Monday, June 11, 2018

The Best Drugstore Skin-Care Products, According To Dermatologists

For dry skin: Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Body Wash in Nourishing Coconut
“I typically opt for fragrance-free products, particularly for sensitive and irritated skin, but I have found that this product is very gentle and hydrating,” says Whitney Bowe, M.D., author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin. “Oatmeal works to restore your skin’s healthy pH and protects your skin’s natural barrier, which keeps skin moisturized, glowing and radiant.”
http://123link.pw/K9oqr

For dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
“Hyaluronic acid is the hottest ingredient in skincare right now,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. “It acts like a sponge to pull in water to the outer skin layer for optimal hydration. This product has ultra-concentrated levels of HA in a light serum that can be used on its own, or easily layered under your other skin-care products.”
http://123link.pw/1mxwOf

For dry skin: Dove Shower Foam Deep Moisture
“This is a nourishing body wash lather that reaches deep into the surface layers of the skin to help replenish skin's natural nutrients, which are essential for maintaining your skin's natural moisture balance," says Karen Hammerman, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Garden City, NY.  "This helps leave skin looking and feeling healthy, soft, and smooth.”



For oily/acne-prone skin: Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips
“Oily skin is more prone to having clogged pores, which may turn into painful cysts,” says Henry. “I love Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips to safely remove dirt and debris from oily pores."

For oily/acne-prone skin: Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer

“Gel serums or oil-free are a good option for those with oily skin,” Engelman says. “You can see results without adding more oil into the skin. I like Garnier Rescue Refresher because it delivers hydration without clogging pores.”

For oily/acne-prone skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Face Moisturizer
“Oil barely contributes to skin hydration, which is why more oily skin sufferers are both oily and dry at the same time,” Hammerman says. “This moisturizer is designed specifically for oilier skin, with ingredients that can bind or break up sebum (skin oil) like diisopropyl sebacate, silicates, and starches to help reduce shine rather than contribute to it."


For oily/acne-prone skin: Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Foam Wash
“Formulated for acne prone skin, this effective cleanser doesn’t over-dry,” Russak says. “It’s clinically proven to gently remove excess oil, impurities and makeup that all can lead to breakouts, and gentle enough to use every day.”

For oily/acne-prone skin: Eau Thermale Avène Cleansing Foam
“Eau Thermale Avène Cleansing Foam is gentle yet effective at removing dirt, excess oil and other impurities without over-drying your skin, which in turn would lead to an overproduction of oils in order to compensate,” says Shereene Idriss, M.D., of Union Square Dermatology. “It also has zinc, which helps cool irritations and leaves your skin looking smooth with a matte-like finish.”


For oily/acne-prone skin: Differin Gel
“Differin Gel remains the power player as the most effective acne drugstore treatment,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai Hospital. “It's a prescription-strength retinoid that not only prevents acne from forming, but is also an anti-inflammatory, which makes it different from other retinoids." 


For oily/acne-prone skin: Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Pure Castile Soap
“An organic, natural body and face wash, you can even dilute it to use as a makeup brush cleaner, as makeup, bacteria and dead skin cell buildup on makeup brushes can cause breakouts,” Russak says.


For aging skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
Engleman says there's decades of research backing retinol's rep as a powerhouse ingredient. “It helps regulate healthy skin turnover, boosts collagen production, and has great anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it's as effective at treating acne as it is at treating wrinkles and other signs of aging."



For aging skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
“Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream works to hydrate the skin and anti-age,” Engelman says. “The amino acids help reduce and soften wrinkles and leave the skin with a healthy glow.”


For aging skin: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
“Loaded with retinol and hyaluronic acid, this cream plumps skin and immediately delivers results that only continue to improve the appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet, and fine lines with longtime use,” Hammerman says.

For aging skin: Dove Beauty Bar, Gentle Exfoliating
As skin cells turnover slows down with age, dead cells may accumulate on the surface of the skin, giving a dull appearance,” Zeichner says. “Gentle exfoliation can help remove those cells, allowing fresh skin to better reflect light to improve radiance.”

For aging skin: Roc Multi Correxion 5 In 1 Anti-Aging Chest, Neck & Face Cream
“I really appreciate that this anti-aging cream is formulated for the face, neck, and chest—the last two of which are often overlooked,” says Idriss. “In addition to helping restore your skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines, it also has SPF 30 to protect your skin from future sun damage—a total win!”


For sensitive skin: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
“Especially if you have sensitive skin, you want to make sure to cleanse without compromising the integrity of the skin barrier,” Zeichner says. “Harsh cleansers can actually disrupt the outer skin layer, leading to inflammation. Ingredients like feverfew can also sooth sensitive skin and calm inflammation.”

For sensitive skin: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer
“Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer contains skin replenishing, hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe, repair and hydrate sensitive skin,” Shah says.


For sensitive skin: EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Tinted
“EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF is a physical sunscreen that contains active mineral ingredients, making it better for sensitive skin,” Hammerman says. “This type of sunscreen sits on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays, making it less likely to clog pores, which is ideal for anyone with blemish-prone skin, rosacea or redness of the face.”


For sensitive skin: Vanicream Skin Cream With Pump Dispenser
“I recommend the Vanicream line for all of my patients with sensitive skin or history of skin allergy,” Wise says. “Because this cream is free of the most common skin irritants, most patients find it very tolerable and is a great option for treating winter itch.”











The Best Vitamin C Serums, According To Dermatologists

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is the Beyoncé of skin care—it can do a lot of things flawlessly. It's an antioxidant. It helps reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It boosts collagen production. It repairs sun damage. (And who knows, maybe it's working on a follow-up to Lemonade.)
Basically, vitamin C is something that you want to start using ASAP. And while using a vitamin C serum is the best way to reap the benefits of this miracle ingredient, you shouldn't just slather your face with the stuff.
“Vitamin C should be used sparingly because of its potency—you’ll only need a few drops for each application,” says New York dermatologist, David E. Bank, founder of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery. Apply it right after cleansing and follow with moisturizer.
You can also combine your vitamin C serum with your sunscreen as a final step to help protect and repair damage from UV radiation and environmental toxins, says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., of Connecticut Dermatology Group. It's not a replacement for your SPF—it just makes what you have work even better.
The best vitamin C serums have a concentration from 5 to 20 percent, says Bank. Because it's so strong, people with sensitive skin should start with a lower concentration or alternate days and work their way up to daily use, says Bank. Otherwise, it might irritate your skin.
But there are so many products out there—what's the best vitamin C serum for you? Dermatologists weigh in with their favorite picks at every price point:

UNDER $20: OZNATURALS VITAMIN C FACIAL SERUM
Vitamin C joins with hyaluronic acid (a powerful moisturizing ingredient) to hydrate skin and aid in natural collagen production in this cruelty-free and 98 percent natural formula recommended by Bank.

UNDER $20: MD COMPLETE RETINOL VITAMIN C CONCENTRATE
If you want to even your skin tone and refine texture, massage two to four drops of this vitamin C formula (which also contains retinol!) into your skin after cleansing, recommends Jeremy Brauer, M.D., clinical assistant professor at New York University.

UNDER $50: COSMETIC SKIN SOLUTIONS VITAMIN C 20% SERUM
If you want a high percentage of vitamin C in an elegant formula, this version combines with 0.5 percent ferulic acid (an antioxidant that strengthens the powers of other compounds like vitamins C and E) to boost protection from the sun while you’re at it, says Bank.




The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums, According To Dermatologists

If dry skin had a boo, it would be hyaluronic acid.
“Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a great moisturizer for your skin,” explains dermatologist David E. Bank, M.D., founder of The Center For Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery. Because it holds so much water, hyaluronic acid actually helps expand and plump the skin, making it clutch at smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles almost instantly.
The easiest way to reap the benefits of this superstar ingredient is with a hyaluronic acid serum. Bank recommends applying one on damp, clean skin, since hyaluronic acid will bind with the water for deepest saturation, adds Bank. Depending on how dry your skin is, a serum may be enough, or you can top with your regular moisturizer.
Want to jump on the hydration bandwagon? Below, Bank and Doris Day, M.D., author of Beyond Beautiful and clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, share their recommendations for the best hyaluronic acid serums on the market.

UNDER $15: APRILIS HYALURONIC ACID SERUM FOR SKIN
If you're on a budget, this super-cheap serum offers legit results, Bank says. The fragrance-free serum also features botanical extracts for extra anti-aging benefits.
UNDER $20: YEOUTH HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
Want it as pure and straight-up as it gets? Bank recommends this serum with 100 percent medical-grade hyaluronic acid to instantly impart hydration and make skin smoother and softer.
UNDER $20: NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST HYDRATING SERUM
Designed to be layered underneath moisturizer, Bank recommends this serum that is packed with purified hyaluronic acid in a non-comedogenic (a.k.a. non pore-clogging) base that’s safe for acne-prone types.

UNDER $50: PAULA'S CHOICE RESIST HYALURONIC ACID BOOSTER

This serum combines hyaluronic acid with hydrating ceramides for a doubly-effective moisturizer. Banks says just two to three drops of this booster is required for an instant, hydrating refresher.


SPLURGE: SKINMEDICA HA5 REJUVENATING HYDRATOR
It's over $150 (ouch), but both Bank and Day say this hyaluronic acid rejuvenator immediately smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while delivering a dose of hydration is well worth the price.


The Best Face Sunscreens, According To Dermatologists

For Dry Skin: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Talk about a twofer—this delivers light color coverage that works for most skin tones. “It’s hydrating with a nice tint to emulate a bit of bronzing without the damage,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor, Yale Department of Dermatology.
https://amzn.to/2MkFur9

For Dry Skin: Replenix Antioxidant Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 50 Plus

Caffeine helps increase blood flow to decrease the look of puffiness and inflammation,” says Brooke Jackson, M.D., of Skin Wellness Dermatology Associates. “Green tea provides antioxidant benefits and blocks harmful free radicals for healthy and glowing skin. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E prevent future moisture loss.”
https://amzn.to/2JEG5T4

For Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Sunscreen
“For my acne prone patients, I recommend non-comedogenic products like this one, meaning the product will not clog your pores," says Whitney Bowe, M.D. "This dry-finish sunscreen actually has ingredients which absorb excess oil on the skin and contains antioxidants to promote your skin’s health.”

https://amzn.to/2t1IRdX

For Aging Skin: Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50

“I like Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart as it works to anti-age as well as protect against harmful rays," says Engleman.
https://amzn.to/2t1IRdX
For Aging Skin: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 34
This multi-tasker boosts the skin’s ability to heal itself. “It is combined with an antioxidant (vitamin E) that specifically helps to restore the skin and reverse fine lines and wrinkling,” Gohara says.
https://amzn.to/2LJy0Nc
For Sensitive Skin: Tizo Facial Mineral Sunscreen
“This line of mineral-based sunscreens is oil-free, preservative-free, paraben-free, and offers broad-spectrum protection with little irritation potential,” Shah says.

https://amzn.to/2JEISM2



The Best Eye Creams For Puffy Bags And Dark Circles

Blame your late-night binge of Evil Genius on Netflix, that dude buying you shots at the bar, or your wailing baby: Your eyes are puffy as hell.
Enter, ALL the eye cream. Right?
But seriously, while you might have 20 different types stashed in your cabinets, you really only need one.
Look no further than this derm-approved list of the best eye creams for your specific concerns:

Best for puffiness: NeoCutis Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream

Carrying an extra set of luggage on your face? Enter this luxe eye cream, which is packed with caffeine to help stimulate the skin and reduce puffiness, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a NYC-based dermatologist. It also contains a proprietary blend of growth factors and antioxidants to make skin look healthier.
Plus, Jaliman says the formula is hydrating and increases firmness around the eyes—always clutch when you're dealing with puffy bags. Basically, you're getting a LOT for the high price tag.
For dryness: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream


The classic drugstore brand is your BFF if you've got dry skin around your eyes. “It has antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba—which all have moisturizing properties," says Jaliman. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and it won't clog your pores, making it a safe, hydrating bet for all skin types.

For sensitive skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream


Your eye skin is some of the most delicate, sensitive skin on your face, so the last thing you want is something that could cause a freakout—especially if you already have touchy skin.
Enter Neutrogena's Hydro Boost eye cream, which Jaliman recommends for sensitive types. "It is at an affordable price point and has a lot of hyaluronic acid that is very hydrating. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and absorbs quickly," she says. 


The Best Acne Face Washes, According to Dermatologists

Raise your hand if you're a grown-ass adult who still wakes up with breakouts on the regular.
Yeah, it's the freaking worst. But while you might have tried every acne spot treatmentand Instagram hack on the planet to clear up your complexion, there's one part of your skin-care routine that deserves more attention in the war on zits: your face wash.
“Even though a cleanser doesn’t stay on your skin very long, it can still help exfoliate your skin and clean out dead skin cells and oils that clog pores,” explains RealSelf contributor Michele Green, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Look for washes containing salicylic acid, says Green. It's a beta hydroxy acid that dives deep into your pores to clear out built-up oil, dirt, and dead skin cells—the stuff that cause your standard blackheads and whiteheads.
Benzoyl peroxide is another super-effective ingredient. It attacks the P. acnes bacteria that causes breakouts—specifically, those painful, swollen, under-the-skin zits. Warning: It can dry out your skin, so start with a lower concentration and work your way up if you think you need something stronger. (And use white towels—it can bleach colored fabrics! FML.)

Biore Charcoal Acne Cleanser

Salicylic acid combined with purifying charcoal wiggles its way into pores to clean out all that oil and skin cell gunk. It creates a cool tingle that leaves your face feeling squeaky clean. If you have any dryness afterwards, follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser


A 10 percent benzoyl peroxide formula, this one goes heavy duty to attack pimple-causing bacteria in your most stubborn blemishes. Because BP can be drying, start by using this wash once a week and build up as tolerated.

What They Use To Fight Wrinkles—And They All Said The Same Thing

It's pretty rare for a group of people to agree on one thing. Don't believe me? Try asking nine different people, "Can Antoni from Queer Eye really cook?" at your next party. EVERYONE has an opinion on that one. (#TeamAntoni)
Which is why when we recently asked a group of top dermatologists their go-to product for preventing wrinkles, we were floored to get the same answer from all nine of them: retinol.

What is retinol?

"Retinol is the single best-studied ingredient in fighting skin aging," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. Retinoids, the broad term for a derivative of vitamin A that includes over-the-counter retinol and adapalene, stimulates collagen production and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, he says.
Zeichner is not alone in his praise of retinoids. "Retinoids are tried and true and one of the most effective ingredients to prevent and treat wrinkles," says Sejal Shah, M.D., a New York City cosmetic dermatologist. Francesca Fusco, M.D., says she has been using various forms of retinol for the past 15 years and considers it to be "the most powerful ingredient for rejuvenation."
And it's not just for anti-aging. Retinoid products like prescription Retin-A (also known as tretinoin) can also minimize pores and get rid of blackheads and whiteheads, says Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., an NYC medical and cosmetic dermatologist. They can also help exfoliate dead skin cells and even ease pigmentation, says Robert Finney, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

The type of retinol most derms prefer

No shocker here: Derms go for the prescription stuff, namely Retin-A. "It is the best anti-aging product you can use over a lifetime," says Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., a dermatologist based in Long Island, New York.
David Lortscher, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO and founder of Curology, refers to Retin-A as the "gold standard," for fighting signs of aging. And NYC dermatologist Anna Karp, M.D., says she uses it at night because it's "stronger" than the OTC retinol alternatives.

Before you try it...

A word of caution: Retin-A is super powerful stuff. (That's why you can only get it as a prescription.) And retinoids in general, whether you're using an over-the-counter cream or a dermatologist-prescribed serum, can cause redness, dryness, and irritation in sensitive skin types.
This may put people off, but most derms feel that the benefits outweigh any downsides. "Less is more," says Deanne Mraz-Robinson, M.D., of the Connecticut Dermatology Group. Finney agrees. "The stronger the concentration, the more effective it can be, but it will also cause more irritation," he says. He suggests always using moisturizer after your retinoid product to help reduce irritation.
It's also wise to ease into using a retinoid product—start off by using a pea-sized amount every other night, says Mraz-Robinson, then use it more frequently (up to once a day) as your skin gets used to it. "If you are still experiencing irritation with this method, you can apply the retinol over top of your night moisturizer," she says.
And if you also love chemical exfoliants—like a face mask or peel that has glycolic acid—skip it on nights where you're using retinol to avoid overly irritating your skin.
In the past, people with rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions might have assumed that retinol was off the table. (Why risk even more irritation!) But while you should skip on the retinol during a breakout, the ingredient actually can be helpful in treating rosacea over time. Just look for gentler versions of the ingredient (like retinaldehyde or retinyl propionate) that your skin will actually be able to handle.
Stumped on where to start? While lots of retinol-laced products can be pricey (or only available by prescription), there are plenty of affordable options out there:

Best drugstore buy: RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream

This product has retinol levels just shy of what you can get from a prescription product. It also has a slow-release delivery system that will prevent retinoid newbies from getting overwhelmed.

Best for acne: Differin Gel

This was recently approved by the FDA to be sold OTC rather than by prescription (and at a much lower price)—and derms everywhere love it. Perfect for those of us who are #blessed with wrinkles AND acne.


The Best Drugstore Skin-Care Products, According To Dermatologists

For dry skin: Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Body Wash in Nourishing Coconut “I typically opt for fragrance-free products, particularl...