All dermatologists will tell you that exfoliation is the secret to a smooth, glowing complexion. Consider swapping scrubs for chemical exfoliants, like daily peel pads, (the former can be too aggressive, especially if you have sensitive skin). These contain an effective combo of glycolic, lactic, malic and salicylic acids to dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores and leave skin overall brighter, all while being gentle enough for everyday use.
Retinol is great, but here's the thing: Its strength and efficacy comes with the potential for some unsightly side effects, namely redness and flaking. Plus, it's a no-no if you're pregnant. That's why dermatologists often recommend peptides as a good anti-aging alternative; the amino acids help make up the proteins essential for firm, youthful skin. This cream features the same cult-classic formula, but in a lighter-than-air texture, making it a foolproof pick for oily skin types or those who just doesn't like super heavy creams.
All that fun in the sun over the summer can show up in your skin come fall, namely in the form of unwanted dark spots. Reach for a spot corrector nightly; this one is packed with an ultra-potent form of vitamin C to both stop the production of new pigment and fade existing spots. The only caveat? You have to be wearing sunscreen daily so that you don't undo all your spot-fading efforts.
For a fast fix before a night out or whenever your complexion needs a little extra TLC, nothing beats a face mask. Sheet masks are an especially good choice; keeping your skin covered helps any and all active ingredients penetrate faster and more effectively. In this bargain buy, hyaluronic acid (a derm-favorite hydrating ingredient) delivers an instant hit of hydration, attracting moisture to and keeping it in the skin.
If sunscreen is peanut butter, then antioxidant serum is jelly—sure you can have one without the other, but they just go so well together. Antioxidants work to neutralize the skin-damaging free radicals caused by exposure to not only sun, but pollution too. This fan-favorite touts vitamin C, plus ferulic acid, a gold-star antioxidant in its own right, but one that also boosts the efficacy of vitamin C.
