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11 Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care Products (That Aren't Sunscreen)

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We know, we know—derms love sunscreen (and for very good reason, of course). But what about the plethora of other skincare products there are to think about? We asked 11 of the top dermatologists on our roster and their answers might surprise you. (P.S. You still need to wear your SPF.)

I’ve Been Mixing This Bronzing Lotion with My Sunscreen and People Can’t Stop Complimenting My Skin


hydrating b5 gel
Dermstore

1. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture Enhancing Gel

“One of my recommended serums combines vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid for supple, hydrated skin. Although ideal for all skin types, it is especially great for acne-prone skin since it contains no oils.” —Dr. Kenneth Howe, Board-Certified Dermatologist.

Now available at the recently relaunched Dermstore site, where there's a new focus on skincare education and high quality beauty products.

image skincare vital c
Amazon

2. Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

“Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to prevent aging. Although it’s not sunscreen, vitamin C serums can also help protect you against the harmful effects of the sun. This product is great for hydrating and moisturizing the skin, especially after sun/heat exposure.” Dr. Shari Sperling, Board-Certified Dermatologist

beautycounter cc
Goop

3. BeautyCounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer

“This moisturizer is especially great for summer. It contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid so it brightens and protects at the same time. It won’t clog your pores, but it does make you glow and delivers the dewy look it promises.” Dr. Francesca Fusco, Board-Certified Dermatologist

nimni cream
Dermstore

4. HydroPeptide Nimni Cream

“There are several retinol products on the market, but one of my favorites is Nimni Cream by HydroPeptide. I call this my ‘dream cream’ – it goes to work while you sleep to turn on collagen production below the surface so you awake with plumper, radiant, more youthful-looking skin. Nimni Cream contains a perfect blend of time-released retinol, collagen supporting antioxidants, and a revolutionary amino acid complex that work synergistically to reverse the aging process at a genetic level. What’s amazing about this product is that it causes minimal irritation unlike prescription strength retinoid creams. I have been amazed with the improvements that I have noticed in fine lines and wrinkles, and overall skin tone and texture.” Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-ip, Board-Certified Dermatologist. 

modskin
Mod Skin NYC

5. Mod Skin NYC Revolution Serum

“This amazing serum is a little miracle in a bottle. It contains hyaluronic acid and Copper-Proline-Lysine complex that work together to increase production of both collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. It also has the anti-inflammatory ingredient niacinamide, and I have personally found it great for reducing redness on my face year round.” —Dr. Arash Akhavan, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dermatology and Laser Group

crepe erase
Ulta

6. Crepe Erase 2-Step Advanced Body Treatment System

“The thing that I think makes Crepe Erase different from other products I have tried and used is there’s a two-step treatment, and it’s actually a treatment rather than just a moisturizing lotion. You do see instant gratification, but that’s only part of it—and that wouldn’t be enough for me actually. What I want to see is an improvement at the 30-day and 60-day mark and I have seen the results at both. It gets better and better, that’s why I feel comfortable recommending it to my patients and why I use it myself—every day.” —Susan Van Dyke, Board-Certified Dermatologist

Buy It ($54)

amarte powder
Dermstore

7. Amarte Daily ExfoliPowder

“This foaming cleanser is a game-changer in the physical exfoliant market. The foam cleansing effect lifts oils and soluble debris while the super-fine grain powder exfoliates the outermost stratum corneum. I love ExfoliPowder because it cleanses thoroughly and exfoliates to a polished finish without irritation. The plant seed-based exfoliants will effectively remove any particles congealing at the surface, but are gentle enough for daily use, so you could use it every day.” —Dr. Craig Kraffert, Board-Certified Dermatologist

time eraser
Amazon

8. Eterno Time Eraser

“The Eterno Time Eraser is one my favorite splurges. It contains a powerful mixture of magnesium, a peptide complex, Chinese basil plant stem cells and seaweed extract. It’s able to soften fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, tightening the skin and giving patients that youthful, refreshed look!” —Dr. Amanda Doyle, Board-Certified Dermatologist

skin better2
Skin Better

9. Skin Better Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

“This product offers little to no irritation, combining a retinoid with a lactic acid, thus creating a double retinoid that leaves skin smooth and more even in tone and texture. I love this product because almost any skin type can use it, and the addition of peptides stimulates collagen, it is deeply moisturizing, and the blend of antioxidants helps protect against collagen degradation.” —Dr. Patricia Wexler, Board-Certified Dermatologist

arbonne soothing facial serum
Arbonne

10. Arbonne Calm Soothing Facial Hyaluronic Acid Serum

“I love this serum—it’s made to be extra-gentle, to not clog pores and is free of colorants and fragrance to help soothe even easily irritated, sensitive skin. In a clinical study of 50 patients, 100 percent agreed it helped improve skin resiliency and suppleness, and helped skin feel softer and smoother. 96 percent said it helped their skin feel less irritated, and 92 percent said it is one of the gentlest products they have used.” —Dr. Naissan O. Wesley, M.D., FACMS

jane iredale
Dermstore

11. Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Face Cleanser

“I’m really fond of this cleanser. It has a gentle micellar vehicle that helps to remove makeup and other impurities of the skin without stripping or over drying.”—Dr. Lian Mack, Board-Certified Dermatologist



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Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of...