When our skin acts wonky and we need to figure out what’s going on, we head to our favorite dermatologists for some trusted advice. And while there, we’re always curious to find out which beauty products they use as part of their own skin care routine. After all, if it’s good enough for them, it should be good enough for us, right? As experts in their field, they know the science behind why something works (or doesn’t work).
We polled seven top dermatologists to find out which products they rely on to keep their skin looking gorgeous. Though they have a rep for being super picky, you might be surprised to know that these derms don’t price discriminate. Their personal favorites include bargain finds from the drugstore aisle right alongside luxe brand names. A few hero products even made it on to more than one expert’s list. Click through for the best skin care products that top dermatologists use at home — no doctor bill required.
These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #1
“I love this cleanser because it gently deep cleans without drying my face out or causing any irritation. It doesn’t break down the skin barrier, which is essential for healthy, clean pores.” –Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist
Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash, $17.49 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #2
“SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a fabulous antioxidant, anti-aging serum. It’s formulated with a specific form of vitamin C that has been scientifically proven to be more effective than any other form out there.” –Dr. Marnie Nussbaum
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $163 at SkinCeuticals
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #3
“I love La Mer The Eye Concentrate, it works wonders! The rich formulation deeply conditions skin and helps to soften the appearance of dark circles, surface discoloration and unevenness. I also love it for its pleasant scent. For a more affordable option, which is also very effective, try RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Eye Cream.” –Dr. Marnie Nussbaum
La Mer The Eye Concentrate, $200 at La Mer; RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Eye Cream, $15.99 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #4
“Try to avoid sunscreens with nanoparticle formulations because they can penetrate your skin layers, possibly causing harm. My favorite sunscreen is this EltaMD sunscreen because it blocks harmful sunrays without affecting the top layers of your skin. It’s a fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreen, so it does not clog pores or create unnecessary oil.” –Dr. Marnie Nussbaum
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $32 at DermStore
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #5
“A hydrating mask like this will soothe dry, chapped skin and bring back that fresh glow by morning.” –Dr. Marnie Nussbaum
Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Power C x 30 Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Mask, $62 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #6
“This is my stranded-on-a-desert-island product. It has a plethora of antioxidants, peptides and growth factors. Plus, great science behind it — showing true reduction in signs of aging like fine lines with regular use.” –Dr. Annie Chiu, Los Angeles-based celebrity dermatologist
SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, $281 at DermStore
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #7
“This is the fabulous sheet mask that started the craze. I love this because I travel a lot and the amino acids and vitamins boost keep the skin hydrated and soft.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, $135 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #8
“I never leave the house without sunscreen, ever! This sunscreen is lightweight, provides great UVA and UVB protection plus goes on perfectly clear without residue, so I can layer anything with it.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $32 at DermStore
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #9
“Unfortunately, pimples can still sprout up unexpectedly. When they do, I use non-drying ACZONE 7.5%; it calms my skin without irritation.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
ACZONE Gel 7.5%, visit ACZONE for more info
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #10
“This body cream not only hydrates, but it also refortifies the skin’s barrier. I use this preservative-free formula daily — right out of the shower on damp skin — to keep the California dry weather from irritating my skin.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream, $32 at Avène
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #11
“Every dermatologist, including me, will tell you a retinoid is crucial to any skincare regimen, as it builds collagen and reverses photoaging — a definite must in my nightly regimen. If a prescription retinoid is too irritating, start with an over-the-counter retinoid and work your way up.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
TAZORAC Cream, visit TAZORAC for more info
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #12
“A great luxurious facial moisturizer that keeps the skin dewy, plumped and hydrated. In addition, the ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol are formulated to strengthen your skin barrier yet not make it feel heavy.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, $125 at SkinCeuticals
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #13
“I am definitely a believer in rebalancing the pH of your skin after washing, so all the serums and creams that you apply afterward can work even better. This alcohol-free formula accomplishes this without drying the skin.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
Murad Hydrating Toner, $28 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #14
“This moisturizing lip balm contains ceramides, vitamin E and shea butter and gives you just a hint of color. And not only does it hydrate and protect the delicate collagen of lips, but it makes the lips look plumped and kissable, too.” –Dr. Annie Chiu
BY TERRY Baume de Rose, $60 at Birchbox
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #15
“This luxe treat is the last thing to go on my face before bed. The main ingredient is La Mer's Miracle Broth, which is infused with their proprietary seaweed extract potion; a perfect albeit au naturel way to build collagen within the skin, erase fine lines and simply help your skin recuperate as you sleep.” –Dr. Rita Linkner, board-certified dermatologist at Skinfluence NYC
La Mer The Renewal Oil, $240 at La Mer
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #16
“Sixty seconds of every day is spent with my Mia 2 — the best way to exfoliate from hairline to décolletage. It works with whatever cleanser I am using in the morning. I do prefer the sensitive brush head and, yes, it still gets the job done in terms of keeping my complexion looking fresh every single day.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
Clarisonic Mia 2 Skin Cleansing System, $169 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #17
“This new product from the SkinMedica line is made for millennials. The five different types of hyaluronic acid in this product all do a fantastic job of drawing water into fine lines and wrinkles for about a 12-hour period. A big tip: Combine with an inexpensive moisturizer, like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, to help draw enough water into the HA5 hydrator to make an even bigger difference.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $178 at SkinMedica
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #18
“My go-to daily moisturizer, this is the first thing that goes on my face and body when I get in the shower. I have zero guilt putting my entire hand into this jar and slathering it all over my skin because this product is just so inexpensive. It keeps me over-moisturized, which is the look I prefer.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, $11.39 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #19
“Literally, it’s the best undereye concealer I have ever locked eyes with. It never cakes, never flakes and comes in many skin tones.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser Dark Circle Concealer, $42 at Nordstrom
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #20
“If going for a minimalist makeup look, this Guerlain product is the best way I have found to brighten my complexion. The small powder balls come in a variety of different colors, each with a unique purpose to promote a glow. Honestly, this is the last thing that goes on my cheeks before I walk out the door each morning.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder Pearls in Dore 04, $62 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #21
“Honey is one of those ingredients that isn't used enough for the skin. Historically, honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Guerlain successfully leveraged these traits into a fantastic night mask. But like all Guerlain products, be aware of the heavy fragrance.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
Guerlain Abeille Royale Repairing Honey Gel Mask, $150 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #22
“If you are looking to take your sun protection to the max, in my opinion, this is the best one on the market. This sunscreen goes the extra step of blocking both infrared rays in addition to ultraviolet ones. Studies have shown that IR rays are the ones responsible for aging and discoloring the skin.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 50, $68 at DermStore
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #23
“If you have sensitive skin and are prone to ingrowns, then try out the Barbasol line. This is the only shaving cream that I use on my legs because it gives the smoothest results. The thickness of the foam really makes a clear difference in delivering the appropriate amounts of moisture to skin that is freshly shaven.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
Barbasol Shaving Cream in Original, $1.89 at Walgreens
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #24
“This light and elegantly formulated oil with natural ingredients is a perfect way to keep your ever-changing pregnancy physique moisturized. I tell my patients to put Bio-Oil on all their Bs: Breasts, Belly and Butt to prevent stretch marks. Don’t forget to bring the Bio-Oil with you to the hospital. It goes a long way in over-hydrating your postpartum skin as it begins to return to its pre-pregnancy form and texture.” –Dr. Rita Linkner
Bio-Oil, $12.99 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #25
“This serum is magic. It repairs damaged skin overnight, feels amazing and gives an awesome glow. Also, I use it sometimes under my makeup.” –Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, $62 at Estée Lauder
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #26
“This is a mattifying primer that instantly smooths skin and has SPF. It’s absolutely not chalky — making it perfect for all skin types and skin tones. Use it every day, with or without makeup.” –Dr. Michelle Henry
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer With Sunscreen, $39.99 at Ulta
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #27
“This unique wet skin moisturizer is activated by water on showered skin and penetrates deeply to restore the skin’s moisture. Although the application takes some time to get used to, it is worth it! The moisture is so long-lasting; there is no need to reapply throughout the day.” –Dr. Michelle Henry
Curél Hydra Therapy, $10.99 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #28
“Sisley’s Black Rose Cream Mask promises 'instant youth' and creates a moment of relaxation and pleasure. It is packed with anti-aging ingredients (black rose, padina pavonica and alkekengi calyx extracts). Plus, it smells delicious! I especially love it for nighttime hydration. After a 10-minute application, it reliably softens, plumps and hydrates the skin.” –Dr. Michelle Henry
Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask, $162 at Nordstrom
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #29
“I love this light, oil-free, non-drying wash. It’s great for sensitive skin and the foam feels luxurious.” –Dr. Michelle Henry
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash, $9.89 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #30
“I use this when my skin feels dry, tired and puny. It provides immediate smoothing in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and supports the skin's natural ability to replenish its own hyaluronic acid for overall skin health.” –Dr. Michelle Henry
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $178 at SkinMedica
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #31
“Coconut oil penetrates hair and skin better than mineral oil. It smells great, is lightweight and easy to spread. I use it to deep condition my hair. I also love using it to moisturize my dry legs during the winter months.” –Dr. Michelle Henry
CVS Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, $10.99 at CVS
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #32
“I love this stuff and can’t live without it for my own skin. It’s a little-known brand, but a favorite of mine for years because it melts away dirt and makeup without stripping the skin.” –Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and assistant clinical professor, Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center
donell Cream Wash, $19 at donell
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #33
“This is an overall great product with many different strengths (original, extra strength and ultra gentle), so almost everyone can find a level that is right for their skin type. For acne-prone skin, the peel pads help to reduce clogged pores. For aging skin, they help to restore a healthy glow. Since they help to avoid breakouts, I like to throw them in my gym bag and swipe them over my back and shoulders if I can’t get to the shower right away.” –Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel in Extra Strength Daily Peel, $88 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #34
“I use this every night. Epionce is a skincare line developed by a dermatologist. Its renewal cream has proprietary ceramides and botanicals to repair the skin barrier and support the skin’s natural moisture layer.” –Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
Epionce Renewal Facial Cream, $94 at Epionce
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #35
“These are the absolute purest form of powder sunscreen with colors that blend with all skin tones. They boast excellent water-resistant formulas that look like photo-perfect makeup, but are actually a great sunscreen. I never leave the house without a dusting.” –Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
Colorescience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Sunscreen Brush Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $64 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #36
“I have very sensitive skin and can’t tolerate Retin A, but I need to boost up collagen in my skin. This is my go-to for that. It’s a super serum that helps to stimulate collagen and elastin fibers in the skin while reducing inflammation.” –Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
Alastin Skin Nectar, $195 at Alastin
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #37
“I often skip [traditional] body lotion and use Eucerin in-shower moisturizer instead — right after shaving. It goes on like a conditioner and then you rinse it off. It leaves skin soft but not greasy for the rest of the day.” –Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi
Eucerin In-Shower Moisturizer Body Lotion, $9.89 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #38
“This powerful antioxidant serum is formulated with vitamin E, vitamin C (a powerhouse antioxidant that is quite unstable) and ferulic (a plant-based antioxidant which stabilizes vitamin C). It’s brilliant for protecting against both UV radiation and infrared radiation and is a great brightening agent for brown spots and melasma. Layer it underneath your moisturizer and sunscreen.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, cosmetic dermatologist and director of clinical research at Marmur Medical and clinical attending instructor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $163 at SkinCeuticals
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #39
“This hyaluronic acid-based hydrator contains five different hyaluronic acids as well as an enzyme that increases its production. Most HA products on the market have one or two hyaluronic acids, so this by far is my favorite. And though this is not a moisturizer, it does hydrate the skin, which helps with fine lines and wrinkles.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $178 at SkinMedica
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #40
“This elegant eye cream contains potent antioxidants, including resveratrol, polyphenols and viniferin, which help with repairing DNA damage from UV radiation, oxidative stress and aging.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream, $99 at Caudalie
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #41
“I love this daily sunscreen for acne- or rosacea-prone skin. Its combination of chemical and physical blockers won’t clog pores and it contains an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant called niacinamide that helps with redness.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $32 at DermStore
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #42
“This cleanser is great for all skin types, including dry, sensitive or problematic skin, such as rosacea, acne-prone, etc. It's also gentle enough to combine with prescription or active over-the-counter medications.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $8.39 at Target
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #43
“I see lots of patients with darker skin types, such as Asians, Latins, Black, etc. and one of the common conditions we deal with is melasma and pigmentary conditions. I love this cleansing bar because it contains two melanin inhibitors, azelaic acid and kojic acid, which are both effective in treating pigmentation. Furthermore, it also contains aloe to minimize irritation. I always caution my patients, though, that any pigment 'corrector' must be used with vigilant sun protection.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
PCA Skin Pigment Bar, $38 at DermStore
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #44
“Growing up in Asia, I grew up subscribing to the philosophy of the recent beauty trend of 'Korean beauty.' I’m not talking about all the steps involved, but I relate to the concepts that the Korean beauty regimen emphasizes, which are a consistent routine, product layering, hydrating of the skin and routinely examining your skin. It’s definitely not a regular skincare regimen for everyone, but it is definitely a different and interesting philosophy of skincare. I love Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin liquid moisturizer for its key ingredients of ceramides. This moisturizer is lightweight, easy to layer and provides good moisturization.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid, $39 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #45
“Differin is a vitamin A prescription derivative that is proven to not only treat acne by declogging pores, but it’s also an anti-inflammatory, decreases pigmentation and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. I like prescribing it as an entry-level retinoid. I also recommend it to my patients who have dry, sensitive skin, but are also acne-prone.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
Differin 0.3% Gel, visit Differin for more info
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #46
“I frequently recommend this as a great moisturizer for the body as it is chock-full of ceramides, an important protein that maintains a healthy skin barrier. I explain to my patients that you want to think of your skin as bricks and mortar with your skin cells as the bricks and the mortar as the ceramides. Also, I find that this moisturizer is not sticky or greasy-feeling, which is great for my male patients, teens/kids or anyone who hates feeling greasy, but wants good hydration to their skin.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $13 at Walmart
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #47
“If you have sensitive skin, this body sunscreen is for you. It provides excellent coverage without leaving a greasy feeling and allows you to be active without staining your clothing.” –Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 30 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen, $35.99 at CVS
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #48
“I add Nia24 Eye Repair Complex to my undereye cover cream daily. This makes my cover up more dewy — never dry or cakey. Its niacin also diminishes the redness and pigmentation under the eyes.” –Dr. Patricia Wexler, NYC-based celebrity dermatologist
Nia24 Eye Repair Complex, $71 at Nia24
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #49
“This natural body moisturizer absorbs into your skin easily — never leaving it greasy.” –Dr. Patricia Wexler
Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Facial Oil, $25.50 at Weleda
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #50
“When your skin feels really dehydrated, switch to this rich, hydrating cream.” –Dr. Patricia Wexler
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, $30 at Sephora
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #51
“I use Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 365 days a year to even my skin tone and texture — making foundation application lighter and more even. It also provides extra protection while sitting in your office, next to a window or taking a walk at lunch.” –Dr. Patricia Wexler
Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Primer SPF 30, $54 at DermStore
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #52
“I use this every evening for night repair. It's intensely hydrating, has collagen-stimulating peptides, MMPi 20, vitamin C and niacyl.” –Dr. Patricia Wexler
Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Intensive Night Reversal and Repair Cream, $45 at Bath & Body Works
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These Are The Skincare Products Dermatologists Can't Live Without #53
“This clear gel mask peels off like cellophane, leaving your face tight and wrinkle-free — perfect for when you want to look your best, like for a big event or photos.” –Dr. Patricia Wexler
Natura Bissé Diamond Ice-Lift, $155 at Natura Bissé
