Skincare Products Dermatologists Recommend for Every Budget
Right about now is a good time to shut yourself inside and indulge in your beauty routine, specifically your skincare routine. Whether it’s adding an extra step or trying out a new product, there are lots of ways to get your glow up—no matter your budget.
If you’re looking for new skincare products to purchase, I partnered with Walmart to share some personal favorites that also happen to be dermatologist-recommended. You can shop online to get affordable brands I have mentioned before (looking at you CeraVe!) and higher end lines like Obagi and Skinceuticals. The items ship quickly and right to your door!
The question is, do you really need to spend a lot? Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says, “For cleansers and moisturizers, it is not always necessary to splurge, as many of the drugstore products are effective and, importantly, are gentle on the skin.” Some key ingredients she says to look for are, “ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which attracts 1,000 times its weight in water and helps hydrate the skin.” For those worried about clogged pores, she says terms to look for include “oil-free or non-comedogenic,” which are most important for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Here are the products and brands to look into while you’re online shopping:
CLEANSERS
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($11)
When it comes to cleansers, Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Nina Desai says, “CeraVe is simply a line based on smart science. They keep the importance of rebuilding the skin barrier in mind by adding ceramides to their products. I personally love the CeraVe hydrating cleanser as it is full of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which are both vital to locking in moisture.”
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel ($43)
If you want a gel cleanser that is gentle and works hard to remove grime, another suggestion is the Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel. It has oat amino acids and aloe vera gel to nourish the skin, along with alfalfa and borage extracts to detoxify and decrease excess sebum.
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATORS AND DARK SPOT TREATMENT
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Glycolic Acid Serum ($24)
My absolute favorite type of exfoliant is chemical. Specifically AHAs like glycolic acid that are known to gently exfoliate and even your skin tone. This 10% Glycolic Acid Serum by L’Oreal Paris might sound strong, but in serum form it’s usually not. Either way, start once a week to be safe and increase your usage as your skin gets used to it.
PCA Skin Pigment Gel ($39)
A combination of kojic acid and AHAs like lactic and azelaic acid make up a dream cocktail to gently exfoliate your skin and target dark spots that form over time. An under-appreciated antioxidant called glutathione is also included in the mix to brighten your skin tone and nourish it.
RETINOL
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol ($19)
This retinol is newer to the market, but CeraVe has a great track record for creating products that work at an affordable price. This one is gentle because it contains healing ceramides and encapsulated retinol that releases over time (instead of working all at once).
MOISTURIZER FOR OILY SKIN
Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Water Gel-Cream ($17)
“Neutrogena has a large product line with skin care products for all skin types and issues,” says Dr. Desai. “Currently, my favorite Neutrogena products are the products in the Hydro-Boost line. Hydration plays a crucial part in maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin. The Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Water Gel Cream for extra-dry skin boosts hydration with hyaluronic acid. As a dermatologist I also love that it is oil-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic, so it can be used for all skin types.”
MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN
Bioderma Atoderm Cream ($18)
If you’re looking for an alternative to CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, look no further than Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-soothing balm. It has healing ceramides and lipids to soothe the skin, feels creamy but not heavy, and can be used on the face and body.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($10)
“I love Aquaphor as a healing ointment for all over your skin,” says Dr. Desai. “I recommend the ointment or the spray for my eczema-prone patients who need to lock in that extra moisture with an occlusive barrier.”
ACNE TREATMENT
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 ($5)
I always talk about Differin and stand by it since adapalene is proven to work. Up until a few years ago, it was only available by prescription and now it’s much more accessible. If you can’t find it or you didn’t love the product, then benzoyl peroxide is still a common dermatologist recommendation.
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