Simple Skincare Products to Use Daily

So what DOES a dermatology PA actually use on their skin? Like many people, I struggled with acne throughout my teenage years and into college (and I still do about once a month if you catch my drift…). I also am prone to eczema in the winter. It can be a fine balancing act when it comes to my skincare. I can’t do anything too intense or irritating to my skin because it will cause my eczema to flare. These simple skincare products work best for my skin type and they’re a good place to start for someone new to skincare regimens.

Working in dermatology, I have had the fortunate experience to be able to try and test a lot of prescription samples, and out of the five products I use daily only ONE is prescription strength. The remaining four items you can find at your local drug store or online on Amazon. Easy enough right?

1. Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen

If you have ever read anything about skincare then you probably knew this was going to be at the top of the list… SUNSCREEN. I have personally been using Elta MD products for years. I love this one because it feels like you’re putting on makeup! The active ingredients you want with any sunscreen are either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these are your physical blockers. If you are acne-prone and want to try this one out, make sure you get the one that says “UV clear”. This is for acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin. I love this product and use it every single morning on my face, ears, and neck before I leave the house.

2. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

This is another product I have been using for years! Remember when I said I had sensitive skin? Cetaphil is a great brand for sensitive skin and is one of the brands I recommend to my patients who get easily irritated with other types of face wash. I have tried several medicated washes in the past but unfortunately, they were too irritating for me. I wash my face every single morning and every single night before going to bed.

3. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

This vitamin C serum is an excellent product that I began using once I started in the field of dermatology. I use it every other morning after I wash my face but before I apply my sunscreen. It brightens up my complexion and is now a part of my everyday morning routine! Be careful with this one if you tend to have dry sensitive skin.

4. Tretinoin 0.1% Cream

You guessed it, this is the one prescription strength topical I use as part of my regular skincare routine. Tretinoin is a topical retinoid. There are lots of great over-the-counter retinol products that are weaker but can be a good alternative if you don’t have time to go get a prescription. One of my favorites over the counter is Differin Adapalene 0.1% Gel. Fun fact about Adapalene, a few years ago it used to only be available as a prescription.

Retinoids are vitamin A analogs and they help turn over skin cells quickly. This aids with not only acne but hyperpigmentation, skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. I truly believe every person should use a retinoid or retinol regardless of if they have acne! Just be careful with how and when you use it. Retinoids should be used at night and you only need a small pea-sized amount for the entire face. I normally recommend people start every other night or even every third night before increasing to nightly, as it can dry and irritate the skin.

5. Neutrogena Hydroboost

Last but certainly not least is this little gem of a night cream. Let me just say, I love the texture of this moisturizer! It is a great moisturizing option to put on top of a retinoid to ensure the dryness stays in control. Neutrogena Hydroboost also makes a morning moisturizer with a built-in sunscreen that is one of my favorites to recommend for skin of color. It does not leave a white film behind when you apply it.

And there you have it! With all the many types of skincare products out there I have finally found simple skincare products that work best for my skin. In full transparency, along with these products, I routinely have procedures done in the office to help my skin (more on that later). Find out which products may work best for your skin type by grabbing my free skincare guide!