I’ve Been a Dermatologist for More Than 25 Years – These Are My Go-to Products I Use on My Own Skin
Hardly anyone knows more about the breadth and depth of the cosmetic and skincare industries than a dermatologist, especially one that has been in the business for more than 25 years. Paging Dr. Doris Day – a board-certified dermatologist specializing in laser, cosmetic, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology – who has lent her savvy knowhow to clients for decades. Of course, fans of Dr. Day need no introduction, as she is also known by her own product line: Dr. Doris Day Skincare & Hair Products.
“It’s all about confidence. My feeling has always been that I don’t want my patients to just look better, I want them to be better,” Dr. Day tells FIRST for Women about her approach to dermatology. “The more I’ve been in my practice, the more my focus has been on what I call longevity beauty. It’s understanding that your skin doesn’t just reflect your overall health and wellbeing, it actually affects your health, how you age, and your wellbeing.”
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Dr. Day stands out from the field due to the fact that she tests products on her own skin, with her selections ranging from drugstore finds to medical-grade skincare options. Her olive-toned skin – that she describes as prone to redness – is the “perfect tester” palette, allowing her to tell patients and readers exactly what works for her, what she recommends, and why.
For a dermatologist with her own line of skincare products, Dr. Day does not shy away from an effective option you can pick up at Target. Right now, a go-to line of hers is La Roche-Posay, and she has a “bunch” of it at home.
“I find the brand very ethical, very well done, it’s science backed in a way I do respect,” she tells FIRST for Women, highlighting the brand’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser. She’s also “playing” with high-end option La Mer, using their night cream option not only before bed, but on her neck and the back of her hands during the day.
No matter the product, however, Dr. Day explains that the true efficacy comes down to the formula – not just the ingredients – used.
“I look at the list of ingredients (of a given product) and go, ‘Oh my god, this looks great. Whatever I can think of is in this.’ But then it doesn’t smell good, it irritates my skin, it’s sticky, it’s tacky, I don’t want to use it,” Dr. Day explains. “There’s a whole difference between what something looks like on paper, versus how it actually acts in the real world. Many products out there make claims based on ingredients, but not based on the formula. You can have ingredient claims, but it doesn’t mean they’re going to behave that way in the formula that you’re using.”
Who better to trust than an experienced dermatologist who tests products themselves! Keep scrolling to find out which products Dr. Day trusts to use herself.
Dr. Doris Day’s cleanser recommendations
Dr. Day’s Silky Foam Cleanser
Ingredients, formulas, and how products interact dominate Dr. Day’s approach to skincare, and her own line’s foam cleanser hits the mark. She recommends the product thanks to its lactic acid, exfoliating salicylic acid, and its fragrance-free formula.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Dr. Day does not shy away from testing affordable skincare products, and she is particularly keen on La Roche-Posay and its science-backed formulas. She recommends their gentle face cleanser as it includes both niacinamide and ceramides and is fragrance free. She tells FIRST for Women that the cleanser is ideal for those who have normal to dry skin.
Dr. Doris Day’s skincare serum recommendations
Dr. Day’s Brow and Lash Serum
Dr. Day formulated her own brow and lash serum to promote fuller, thicker, and more luscious lashes in as little time as two weeks. Clinical results showed that the serum not only promotes eyelash growth, but stops fallout as well. It’s sulfate free and paraben free, which is great news to those who are extra aware of the products they put around their eyes. And, as a bonus to animal lovers, it’s cruelty free.
ELEVAI Daily Exosome Serum
It might be on the pricier side, but Dr. Day recommends the ELEVAI Daily Exosome Serum thanks to its use of vitamin C, copper peptides, and hyaluronic acid, all vital skincare ingredients needed in a well-rounded routine. The product also includes copper peptides, which help support the body’s production of stem cells. As a result, the skin will be left with more elasticity, and the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation will be significantly diminished.
SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum
Combating environmental stress can be difficult, so Dr. Day recommends SkinBetter’s Alto Defense Serum, as its antioxidant-rich formula will protect the skin and improve its tone. Not only does the serum repair existing damage, but Dr. Day tells FIRST for Women that it prevents future damage from occurring.
SkinBetter Even Tone Correcting Serum
Many of us struggle with sun damage and discoloration. In order to rejuvenate the skin, Dr. Day recommends SkinBetter’s Even Tone Correcting Serum due to its use of key ingredients of diglucosyl gallic acid for uneven skin tone, hexylresorcinol for skin brightening, and antioxidants. She also highlights the product’s hydroquinone-free status, meaning that it does not include any harmful skin lightening agents. The serum is also lightweight and fragrance free.
Dr. Doris Day’s skincare masks and resurfacing recommendations
Dr. Day’s Pore Refining Pumpkin Mask
Cleaning out the clogged pores of the skin is a must, and Dr. Day’s own pumpkin mask will do the trick. She loves the product thanks to its pore-refining results, as well as its hydrating properties. As added bonuses, the mask is non-comedogenic – meaning that it won’t block the skin – and is cruelty free.
SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Mask
Dr. Day stands by the SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Mask for a number of reasons, primarily thanks to its simple ingredient list. She highlights its cooling and hydrating properties, and lists it as a beneficial mask to use after skin procedures. The mask option has a wide appeal – it is recommended for those with dry, normal, oily, sensitive, and combination skin types – and comes in a six pack.
Dr. Day’s Clarifying Mint Mask
Nothing is better than washing off a face mask and seeing glowing, healthy, rejuvenated skin. Dr. Day’s own Clarifying Mint Mask will leave you with such results, as its presence of jojoba seeds will calm and soothe inflammation while kaolin balances the skin’s oil levels. This mask is especially good for those with acne-prone skin, and will work to minimize pores, blackheads, and blemishes, leaving the skin looking refreshed.
Dr. Doris Day’s sunscreen recommendations
Neutrogena Mineral UV Tint SPF 30 with Vitamin E
Sunscreen is vital to any skincare regimen, and if you’re opting for a light skin tint option for the day ahead, Dr. Day suggests Neutrogena’s Mineral UV Tint SPF 30 with Vitamin E. The product comes in four shades, and can easily be layered under makeup or worn on its own. Dr. Day highlights the sunscreen’s 100% mineral actives, as well as its presence of antioxidant vitamin E. She also loves the product as it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Dr. Day’s Facial Silk SPF
For those of us who are worried about sunscreen bringing an unavoidable shine to the face, Dr. Day’s own Facial Silk SPF is the answer we’ve been looking for. The product’s matte finish and slight tint is perfect to use on its own or as a primer, and will actively protect the skin from environmental factors, pollution, and high energy visible light. Dr. Day particularly loves this product thanks to its mineral-base protection, as well as its preservative-free status.
Dr. Doris Day’s foundation recommendation
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
A Dr. Day favorite and a foundation with a cult-like following, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation makes it onto the dermatologist’s list of recommendations for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Dr. Day sheds light on the foundation’s 40 unique shades and its vast accessibility. She loves that the product is lightweight and perfect to wear with just one application, and that it can offer buildable coverage.
Dr. Doris Day’s concealer recommendation
NARS Radiant Concealer
Anyone who’s anyone knows about the NARS Radiant Concealer, including Dr. Day. She loves the viral product thanks to its affordable price tag, its wide accessibility, and the fact that its coverage can be built on the skin. Given that it’s available in 30 shades, it makes sense why Dr. Day can’t get enough of this concealer, too!
Dr. Doris Day’s eyebrow, eyeliner, and mascara recommendations
Bobbi Brown Espresso and Neutral Brown Eyebrow Pencil
Everyone loves a bold brow, and Dr. Day ups the ante with an easy-to-use option that’s good for the experienced and less makeup skilled among us: Bobbi Brown Espresso and Neutral Brown eyebrow pencil. She loves its pigmented finish, its easy to apply formula, and – for an added bonus – the fact that it’s waterproof. Everyone needs a brow that is going to stay put.
Revlon Bold Lacquer Blackest Black Mascara
Mascara is one of those makeup products that needs to be replaced every three months or so, making an affordable option like Revlon’s Bold Lacquer Blackest Black Mascara the perfect option. Bonus! It has Dr. Day’s stamp of approval. She loves the fact that it is waterproof, easy to use, and affordable.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eyeliner Pencil in Mahogany
Dr. Day knows what it’s like putting in a long work day, so it makes sense why long-lasting Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eyeliner Pencil in shade Mahogany is her go-to product. She tells FIRST for Women that she loves how pigmented this pencil is, as well as its smudge-resistant properties.
Dr. Doris Day’s lipstick recommendation
Tom Ford Fcking Fabolous Red Lipstick
Nothing says ”I have my life together” quite like a red lip, and Dr. Day swears by Tom Ford’s Fcking Fabulous Red Lipstick. The experienced dermatologist tells FIRST for Women the option produces the “perfect red lip” that is equally as lasting. With a high shine finish and creamy texture, it’s no wonder this Tom Ford option has Dr. Day on the fan list.
Dr. Doris Day’s makeup palette recommendation
Urban Decay NAKED Smoky Eyeshadow
Dr. Day is among the greats for recommending the Urban Decay NAKED Smoky Eyeshadow palette, a favorite for many who love versatile eyeshadow options that don’t overwhelm the eyes. She particularly loves the pressed powder pigmentation throughout the palette, as well as the fact that the product is cruelty free.
Dr. Doris Day’s makeup and beauty tool recommendations
Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer
A must if you’re dedicated to the life and longevity of your hair, Dr. Day raves about the Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer as giving a “salong-level blowout” at home. She additionally loves the popular hair tool as it’s great for all hair types, and comes with a number of attachments to style your hair accordingly. It might be a splurge with such a high price tag, but it’ll be well worth it.
For those of us looking to have a tight jawline and finally ridding ourselves of the double chin, Dr. Day suggests the NuFACE Facial Toning Device, which targets fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin, and uneven texture. As Dr. Day explains, “Microcurrents will sculpt your face and keep everything lifted,” and the NuFACE device keeps the process “safe and effective.”
Dr. Day’s hair care recommendations
Boldify Hairline Powder
A great product to consider for anyone dealing with hairline issues, root regrowth, or hair sparseness, the Boldify Hairline Powder is another Dr. Day-approved option to add to your medicine cabinet. The dermatologist loves that the hairline powder is made up of plant-derived squalene, and is also wind, water, and rain resistant. Given that the powder comes in 14 unique shades, anyone who is dealing with some unwanted hair loss will be pleasantly satisfied.
Dr. Day’s Replenish Shampoo
Dr. Day’s own Replenish Shampoo is perfect for anyone looking to create thicker, more full locks while simultaneously keeping their scalp clean and refreshed. Dr. Day created the shampoo with clover leaf extract, acetyl tetrapeptide, and chamomilla recutita flower extract on the ingredient list, leaving users with healthy, shiny hair. If that wasn’t good enough, the shampoo is paraben free, sulfate free, and cruelty free.
Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner
For a safe option that repairs damaged hair and strengthens over time, Dr. Day recommends the Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner duo. She highlights the products’ sulfate and paraben-free formula to FIRST for Women, and adds that both are great hair care options to use if you color your locks. Not only this, but the shampoo and conditioner are safe and healthy options for all hair types according to Dr. Day, making this a universal favorite.
