Less is More

I used to throw four different serums and essences and toners on my face post-cleansing…until I visited my dermatologist and she gave me a serum for the day and instructed retinol at night.

Using too many products can become expensive and will make it harder to isolate what your problem is. If a product makes you break out, you’ll have to shred through your entire lengthy routine to find out the culprit.

Use A Retinol

Retinol helps your skin shed and regenerate new cells to accomplish clear, smaller pores, fighting acne, and getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s an all-encompassing product that is trending not only on the internet but also in dermatologist’s offices.

For sensitive skin, start with a lower-grade retinol three times a week at night until your skin adjusts. My derm recommends cocokind’s 0.1% as a great, gentle starter retinol. When you’re ready, Naturium’s 0.5% Retinol and Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol will give you a glow.

Additionally, incorporate Dermaquest Nourishing Peptide Rich into your skincare routine. Marketed as an anti-aging skincare treatment, it is meant to rebuild the skin from the inside out. This lavish formula offers deep conditioning to keep skin healthy, strong, and youthful.

If you don’t see acne clearing up at the end of six weeks, you may want a prescription-grade retinol, Tretinoin. Be wary, this may cause your skin to purge, but the results by summer are worth it.

Always follow your retinol with moisturizer and use SPF in the morning, because the new skin cells are sensitive.

For Redness: Azelaic Acid

For redness, scarring, and discoloration, my dermatologist loves a good Azelaic Acid. If you’re someone who deals with pesky rosacea or has picked at their acne one too many times, this product is your best friend.

While your dermatologist may prescribe you a higher dosage (15% or higher), you can use plenty of effective 10% Azelaic Acid serums for hyperpigmentation. The Ordinary, Paula’s Choice, and Peach Slices all have great options.

For Acne: Benzoyl Peroxides + Spot Treatments

Madison Beer’s favorite cleanser for acne-prone skin is the drugstore Panoxyl wash with Benzoyl Peroxide. While it can be very drying, this is also a good daily mask for your acne patches. It’s a dermatologist-recommended brand and a fan favorite.

Spot treatments on your acne can help dry out and clear out your clogged pores. Stop oil where it starts and fight early signs of pimples. My derm says SkinFix Acne+ BHA and Azelaic Acid Treatment will help fight acne and scarring all in one spot treatment.

A Good Cleanser

Don’t get extravagant here. Most dermatologists are going to say popular drugstore brands like CeraVe and Vanicream are perfect gentle, unscented cleansers that will remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil all in one, affordable bottle.

However, if you want to be On Trend, my dermatologist loves anything Youth To The People. It’s the cleanser I use now and it truly tightens your pores with every wash.

A Better Moisturizer

Everyone has their favorite go-to moisturizer…but how do you decide what is actually worth the money? Is La Mer really that good or is it just the price tag that tricks you? Is the Charlotte Tilbury Moisturizer worth the $100? (According to my derm, no)

Again, drugstore brands like CeraVe have amazing moisturizers for better prices. However, I understand the need for aesthetic, so turn towards Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream and Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask.

SPF, Always

Paris Hilton thanked her mom, Kathy, for teaching her to always stay out of the sun. The sun is your enemy even though your tan is your best friend- causing rapid aging, destroying your skin barrier, and mitigating your progress…so always have your face sunscreen on…80 year old you will be grateful.