Dr. Dendy Engelman, who practices out of the Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, believes this cult favorite product is the gold standard. "It noticeably reduces fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin appearance," she says. "In addition, I particularly like the sonic cleansing brush to remove dead skin cells and clear the way for better penetration of products."
Likewise, celebrity dermatologist Dr. Natasha Sandy also counts herself a fan of CE Ferulic, which she says fights against free-radicals like UV rays, sun exposure, pollution and cigarette smoke that can cause cell damage and lead to appearance of aging and injury. "Vitamin C is the only collagen stimulator that also has antioxidant properties and collagen provides a structural protein that helps with skin firmness, improving wrinkles, fine lines and large pores," she says.
This topical moisturizer has a pricier retail tag, but for good reason, according to Dr. Palm: "The manufacturers of Botox own the line and have invested millions in basic science and clinical research to develop the most effective hyaluronic acid ingredients in a moisturizing cream," she explains. "HA5 contains five types of hyaluronic acid to deliver unmatched hydration to the skin and creating a luminescence in areas of application." It's also formulated for all skin types — even oily — which is always a plus!
Sun protection is always a good idea — especially when it comes in drop form like this light formulation by Dr. Barbara Sturm.
"The drops contain a blend of the most advanced SPF 50 UVA and UVB filters and is packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, cell-regenerative and pH balancing ingredients, like purslane, cassia extract, vitamin E, beta glucan and arginine," explains Dr. Sandy. "Purslane is a natural antioxidant that protects DNA of the cells from age-related dysfunctional, like UV damage." You can wear the drops on their own, or mix them with your favorite face cream (another bonus of the easy-to-use dropper packaging and formulation).
This is the one product Dr. Lily Talakoub, dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center, in McLean, Virginia, can't live without. "It's a deep hydrator of the skin, but has a light, weightless pigment formulation that gives fine, glowing coverage without looking like foundation," she says. "It contains hyaluronic acid and mannose, which are both super rich and moisturize the skin all day." She usually pairs it with Giorgio Armani Maestro UV SPF 50 Primer, $64, which is a primer and sunscreen in one. "It has SPF 50, which is the minimum sunscreen I wear every single day," she adds.
Dr. Palm explains that, as a skin care line, NeoCutis is built off a proprietary human growth factor derived from a single line of rapidly proliferating cell lines. "This product, in particular, contains twice the concentration of growth factors as other products in the line, thus it has a higher price point," she says. "Growth factors are large proteins that are unable to penetrate the skin, but likely create cellular signaling that leads to new collagen growth and more youthful appearing skin." Not only are the effective qualities of this line backed up by years of clinical research, but Dr. Palm points out that it's generally well-tolerated by the majority of all skin types, even patients intolerant of retinols and retinoids.
