13 Powerful Skin Care Products Dermatologists Wish Their Patients Used at Home

Revision Skincare Nectifirm ($89)

“My neck and décolleté feel firmer, smoother, more hydrated, and less crepey after using Revision Skincare Nectifirm. This is due to its abundance of peptides, yeast, ceramides, and glucosamine. Peptides reduce the appearance of lines, and help firm and lift; ceramides enhance hydration and moisture; and glucosamine and vitamins C and E help smooth, brighten and tone. I don’t hate my neck anymore!”
–New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD

Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology ($195)

“My absolute must-have skin care product is Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar. I personally love products that are ‘multitaskers,’ and this one is known for its patented TriHex Technology peptides, which improve elasticity and texture of the skin while rebuilding the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM) by clearing out by-products of aging from exposure to sun and pollution (this promotes the skin’s ability to generate fresh, new skin that is strong and supple). I also love the texture of the product—it’s smooth and silky, due to Dimethicone—which makes it an excellent primer before the makeup or sunblock application. I use it every morning and night on my face, neck and chest.” 
–New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($34)

“The one product one should never be without is a daily sunscreen. If it is tinted, women tend to wear it every day. A good one is SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. It is great for all skin types and provides broad-spectrum protection. It is lightweight and has a universal tint, so it takes the place of foundation.” 
–New York dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD 

NeoStrata Triple Peptide Neck Cream ($84)

“NeoStrata’s Triple Peptide Neck Cream ($84) works well on the crepiness of neck skin and one pump covers the neck and décollete every night.” 
–Washington, D.C. dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD

Bye Bye Blemish Drying Lotion ($10)

“I love the results of Bye Bye Blemish Drying Lotion. This lotion uses zinc oxide, sulfur and salicylic acid, and is best used as a spot blemish treatment applied only on the lesion. The trick is to apply the sediment directly to the lesion, undiluted by shaking. It’s both antiseptic and clarifying, and reduces the size and severity of blemishes. It exfoliates the clogged pores with its betahydroxy acid formula. The maximum-strength salicylic acid exfoliates dead cells from the pores, and the overnight zinc oxide and sulfur rapidly reduce the size and severity of the lesions. It’s big guns for an over-the-counter product.” 
–New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel ($165)

“I also love pairing my morning SPF with SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel. The antioxidants help protect against free-radical and oxidative damage and I love the gel consistency.” 
–Norwalk, CT, dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD

Dermaceutic C25 Antioxidant Day Cream ($68) 

“We love the Dermaceutic C25 Antioxidant Day Cream in the office, which is a vitamin lotion complete with antioxidants vitamin A, B5, E, and polyphenols. It is great for young and old skin, and even pregnant women looking for radiant skin.”
–New York plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD

Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 30% ($115)

“With the exception of sunscreen, the one product that I use religiously and pretty much recommend to everyone is a good vitamin C–based antioxidant serum. I love Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 30%.” 
–New York dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD  

Cane & Austin 10% Retexture Pads ($60)

“My must-have for any skin routine (in addition to a daily SPF, which should go without saying) are glycolic-acid pads. I am a huge fan of Cane & Austin 10% Retexture Pads, as they help gently exfoliate and retexture skin. I personally use them at night, after I’ve cleansed my skin of all the toxin build up throughout the day. I wake up the next morning looking overall brighter and smoother!” 
–New York dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178)

“SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator brings new meaning to hydration! Hyaluronic acid has a natural affinity for water. This makes it a natural ingredient for any moisturizer. What makes this product unique is the proprietary mix of five different hyaluronic acids that smooth the skin, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving the overall tone and texture. The five hyaluronic acids work synergistically to provide immediate smoothing and continuous hydration throughout the day. It actually supports the skin’s natural ability to replenish your own hyaluronic acid for overall skin support. I’ve always been a fan of hyaluronic acid moisturizers, but this one takes the cake.”
–New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD

Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology ($195)

“I absolutely love Alastin Restorative Skin Complex. It is a novel product that contains a tri-hex peptide that has been shown to increase not only collagen, but elastic fibers as well.” 
–Norwalk, CT, dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD

Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush-On Sunscreen ($57) 

“Daily SPF is a non-negotiable that should be included in everyone’s morning routine. What most people overlook, is that after a few hours, it needs to be reapplied as its effects diminish significantly. Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen is a loose, mineral-based sunscreen that comes in its own self-dispensing tube with a built-in brush, making it very portable, plus it won’t mess up your makeup. Not only does it protect my skin from harmful sun rays, but it also keeps my makeup melt-proof and looking fresh with each reapplication.”
–New York dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD

Epionce Medical Barrier Cream ($46) 

“Epionce Medical Barrier Cream is a ceramide-rich cream that recreates the skin’s natural moisture barrier and is a must-have for even the driest and most sensitive skin types. The formula won’t clog pores, and people can use it head to toe.”
–Washington, D.C. dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD