As skin experts, dermatologists are a little picky about the products they use for their own skin care routines. Each of the dermatologists we spoke with have a slightly different approach to their beauty regimens, but they all place a high value on consistency, simplicity and — you guessed it — sunscreen.
Stick with a high-quality product line
According to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, it's important not to overwhelm yourself with the number of products available on the skin care market. "There are many excellent products," he says, "but I use just four in my normal skin care routine." Schlessinger ascribes to the FixMySkin line of cleansers, exfoliators and gels on a daily basis and finishes his regimen with a gentle sunscreen. Keep it simple, people.
Product recommendations:
- FixMySkin Cream Cleanser (Lovely Skin, $30)
- FixMySkin Exfoliating Gel (Lovely Skin, $65)
- EltaMD Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (Lovely Skin, $30)
Keep your entire body healthy
Dr. Komal Pandya states that healthy skin starts from the inside out. "The most important advice I can give is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle — like avoiding pro-inflammatory foods and getting enough exercise — can have tremendous positive effects on your skin," she says. In the mornings, Pandya uses a cleanser for sensitive skin, and applies antioxidant serum and sunscreen before putting on her makeup. At night, she uses prescription-strength retinoid to improve her skin's texture and the appearance of fine lines and pores. Bottom line: Don't skimp on eating healthy and exercising for maximum results.
Product recommendations:
- Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser (SkinStore, $37)
- Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, (SkinCeuticals, $157)
Find a gentle cleanser
Dr. Angela J. Lamb of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai washes with a foaming facial cleanser in the morning and applies a light moisturizer before putting on her makeup. "I use EltaMD, but you can also use a gentle cleanser like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or Cetaphil Acne Wash," she says. When nighttime rolls around, she removes her makeup with the gentle cleanser and then tops her skin with a retinoid treatment and moisturizer. When her skin needs exfoliation, she swears by the Clarisonic Plus. More than anything, it's important to keep your skin clean and fresh, and regularly slough off dull and dead skin cells.
Product recommendations:
- EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser (Lovely Skin, $22)
- EltaMD AM Therapy Moisturizer (Lovely Skin, $30)
- EltaMD PM Therapy Moisturizer (Lovely Skin, $30)
- Clarisonic Plus (Sephora, $225)
Protect your skin daily
All of the dermatologists we spoke with highlighted the importance of sunscreen in your daily skin care routine. Dr. Janet Prystowsky adds that protecting your skin is the number one way to give your skin a healthy glow. "The most important action you can take is to protect your face and neck from the sun, and to apply a vitamin A and D product to your face daily," she says. Prystowsky's skin care routine is simple and focused on protection. She washes with a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night, and applies LIVAD A&D Cream for moisture. If she needs to remove makeup, she washes with Pond's Cold Cream around her eyes.
Product recommendations:
- LIVAD Vitamin A & D Cream (LIVAD Skincare, $30)
- Aveeno Baby Mineralblock SPF 50 (Ulta, $11)
- Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser (Ulta, $10)
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