11 Drugstore Skincare Products Dermatologists Want You to Use
Instead of trying every cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen on drugstore shelves, we're going straight to the experts. We talked to certified dermatologists across America to find the best tried-and-true skincare products they recommend to their clients. Whether you need an effective cleanser for dry skin or a solution to old acne marks, here are the best budget-friendly picks for every skincare concern.
The Best Spot Treatment for Zits: Clinique Clinical Clearing Gel
When a zit suddenly appears overnight, it can often be treated quickly with a small dab of a highly concentrated topical acne treatment product — frequently known as a spot treatment. Dr. Valerie Goldburt, a certified dermatologist in New York, recommends Clinique's Clinical Clearing Gel to her patients. The treatment gel contains salicylic acid, which helps dissolve blackheads and whiteheads.
Buy It: Clinique Clinical Clearing Gel, $18
The Best Face Cleanser For Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash
Treat reoccurring breakouts with an acne wash that's tough on blemishes but gentle on skin. This oil-free wash is a dermatologist and patient favorite because it's effective but doesn't smell medicinal.
Buy It: Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash, $6.79
The Best Face Wash For Oily Skin: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub
Dr. Brent Wainwright, a CareMount dermatologist in New York and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, encourages people with
to use gentle facial cleansers that will tackle oil without overdrying the skin and sparking more oil production. This scrub uses salicylic acid to minimize oil while exfoliating the skin's surface.
Buy It:
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub, $7.47
The Best Face Wash for Treating Blackheads: OXY 10
When tiny blackheads speckle your complexion, Dr. Goldburt recommends products with benzoyl peroxide, a bacteria-bashing medication included in some acne treatments. She suggests the drugstore acne medication
, which boasts 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, or a more gentle solution like Proactive cleanser with micronized benzoyl peroxide. For more extreme cases, she recommends talking to a dermatologist about prescription options like Tretinoin.
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The Best Face Wash For Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Dr. Wainwright points patients with dry skin to CeraVe and Eucerin cleansers because their gentle, moisturizing cleansers are hard to match. CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser markets itself for normal and dry skin, and it boats key hydrating ingredients, like ceramides to help rebuild the skin's protective barrier and hyaluronic acid, which draws hydration into the skin's surface.
Buy It: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $11.99
The Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin: Aveeno's Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream
If dry skin is your main skincare concern, shop for moisturizing products with ceramides. Regular exposure to drying elements, such as low humidity and high wind, can deplete the skin of its protective barrier and make skin prone to dryness. To replenish the skin's natural moisture barrier, Wainwright recommends drugstore-friendly moisturizers that cater to dry skin like Aveeno's Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream.
Buy It: Aveeno's Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream, $11.99
The Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: La Roche Posay
We should all be wearing a strong SPF to battle the sun's rays—and avoid acne and wrinkles, too? For an effective sunscreen that keeps pores clear, Dr. Bordone recommends La Roche-Posay, which boasts broad spectrum UVA protection with antioxidants. Plus, it's not sticky.
Buy It:
La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen, $19.99
The Best Drugstore Treatment for Acne Marks: Differin
Differin, a medication that helps with acne and post-acne skin discoloration, is now available OTC. Dr. Bordone recommends using it every other day, and then applying it daily if skin can tolerate it without irritation. Differin includes a retinoid, is kind of like a light chemical peel, she says. It can dry out skin but increases cell turnover and speeds up the healing process.
Buy It:
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, $15.20
The Best Anti-Aging Facial Oil: Rosehip Seed Oil
Organic rosehip seed oil is lauded by the beauty community for its anti-aging beta-carotene property, which serves as an antioxidant that provides Vitamin A. Plus, it smells sweet and is an affordable and light moisturizer. Natural oils like rosehip and jojoba are ideal moisturizers for normal aging skin, but dryer complexions may need to consider a stronger solution.
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