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I often wonder what skin care products dermatologists are actually using at home. They always recommend or prescribe you products, but what are the things they love? I wanted to find out what dermatologist recommended skin care products actually looked like, so I spoke to three different professionals to find out.
I talked to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, and Dr. Kenneth Howe and Dr. Shereene Idriss, both dermatologists at Wexler Dermatology in New York. Each doctor told me which products they love to use themselves and therefore recommend to their clients.
I was curious to know the items a dermatologist's skin care routine actually contains. Dr. Engelman told me that she cleanses, moisturizes, applies sunscreen, and uses treatments like masks or serums. Meanwhile, Dr. Idriss says, "A great skin care routine requires ingredients that protect your base, strengthen your foundation, exfoliate dead skin and retain moisture."
Some important ingredients that should be included in said routine are ceramides, retinols, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help improve your complexion, reduce skin damage, and prevent acne. Check out the skin care products that these dermatologists have incorporated into their own routines and say they will never stop using.
1
Double Cleanse Starting With An Oil
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleaning Oil, $36, Macy's
Dr. Engelman told me that the face can be more susceptible to dryness than the rest of the body because it's not covered. She says she uses a double cleansing process, beginning with this oil and followed by an exfoliant. "Your complexion looks radiant when it’s smooth enough to reflect light," explained Dr. Engelman. "But when dead cells pile up, the flaky layers can diffuse that light, making skin look dull. Exfoliation can slough off that buildup in the shower." The combination of botanical oils rich in omega 3, 6, 9 and vitamin E will leave your skin soft and the oil will dissolve off makeup (even waterproof mascara).
2
Boost Hydration With A Face Mask
DERM iNSTITUE Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Masque, $110, Bloomingdales
This mask is great because it hydrates and repairs skin. It's great for sensitve skin and is incredibly calming. Plus, it protects skin from environmental damage. "It is extremely hydrating with the highest concentration of micro-encapsulation of polarized water, which brings water deeper into the skin," said Dr. Engelman. "Botanicals, red algae, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter help increase hydration and moisture."
3
Regenerate Skin While You Sleep
Nerium Age Defying Night Cream, $120 (or $90 on auto-delivery), Nerium
"Skin regeneration is at its height between 10 P.M. and 2 A.M., so this is the best time to help the skin repair," said Dr. Engelman. This night cream is made with aloe vera, peptides, vitamin E, and oils. That means that the ingredients work together to repair the skin and create a moisture barrier while you sleep. You'll wake up with even, soft, and firm skin.
4
Optimize Skin Health By Taking A Probiotic
Metagenics UltraFlora Balance (120 CT), $81, Amazon
Taking a Probiotic has many benefits when it comes to your health. They're mostly known for their use in regulating your GI track, but Dr. Engelman says that "there is a real feedback loop called the gut-brain-skin axis that helps to maintain good bacteria in the GI tract and on the skin." Metagenics Probiotics are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
5
Defend Skin Against UVA Rays
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, $135, Amazon
Dr. Engelman told me that UVA rays are the number one cause of skin damage related to aging. So, in addition to her daily SPF, she puts five drops of this serum on her skin. It's made with vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. They work together to shield skin against UV damage, plus, they'll brighten skin.
6
Protect Skin With SPF
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41, $15, Amazon
It's really important to add a sunscreen to your routine, and if you don't use one now, you should start immediately. This one is great because it's water resistant and transparent. It's also softly tinted and brightens your skin tone, so it's great as a primer for makeup. Dr. Idriss says she never leaves home without applying a SPF or physical blocker with zinc or titanium (and this one has both ingredients).
7
Lock In Moisture With A Serum
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvinating Hydrator, $96, Amazon
"Hydrating is a non-negotiable daily essential. In the morning prior to applying sunscreen, or at night as the final step of your skin care routine, I recommend using a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture," Dr. Idriss told me. This one is her personal favorite. It smooths fine lines, and over time, it will improve uneven texture, and keep skin moisturized.
8
Battle Dry Winter Skin
AmorePacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Creme, $150, Sephora
"One of my absolute faves is Amore Pacific's Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Creme," Dr. Howe said. "Enriched by botanicals (including bamboo leaf extract and green tea), it is the rare emollient that moisturizes deeply without being at all heavy." It's the ideal answer to dry skin caused by harsh winter weather.
9
Skin Care For Sensitive Skin
Fancl Face Wash Powder, $20, Amazon
Dr. Howe told me that Fancl is a Japanese skin care line that isn't made with any chemicals or preservatives of any kind. "As a result, these products are far less irritating, and may be the only products tolerated by certain people. The proof that Fancl products are preservative-free is that each of them has an expiration date (typically 60-90 days once opened)." The powder wash is great for travel and it's lightweight. Simply wet the powder, and lather it up to create a cleansing foam that will leave you with a deep clean.
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