Style Skincare We Asked 12 Dermatologists to Share Their Exact Skincare Routines, Here's What They Said Do any of these skin pros skimp on sunscreen? Not a one. By Kristin Granero Kristin Granero Kristin Granero is a lifestyle writer, content creator, and digital media expert residing in New York City. When she's not interviewing experts or test-driving the latest products, she can be found exploring new museum exhibits, volunteering for her local animal rescue, or scouring the five boroughs (and beyond!) in search of the best guacamole. Highlights: * 3+ years writing Style, Beauty, Health, and Home content for Real Simple * Has held positions at and/or contributed to a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment publishers, including Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Shape, Self, Glamour, HBO, TODAY, NBC, Discovery, Yahoo, and beyond * Experience includes copywriting, web production, social media strategy, and email marketing Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on September 10, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. courtesy With what seems like new skincare products, procedures (and promises!) popping up on the daily, it can be hard to sort out which ones are worth investing in—and sticking to—for real results. We asked a dermatologist to critique our editors' skincare routines a few months ago, and so this time we decided to ask them (as in the ones who've seen and tested it all) to show us how it's done. Read on—and be inspired—as 12 derms provide a step-by-step breakdown of the potions and practices they use for keeping their own skin in prime condition. Consider it the professional approach to personal skincare. Julie Jackson, MD Skin type: Oily; non-sensitive (with focus on anti-aging). Approach: The best anti-aging skin care routine includes strict sun protection during the day and a retinoid at night. I also try to prioritize organic moisturizers and topicals. Morning: Wash face with a glycolic acid cleanser (I like Revision Skincare Brightening Face Wash). Follow with a moisturizer/SPF (Revision Skincare intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45 doubles as a topical vitamin C) and eye cream (such as SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair). Apply body lotion (I use Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion). If planning on being outside in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes, I complement with Sun Bum's Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50 to sun-exposed areas. To ensure I keep my vitamin D levels adequate, I also take over-the-counter vitamin D 3 800 IU. Evening: Post-workout, re-wash face (same cleanser) and body (Puracy Natural Body Wash in Citrus and Sea Salt's gentle pH-balanced formula is great for removing sweat and dirt from the day without being too drying). Post-shower, apply lotion (such as Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion) to my body and a prescription retinoid (retin A micro 0.06%) to my face, leaving it on overnight. (Note: People with more sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate a glycolic acid wash with a retinoid twice per day. Some gentler options would be SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and over-the-counter Differin Gel.) Rosemarie Ingleton, MD Skin type: Normal (with focus on hydration and anti-aging). Approach: I maintain a simple targeted skincare regimen that focuses on protection from the sun and environmental triggers (during the day) and correction (overnight). I pay close attention to ingredients and try to ensure that the products are well-formulated and concentrated. More specifically, I opt for fragrance-free products because I (like many of my patients) have a sensitivity to several fragrances and look for moisturizing, yet non-comedogenic ingredients (like ceramides and hyaluronic acid). I also seek out formulas with lots of antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E, peptides, and tea extracts) and anti-inflammatories (like vitamin B3/niacinamide). Morning: Rinse skin with cool water (it feels refreshing and wakes me up!). I don't use a daily cleanser in the morning but, perhaps once per week, I will apply an exfoliating cleanser (like this one from SkinMedica) to help keep buildup at bay. Apply an antioxidant-rich serum to prepare for the day's exposure to the environmental elements (pollution, cigarette smoke, sun, etc.). I think of it as 'my armor.' It's an important preventative measure against early skin aging, and adds to the benefits of my sunscreen. I like SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF because it's well-formulated and highly concentrated with effective, proven antioxidants, in addition to being lightweight and easily absorbed. In colder months, I also like to apply a booster to soothe dryness caused by the dry, cold weather, wind, and heaters. Rose MD Skin Calming Booster contains multiple types of antioxidants, a high dose of hyaluronic acid, and skin-soothing ingredients—the perfect complement to any other products I might use in colder months. Lastly, apply a moisturizer and sunscreen. Supergoop! Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40 is hydrating, yet not greasy and leaves my skin moist and ready to be layered with my lightweight foundation (I use Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation). For my body, I wash with Dove products (usually Dove Beauty Bar or Dove Instant Foaming Wash). I then moisturize with Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream (in the winter) and Cetaphil Lotion (in the summer). Evening: Wash skin with a gentle cleanser (SkinMedica Facial Cleanser removes makeup and pollutants picked up throughout the day) and warm water (to help open pores). Apply another antioxidant-rich booster (Rose MD Complexion Brightening Booster contains the trademark Jamaican Superfruit Blend composed of five fruit extracts) to help fade dark patches and even out complexion. Follow with a moisturizer to hydrate, repair, and smoothe wrinkles (Rose MD Signature Moisturizer feels incredible and has JSB and peptides, along with niacinamide and ceramides, for nourishing skin and promoting cell turnover). In addition, I am on the Epi.Logic Master Plan (contains epidermal growth factors, which help stimulate collagen), for which I apply twice a week (usually before the Rose MD Complexion Brightening Booster). Additional treatments: Every two to three months: Light glycolic and chemical peel (to boost skin cell turnover and brighten complexion). Nina Desai, MD Skin type: Combination Approach: My skin is oily at times and dry at others. I tend to break out from products that are too heavy and occlusive (and get dry when I use certain exfoliating products), so I focus on products and regimens that help me maintain that perfect balance. Morning: Wash with a mild cleanser. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is gentle and doesn't strip my skin of its natural oils. Apply a vitamin C serum. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is packed with antioxidants and helps to protect my skin from free radicals created by sun and pollution, which in turn protects my skin from damage and hyperpigmentation. Follow with an oil-free moisturizer with SPF. I find myself alternating between EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, which has niacinamide—a great anti-inflammatory that calms down any redness on my skin, andALASTIN Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum SPF 36, which boasts antioxidants and offers powerful, yet lightweight protection. Evening: I am a big fan of the double cleanse at night to prepare my skin to soak in the powerful active ingredients I apply before I sleep. I start with Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, applied with a soft cotton round, to remove makeup and follow with Glo Skin Beauty Glycolic Resurfacing Cleanser for a deeper clean. (Tip: Some may not be able to tolerate a glycolic cleanser every night, so I often recommend alternating with a gentle cleanser.) Apply a retinoid (or vitamin A derivative), important for promoting cell turnover and boosting collagen production which, over time, is going to leave skin smoother, tighter and with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. I alternate between SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5 Serum and a prescription-strength retinoid. Moisturize. For extra dry skin, I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to maintain my skin barrier and lock in moisture. Apply an eye cream (the specialized peptides in this treatment gently but effective boost collagen and elastin production, which will improving crow's feet, crepiness, and under-eye discoloration). Finish with Aquaphor on the lips to lock in moisture and keep them plump and hydrated. Additional treatments: Every four to six weeks: Microneedling (to help stimulate collagen to improve fine lines and texture and keep my skin looking bright).Every four months: Light Botox (to minimize wrinkles and prevent them from getting worse). Joshua Zeichner, MD Skin type: Oily (with focus on anti-aging). Approach: I have a practical approach to skincare: protect and prevent damage in the morning and repair skin damage in the evening. The simpler the routine, the better because I don't have much time to spend in the bathroom. I generally like to limit a routine to a cleanser and two to three additional products max. Morning: Cleanse.Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar is effective enough for the body, yet gentle enough for the face. Shave with Schaf Shave Cream and a Gillette razor. (Tip: Prep with a hydrating shave cream is key to soften the skin and the hair to prevent skin damage. You'll also want to be sure to shave the right way—in the direction your hair grows—to prevent skin irritation.) Apply a serum.Solara Suncare Juice Boost Serum contains a stabilized form of vitamin C to protect the skin against free radical damage). Moisturize. Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer offers broad-spectrum sun protection and goes on double duty as an aftershave. Evening: Re-cleanse. I like to use INNBEAUTY PROJECT Foam Around Cleanser in the evening because it removes dirt, oil, and sweat from the day. It also uses a blend of hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate without irritating. Re-moisturize. OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream does the job without weighing the skin down. Peptides strengthen the skin while niacinamide evens tone and soothes inflammation. Apply prescription-strength Altreno Lotion to treat and prevent breakouts, and at the same time strengthen the skin's foundation for better aging over time. Additional treatments: Every three months: Botox or Dysport (to keep the skin's foundation strong and prevent muscles from contracting and folding the overlying skin). Jeannette Graf, MD Skin type: Normal to dry (with focus on hydration and anti-aging). Approach: I have very light skin so I try to be pretty gentle. My morning routine is centered around protection, whereas my bedtime routine is all about renewal. This is based on skin circadian rhythms, which dictate the necessary process for healthy skin. Morning: Wash face with Garnier Micellar Cleanser and follow with a face serum (these ampoules from ISDIN contain antioxidant protection against oxidative stress from environmental pollutants and sun to promote anti-aging and radiance). Apply moisturizer (I look for ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrate and help enhance the moisture barrier). Apply SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair to reduce dark circles around the eyes. Finish with mineral sunscreen (I like ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen for wearing under makeup and ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen when going bare). Evening: Re-wash face (same cleanser). I also like to use gentle exfoliation to remove excess dead skin cells that accumulate during the day. Apply serum to help renew skin over night. ISDIN Melatonik Overnight Recovery Serum has melatonin (a restorative antioxidant), bakuchiol (evens skin tone, reduces wrinkles/pore size, and enhances elasticity), and vitamin C (promotes radiance). Finish with a firming retinol moisturizer. Additional treatments: Once a month: Lymphatic Drainage Facial (to stimulate the lymphatic system, which carries away waste products). Once a month: DermaSweep Treatment (to exfoliate and stimulate the skin; HydraFacials are great for exfoliation as well). Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD Skin type: Oily; sensitive. Approach: I have really tricky skin, and am both acne- and eczema-prone, so my skincare routine is all about prevention and rejuvenation. I like to start the day with a clean slate and a layer of defense, and end it by ridding skin of any environmental toxins and readying it to repair overnight. Morning: Wash face. I alternate between ALASTIN Skincare Gentle Cleanser (has a unique blend of moisturizers and vitamins that clean, soothe and soften without upsetting the skin's delicate moisture balance) and the PCA Skin Pigment Bar (a cleansing bar formulated to even out the skin tone—it's great at addressing areas of hyperpigmentation). Apply an antioxidant serum. Dr. Rhonda Quain Klein and I worked hard to curate this potent blend of vitamin C, ferulic acid, phloretin and peptides to provide broad-spectrum protection from environmental toxins. Follow with an oil-free serum to help manage breakouts (SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense reduces the formation of adult acne and improves visible signs of aging) and ALASTIN Skincare Restorative Skin Complex to help support my skin's natural ability to produce new, healthy elastin and collagen (one pump covers my entire face). Apply ALASTIN Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye. (Tip: You should always apply with your ring finger, as this will prevent you from tapping or tugging too hard on the delicate skin around your eye.) Round out skincare with SPF (I love ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless for its mineral-based, antioxidant formula and buildable tint and ISDIN Mineral Brush 50 for touching up and keeping shine at bay). For lips, I use Restorsea PRO Lip Magic (as we age, an extra layer of skin forms over the lip and creates the illusion that the lip line is fading or thinning. This formula has the active ingredient Aquabeautine XL, which digests this layer of skin, gently and without irritation). If I'm showing some leg, I love to blend the ISDIN Skin Drops with my body lotion (ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10) for buildable, glowy coverage. You can do this for your face too! Evening: Re-wash face, swapping out cleanser for ISDIN Micellar Solution (it's hypoallergenic, making it sensitive enough for all skin types, and leaves skin feeling clean, toned, and hydrated). Re-apply other products in morning routine (steps one to four, and six). For added nighttime moisturization, top with SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore (especially great for winter months, as it's made of essential lipids, along with antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients to fight free-radical damage). Additional treatments: Once a month: HydraFacial (the customizable facial helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, congested skin, and brown spots). Once a year: Fraxel (to address a variety of concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, acne scars, age/sun spots, melasma and actinic keratoses). Twice a year: PicoSure Laser Treatment (for rejuvenation, as it's the perfect balance of little-to-no down time with collagen-building capabilities). Hadley King, MD Skin type: Oily; acne-prone (with focus on anti-aging). Approach: I tend to focus on products that are anti-acne and anti-aging. My skin isn't too sensitive so I don't have many restrictions there, but I do try to prioritize products with data-proven ingredients that are also vegan, cruelty-free, and clean where possible. Morning: Wash face with a gentle exfoliator. I am currently using HERLA Beauty Kakadu Plum Brightening and Revitalizing Exfoliating Scrub, which combines physical exfoliation from tiny cellulose particles with chemical exfoliation from caviar lime (also combats free radicals, removes dead skin cells, and evens out pigmentation). Follow with an antioxidant serum (Skinsei's Take Time Off Serum contains hydrating ingredients and leaves my skin feeling plump and smooth). Moisturize. I am currently using H2OMyGod Water Moisturizer from GoodJanes, a rich cream that hydrates and moisturizes with dimethicone, squalane, safflower seed oil, argan kernel oil, and glycerin. It also has anti-aging peptides, vitamin C and plant stem cell extracts with potent antioxidant properties (and I love that it's vegan and cruelty-free). Apply Revision Skincare's Intellishade TruPhysical Tinted Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 (it's a physical blocker with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and I like the lightweight consistency and coverage), topped with Brush on Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen (absorbs excess oil so it serves a dual purpose as a finishing powder). Evening: Swap in a gentle foaming cleanser (Schaf Skincare Facial Cleanser emulsifies dirt and oil, pollution and makeup, while also hydrating with hyaluronic acid and aloe). Apply a retinoid. I have recently been alternating between Altreno and Aklief, both prescription-strength. Moisturize. I have been using Schaf Moisturizer, which hydrates and locks in moisture with hyaluronic acid and a blend of hemp seed, avocado, grape seed and pumpkin seed oils. It also contains antioxidants and anti-aging peptides, as well as omega 3 and six fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Additional treatments: Two to three times a year: Neuromodulator Injections (for managing crow's feet). Melanie D. Palm, MD, MBA Skin type: Combination; acne-prone (with focus on anti-aging). Approach: I'm in my 40s now and suffer from adult female hormonal acne, so anti-aging and balancing skincare products that prevent breakouts and wrinkles are key! I believe in a topical and systemic approach to healing the skin so I am careful in both my skincare selection, as well as dietary and active lifestyle choices. I also use oral supplementations to support healthy skin and shift towards anti-inflammatory tendencies. Morning: Wash with the Clarisonic Mia Smart and glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acid cleanser to treat both acne and boost skin tone and cell turnover (this is left on for three minutes while I shower). For the face, apply HA toning pads from Topix for melasma, followed by Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%, Replenix Power of Three Serum and a hydrator (such as SkinMedica HA5 Hydrator) for added moisture. Top with an eye cream. I use both ALASTIN Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment and Neocutis Lumiere Riche to encourage healthy fat around aging eyes, stimulate collagen and elastin, and reduce puffiness. For the body, combine Revision Skincare BodiFirm and ALASTIN Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment to help firm skin, moisturize, and encourage healthy fat distribution. Apply sunscreen. I like EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 (a bit lighter and doubles as a primer) during the week and EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 for weekend activities (I also love to mix in a bit of ColoreScience Sunforgettable Total Proection Face Shield Glow for a touch of shimmer and makeup primer base). Post-makeup, powder ears, neck, and hairline with ColoreScience Sunforgettable Brush-on Shield SPF 50 (I re-apply on my ride home from work for added coverage). Take SeroVital Advanced and Heliocare Ultra supplements (I also take Vitamin D weekly, in addition to calcium supplementation). Evening: Re-wash (same cleanser), followed by Sakura Silk Regenerating Exfoliant to gently remove keratin and exfoliating pads with HQ for melasma. Apply a tretinoin with hyaluronic acid and a collagen base (Obagi Tretinoin or Altreno) to the face and bakuchiol/retinol mixture (such as Revision Skincare D.E.J Night Face Cream) to the neck and chest. Follow with ALASTIN Skincare Restorative Complex (contains tri-hex peptides to build collagen and elastic fibers, as well as hexapeptide-38, which encourages more youthful-appearing fat for thinning/hallowing skin) and Neocutis Bio Serum Firm Rejuvenating Growth Factor and Peptide Treatment (encourages collagen growth without inflammation) for the face, neck, chest, and hands. Complete with moisturizer for the face and hands (I switch it up between the D.E.J Night Face Cream and a few others), ideally putting on gloves for locking in hydration while you sleep, and re-apply eye cream (same products as morning). I also take supplements (Nutrafol for hair health; SeroVital for anti-aging) and prescriptions for acne and anti-glycation. Additional treatments: Quarterly: IPL Photofacial, combined with a non-ablative infrared laser treatment alternated with PRP (plasma-rich platelets) and microneedling. Note: make sure microneedling/PRP procedures are performed by a credentialed professional and lab under sterile conditions with single-use microneedling tips. Jessie Cheung, MD Skin type: Combination (with focus on anti-aging). Approach: I believe in making your skin work for you, so I only use products that are backed by science, with clinical studies to show positive changes under the microscope over time. Any moisturizer can make your skin look better temporarily by adding hydration and reflecting light, but I only use products that will create lasting benefits for my skin, via collagen and elastin synthesis and extracellular matrix maintenance. Acids are great to start with as they provide almost instant gratification with exfoliation. Every so often, I will also often swap or supplement with other actives from different brands to help amplify my routine. Morning: Use a glycolic acid cleanser to get rid of dead skin and oil from the night and let morning actives soak in, topped with ISDIN vitamin C (comes in little ampoules so the vitamin C stays fresh, and proteoglycans support the extracellular matrix to provide cushioning and hydration). Apply a serum. Omni Daily Restortative Facial Serum has targeted growth factors to aid in cell regeneration for collagen and elastin production and reduce inflammation, the root of aging. Layer with Emepelle Serum for added glow, hydration, and collagen stimulation. Note: 30 percent of collagen is lost in the first five years of menopause; estrogen plays a crucial role in the skin. Follow with ALASTIN Skincare Restorative Skin Complex (has unique peptides that help to plump, is proven to show a significant increase in elastin, and also supports the good fat cells in your skin). Complete with ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless SPF (has good clinical studies to show remission from developing new precancerous lesions). Evening: Re-wash with EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser (gentle but does a good job of getting makeup off). Apply ISDIN Melatonik Night Recovery Serum (melatonin helps your body generate glutathione —a potent antioxidant—and bakuchiol has retinoid effects, but without the irritation). Re-do morning steps one to four (for the same benefits). Additional treatments: Once a month: HydraFacial (cleans out pores, polishes the skin, and infuses gentle exfoliating and brightening acids into the skin).Every 4 months: Photofacial (to remove spots and stimulate new collagen and elastin).At least once a year: Ultherapy (for deep skin-tightening and lifting). Blair Murphy-Rose, MD Skin type: Normal to dry. Approach: I have pretty normal skin that gets dry during northeast winters and mild rosacea that will flare in the warmer months if not controlled. My current skin regimen includes anti-aging skin products that are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Morning: Apply a gentle face wash, lathered and rinsed with lukewarm water. My current favorite is Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, which is recommended for all skin types. Pat face dry with towel and apply Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum to provide sun protection and prevent melasma, something I've been religious about during pregnancy (topical vitamin C is a potent anti-aging ingredient that helps to stimulate collagen production and prevent hyperpigmentation). Apply a few drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum to my fingertips and massage on to my face, neck and décolletage, followed by a light pat of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for added moisture. Finish with a mineral-based sunscreen. I have many favorites and alternate through different bottles, but these days I have been reaching for SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50, which is lightweight, provides excellent UV protection, and blends easily into my skin without looking cakey or leaving a white caste. (SPF has also been the best tool for preventing my rosacea flares.) Evening: Remove facial products and debris with Bioderma Sensibio H20, and any eye makeup with Neutrogena Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, using a cotton pad. Re-wash (same cleanser), this time with a warm washcloth, ideally white to make sure that there is no leftover residue of tinted sunscreen or makeup on my skin as it is super important to keep your pores clean overnight for any skin type. Apply a pea-sized amount of prescription-strength azelaic acid gel to gently exfoliate skin and minimize the appearance of pores (I find that the combination of azelaic acid and vitamin C is a good pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol), topped with a hyaluronic acid moisturizer. Finally, liberally apply LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask so that I wake up with well hydrated lips, and use a cotton swab to gently roll a light coat of Aquaphor ointment to my under-eyes to lock in moisture over night. Additional treatments: Twice a month: In-office 25% Glycolic Acid Peel for face and neck (to minimize the appearance of pores, reduce hyperpigmentation, brighten skin tone, and help stimulate collagen). Tess Mauricio, MD Skin type: Sensitive; acne-prone. Approach: Our skin can behave differently by the day due to many factors. Age, hormones, weather, environment, products, and stress can all affect how our skin looks and feels. Getting familiar with our own skin's unique fluctuations and changes is key in customizing a skincare routine when needed. Because most of us have skin that is multi-type (mine is sensitive, acne-prone, dry, and aging), I want multitasking products and I routinely layer and alternate products—even sunscreens—to get the benefit of wonderful ingredients that I know will help my skin instantly and in the long run. Morning: Cleanse skin.I alternate every other day between Jan Marini Skin Research's Bioglycolic Body Scrub and gentle Face Cleanser to keep from overdrying. Apply a serum (Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50 has a special SCA biorepair technology, antioxidants, humectants and peptides for anti-aging), topped with No7 Laboratories Dark Circle Corrector for the under-eyes, which tends to be biggest problem area. Moisturize. Not only does this day cream hydrate, but it has powerful peptides for smoothing the appearance of fine lines and SPF 30 for proper sun protection (I also like using this tinted SPF as a light foundation). Finish with Jan Marini Skin Research Hyla3D Lip Complex (it has hyaluronic acid for moisturizing and replenishing lips!). Apply cellulite cream to the thigh area (Jan Marini CelluliTX has retinol, caffeine, and peptides to help smooth and reduce the appearance of bumps). To help manage my eczema, I like to prep my skin pre-shower with Kopari Coconut Melt to lock moisture in, as well as AmLactin Lotion immediately after drying to help skin gently exfoliate and feel smooth. I also take Liveli Healthi Skin supplements (have collagen and powerful antioxidants, such as glutathione, polypodium leucotomos, zinc, turmeric, green tea, vitamins C and D, to support beautiful skin from within). Evening: Re-cleanse (same cleansers) and apply No7 Laboratories Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate (contains pure 0.3% retinol combined with Matrixyl 3000+ peptides and bisabolol), layering with Jan Marini Age Intervention Duality for my acne-prone chin every other night. Apply Biopelle Tensage Stem Cell Eye Cream to the under-eye area to help with puffiness, fine lines and dark circles, and No7 Laboratories HydraLuminous Overnight Recovery Gel Cream to the face and neck (has a protective antioxidant blend of vitamins C and E, mulberry and bisabolol for supporting skin's natural recovery from the day's environmental stresses). Layer nourishing neck cream (this one has peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and bisabolol). Moisturize body with AmLactin Lotion, layering with Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter, and hands with Soap & Glory Hand Food. Additional treatments: Once a week: Alternative between sheet masks (if skin appears dull and I need brightening, I'll use the Soap & Glory Bright & Beautiful Mask; if I need extra moisture and anti-aging benefits, I like No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Boost Sheet Masks). Once a month: Venus Freeze Radiofrequency Treatment (to help my skin look its best and slow down aging) and HydraFacial Treatment (helps minimize clogged pores and acne breakouts). I also get monthly IV glutathione and vitamin C antioxidant treatments, which helps with skin brightening and overall health and immunity. Wendy Roberts, MD Skin type: Dry (with t-zone combination). Approach: Living in sunny SoCal, I rely heavily on products with super-antioxidants that can be used as my sun-protection warriors. Women with brown skin may not wrinkle a lot as we age, but our skin is prone to unevenness, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation. This occurs no matter where you live—sunny or not. I believe in product rotation. It's great for your skin to experience new ingredients (you also don't want to get stuck in a rut and maybe miss an outstanding skin product). I rotate one product at a time to avoid overwhelming my skin cells with different ingredients. Morning: Cleanse skin. I like to use ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish or Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask because it gives a deep clean and keeps my face glowing. I also use my Clarisonic brush with both products to increase the depth of the exfoliation and exercise those pores, eliminating sebum and pollutants. I like to tell my patients this is multidimensional cleaning: from the outer skin to the deeper hair follicle structures, which we commonly call 'pores.' Apply a vitamin-rich serum, such as SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic or La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum to my face neck and backs of my hands. Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum also has an innovative penetration technology of antioxidants to protect from both UV rays and pollution. Moisturize. Depending on the season, I alternate between SENTE Dermal Repair Cream, which is light and boosts hydration levels in the skin, and ALASTIN Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment, which I use on my face and neck because I am a fan of peptides and this has the TriHex technology that I love. When needing a heavier product, I like Restorsea Night Cream, which I use during the day and when the weather cools down and I am super dry. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is another go-to product because of its skin barrier-enhancing properties. Finish with SPF. My favorites are SENTE Invisible Shield Tinted Sunscreen and Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. I recommend an SPF of at least 30 for your face if you live in the sunbelt (higher if you are fair). I also like mixing my SPF with primer (such as the matte offerings from Sacha Cosmetics and Grown Alchemist) if I am spending an extended period of time outside. For additional makeup, I'm obsessed with Dermablend Flawless Creator. This has more pigment than any other liquid foundation I've tried so a little goes along way—I can cover my entire face with two drops! For my body, I use Dove for Sensitive Skin Body Wash applied with a natural hand loofah, then finish up with La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm while my skin is still moist. CeraVe, Eucerin, and even coconut and almond oils, also make great body moisturizers. Evening: Wash with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and pollution from makeup, which can prevent pores from exfoliating themselves properly (favorites include La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser and Avene Oil-Free Gel Cleanser). Use La Roche-Posay Ultra Miceller Water to remove any excess face and eye makeup. Apply retinol (such as ZO Skin Health Wrinkle + Texture or U. SK Under Skin Advanced Retinol Restorer) to the face and neck, as retinoids are the foundation of youthful skin, save for the night I apply my CO2Lift Mask. Additional treatments: Once a week: CO2Lift Mask (to keep skin hydrated, glowing and firm; pairs well with all products so you don't have to worry about product interaction). Once a month: Facial with a lot of steam and masking (for clearing out pores and rejuvenating skin). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit