According to a dermatology resident.
The skincare world is fun but can also feel daunting: We’re inundated with product launches, making it challenging to decide when to save or splurge. While more expensive doesn’t always mean better, several high-quality products on the market can transform your skin. With the holidays in full swing, there’s no better time to gift yourself fancy skincare.
Before you spend your hard-earned money on a skincare product, ask yourself a few questions: What are your goals? What is your budget? How likely are you to be consistent with your routine? Knowing the answers to these questions is crucial so you can allocate your budget wisely.
No matter which product you choose, research is important. Looking for products with potent, active, and evidence-based ingredients that absorb well into the skin will help you feel better and save you on cosmetic spending down the line.
So what’s worth the consideration? Sunscreen, vitamin C, chemical exfoliants, and retinol, to name a few. While some may call it a skincare splurge, I think of it as an investment into a healthier, glowier you. Ahead, find ten derm-approved skincare products worth spending money on this holiday season.
Dermatologists everywhere tout the great benefits of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum for great reason: It’s clinically proven to fight free radical damage and provide photoprotection. It also contains 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, which helps boost collagen, brighten the skin, and improve the appearance of fine lines.
A sunscreen you will actually wear is the most important skincare product you should invest in. This one is a lightweight, water-based cream formulated with zinc oxide, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid. The multi-purpose formula protects your skin against sun damage and hydrates and exfoliates. It is safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin types and won’t leave behind a white cast.
This thick, rich exfoliating cream contains a blend of AHAs and BHAs. Together, these acids exfoliate and firm the skin at different levels. With the addition of vitamin C and squalene oil, this cream also brightens skin complexion and boosts hydration.
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this product contains broad-spectrum SPF 50, making it ideal for daily touch-ups. In addition to zinc and titanium dioxide, which are physical sun blockers, this also contains iron oxide, a critical ingredient that fights melasma and hyperpigmentation. It’s easy to apply, portable, and comes in various shades, making it suitable for all skin tones.
Some may debate me on this, but a good eye cream is worth the investment. This one contains a blend of peptides that improve the appearance of fine lines and protect against free radicals. In as little as four weeks, you may see a visible improvement in wrinkles under your lids and on your eyelids, but, of course, consistency is key.
This product combines 30% THD ascorbate, the most stable and lipid-soluble form of vitamin C, with a powerful antioxidant blend. These ingredients boost skin radiance, prevent hyperpigmentation, and protect the skin from environmental stressors. After 12 weeks of use, most users report visibly brighter, firmer skin and a more even skin tone.
This soothing serum is packed with vitamin B5, cica, and amino acids, designed to calm the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s beneficial to have on hand after a dermatologic procedure like chemical peel, microneedling, or laser treatment.
For dermatologists, retinol is the gold standard when it comes to antiaging. By increasing the rate of skin cell regeneration, this retinol refines skin texture, diminishes the appearance of fine lines, and improves discoloration. It contains 1.0% retinol, so it’s best for those pre-conditioned to retinol treatments. It also has an antioxidant complex that helps even skin texture and minimizes skin irritation.
This lightweight, non-greasy, mineral sunscreen contains broad spectrum SPF50+ coverage. It also has iron oxides, which help protect against blue light and prevent melasma and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin E and DNA repair enzymes give this product an added boost of protection from sun damage as well. Most people find that this lightweight formula blends well and leaves a silky finish.
This hydroquinone-free formula contains kojic acid, tranexamic acid, and vitamin B3 to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and improve skin brightness. It also has 5% HEPES, a synthetically-derived acid that helps evenly exfoliate the skin.