The Guru IndexReviewersTea with MD
Tea with MD
Dermatologist

Tea with MD.

Tea with MD is a Stanford- and NYU-trained dermatologist and haircare founder who reviews serums, sunscreens, and essences. Her audience loves the blend of clinical credibility and genuine product enthusiasm, with consistently strong recommendations across skincare.

Why Are They A Guru?
Stanford- and NYU-trained dermatologist who pairs clinical credibility with genuine product enthusiasm across skincare.
65Products
61 approved98% approval rate
1 skippedDoesn't pull punches
0 hot takesWhere they break from the pack
The hall of fame

Tea with MD's top picks.

The products Tea with MD has crowned best in their category, and brings up again and again.

★ Best retinoid for sensitive skin
AlphaRet Overnight Cream
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
This product is a lactic acid based exfoliant so it's a chemical exfoliant it also has licorice root which is meant for brightening it has aloe for calming down your skin as well as lemongrass for helping with skin radiance. I use this on nights when I'm not using my retinoid. I find that this leaves my skin texture feeling really smooth it helps to unclog my pores and it's just a really nice gentle treatment that gives me all the benefits of an exfoliant without leaving my skin feeling stinging or over exfoliated.
★ Best vitamin c serum
Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
skinbetter science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
This is an absolute Holy Grail product for me and probably one of my top three products of all time that I use every single day. This has THD ascorbate vitamin E but also 17 other antioxidants. I really think of this as more than just a vitamin C because it really takes kind of a holistic approach to treating your skin. In addition to vitamin C and E, it also has this patented antioxidant called LL-PQQ which helps your body fight free radical production as well as reactive oxidative species from the sun. It also has plankton extract which contains an enzyme that helps to repair existing DNA damage, ergothionine which is an antioxidant, babol for calming soothing effects, niacinamide which is another antioxidant as well as a brightener, licorice extract which is a brightener for dark spots, and tri-floro acetal tripeptide 2 which is a peptide that helps to improve the appearance of skin elasticity and firmness. So it really is like a vitamin C plus product. This definitely comes with a heftier price tag.
★ Best 2% liquid bha exfoliant
Polish Choice
2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Polish Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
I've been really liking this. It's a Holy Grail 2% Liquid BHA exfoliant, great for use on the nights that you're not using your retinoid. It smells really good, but if you're allergic to fragrance and you don't prefer it then you might not want to use this product.
By the numbers

What they review most.

Every take, in full

Every review.

All 65 products Tea with MD has reviewed, grouped by product type. Click a product to see the full guru consensus.

All takes Approved only Skip only Against the gurus
Serums14 reviews
"For the daytime, I prefer a lighter cream and this one is really perfect for that. It's powered by squalane, which is an awesome ingredient because it mimics natural skin lipids without clogging your pores. This is ideal for combination or oily skin that still wants that hydration but doesn't want worsening acne or oiliness. This has been a great morning moisturizer for me because it layers really well under makeup and also sunscreen."
Approved
81%of gurus approve
"The SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Peptide Cream is packed with ceramides, peptides, and humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. It also has red algae for extra help with locking in moisture. I really love its rich, buttery texture. It feels super nourishing on my skin. It is often spoken of as a dupe for the Skin Sudicles triple lipid restore."
Approved
84%of gurus approve
All 4 takes on Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Peptide Cream
Sephora 2024 Holiday Sale: Dermatologist Top Picks!
"I am actually obsessed with it because it reminds me a lot of another really awesome and rich thick moisturizer for winter but without the hefty price tag. I also like that there's a lot of science behind it. This contains the 3.5% patented BL3 barrier lipid complex, which contains biomimetic lipids meaning ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in the optimized golden ratio that helps your skin barrier stay really strong and hydrated. It also has vitamin B9 folic acid and vitamin E and signal peptides for skin cell regeneration, wound healing, and repair of cells. BL3 was found to improve barrier contents of ceramides and lipids as well as natural moisturizing factors and aquaporin three levels in the skin. Aquaporins are channels in your cell membrane that help facilitate water entry and movement in and out of cells, so it helps you maintain more hydrated skin and a better and more functional skin barrier. I really like the texture of this. It goes on really thick."
Winter Skincare Swaps: How to Transition Your Routine for Dry, Cold Weather
"The SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Peptide Cream is packed with ceramides, peptides, and humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. It also has red algae for extra help with locking in moisture. I really love its rich, buttery texture. It feels super nourishing on my skin. It is often spoken of as a dupe for the Skin Sudicles triple lipid restore."
Dermatologist Guide to Sephora Sale | What I’m Buying!
"It is pretty thick. There's no smell so this is not likely to cause allergic reactions if you're sensitive to fragrance. This is definitely a very rich and extremely hydrating moisturizer for fall and winter, especially great if you have eczema prone skin or dry skin. I've been a fan of SkinFix for many years across many different product lines and so this one is no different. It's really, really nourishing and hydrating. It doesn't exactly evaporate quickly, which I think is good. You don't want a moisturizer that just absorbs in after a few seconds, so I think this will really do a good job of keeping your skin moisturized all night, even with your heater blaring."
SIMPLE ACCUTANE SKINCARE ROUTINE | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"It has ceramides and anti-inflammatory properties in the form of aloe. I love how thick it is, it's really luxurious feeling cream. I think this is a wonderful one for Accutane skin because it will really deeply hydrate your skin and there's a whole host of these other benefits as well."
"This product is a lactic acid based exfoliant, so it's a chemical exfoliant. It also has licorice root which is meant for brightening, it has aloe for calming down your skin as well as lemongrass for helping with skin radiance. I have sensitive skin and exfoliants are usually pretty harsh on my skin and can cause me to turn red or sting, but this one has been very gentle and it has left my skin feeling really smooth. I use this on nights when I'm not using my retinoid, and I find that this leaves my skin texture feeling really smooth, it helps to unclog my pores, and it's just a really nice gentle treatment that gives me all the benefits of an exfoliant without leaving my skin feeling stinging or over exfoliated."
Approved
72%of gurus approve
"Not only has azelaic acid 10% but also BHA or salicylic acid 5% so that's an exfoliant and can help even more with lifting some stubborn pigment or post-acne marks. This one also has licorice root extract which is another one of our ingredients for brightening and helping to lift pigment. So all in all this is a wonderful choice if you're struggling with some post-acne marks, if you still have active acne or rosacea, but you are trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding, this is a good option for you."
Approved
73%of gurus approve
"It has 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, so it's very, very similar to the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic."
~Mixed
78%of gurus approve
"The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum has 15% L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, so it's very similar to the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, and it also contains some extra goodies like pumpkin ferment for exfoliation. What I think is interesting about this one is that you actually mix it fresh before use. It comes with a liquid serum and it has the vitamin C powder, and you put it together and shake it around, and then you have a freshly mixed and freshly made vitamin C serum. I like that because sometimes you buy a product and it just sits on your shelf for a really long time and you might forget about it or you don't know how long that product has already been sitting on the shelf. I like that you can control when you actually make the vitamin C serum, so that once you mix it, you know that you should start using it and that's when the clock starts for when the vitamin C might start to oxidize. I also like that it comes in this type of pump packaging versus a dropper, where you have to remove the dropper and expose the whole bottle to air every single time, so I prefer this packaging."
Approved
65%of gurus approve
"Bare Bones vitamin C serum that basically contains THD ascorbate and a ton of different types of ceramides. Ceramides you can think of as the glue that holds your skin cells, the bricks, together, so it helps your skin perform its main function of being a tight impermeable barrier. It helps with skin barrier function but it also helps with your skin holding on to and retaining water by making sure that you don't get that transepidermal water loss. The Vanicream one is a great option for those of you who want an affordable Bare Bones THD ascorbate based vitamin C that gets the job done without breaking the bank."
Approved
79%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Vitamin C Serum
Dermatologist Explains: Vitamin C 101 | Dr. Joyce Park
"Bare Bones vitamin C serum that basically contains THD ascorbate and a ton of different types of ceramides. Ceramides you can think of as the glue that holds your skin cells, the bricks, together, so it helps your skin perform its main function of being a tight impermeable barrier. It helps with skin barrier function but it also helps with your skin holding on to and retaining water by making sure that you don't get that transepidermal water loss. The Vanicream one is a great option for those of you who want an affordable Bare Bones THD ascorbate based vitamin C that gets the job done without breaking the bank."
Ultimate Summer Skincare Transition Guide | Dr. Joyce Park
"The Vanicream Vitamin C Serum is a really great affordable option. It's THD ascorbate based and goes on like a lightweight serum so it's hydrating enough that I don't have to use an additional serum or moisturizer in the morning."
"The Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and pine polyphenols, which are another class of antioxidants. I like this one because it is very lightweight but still hydrating. It comes out as a serum and it's really easy to layer over. It doesn't irritate my skin, so I'm a big fan of this one."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"The Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum is 20% vitamin C in the form of THD ascorbate, 3% vitamin E, and 2% ferulic acid. I really like because it comes out like a hydrating serum. I can just use this in place of a moisturizer and it offers absolutely zero irritation. I love THD ascorbate as opposed to L-ascorbic acid because my sensitive skin just loves this stuff and I can use it every day and not have any issues. You can see how silky and lightweight this is, it's perfect for layering, and it's just a really cosmetically elegant formula that causes zero irritation or stinging."
Approved
81%of gurus approve
All 4 takes on Potent-C Power Serum
Dermatologist Explains: Vitamin C 101 | Dr. Joyce Park
"The Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum is 20% vitamin C in the form of THD ascorbate, 3% vitamin E, and 2% ferulic acid. I really like because it comes out like a hydrating serum. I can just use this in place of a moisturizer and it offers absolutely zero irritation. I love THD ascorbate as opposed to L-ascorbic acid because my sensitive skin just loves this stuff and I can use it every day and not have any issues. You can see how silky and lightweight this is, it's perfect for layering, and it's just a really cosmetically elegant formula that causes zero irritation or stinging."
Ultimate Summer Skincare Transition Guide | Dr. Joyce Park
"The Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum is THD ascorbate based and also a serum, and it's so good. I love it."
Ultimate Black Friday Cyber Monday Skincare Sale Picks | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"As a serum it's almost like a lightweight cream. I really like this texture especially for fall and winter when my skin is dry, especially during pregnancy my skin is super dry, and it forms a hydrating base to the point where I don't usually need to use moisturizer afterwards. I've been using this personally as my vitamin C during the winter because it's very hydrating and very moisturizing."
Part 2️⃣ of what this
"This is from Peter Thomas Roth and it's the Potent-C Power Serum. This has 20% of THD ascorbate which is my personal favorite type of vitamin C. It's lipid soluble, it's very stabilized, it's less irritating for my sensitive skin than L ascorbic acid which is in a lot of other vitamin C preparations. It also has 3% vitamin E antioxidant and 2% ferulic acid. I like it because it comes out as a serum as opposed to like a liquid or an oil which a lot of other vitamin C's come out as. It's very hydrating, it's not irritating at all, and I've been really liking it as a base. Vitamin C has a whole host of benefits, it helps to brighten, neutralize free radical damage from the sun. This has been a really cool new product that I've been liking."
"This is an absolute Holy Grail product for me and probably one of my top three products of all time that I use every single day. This has THD ascorbate vitamin E but also 17 other antioxidants. I really think of this as more than just a vitamin C because it really takes kind of a holistic approach to treating your skin. In addition to vitamin C and E, it also has this patented antioxidant called LL-PQQ which helps your body fight free radical production as well as reactive oxidative species from the sun. It also has plankton extract which contains an enzyme that helps to repair existing DNA damage, ergothionine which is an antioxidant, babol for calming soothing effects, niacinamide which is another antioxidant as well as a brightener, licorice extract which is a brightener for dark spots, and tri-floro acetal tripeptide 2 which is a peptide that helps to improve the appearance of skin elasticity and firmness. So it really is like a vitamin C plus product. This definitely comes with a heftier price tag."
Approved
87%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
Dermatologist Explains: Vitamin C 101 | Dr. Joyce Park
"This is an absolute Holy Grail product for me and probably one of my top three products of all time that I use every single day. This has THD ascorbate vitamin E but also 17 other antioxidants. I really think of this as more than just a vitamin C because it really takes kind of a holistic approach to treating your skin. In addition to vitamin C and E, it also has this patented antioxidant called LL-PQQ which helps your body fight free radical production as well as reactive oxidative species from the sun. It also has plankton extract which contains an enzyme that helps to repair existing DNA damage, ergothionine which is an antioxidant, babol for calming soothing effects, niacinamide which is another antioxidant as well as a brightener, licorice extract which is a brightener for dark spots, and tri-floro acetal tripeptide 2 which is a peptide that helps to improve the appearance of skin elasticity and firmness. So it really is like a vitamin C plus product. This definitely comes with a heftier price tag."
Ultimate Summer Skincare Transition Guide | Dr. Joyce Park
"The skinbetter science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum has THD ascorbate, which is a very nonirritating lipid soluble form of vitamin C and this is my personal favorite. It goes on like a lightweight serum so it's hydrating enough that I don't have to use an additional serum or moisturizer in the morning."
"The Topicals Faded serum is marketed as a serum that can be helpful for dark spots, whether it's post-acne marks or dark spots from the sun, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or even something to use in your underarms. This contains a whole host of anti-dark mark ingredients that are really great. It obviously contains niacinamide. It also contains tranexamic acid, which is an ingredient that I like to use for melasma. Topical tranexamic acid can work in conjunction with other brighteners to help lighten up dark spots. This product also contains azelaic acid, which is another multitasking favorite of mine. Azelaic acid is a great option for treating redness and inflammation, and it actually is a really great ingredient for treating acne in pregnant women because it is one of those that are safe to use. In addition to treating redness and inflammation, azelaic acid can also help with hyperpigmentation, which is why it is in this formulation."
Approved
86%of gurus approve
"I cannot provide a quote about Paula's Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment from this transcript window, as the reviewer does not discuss that product in the provided text. The window discusses other niacinamide products but not Paula's Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment."
Approved
66%of gurus approve
"This 10% azelaic acid booster is just the right balance. The C15 Super Booster has 15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid. This is a wonderful vitamin C that does not burn my sensitive skin and it also comes as an eye cream as well so I really like that."
Approved
74%of gurus approve
"I've seen a couple skin care products with this type of technology, however usually this type of technology is also accompanied by extensive clinical testing. I would like to see some data about how this product performed on humans, on human skin, maybe even how it performs on human skin cells. I'd love to see some more clinical testing data, and usually with this type of technology it is linked to some type of white paper where they talk about how this technology has been tested and specifically how it has been tested in this formulation. So because this technology is more advanced, I would like to see some more data on it, especially if the serum is $90. It's not cheap. This product also contains glycerin, which is a humectant, witch hazel, which can be drying sometimes for sensitive skin types, lactic acid, an exfoliant and AHA, squalane, and some other fruit extracts. When I looked on the website, because this is only sold on her website, I couldn't find very much information about it. I couldn't find any clinical data, and I've never tested it myself, so it's hard for me to say whether or not I recommend this product without being able to review any more of the data."
~Mixed
67%of gurus approve
Sunscreen11 reviews
"This is the DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41 and I was just introduced to this product and I'm like how have I not been using this for years. This is a multitasker extreme. It contains SPF 41 sunscreen but it also does color correction, it's also a concealer, it helps to hydrate, and it gives you some protection. A little bit goes a long way. It comes out with this metal tip applicator that's also cooling and soothing, and you only need half a pump for each eye. The color is a peachy tone that helps to cancel out the blue undertones in the under eyes which give the appearance of dark circles. It has zinc oxide 12% and titanium dioxide 10%. This is my new favorite product. I'm wearing it right now and I find that it really does make a big difference for the bluish undertones in my under eyes, and it's a multitasker so it saves you time."
Approved
89%of gurus approve
"There's no white cast whatsoever and it's extremely lightweight and breathable. It can feel a little tiny bit tackier, but it's a really great option. This has a lot more skincare ingredients like vitamin C in the form of a vitamin C ester which can help with antioxidant activity as well as help brighten. It also has vitamin E which works synergistically with that vitamin C, hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture, and babol and ginger root which can help to calm down the skin and also decrease the appearance of redness. In my mind this is not just a sunscreen, it's like sunscreen plus skincare. It does contain a lot of brightening and calming agents that I think would be great for you if you struggle with dark spots."
Approved
73%of gurus approve
"It really just feels so hydrating. It has a really nice universally flattering tint. The tint is less orangey on me than the others that I've talked about already. The LightSaver one is the most non-orangy on me, which I really appreciate. It does also just provide light coverage, but this is a really elegant sunscreen that I think is wonderful for day-to-day use. If you are looking for something that has a whipped mousse texture that offers more hydration, then this is it."
Approved
82%of gurus approve
"This goes beyond just a sunscreen because it offers so many other skin loving benefits. The tint is pretty great. It rubs in really well, no white cast, and it does give a really nice, almost matte finish. It definitely covers up any imperfections and I would say this is a pretty universally flattering tint. I love the sunscreen and I'm obsessed with this sunscreen brand and the Eryfotona line and I will forever be singing its praises."
Approved
88%of gurus approve
"It's a lightweight quick absorbing serum that I think is really great for those with oily skin. It comes out yellow in color but feels more like a jelly. It rubs in really easily, so it's like a lightweight jelly that is really hydrating. It definitely has a strong scent, so if you are sensitive to scent you might want to be mindful of that. But it feels honestly so good on the skin. This feels like an elegant, nice, hydrating lightweight serum in of itself and it has the added benefit of sunscreen. It's even easier to reapply because you can just apply it in layers on top of each other throughout the day because it is so lightweight and absorbs so easily and it doesn't build up and cause pilling. It also contains niacinamide and ginseng extract in addition, plus Jasmine oil for its soothing properties. The main thing that sets this product apart is really the texture, so this one can be for oily acne prone skin."
Approved
69%of gurus approve
"This is a really great soothing anti-inflammatory and hydrating sunscreen. It's also really affordable, only $10 to $12 on various websites that help you bring Korean sunscreens over to the US, and it comes in 1.69 fluid ounces, which is pretty much the standard size for all of the sunscreens."
Approved
88%of gurus approve
"I love the sunscreen, Beet The Sun. Like, it's so elegant, no white cast, rubs in so well."
Approved
89%of gurus approve
"The Tatcha Silk Sunscreen has a really flattering tint. A lot of tints are too dark for my skin, but this one is just very lightly tinted and I really like how this goes on."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"The Beauty of Joseon matte sunscreen stick is really great, especially for summertime because it is matte, it's oil absorbing, and it goes on totally clear."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"EltaMD UV Clear is always one of my recommendations for patients who have rosacea or acne prone skin, and the reason for that is because it contains niacinamide which can help with both acne and rosacea. It's also an antioxidant and can also help brighten up some dark spots and scars. This one is zinc oxide nine percent and octinoxate seven and a half percent, so it is a hybrid sunscreen with a mineral sunscreen component and a chemical sunscreen component as well. This one is oil free, non-comedogenic so it doesn't clog your pores, really great for oily acne prone skin, and it also contains some hyaluronic acid to help hydrate your skin."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"The EltaMD UV Elements has been a holy grail for a long time. I just really love how this goes on with a very creamy texture, it feels hydrating with the perfect amount of coverage. This one is a purely physical blocker, mineral blocker, zinc oxide 10, titanium dioxide 5.5, and it really has a wonderful tint that's universally flattering. It also contains hyaluronic acid so it gives you a little bit of that hydration and helps you retain moisture as well."
Approved
89%of gurus approve
Cleansers10 reviews
"I featured the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser in my winter skincare video. And spoiler alert, I'm still using it. It's milky, creamy, non-foaming, fragrance-free, and packed with niacinamide, ceramides, and panthenol to support hydration and that healthy skin barrier."
Approved
75%of gurus approve
All 3 takes on Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Winter Skincare Swaps: How to Transition Your Routine for Dry, Cold Weather
"I featured the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser in my winter skincare video. And spoiler alert, I'm still using it. It's milky, creamy, non-foaming, fragrance-free, and packed with niacinamide, ceramides, and panthenol to support hydration and that healthy skin barrier."
Dermatologist's Pregnancy Safe Skincare Routine
"The other cleanser that I've been reaching for a lot is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane hydrating cleanser and this is made for sensitive skin. This one contains ceramide 3 as well as LRP Prebiotic thermal water which has these soothing antioxidant hydrating properties. It also has glycerin which is a nice humectant and niacinamide which is another antioxidant and can also help brighten. I've been using this one for a really long time as well. It's great for sensitive skin. It never triggers any of my rosacea or my redness. In fact it helps to calm it down and it never causes any stinging or burning."
SIMPLE ACCUTANE SKINCARE ROUTINE | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"I love using this for Accutane patients, acne patients, and rosacea patients, as well as anyone who has a damaged skin barrier from using maybe too many actives. This one contains ceramides, niacinamide, which is an antioxidant and can help with brightening some dark acne marks, and it also has the La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water. It comes out like a moisturizing gel cream cleanser. I really like the texture, and whenever my skin is really sensitive or irritated, this is my go-to."
"This is the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, the original, so this is the yellow one. I love it because it is so luxurious with a wonderful fragrance. This contains starflower oil, elderberry oil, wheat germ, and oat oils. This is your first step in the double cleansing method -- on days when I wear a lot of makeup, foundation, sticky things like mascara, I will always do a double cleanse: first you use an oil-based cleanser and follow that up with a water-based cleanser, and doing this method will really help to remove all of the sweat, dirt, grime, makeup, oils, all the things that collect on your face as you go about your day. This one starts off as a balm, and then you put it on your face and as it warms, as it dissolves, it dissolves into this really rich, luxe oil, and then after that when you put water on it, it becomes kind of like this milky solution. I really like this one because it is a wonderful first step and a wonderful introduction to my nighttime skincare routine. It also does a really good job of not over-stripping my skin -- I feel like some cleansers leave your skin feeling really tight and dry, which is not what you want. This one really leaves my skin cleansed but also feeling really hydrated and prepared for that second cleanse. I've used it all up -- this one is an empty."
Approved
84%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Sephora 2024 Holiday Sale: Dermatologist Top Picks!
"This is the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, the original, so this is the yellow one. I love it because it is so luxurious with a wonderful fragrance. This contains starflower oil, elderberry oil, wheat germ, and oat oils. This is your first step in the double cleansing method -- on days when I wear a lot of makeup, foundation, sticky things like mascara, I will always do a double cleanse: first you use an oil-based cleanser and follow that up with a water-based cleanser, and doing this method will really help to remove all of the sweat, dirt, grime, makeup, oils, all the things that collect on your face as you go about your day. This one starts off as a balm, and then you put it on your face and as it warms, as it dissolves, it dissolves into this really rich, luxe oil, and then after that when you put water on it, it becomes kind of like this milky solution. I really like this one because it is a wonderful first step and a wonderful introduction to my nighttime skincare routine. It also does a really good job of not over-stripping my skin -- I feel like some cleansers leave your skin feeling really tight and dry, which is not what you want. This one really leaves my skin cleansed but also feeling really hydrated and prepared for that second cleanse. I've used it all up -- this one is an empty."
Dermatologist FAVORITE SKINCARE Picks from Dermstore's 2023 SALE
"I had a full face of makeup on like foundation, lots of eye shadow, eyelash glue, the whole thing, and at the end of the day it really felt so good to go in with my ELEMIS Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, melt it into my hands using the warmth of my hands, and then kind of massage it all over my skin and it just melts into my skin. What I love about this product is of course it does a good job of removing my makeup, dirt, grime, sunscreen debris, whatever has collected on my face from the day, but it also leaves my skin feeling really, really soft and hydrated and it feels very luxurious. There is a smell to it, so if you are sensitive to smells this may not be the product for you, but I personally really like this scent. Ingredients-wise, this balm contains brown algae called Pavina havanika found off the coast of the Mediterranean, which helps support hydration in the skin, Elderberry oil, which also helps with hydration and with taking off your makeup, and Starflower oil, which contains high concentrations of gamma linoleic acid, which is important to your skin health and keeping it supple and soft. This ELEMIS Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm is a pricey product at 68 dollars, but it's currently 20 percent off as part of the anniversary sale, so this would be a splurge item or a good item to buy as a gift."
"I brought my CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser."
Approved
84%of gurus approve
All 4 takes on Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Skincare Routine for 10 to 12 Year Olds?! | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"For cleanser I do recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. I've recommended this many times before and I actually use this myself every night. It is a very, very, very gentle as well as hydrating formula. It contains ceramides, which is the main stay of CeraVe's developments and products, and it's just very good for sensitive skin, oily skin, combination skin, acne skin."
Anything you would add? What I’m packing in my
"I brought my CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser."
Dermatologist's Pregnancy Safe Skincare Routine
"The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has three types of ceramides and hyaluronic acid and this is just a very gentle cleanser that I've used for a long time. It's affordable as well. I don't believe in spending a lot of money on cleansers because these products are only on your face for a minute or so, and I think your money is better spent on other things with more active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids."
SIMPLE ACCUTANE SKINCARE ROUTINE | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"For a gentle and hydrating cleanser, I would recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This contains three types of ceramides as well as hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that helps your skin hold on to and retain moisture. It's also very affordable, it's very gentle, it comes in a large size, and I use this myself actually as my regular nighttime cleanser."
"If you are using a lot of foundation or heavy makeup that day I do recommend doing an oil-based cleanse first to remove all that makeup. The Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm comes as a very lightweight little jar so I like using it for travel and it is very affordable at less than $20. This one contains all sorts of antioxidants like vitamin E, jojoba oil, eucalyptus oil, avocado oil and clove leaf oil and all of that helps to keep the skin moisturized. It does have a slight refreshing scent almost like a minty smell so if you don't like that you may not want to use this product, but I like using this product. It feels really luxurious and just nice, almost like a little massage at the end of the day to remove all of my makeup before prepping my skin for the next cleanse."
Approved
78%of gurus approve
"The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser comes out as a gel but then as you're using it on your face and lathering it on, it becomes more of a bubbly foamy cleanser and it does a really good job of getting rid of the oils without leaving your face feeling really dry, prone to wrinkly, and like stretched really tightly. It also contains a blend of niacinamide, which is an antioxidant and good for acne-prone skin, hyaluronic acid to help hydrate, as well as its characteristic ceramide blend. Ceramides are like the glue that holds your skin cells, which are the bricks, together, and it is an important step in helping you maintain the health of your skin barrier."
Approved
82%of gurus approve
"PanOxyl wash is a benzoyl peroxide wash that comes in percentages from 4% all the way up to max strength at 10%, and you can choose which one you want to use depending on how sensitive your skin is, how oily your skin is, and how severe your acne is. So if you have very sensitive skin, stick with the 4%. If you have very oily skin, very severe acne, and not sensitive skin at all, you could work your way up to the 10%. Benzoyl peroxide is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and it's a really great staple product that I like to have my patients use both on their face as well as all over their body, so it can help treat chest, knee, and back acne. It's really convenient to use in the shower. One thing I always say is that benzoyl peroxide can be very drying, so you don't want to use it every day. You kind of want to see how your skin reacts and then listen to it. You can titrate up usage if your skin gets used to it. And secondly, benzoyl peroxide can bleach your towels, so just keep an eye out for that and don't get alarmed if you see orange stains or white spots on your towels."
Approved
78%of gurus approve
"The Then I Met You cleansing balm is beautiful, it's this beautiful orange color and it reminds me of mango sorbet. It smells amazing with hints of rosemary, peppermint, and grapefruit in its scent notes, and I'm someone that likes fragrance and I enjoy that sensorial experience so I really like smelling it and using it every night to take off my makeup. The composition of this cleansing balm is very, very rich in lipids and oils, it has grapeseed oil, olive oil, and seabuckthorn oil, so this is very rich in linolic acid and other fatty acids. It comes with a scooper, so you scoop out a dime-sized amount, kind of roll it between your fingertips, and then I just go in and smooth it on all over. Then I will wet my hands with warm water, wet my face to emulsify it, and then wash some more, and it does a really great job of removing seabuckthorn or oil makeup and sunscreen, it dissolves right away. The oil-based cleanser takes off all of these more oily substances that we may be putting on our skin."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"She has been using this DHC cleansing oil for a very long time and she says she really likes it because it leaves her skin feeling hydrated like it doesn't strip her skin. She has told me and also in videos that we've made together that one of her biggest skin issues is dryness and eczema and she's had this her entire life ever since she was a little girl. She has struggled with dry skin especially during the winters so she swears by this oil. I personally was able to try a little bit of it and I think it's really awesome. I know it's a much more affordable yet still very effective cleansing oil if you like oils more than balms."
Approved
84%of gurus approve
"Another cleanser I really love is one I've talked about before, it's from Youth to the People and it's their Superfood Cleanser. This contains a blend of kale, green tea, and spinach so it's loaded up with antioxidants and vitamins, and even though it's a gel cleanser it really doesn't strip my face of moisture. I feel like it does a really good job in terms of cleaning my makeup off, even kind of stubborn mascara. During the summer time we are wearing tons of sunscreen, we're sweating, so you really need a cleanser that is very effective at removing all of that from your face."
Approved
70%of gurus approve
"One of the ones I like to recommend for summer, especially if you have acne, is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, and this comes with two percent salicylic acid. We know salicylic acid is one of our favorite BHAs because it really gets into the pores and helps clean out pores and reduce that appearance of oiliness and gets rid of all that gunk that's stuck in there. It can also help reduce the appearance of blackheads, so that's a great cleanser to use if you are struggling with acne or blackheads. You can even go ahead and use it on the rest of your body if you have acne on your chest or knee."
Approved
84%of gurus approve
Moisturizers8 reviews
"This is a sheer radiance stick that melts right into the skin, and it's perfect for anyone who wants that glow without shimmer. I really like these types of balms because they're actually hydrating, and they give dimension to dry or dull skin. I also love this stick balm applicator because it's perfect to use on the go. It gives this nice buildable finish, so it's not like too much goes on all at once. You can even use this on your lids for a fresh and romantic look."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"This is one of my favorite K-beauty brands that launched last year in Sephora. This is the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream and it is so, so hydrating and easy to use. This is a dermatologist-developed formula that delivers up to 120 hours of hydration. It has this really, really rich texture that's great for sensitive skin or post-treatment skin -- that's because I personally fall under that category and I have a lot of patients who do as well. This brand actually did clinical testing for use of this product after microneedling and found that it helped to reduce visible redness and roughness. The Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream contains barrier-boosting ceramide capsules that deliver three different types of ceramides. They have their patented barrier-boosting ceramide blend, which contains high-density ceramides that fill in the moisture gaps in your sensitive skin for hydration. It also has a really cool capsule technology that keeps ceramides in the skin barrier longer for extra hydration. And then it has a unique triple lipid complex -- a ratio of ceramides, fatty acids, and -- I'm just going to squeeze this out for you -- look at that, it's like a whipped marshmallow."
Approved
89%of gurus approve
"The Tower 28 Daily Barrier Recovery Cream. I love this one because it is so so hydrating, but really feels lightweight. Doesn't feel like there's anything heavy on your skin. It's an intentionally basic daily moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. The founder suffered from severe eczema and wanted to formulate something intentionally basic, going back to just the essentials to cut out all the other ingredients that might be irritating to your skin. She formulated this with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, all hydrating ingredients meant to help repair your skin barrier. And it truly is a fast absorbing cushiony soft cream that's not sticky. It won't clog your pores. It won't cause breakouts. And it doesn't sting at all. I love how it instantly hydrates your skin and soothes irritation. Ceramides act like mortar, the glue holding your skin cells together. So it helps to support your healthy skin barrier by keeping moisture in and bad stuff like irritants and microbes out."
Approved
82%of gurus approve
"This product is a lactic acid based exfoliant so it's a chemical exfoliant it also has licorice root which is meant for brightening it has aloe for calming down your skin as well as lemongrass for helping with skin radiance. I use this on nights when I'm not using my retinoid. I find that this leaves my skin texture feeling really smooth it helps to unclog my pores and it's just a really nice gentle treatment that gives me all the benefits of an exfoliant without leaving my skin feeling stinging or over exfoliated."
Approved
84%of gurus approve
All 3 takes on AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Black Friday Skincare Sale Dr Joyce Park
"This product is a lactic acid based exfoliant so it's a chemical exfoliant it also has licorice root which is meant for brightening it has aloe for calming down your skin as well as lemongrass for helping with skin radiance. I use this on nights when I'm not using my retinoid. I find that this leaves my skin texture feeling really smooth it helps to unclog my pores and it's just a really nice gentle treatment that gives me all the benefits of an exfoliant without leaving my skin feeling stinging or over exfoliated."
Ultimate Summer Skincare Transition Guide | Dr. Joyce Park
"My personal favorite retinoid-containing product is the skinbetter science AlphaRet Overnight Cream. That's the only retinoid that my really sensitive, rosacea-prone skin can tolerate. It's actually a retinoid conjugated with lactic acid, along with a whole host of other goodies. That's my retinoid of choice for those with sensitive skin."
Barbie Margot Robbie's $1,600 Skincare Routine?! Dermatologist Reacts
"SkinBetter Science AlphaRet is a very very gentle retinoid that's conjugated with an AHA and it's the only retinoid that I can tolerate. Knowing specifically that someone has sensitive skin I would recommend that product for them and they can even use that with peel pads."
"Their triple lipid cream is a favorite of mine for the winter months but they also came out with a lighter more fast absorbing gel consistency for the spring and summer months. This has the same patent pending BL3 lipid complex which contains a patent pending blend of vitamins lipids and peptides that can really help to repair your skin barrier. I find that this formulation is really soothing as well as hydrating without being overpowering and I love that SkinFix came out with a version of this that's heavier for the winter months and then this version for the warmer months."
Approved
73%of gurus approve
"I brought this La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 in case my hand get dry."
Approved
88%of gurus approve
"I love recommending the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water cream to patients because it's affordable, it's very simple to use, it's no fuss, it's fragrance-free, it's great for those with acne, it's super hydrating without feeling very heavy or greasy on the skin so you can use this morning or night. It contains hyaluronic acid, natural moisturizing factors, tons of amino acids, electrolytes, essential lipids, and ceramides."
Approved
87%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Hydro Boost Water Gel
SIMPLE ACCUTANE SKINCARE ROUTINE | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"I love recommending the Neutrogena Hydro Boost water cream to patients because it's affordable, it's very simple to use, it's no fuss, it's fragrance-free, it's great for those with acne, it's super hydrating without feeling very heavy or greasy on the skin so you can use this morning or night. It contains hyaluronic acid, natural moisturizing factors, tons of amino acids, electrolytes, essential lipids, and ceramides."
A Dermatologist's Summer Skincare Guide | Top Products Picks
"One of the moisturizers that I like to recommend for summertime is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, not the cream or water cream slash gel which is really thick for winter time, but this is the watery gel and this is non-comedogenic, meaning non-pore clogging, and it really goes on like a gel but it provides this great hydration overnight. The main ingredient in the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that will help your skin hold on to and retain moisture, and it's just a really great formula that's also really affordable and you can find it at every drugstore."
"The Tatcha Water Cream has been a holy grail of mine for a really long time. It really helps to hydrate without feeling heavy or sticky at all. It is formulated with Japanese rose and also Japanese lily, so one helps to tighten pores and smooth the skin texture and one helps to kind of clamp down on excess oil. It also comes with this proprietary blend called the Harasé 3 complex which consists of green tea, rice, and algae. I know this one is a little bit pricier than a typical drugstore option, but that's why I like to offer a range of pricing in all the products I recommend so that you can test them and kind of pick one that fits your preferences and your budget."
Approved
83%of gurus approve
Other7 reviews
"This has tranexamic acid 1%, kojic acid and 5% niacinamide as well as their proprietary Heavies complex for brightening. I used to use this in clinic quite a bit after I performed a laser procedure like a Pico Shore laser or even a fraxel. I would then apply this to the patient's freshly lasered face to maximize the benefits of this brightening serum. I have found really good benefits with this both with and without laser treatments, but it can be very useful as an additional step after laser to really help to brighten up those dark spots. I also find that this doesn't sting at all, so this is really great for sensitive skin. This is something that layers really well too. I find that this layers really well under moisturizers and under makeup."
Approved
71%of gurus approve
"I am a big fan of the Phloretin CF which has the L-ascorbic acid at 10%. I also prefer the Phloretin CF gel which is a little bit more lightweight and evaporates more quickly and I recommend this a lot for my male patients because the C Ferulic can feel a little bit greasy sometimes on my skin or a little bit thick and oily. All three are amazing products."
Approved
87%of gurus approve
"The foam can be less irritating than the liquid so you can choose accordingly. I always tell patients to choose 5% minoxidil solution or foam, don't go for the wimpy 2%, just go for the 5% because that is what is the most efficacious. I definitely recommend investing in and using Rogaine. The cheapest formulation you can just find it on Amazon, just use it until your telogen effluvium is over, which is about 6 months, lasting up to a year."
Approved
84%of gurus approve
"The Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Baby Facial, I like this a lot more than that viral The Ordinary red vampire facial mask that a lot of people think do, because this one is not as irritating. It has 25% AHA and a 2% BHA blend. You do it as a mask, so you clean your face, you tone it, you put on this mask, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then you wash it off. I do this once a week and it really does make my skin feel really, really smooth, like a baby's bottom. I can definitely feel the results very instantly."
Approved
63%of gurus approve
"To treat the bites we treat them symptomatically so we mainly treat the itching and try to prevent you from scratching so that they don't become infected. You can use oral antihistamines like Claritin or at night use something that helps you sleep like Zertec to help calm down the itching."
Approved
78%of gurus approve
"One of the really great laser therapies that we have for rosacea is the Pulse Dye Laser or PDL for short. This laser works by selectively targeting blood vessels and it basically zaps and closes the blood vessels without damaging surrounding skin structures. It usually takes, depending on how bad your rosacea is and how red you are, anywhere between four to six treatments to really get rid of that redness. It's really great for total facial flushing. It's great for little cherry angiomas, if you have certain little spots that are red. It's really great for telangiectasias or visible squiggly blood vessels. This laser is really great for those things. It is most effective if it causes a little bit of bruising at the day of treatment, that's how you know it works because it delivered enough energy to cause damage to those blood vessels. But you do have to be very careful not to go in the sun or have your rosacea flare up again because then that will basically counteract the effects of the laser and you'll be back to square one."
Approved
86%of gurus approve
"Alcohol is actually listed as the second ingredient followed by a bunch of fragrances and essential oils. Alcohol can be helpful in skincare products as an astringent and can make products feel very light, however it can also be drying to the skin, especially when it's listed in the front of the ingredient list, which means it's at a higher concentration. I'm not a huge fan of essential oils and so many fragrances for people with sensitive skin. When I'm having a rosacea flare, if I'm having a breakout, if my skin barrier is damaged and it's all red and irritated, I'm definitely steering clear of any products with fragrance. If someone tends to have sensitive skin, I actually would advise them to not use this facial mist."
Skip
54%of gurus approve
Haircare6 reviews
"My second pick is Nizoral Ketoconazole 1% shampoo. It's not sexy but it works. It's a powerful antifungal treatment that targets the root cause of dandruff. This helps to reduce inflammation, scaling, and flaking. And it is clinically proven to help treat dandruff and even the medical form of dandruff, which we call seborrheic dermatitis. Nizoral or anti-dandruff shampoos can also help with hair loss that's tied to inflammation and really bad seborrheic dermatitis."
Approved
82%of gurus approve
"The K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo really delivers that deep clean without stripping your scalp skin barrier, and it does help prep your hair for treatments, for heat styling or if you're going in for hair dyeing or for curling or things like that. It contains activated charcoal which helps to draw out dirt, oil and impurities. It also has salicylic acid which helps to gently exfoliate your scalp, lift off those dead flakes. Salicylic acid is a great ingredient actually for dandruff. It also contains the signature K18 peptide which helps to protect and strengthen your hair even while you're doing this detox treatment."
Approved
86%of gurus approve
"The zinc pyrithione formula CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo is very affordable and by a very reputable brand. This helps to treat flakes and itching while maintaining your scalp barrier, and it's a great option if you're dealing with dandruff but also noticing that you have dry, irritated, or itchy scalp. It has zinc pyrithione 1% which helps reduce yeast on the scalp. It also has ceramides which help to restore and maintain your skin barrier. It also has hyaluronic acid which helps you hold on to water in the scalp and niacinamide which helps calm inflammation and support your skin barrier function."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"Why I like this shampoo though is not because it's sulfate-free specifically, but because it gently removes the buildup from hard water, product residue, and excess oils. I've used it and I've loved how it leaves my hair feeling really soft and weightless and refreshed. It also contains menthol in it which is a little bit different from the other shampoos. This provides that immediate cooling sensation to refresh and soothe the scalp. This one also contains citric acid to help rebalance the scalp pH and help you remove that buildup, as well as sodium coco oil isothionate, a gentle surfactant that cleanses without stripping moisture."
Approved
80%of gurus approve
"My splurge pick is the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. This one deeply hydrates dry, color-treated hair while helping to restore your vibrancy. It helps to smooth your frizz, soften strands, and improve your manageability of your hair. This one has Joba oil, which moisturizes and adds that shine without weighing down your hair and making it feel heavy. I also really like that it has green tea extract for some of that antioxidant protection. We know a lot of our hair gets damaged by UV, so we need antioxidant for our hair and scalp, just like our skin. It also has sage extract, which helps to nourish and promote a healthy scalp environment. And it does have this really interesting blend of fragrances, and I'm into fragrances. So this gives you this very luxurious shower feel."
Approved
79%of gurus approve
"My first pick in the splurge category is the Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. This one hydrates beautifully and softens without weighing your hair down. Their key ingredient is this long molecule bis aminopropyl diglycol daliate, which is their patented bond repair technology. It also has panthenol, which I've been loving recently for skin barrier repair, so it helps with repair of your scalp skin barrier. Glycerin is a great humectant, helping your scalp hold on to moisture. I also really just truly love the way it smells, and it makes my hair feel less damaged after I use this Olaplex shampoo."
Approved
81%of gurus approve
Masks & Peels3 reviews
"First off is my Holy Grail, the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This one is, in my experience, a little bit harsher than the Sunday Riley one, but it's a workhorse. It gets the job done. This will clean out your pores. This is great for acne-prone oily skin. This is a toner, a true toner, so after washing your face you would put this on a cotton pad and apply it to your face, or sometimes I even just apply it to my hands and just smear it all over my face. You would do this on off nights from your retinoids. I usually reach for this one more in spring and summer."
Approved
77%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Black Friday Skincare Sale Dr Joyce Park
"First off is my Holy Grail, the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This one is, in my experience, a little bit harsher than the Sunday Riley one, but it's a workhorse. It gets the job done. This will clean out your pores. This is great for acne-prone oily skin. This is a toner, a true toner, so after washing your face you would put this on a cotton pad and apply it to your face, or sometimes I even just apply it to my hands and just smear it all over my face. You would do this on off nights from your retinoids. I usually reach for this one more in spring and summer."
Ultimate Summer Skincare Transition Guide | Dr. Joyce Park
"If you have acne, Paula's Choice 2% Liquid Exfoliant is a great option for you."
"I've been really liking this. It's a Holy Grail 2% Liquid BHA exfoliant, great for use on the nights that you're not using your retinoid. It smells really good, but if you're allergic to fragrance and you don't prefer it then you might not want to use this product."
Approved
85%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Ultimate Black Friday Cyber Monday Skincare Sale Picks | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"I've been really liking this. It's a Holy Grail 2% Liquid BHA exfoliant, great for use on the nights that you're not using your retinoid. It smells really good, but if you're allergic to fragrance and you don't prefer it then you might not want to use this product."
Part 2️⃣ of what this
"Polish Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a holy grail for a reason. With salicylic acid, this is really great to use once or twice a week instead of your retinoid as a powerful exfoliant. Also because it's lipid soluble, it can really go in and clean out all that gunk from your pores."
"The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal peel pads is basically a two-step chemical peel system that you could do at home. In the first step you're using a blend of five acids, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, along with chamomile for its anti-inflammatory effects. You do that first with a peel pad pre-soaked in the serum, wait two minutes, and then you go ahead and use step two which has more of the hydrating soothing ingredients. It also has retinol as well as green tea extract for that anti-inflammatory benefit. This is one that I tend to recommend patients to use at home during the summer time. It's a bit more of an intensive process, there's a lot of acids in there, there's even retinol in there. I don't think this will replace your daily retinol use. You'll just use this on a day that you'll skip your retinol."
Approved
79%of gurus approve
Mists & Essences2 reviews
"The only other thing I use when I'm having a flare up of perioral dermatitis is Rhode Glazing Milk. It's super gentle, it helps calm the skin, it doesn't irritate it any further. This is the next morning after I slept with my prescription and my Glazing Milk on -- I kept it super simple -- and you can tell it's a lot less irritated and angry."
Approved
75%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Glazing Milk
Dermatologist Blind Reacts to Hailey Bieber’s Skincare Routine
"This contains that same trio of ceramides, the skin-identical lipid concentrate: ceramide MP, AP, and EOP, so it's very hydrating. It also contains a blend of magnesium, zinc, and copper, an antioxidant complex, vitamin E, another antioxidant, and glycerin, which is a humectant. This reads to me as a very simple, no-frills, no-fuss hydrating serum. The main benefit is that it will help your skin stay hydrated. It doesn't contain any actives that would help with problem areas. There's no vitamin C, azelaic acid, or niacinamide, but I don't think that's the purpose of this product. This is purely a hydration product. If your skin is dry or you need a little boost of hydration for your morning routine, I think this is a fine staple. Would I use it personally? I personally like my hydrating step to also contain some actives that can treat some of my problems. I like multitaskers that not only hydrate but also do other things. But if you're someone who just needs a little bit of hydration, I think this is a fine product for you."
All Things Perioral Dermatitis! Reaction & Treatment Tips | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"The only other thing I use when I'm having a flare up of perioral dermatitis is Rhode Glazing Milk. It's super gentle, it helps calm the skin, it doesn't irritate it any further. This is the next morning after I slept with my prescription and my Glazing Milk on -- I kept it super simple -- and you can tell it's a lot less irritated and angry."
"It's a purified, stabilized molecule that our own immune cells naturally produce to fight off bacteria and soothe irritation. Tower 28 figured out how to bottle that in a safe, skin-friendly formula -- and that's actually not easy to do. Hypochlorous acid is really hard to stabilize and it does not mix well with other actives, which is why this product keeps it simple and pure. That's what makes this an OG. It's clinically effective, super gentle, and easy to use anywhere. I like spritzing it after the gym -- I keep it in my gym bag -- when my skin feels irritated, or when my skin has acne, a rosacea flare-up, or anytime I really need a reset. If your skin's feeling stressed or reactive, this is the one for you."
Approved
82%of gurus approve
All 4 takes on SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Dermatologist’s Sephora Sale Picks 2025 | Dr. Joyce Park’s Must-Have Skincare, Sunscreen & Haircare
"I'm really happy that Tower 28 kind of brought it from the derm world into consumers' everyday routines at home. I like to use it on everything from impaired skin barrier to blemishes to sunburns to body acne, and it does help to repair your skin barrier. I struggle a lot with rosacea and sensitive skin, and this is perfect for reducing that miserable redness and irritation. Great for post-workouts -- I keep this in my gym bag. I spritz it all over after working out and it is just a lifesaver. Hypochlorous acid is actually naturally produced by our body's immune system. It acts as the body's first line of defense against microbes -- so that's not just bacteria, but also fungi, viruses -- leaving your skin feeling a lot more clear, a lot more healthy. This is just a staple."
Sephora 2024 Holiday Sale: Dermatologist Top Picks!
"The Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray comes in a travel-friendly size. Hypochlorous acid has been a really buzzy ingredient this year and last year, which is interesting to me because as dermatologists we've used it in treating wounds for a long time. Hypochlorous acid is actually produced by our own body; our immune cells use it to kill bacteria and calm down inflammation, and when put into a spray it can do all of that. We love its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use this on acne, rosacea, skin that's inflamed, and it really helps to cleanse the skin and neutralize the bacteria. It's also a great hack for workouts: if you're at the gym and don't have time to wash your face afterwards (I do recommend washing your face afterwards), you can always spritz this on when you're sweating and your face is dirty from being in the gym environment or from touching your face after handling gym equipment. This is a good one to throw in your gym bag."
Sephora Fall Sale 2025 | What a Dermatologist Is Buying This Year!
"It's a purified, stabilized molecule that our own immune cells naturally produce to fight off bacteria and soothe irritation. Tower 28 figured out how to bottle that in a safe, skin-friendly formula -- and that's actually not easy to do. Hypochlorous acid is really hard to stabilize and it does not mix well with other actives, which is why this product keeps it simple and pure. That's what makes this an OG. It's clinically effective, super gentle, and easy to use anywhere. I like spritzing it after the gym -- I keep it in my gym bag -- when my skin feels irritated, or when my skin has acne, a rosacea flare-up, or anytime I really need a reset. If your skin's feeling stressed or reactive, this is the one for you."
Dermatologist Guide to Sephora Sale | What I’m Buying!
"This you can think of as your soothing anti-inflammatory antimicrobial toner that you can use pretty much anywhere. It's like a little magic potion. If you had something that was way too strong last week that burned and damaged your skin you can use this to help calm it down. If you have a little patch of itchy irritated skin, whether that's from eczema or from exposure to something that you hadn't tried before, you can try this as well. If you find that you have a little breakout you can use this there as well. I would say this will not replace, however, your dermatologist approved treatments for your skin conditions. For example, this is not going to replace any regimen that I give my patients for eczema or for rosacea or for allergic reactions. This is meant more as an over-the-counter treatment that you can try in addition to and as an adjunct to your dermatologist prescribed and recommended treatments."
Blush & Bronzer1 review
"To add a pop of color and some life to my face, I use the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. And I've been loving the shade of Bliss. I like that this blush is derm tested, non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive skin. And I can personally attest that it does not flare up the rosacea on my cheeks. It's formulated with lightweight pigments and hydrating emollient, which means that it can actually give you a natural dewy flush without emphasizing texture or dryness. Price-wise, it is mid-range, but a little goes a long way. You seriously like I use my finger and I put like two dots on and that is all I need because it is so pigmented."
Approved
78%of gurus approve
Ingredients1 review
"A very rare but dangerous side effect is a pericardial effusion, which is fluid collection around the heart. And that is a more serious side effect obviously which would be a contraindication for you to ever take this medication. As with anything you should talk to your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for this medication. And if you're really struggling with hair loss and topicals don't quite seem to cut it, then oral minoxidil might be your next step. It does work very well. It's very effective, but again, side effects."
~Mixed
75%of gurus approve
Procedures1 review
"The effects are not permanent and they only last around three to four months, and the more you do them there is a possibility that you can form auto antibodies to the Botox, so it could be possible that you have to switch from Botox to a different type. I started getting Botox back when I was a resident in dermatology at NYU. The injections we gave each other during training were much higher in dosages than I would use on myself now. I was completely frozen after some of those sessions where we were injecting each other. I could not even lift my eyebrows. My brows felt heavy, which is a side effect when you inject too much or too low in the forehead. There were many times when I could not frown at all, like totally frozen, completely immobilized."
Approved
67%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Botox
Cosmetic Procedures That a Dermatologist Gets | Dr. Joyce Park
"The effects are not permanent and they only last around three to four months, and the more you do them there is a possibility that you can form auto antibodies to the Botox, so it could be possible that you have to switch from Botox to a different type. I started getting Botox back when I was a resident in dermatology at NYU. The injections we gave each other during training were much higher in dosages than I would use on myself now. I was completely frozen after some of those sessions where we were injecting each other. I could not even lift my eyebrows. My brows felt heavy, which is a side effect when you inject too much or too low in the forehead. There were many times when I could not frown at all, like totally frozen, completely immobilized."
Cosmetic Procedures That a Dermatologist Gets | Dr. Joyce Park
"When I inject too much or too low in the forehead, my brows felt heavy, which is a side effect. There were many times when I could not frown at all, totally frozen, completely immobilized. My approach now when I get Botox is that I just want it to look natural. I want people to still be able to move the muscles of their face and be able to have expressions. When patients bring up Botox, they say they don't want to look like those frozen celebrities on TV, but their faces look like that because they're getting too much Botox, too many units. If you're wanting a more natural approach, you can use less Botox and that'll still give you free range of movement. I typically get injected in my forehead area and always get my glabella because I have one deep static wrinkle forming a vertical line there that's getting etched into my skin. I usually get three injections on each side around my crow's feet because I have fine wrinkles over there."
Retinoids1 review
"If you don't have sensitive skin you can purchase Differin over the counter as your retinoid."
Approved
78%of gurus approve
All 2 takes on Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Ultimate Summer Skincare Transition Guide | Dr. Joyce Park
"If you don't have sensitive skin you can purchase Differin over the counter as your retinoid."
Skincare Routine for 10 to 12 Year Olds?! | Dr. Joyce Dermatologist
"If you're finding that you're starting to get blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores, you can use a retinoid and the one that I do recommend is Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%. That's over the counter and FDA approved to treat acne. These are very very effective for helping normalize skin cell turnover, exfoliate your pores, and help with whiteheads, blackheads, and acne."

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