Dermatologists are among the most reliable sources for skin-care advice, so when they tell us they’ve been using a specific product or brand for 10-plus years, we know it’s the best of the best.
“For 10 years, I’ve been using a daily facial moisturizer with sunscreen. My favorite has been EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($37) as I have acne-prone, sensitive skin! Also, I have always used Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream ($19) after showering to prevent dry skin.”
—Rochester, NY dermatologist Lesley Loss, MD
“Different forms of retinoids from over-the-counter—my current favorite is skinbetter science AlphaRet Overnight Cream ($130)—to prescription strength tretinoin have been a mainstay of my skin-care routine for at least a decade. Along with sunscreen, these have the largest body of literature to support their benefits for the skin from texture, tone and fine line improvement to acne to discoloration. There is even benefits in medical conditions such as psoriasis and precancerous spots. I love a product that helps correct as well as prevent and the combination of routine sunscreen and retinoid does just that.”
—Campbell, CA dermatologist Amelia K. Hausauer, MD
“My go-to sunscreen for over 10 years is Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen ($18). I believe skin is constantly evolving based on age, time and/or recent procedures and this is honestly the only topical product that has remained consistent in my regiment for 10-plus years. A recent lovely addition that I predict using for the next 10 years is Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology ($195).”
—New York dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD
“The three things I use as part of my routine and have done so for more than 10 years are ScientificRx Mega-Vitamin C and Ferulic Antioxidant Serum ($103), ScientificRx White Bamboo Exfoliator ($50) and a retinA cream, which is great for lines, pigment and fine lines.”
—West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD.
“I am always testing and working on new products, so my skin-care routine is always changing. My skin has also changed over the years so I’ve adjusted the products I use and the timing of products I use as well. What has stayed consistent in my routine is that I cleanse daily, exfoliate on a regular basis, use sunscreen religiously and also use growth factors and antioxidants both day and night. I’ve also added in supplements including niacinamide, quercetin and zinc. My all-time favorite products are TNS Advanced Plus Techno Neck Perfecting Cream ($140) and my CE+HPR EYE ($105).
—New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD
“I have been using the Doctors Daughter Extremolyte Stem Cell Serum ($108) for 10-plus years. It is the holy grail product for my skin. It is my go-to for anti-aging, hydrating and anti-pollution. The ingredients are clean and effective and I recommend this product to all of my patients.”
—Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill
“I’ve been using Phloretin CF ($166) from Skinceuticals for just about 10 years. Phloretin is an antioxidant, but it also helps keep my melasma under control and helps to prevent and maintain my pigment. It also gives me that extra layer of protection from environmental damage. Sunscreen is something we should all be using for forever and ever (more than 10 years) to prevent UV radiation and skin cancer. I use mineral sunscreens in the liquid form, especially because they are less irritating for my rosacea prone skin. Homeoplasmin ($15) is also something I’ve been using forever. I always have it in my medical cabinet. I use it on my lips, on cuts and on my irritated skin post-skiing—really on anything possible.”
—New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD
“I use the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels ($88) every single morning—they have been a staple in my routine for over 20 years. The cocktail of alpha- and beta- hydroxy acids in step one dissolves dead skin cells that build up on skin every 24 hours. The neutralizer in step two shuts off the acids and delivers amazing anti-aging ingredients. I have sensitive skin so the neutralizing step is key to preventing irritation and redness.”
—New York dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD
“I have been using the Skinfluence Alpha Cleanser ($30) for the past 20 years—it’s one of our best-sellers. It’s formulated with papaya extract and alpha-hydroxy acids, it’s gentle, it does not irritate the skin, it’s great for removing makeup, and it can be used on normal, sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. I also layer the Skinfluence CE Ferulic Serum ($149) under other products. Lastly, the SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum ($253) has been a staple product when it comes to growth factors. I think I was the first one on Long Island to start using and selling this product at my office and now, with the new formulation—it’s white and has no scent—I absolutely love it.”
—New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD
“I have kept my skin-care routine fairly the same for many years because I love my products and I think it is best for the skin to continually use the same ingredients. All of the products I use are from my line, Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC. In the morning, I cleanse with either our Antioxidant Foaming Cleanser (in the summer/spring/fall) or our Antioxidant Soap-Free Cleanser (in the winter). I then tone with our Age Defense Treatment Pads in the summer. In the coldest part of the winter when my skin is more dry, I skip this part. For moisturizer, I use our Antioxidant Moisturizer and Sunscreen SPF 50+.
I also love our Turnaround Cream. It contains 20-percent glycolic acid and can be used for anti-aging and for acne. Apply nightly or every other night—it can be combined with your favorite night moisturizer or used on top of an acne prescription agent, such as a retinoid or other acne prescription.”
—New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD
“Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($166), Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel ($24) and Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen ($39), which is excellent and feels so good on the skin, are all my favorites. I also enjoy the Dr. Haberman Luxe Acne Pads and Dr. Haberman Light Moisturizer.“
—Saddle Brooke, NJ dermatologist Dr. Fredric Haberman
“My favorite product is one that I actually invented with my son, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Balm ($16). This balm comes in a lip and body size and effectively delivers 1-percent hydrocortisone. It treats a wide range of conditions including eczema, psoriasis, bug bites, chapped lips and dry areas of skin. Best of all, it is easily carried in a purse or pocket!”
—Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD
“The EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($37) is a more recent version of their physical sunscreens that I have been using for the past five years. This product has never let me down. As a physical sunscreen, it works from the moment I apply it. Living in South Florida, I can’t express enough how much this reliability means.”
— Davie, FL dermatologist Lesley Clark-Loeser, MD
“One of my favorite products I have been using for over 10 years is Revision Skincare Intellishade ($76). This daily skin-care product is loaded with antioxidants and peptides for anti-aging all mixed in a tinted moisturizing base with SPF 45 sun protection.
Another essential skin-care product I have been using for years is RX: Needle-free Serum from my own Hopkins Dermatology skin-care collection. This serum contains Vitamin B3 and other potent antioxidants that protect the skin and boost collagen production.”
—Southlake, TX dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD
“There are three products that I’ve sworn by for over 10 years. EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 ($37) is cosmetically-elegant, sheer, safe and clean—I use it on my neck, chest and hands as well as my face. I also use SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic ($166) under my sunscreen every morning. Finally, I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($19) daily all over the body with hydrating cermaides to protect and reinforce the skin barrier.”
—Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD
“I use sunscreen daily. I love Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50 ($65), which is chemical-free and so easy to reapply every two to three hours. The powder is easy to apply, leaves no grease, and is perfect for travel.
For eye cream, I love Neocutis Lumiere Firm Riche Eye Cream ($118), as it contains growth factors and peptides to reduce fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. I also love Neocutis Bio Serum Firm Rejuvenating Growth Factor & Peptide Treatment ($275) because it has improves the texture, tone and firmness of my skin.”
—Fresno, CA dermatologist Kathleen Behr, MD
“Different forms of retinoids have been my tried-and-true friend since starting my dermatology studies. It’s the science-backed treatment for fine lines, discoloration, tone, texture, and it even helps prevent and treat precancerous lesions. Retinoids and sunscreen are the best foundation to any skin-care program.”
—Miami dermatologist Diane Walder, MD
“I have been using SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum ($253) for 10-plus years and really think it has helped sustain my completion. I have genetically oily, pore-prone skin and this has helped maintain and improve luminosity without exacerbating any of those issues.”
—Charlotte, NC dermatologist Gilly Munavalli, MD.
“The best anti-aging and most important product I have been using for 10-plus years is sunscreen, and while the brands and technology may have changed over the years, the importance of sun protection hasn’t. Currently, my favorite is ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless ($66). The technology packed into this sunscreen is revolutionary—it not only protects against the damaging sun’s UV rays using gold standard zinc oxide, but it also includes peptides, antioxidants, and the secret sauce: DNA repairsomes. These actively work to repair and reverse sun damage, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and essentially creating the best in class photoaging protection and treatment.
I love pairing this with ISDIN SUNISDIN ($50) supplements, which contain polypodium leucotomos and other antioxidants. Together, they help protect against the aging free radical damage caused by the sun, ultimately boosting the skin’s appearance. Combining these two products daily helps to maintain a youthful appearance and are the most important products I have been using for 10-plus years.”
—Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias
“I’ve been using my Aesthetic Dermatology Vitamin C Serum-15% ($125). It provides visible anti-aging benefits, brightens skin, and helps protect against oxidative stress.”
—Baton Rouge, LA dermatologist Ann Zedlitz, MD
