural, and it delivers all the benefits of retinol without the itching and flaking that normally come with it. It’s super gentle, and while it’s made for overnight use, reviewers also use it under their daily makeup without an issue.
Exfoliate And Prompt New Growth With Retinol
InstaNatural Retinol Serum, $17, Amazon
Green is another huge fan of retinol when it comes to essential skin care investments. “It helps to gently exfoliate dead skin and produce new collagen to rejuvenate the skin,” she says. InstaNatural Retinol Serum is an awesome option because it’s formulated with natural and botanical ingredients and doesn't contain any common irritants, like parabens and sodium laureth sulfate. It’s a really great way to reduce lines and promote an even skin tone, and it’s extra moisturizing without leaving behind a residue.
Stimulate Skin With Tons Of Antioxidants
Antioxidant Boost, $190, Dr. Kenneth Mark
Dr. Kenneth Mark, Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, is really excited about his new Antioxidant Boost. “key ingredients include: encapsulated Astaxanthin (nature’s most powerful antioxidant which gives salmon its pink color), plant stem cells from Switzerland, green tea, a precious mineral extract shown to stimulate more collagen than retinol, and a hyaluronic acid booster to increase your body’s own hyaluronic acid, and a collagen-promoting peptide.” In other words, it heals skin from the inside-out and creates a clean, clear canvas to apply your makeup.
Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)
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