In a quest for beauty products that help us look and feel like our most youthful selves, who better to turn to for advice than plastic surgeons and dermatologists? These experts spend their careers studying skin health, the latest advancements in treatments, and ingredients that actually do something for our skin. With their knowledge and access to cutting-edge products, they have the inside info on what truly works to maintain a youthful appearance.
While most professionals maintain that in-office procedures and clinical treatments can give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to immediate transformation, a curated selection of at-home skincare products is absolutely essential to help preserve your skin's health, vitality, and youthful glow.
We went ahead and asked some of New York City's plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and nurses to delve deeper into what they personally use to keep their skin at its peak. From potent serums to hydrating moisturizers, these selections are backed by firsthand experience and years of medical school. Whether you're aiming to combat fine lines, boost collagen, or achieve a radiant complexion, here are 20 beauty products that can help deliver the ultimate glow-up.
"I love this product because it is a great tinted facial sunscreen that helps prevent photo-aging and melasma. The tint also makes my skin look smoother and younger," says Jaimie Glick, MD, of New York Dermatology Group.
"I have rosacea and very sensitive skin and like many cannot tolerate a retinoid," shares Glick. "This product supports collagen and elastin production."
"Known for its capacity to attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is a superb hydrator for the skin," says Lara Devgan, dermatologist and founder of Dr. Lara Devgan Skincare. "It helps keep the skin plump, hydrated, and youthful looking."
"I appreciate CeraVe's renewing SA Cream for its effective combination of salicylic acid and essential ceramides," Devgan tells me. "This combination gives you a light dose of gentle exfoliation while also helping to restore the skin's natural barrier, ensuring comprehensive skin health and recovery post-procedures."
"I like this foot peel mask for its ability to effectively remove calluses and dry skin, leaving feet feeling smooth and rejuvenated, which is essential for maintaining overall skin health and appearance," Devgan adds.
"The best results for anti-aging are from in-office treatments, such as injectables, lasers, and treatments," says Sheila Malek Kassir, MD, co-founder of Kassir Plastic Surgery and Inside Beauty Spa. "However, this is what I recommend for using at home. I am a loyalist, and when I find something that works, I stick with it. I love La Roche-Posay. It's a tried-and-true brand for anti-aging, especially the Toleriane and Effaclar lines. This protective and corrective daily moisturizer with SPF 30 helps protect skin against visible signs of sun damage caused by UVA and UVB exposure as well as helps to improve the appearance of dark spots."
"I will never not use jade or amethyst rollers," Kassir reveals. "These tools are great for lymphatic drainage and skin tightening. They improve skin tone and elasticity for a more youthful appearance by increasing blood circulation and reducing the appearance of puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. I love the ones by Plum Beauty because they are excellent quality, and you can find them just about anywhere, from Amazon to CVS to Target. You can't beat the $6 price point."
"These days, I am really loving LightStim," says Kassir. "This is an FDA-cleared device that uses LED light therapy to stimulate collagen and reduce fine lines."
"Using red light therapy to decrease inflammation and prevent aging is always a staple in my regimen," explains Tara Adashev, APRN at Neinstein Plastic Surgery. "These days, I am really loving this device from Dr. Dennis Gross. This device uses red and blue light to reduce wrinkles and treat acne. This offers professional-level treatment at home and is now a part of my nightly skincare routine. It only takes three minutes, and you start to see results fast!"
"This is my newest obsession," Adashev raves. "It uses the most updated technology compared to other microcurrent devices on the market. It gives that instant contoured look that lasts longer than any other device I've used."
"Caudalie has been a staple in my cabinet lately," Adashev tells me. "Their Le Cru Crème is highly moisturizing, giving you that youthful appearance. The brand's Vinoperfect line of moisturizer and serum also gives a glowy, youthful look without any harsh ingredients getting into your pores."
"Retinol excels in anti-aging, boosting cell turnover and collagen production to smooth lines and wrinkles," says Renata Khelemsky, MD, double board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon and founder of Renata Facial Cosmetic Surgery. "I recommend using pure liquid retinol soaked into facial pads for nighttime use. This method ensures maximum potency and absorption while giving you control over application. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Extra Strength 0.5% pads are an excellent choice for an effective, convenient retinol treatment. Apply to the face, neck, and chest for overall rejuvenation. Follow with a powerful moisturizer to combat dryness."
"As we age, the skin begins to lose moisture, appear dull, and lose its natural bounce and smoothness," Khelemsky explains. "Therefore, anti-aging skincare regimens require a strong focus on hydration and replenishment. Ceramides are lipid molecules that occur naturally in the skin's outer layer and are pivotal in preserving the skin barrier, which is key for moisture retention. Scientific research confirms that ceramide-rich products effectively maintain hydration, prevent transepidermal water loss, and support overall skin integrity and youthfulness. Seek potent formulations like this one from SkinCeuticals."
"Investing early in SPF is the best anti-aging strategy," concludes Khelemsky. "Mineral-based SPF offers broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays that cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. These formulas contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens that require time to absorb and become effective, mineral-based formulas work immediately upon application, cause less skin irritation, and remain stable when exposed to sunlight. Choose high-concentration zinc oxide formulas with at least 15% cumulative percentage of all mineral ingredients. I recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for superior defense against environmental damage."
"I love the Lyma laser, which combines LED light with cold near-infrared laser technology. [It] is effective in addressing pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage, promoting smoother and more even skin," says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
"The NuFace uses microcurrent technology to lift and tighten the skin, improve facial contours, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, offering both short-term and long-term benefits," Garshick adds.
"This brand of SPF is a staple in my anti-aging routine," Garshick tells me. "It provides all the hydration of a moisturizer with all the protection of a broad-spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen. This medical-grade formula is enriched with antioxidants like melanin, vitamins C and E, and ferulic acid ester. Matte is ideal for combination to oily skin, and Emollient is ideal for normal to dry skin. This is one of the only sunscreens on the market that I can confidently say works for everyone."
"Imagine starting your morning skincare routine with a trio of powerhouse products that collectively transform your skin's health and appearance," says Evelyn Ramirez, LME, founder of Evelyn Aesthetics. "This gentle yet effective exfoliator is designed to rejuvenate your skin by removing dead cells and impurities. This scrub is formulated with nourishing ingredients that promote cell renewal, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion."
"Following exfoliation, I reach for the Epicutis Hyvia Crème, a moisturizer that excels in deep hydration," shares Ramirez. "Its unique formulation not only locks in moisture but also soothes inflammation and reduces redness, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. With minimal yet potent ingredients, this moisturizer ensures your skin receives the care it needs without unnecessary additives."
"I protect and perfect my skin with Colorescience's Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50," Ramirez says. "This innovative sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays while also shielding your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light. Its unique formula adjusts to match your skin tone, providing a flawless, natural-looking finish that can double as your daily foundation."
