Once you’ve worked in the beauty industry for long enough, you start to notice which skin-care brands have major staying power. They’re the ones dermatologists recommend over and over again for their efficacy, safety and skin-savoring ingredients. SkinMedica is one of those brands dermatologists never stop talking up. Backed by pharmaceutical giant Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic and Juvéderm), all SkinMedica products are made with clinical-grade ingredients that hold up against the highest scientific standards for unrivaled results.
12 dermatologists on their favorite SkinMedica products
TNS Advanced+ Serum ($295)
Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Janet Allenby, MD, and Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, both use SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum on their necks. “The formula has growth factors and stem cells which help with toning and tightening the look and feel of the skin,” explains Dr. Downie.
It’s also Grand Rapids, MI plastic surgeon David R. Alfonso, MD‘s “personal go-to favorite medical grade product.” According to Dr. Alfonso, “It’s the perfect pre- and post-facial rejuvenation product.”
Houston plastic surgeon Henry Mentz, MD, uses the serum for its “growth factor properties” to help maintain surgical results “before and after facelifts.”
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($184)
“For the face, my go-to product is SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator,” says Rochester, NY dermatologist Lesley Loss, MD. “It is very hydrating immediately after applying!”
New York City facial plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine, MD, says that it’s also her go-to for plumper skin. “It gives such a dewy glow and has made a real difference in my skin,” she says.
When in need of an extra boost of hydration, Fresno, CA dermatologist Kathleen Behr, MD, says this pick “immediately [moisturizes] the skin.”
Lumivive System ($268)
“This two-step system includes a day serum and a night serum: The day serum effectively protects against pollution and blue light and the night serum helps the skin recover from the day,” explains Greenwich, CT dermatologist Lynne Haven, MD.
Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 ($80)
“This is a topical retinoid I frequently recommend for mature skin,” says Dr. Haven. “Its formula helps to minimize any irritation and it comes in three strengths—0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 percent—so it is easy to gradually increase as tolerated. Over time, it can help build collagen and minimize old sun damage.”
Even and Correct Brightening Treatment Pads ($60)
Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, recommends “switching to an alcohol-free exfoliating treatment like SkinMedica Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads” in the colder months as a “great way to keep exfoliation in your winter regimen without over-drying skin.”
Vitamin C + E Complex ($106)
Dr. Haven’s pick for a vitamin C serum especially suited to sensitive skin types is also from SkinMedica’s Vitamin C + E Complex. “It is very effective and well tolerated,” she explains.
Neck Correct Cream ($135)
“We have been seeing great results with SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream,” says Westborough, MA facial plastic surgeon Min S. Ahn, MD. “Specifically designed for the delicate skin of the neck and décolletage, this serum helps to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles and crepey skin, all while improving the overall skin texture and tone. Our patients are really happy with the results!”
Instant Bright Eye Cream ($92)
Glenn Dale, MD dermatologist Valerie D. Callender, MD calls this formula her favorite when it comes to fading the appearance of dark circles. The brightening cream also includes ingredients like caffeine and hyaluronic acid to keep the area looking smooth and plump.
TNS Eye Repair ($106)
Dr. Callender also loves SkinMedica’s TNS Eye Repair. “It contains a combination of growth factors, TNS peptides and antioxidants that hydrates the skin around the eyes and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In some patients, we will combine this eye treatment with a hyaluronic acid filler to correct the depression caused by the loss of supporting structures under the skin.”
Dr. Allenby adds, “When a hollowness between the eye and orbital bone causes a depression, and therefore shadow, I use products that improve the way light reflects off the tissue to mask the shadowing, like this one that brightens the tissue.”
Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35 ($40)
When it comes to the best SPF for those suffering with melasma, New York dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD, explains, “Melasma needs zinc, titanium or iron oxide in front of UV, but also evening laptop blue light—studies have shown that iron oxide (very similar to other oxides) helps prevent and improve melasma patients exposed to blue light. My favorite is SkinMedica Essential Defense.”
Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 ($70)
This is Dr. Haven’s “favorite sunscreen for melasma” because it has “broad-spectrum coverage against UVA, UVB and also infrared.” “It is also cosmetically elegant, which makes it easier to use on a daily basis,” she adds.
Dr. Downie also uses SkinMedica’s antioxidant-rich Total Defense + Repair SPF as part of her neck care routine.