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The pursuit of the best skin-care routine is, in truth, a lifelong affair—one that evolves as expected (or unexpectedly) as the seasons themselves. Once you think you’ve curated the ultimate lineup—an edit of cleansers, serums, and creams so dialed in it would impress your facialist—your skin embarks on a plot twist. Dryness? A sudden itch! Sensitivity? Out of nowhere. And as summer approaches in all its sun-drenched glory, even the most-balanced complexions may find themselves dabbling in duality. Cue the onset of combination skin concerns—a glowing forehead, a parched chin, and a bewildered sense of which products are best suited to deal with your skin’s dueling personalities.
It’s a narrative all too familiar, even among the most seasoned beauty insiders. Ask any esthetician, editor, or dermatologist, and they’ll confirm—no radiance is achieved without its fair share of trial and error. Think of it as a beauty rite of passage, from the over-exfoliation phase to the flirtation with too many actives and the inevitable surrender to simplicity. There seems to be an endless amount of skin-care advice out there too–tips sourced from TikTok to your peers to your local Sephora makeup artist. But how do you know what to trust?
A Look at Dermatologists’s Favorite Skin-Care Products
- Best LED Face Mask: HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask, $349
- Best Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, $182
- Best Daily Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Cleanser, $17
- Best Face Mask: Babor Lifting Rx Silver Foil Face Mask, $65
- Best Nourishing Face Cream: Rhode Barrier Restore Cream, $32
- Best Overnight Lip Mask: Sara Happ The Lip Slip One Balm, $30
As we look to answer that question ourselves, we thought to take a peek into the routines of our favorite dermatologists. They are, after all, the ultimate experts in the space who can provide medical guidance on achieving your best skin yet. And although it may seem obvious, they have the typical skin concerns like acne, sensitivity, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and more, just like us.
So, we asked seven top dermatologists to share their actual skin-care regimens from morning to night. Generally speaking, a proper routine might consist of a gentle yet effective cleanse, a specialized treatment based on their skin type, and a quenching moisturizer—supplemented by perhaps a carefully-chosen face mask or high-tech beauty gadget. All these details and more below: read on to shop dermatologist-recommended skin care and discover some helpful insights to inform your routine.
In This Story
- Best Skin-Care Routine for Normal Skin: Dr. Dendy Engelman
- Best Skin-Care Routine for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Corey L. Hartman
- Best Skin-Care Routine for Oily Skin: Dr. Karen Kagha
- Best Skin-Care Routine for Dry Skin: Dr. Whitney Bowe
- Best Skin-Care Routine for Hyperpigmentation: Dr. Nkem Ugonabo
- Best Skin-Care Routine for Rosacea-Prone Skin: Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
- Best Skin-Care Routine for Acne-Prone and Aging Skin: Dr. Dara Spearman
- Meet The Dermatologists
Best Skin-Care Routine for Normal Skin
Skin Type: “Overall, I have what is referred to as ‘normal’ skin,” Engelman notes. “Occasionally, I experience some mild oiliness in my T-zone, but I’m not particularly sensitive, nor do I tend to be blemish-prone.”
Step One: “In the mornings, I keep it simple with micellar water," says Engelman, who typically reaches for LoveCraft beauty’s formula. “This helps to gently remove the products I’ve used the night prior.” Of the many dermatologist-approved formulas, there’s so many great micellar waters on the market—start, and end, the day with favorites from CosRX and Bioderma.
Step Two: Next up is eye cream. “My go-to is the Valmont L’Elixir Des Glaciers Vos Yeux Swiss Poly-Active Cream, a really rich eye cream packed with hyaluronic acid to minimize dehydration lines and increase radiance and brightness,” she explains. When she’s applying makeup, on the other hand, she reaches for SkinMedica’s cooling eye patches because they “catch the fallout from eyeshadow application and smooths the intraorbital skin.”
Step Three: Then comes vitamin C serum. “I use SkinBetter Science’s Alto Defense Serum, which contains a rich blend of antioxidants for protection against free radical damage caused by environmental assailants like UVA/UVB and pollution,” she says. The serum also promises to reduce the look of redness and uneven skin tone.
Step Four: “Next, I layer on my moisturizer,” she details. “I love the Isdin Hyaluronic Concentrate, which is a water-gel serum that contains hyaluronic acids, BioMarine extract, skin-firming peptides, and lentil extract. It’s so hydrating and soothing.”
Step Five: Engelman is sure not to forget lip care in her regimen—reaching for Sara Happ’s balm even over lipstick. “It helps keep my lips hydrated while giving a fresh, glossy appearance,” she says.
Step Six: “Like any good dermatologist, sunscreen is a huge part of my skin-care routine,” Engelman explains. “One of my favorites is the Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50, which is a lightly tinted mineral sunscreen with antioxidants to protect the skin against both the sun and environmental pollutants. In my bag, I keep the Isdin Mineral Brush Daily Protection Powder for re-application throughout the day. I love this because it helps absorb excess oil and can be applied over makeup.”
More to Know: “Before a big event or filming anything, I always apply Isdin Instant Flash to my face, neck, and chest. It makes my skin look amazing and makeup goes on beautifully on top,” she says. Otherwise, Elle Macpherson’s WelleCo supplement is a must each morning. “It’s designed to support 11 systems of the body, including skin, hair, and nails.”
Step One: “Because I wear makeup most days, I’m a big fan of the double cleanse, and I love the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm to lift any makeup, dirt, or grime from the day,” explains Engelman. “This balm uses papaya extract, sunflower, and ginger root oils to remove impurities and nourish the skin and feels really luxurious on the skin. To finish the double cleanse, I follow with my favorite Epionce Lytic Gel, which has willow bark extract, which is naturally anti-inflammatory and a [has] specific complex that helps optimize skin’s pH levels.”
Step Two: Post cleanse, she moves onto toner disclosing her appreciation of Biologique Recherche’s cult favorite Lotion P50 Original 1970, which she applies every other day. “It contains niacinamide, AHAs, and PHAs for a thorough and gentle exfoliation,” she says. “It also helps to maintain the proper pH of the skin’s acid mantle (pH - 5.5).” When she isn’t using P50, Humphrey’s Clarifying Cleansing Pads do the trick. “We use Humphrey’s toners at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue to prep patient’s skin prior to treatments, so I was excited that they’ve created these easy-to-use pads, which are also great for when I’m traveling.”
Step Three: At night, she opts for SiO’s Eye and Smile Patches. “These are easy to use and help me look younger and well rested (even though neither of those is accurate),” she says. Made from medical-grade silicone, the patches are designed to plump, lift, and smooth the look of wrinkles overnight.
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Step Four: “You probably already know how much dermatologists love retinol; this ingredient helps to increase cell turnover, build collagen, improve discoloration, treat wrinkles, hydrate skin and even reduce acne!” says Engelman, who is a years-long fan and a consulting dermatologist for Elizabeth Arden—the brand that crafts her retinol of choice. “[The Retinol Ceramide Capsules] are perfectly dosed in anhydrous, preservative-free, single-use, biodegradable capsules. They contain ceramides to help mitigate any potential dryness.” Alternatively, when she is not using retinol, she’ll reach for the M-61 PowerGlow Peel, “which is a one-minute treatment that combines glycolic and salicylic acid, [to] help exfoliate and improve skin texture.”
Step Five: Lastly, Engelman locks in moisture with a night cream. Skinbetter Science’s Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment is just the ticket for its gel-like consistency and featured three types of hyaluronic acid. “The time-release HA helps keep my skin feeling hydrated all night long and I wake up with softer, smoother skin in the morning.”
Step Six: “I’ll often finish with the Lanolips Superbalm, especially right now in the winter when it’s extra dry, to keep my lips moisturized overnight,” she says of the lanolin-rich multipurpose hydrator.
Step Seven: “On wash nights, I like to use the NatureLab Tokyo Scalp Scrub, which doubles as a scalp scrub and a lathering shampoo,” she details. “It gently exfoliates with sugar crystals (instead of the traditional salt crystals), so it’s very gentle and color safe.”
More to Know: High-tech beauty tools are part of Engelman’s at-home regimen, too, pointing out three devices as her top picks. There is Medicube Age-R Booster-H, a glow-boosting tool she uses for five minutes each night. She’s also a fan of the Lyma Laser, which she describes as “a powerful at-home device that addresses anti-aging, wrinkles, skin elasticity, skin texture, and skin tone.” (Each morning, Engelman also takes Lyma’s daily supplement that’s engineered to improve one’s sleep, complexion, mood, and stress levels through ingredients like ashwahgandha root extract, plant-based vitamin D, and soluble keratin.) Conversely, if she’s low on time, she might put on HigherDose’s silicone LED face mask, which combines red and near-infrared light to rejuvenate skin and quell inflammation in one 10-minute treatment.
Best Skin-Care Routine for Rosacea-Prone Skin
Dr. Dhaval G Bhanusali
Skin Type: “I have normal skin but I do have a mild rosacea and so [I’m] a bit more sensitive to things than most,” Bhanusali tells Vogue.
Step One: “I start off with a mild cleanser,” Bhanusali begins. “I use the Pineapple Refresh from Rhode ([which provides a] very gentle exfoliation that my skin can handle well) two to three times per a week. I alternate that with either the Neutrogena Hdroboost Fragrance Free Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser.” He’s also started using the Skin Medicinals Gentle Foaming Cleanser. “It is very hydrating and really helpful for those with sensitive skin (glycerin heavy and without any irritating ingredients).”
Step Two: Now onto moisture, “I either use the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream or [its] Glazing Milk depending on how much hydration I need (and time of year).” For example, Bhanusali, the dermatologist on Hailey Bieber s Rhode advisory board, might opt for the Barrier Restore Cream for more intense moisture via its rich blend of shea butter, squalane, peptides, and niacinamide. Glazing Milk, on the other hand, delivers more weightless hydration—while ceramides and beta-glucan led the formula, its a sort of toner texture.
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Step Three: Antioxidant protection is next. He’s currently using a not-yet-launched serum that he’s formulated. “Most Vitamin Cs irritate my skin and so I tend to avoid [them].”
Step Four: Last in his morning routine is sunscreen. Some days he reaches for EltaMD’s UV Clear. “I like that [this] is an aesthetically pleasing sunscreen, but also lightweight and has a good amount of niacinamide,” he says. Otherwise, he considers Alastin’s tinted SPF a favorite.
Step One: Another round of gentle cleansing sets the stage for Bhanusali’s nighttime routine.
Step Two: “I then apply a prescription retinoid from Skin Medicinals,” he continues. “My formulation includes tretinoin 0.05% with antioxidants, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.”
Step Three: Next for skin is moisturizer of course. “I then apply either the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream in the summer, or the Barrier Butter in colder months.”
Step Four: Last is a hair growth product: “I apply Hairstim minoxidil 7% with topical dutasterdie each night to my hair (a prescription via Skin Medicinals).”
More to Know: Bhanusali’s routine is pretty similar each day, but he does work in a few additional treatments. “I usually exfoliate on Sundays if I can, and skip the retinoid that night,” he says. “The goal is to refresh for the week.” If he has any media filming, on the other hand, he likes Neutrogena’s Hydroboost face mask—rich in hyaluronic acid to keep skin nourished and glowing. The dermatologist is also a fan of dermaplanning, and uses the razors from Jill to edge up his beard two to three times per week. “I do a facial at our Aesthetica Skin Lab once every month or two just to pop the skin and keep it healthy,” he continues. “I monitor how my skin ages via our Visia system and sometimes add in other actives or topicals depending on what the results show (for example, any increased pigment, etc). I also use this to guide any lasers I may need for maintenance.”
Best Skin-Care Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Dr. Corey L. Hartman
Skin Type: “My skin is oily and acne-prone, so I really must watch what I use on it and stay away from oils and heavy creams,” Hartman explains.
Step One: “I start by applying the Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector for 15 minutes before I shower, and then cleanse my face with either SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser,” he says. Both face washes are powered by exfoliating acids to remove excess oils and decongest pores, particularly on breakout-prone skin.
Step Two: For Hartman, specialized treatments are next. The SkinMedica Brightening Treatment Pads are enriched with glycolic acid (a well-known alpha hydroxy acid), witch hazel, lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niaconamide to slough away dead skin cells, even tone, and smooth skin texture. This is followed by a prescription acne cream, Winlevi, and a few drops of SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF—an oil-free vitamin C serum designed for blemish-prone skin types.
Step Three: Face creams are his third step. Versed Dew Point delivers lightweight moisture thanks to a jelly-like texture enriched with hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, and green tea. “Right before sunscreen, I spot treat and dark spots with SkinMedica Even Correct Dark Spot Cream,” he details. The spot treatment uses a blend of glycolic acid, retinol, kojic acid, and vitamin C to diminish the appearance of dark spots from acne or sun damage.
Step Four: Sunscreen is last, specifically a La Roche-Posay Anthelios formula known to quell shine or clog pores. “This combination of products works well to address any active acne, prevent future breakouts, and help to even out discoloration left behind by previous acne,” he details. “My skin is appropriately moisturized and protected from the sun without being overly dry or extra shiny or sticky. It helps me to maintain an active regimen to keep breakouts under control.” On choosing the best sunscreen for face, look for an SPF 30 or higher.
Step One: Hartman starts his nighttime routine with Neutrogena’s Hydroboost cleanser. The lightweight gel formula is powered by hyaluronic acid to nourish skin while sloughing away dirt, oil, and buildup. Not to mention, its non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin types.
Step Two: Similar to his daytime regimen, a serum duo is next. He pairs Skinbetter’s retinoid and AHA-powered serum with Paula’s Choice’s formula enriched with retinoid, niacinamide, and hexylresorcinol (an acclaimed skin-brightening ingredient). Sometimes, this is supplemented by SkinMedica’s aforementioned spot treatment. “This combination of products works well to address any active acne, prevent future breakouts, and help to even out discoloration left behind by previous acne,” Hartman says. “My skin is appropriately moisturized and protected from the sun without being overly dry, or extra shiny or sticky. It helps me to maintain an active regimen that keeps breakouts under control.”
Step Three: “I apply Revision D.E.J. Daily Boosting Serum as the last step at night,” he says. Designed to energize fatigued skin and strengthen the skin barrier, this serum promotes a soft, hydrated, supple complexion through a complex antioxidant blend.
More to Know: For the most part, Hartman follows this routine each day—only toggling his cleansers in the morning to address any immediate needs and quickly deal with active breakouts. “But I do add either Hyper Even Fade and Glow Mask and/or Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial one to two times per week to help control oil production and add another layer of skin tone evening,” he continues. Otherwise, the dermatologist supplements his routine with the “Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask a few times a week, as well as in-office chemical peels, Hydrafacials, and SkinPen microneedling, which [he] cycles every four to six weeks rotating.”
Best Skin-Care Routine for Hyperpigmentation
Dr. Nkem Ugonabo
Skin Type: “I would describe myself as having combination skin that is prone to hyperpigmentation,” says Ugonabo.
Step One: “The first thing I do [in the morning] is use a cleanser, typically one that has some sort of active ingredient in it,” Ugonabo explains, citing these picks by Replenix and SkinMedica as current favorites. “Both products have very gentle exfoliating acids that help me control my oily T-zone and also provide cell turnover on my skin, which is helpful for discoloration from prior acne, for example.”
Step Two: “I typically follow with my vitamin C serum, which I love for providing extra protection, underneath my sunscreen against free radicals in the environment,” she continues. “It also has a brightening effect on the skin and helps give the skin an overall ‘glow’.” Like many other dermatologists we speak with, she gives the Vogue Verified SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic her stamp of approval.
Step Three: Now it’s time to lock in hydration with “a lightweight moisturizer such as Obagi Hydrate” that, she says, leaves her skin feeling soft and moisturized, without clogging pores.
Step Four: “Finally and most importantly, I always apply a tinted sunscreen with at least SPF 50 protection,” she says. “I use a tinted sunscreen in particular because it provides extra protection for hyperpigmentation, which I am very prone to.” Isdin s Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Tinted Mineral SPF 50 is her current go-to.
Step One: Removing all traces of makeup and sunscreen is top priority at night for Ugonabo. “Double cleansing (with an oil-based cleanser first) is a great way to do this,” she details. “I start with La Roche-Posay’s Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil followed by RoC SkinCare Barrier Renew Gel-to-Foam Cleanser—both of which are gentle formulas that work great together for removing all my makeup/SPF, while also adding moisture back into my skin.”
Step Two: Next up is a retinol treatment. Though she uses a prescription retinoid (Tazarotene 0.045% lotion, currently), she cites SkinBetter s AlphaRet serum as an excellent alternative. “Retinoids are great because they not only help with acne but also help improve skin texture, uneven skin tone, and help boost collagen production over time,” she says.
Step Three: With retinol in place, it s time to treat les yeux. “Next, I will sometimes use an eye cream, particularly when I notice puffiness underneath my eyes,” she explains. “I am currently using Clinique s Smart Clinical Repair Eye Cream.”
Step Four: Last on the agenda is moisturizer, “which helps mitigate any drying effects/irritation from my retinoid.” For this, she turns to her daily face moisturizer—Obagi s shea and mango butter-enriched salve.
More to Know: Her daily regimen aside, Ugonabo is also keen on weekly exfoliation. “Currently, I am using Neova s Intensive Retinol Spray with AHA/BHA (which, in addition to retinol, contains glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid to help provide cell turnover and also helps with blemishes),” she says. “It is strong, though, so I only do so once per week and skip my normal retinoid when doing so.” Otherwise, lip treatments are of equal importance. “I also make sure to hydrate lips, which helps prevent dry, cracking lips, especially in the winter months,” the derm names Avène s restorative lip cream and CeraVe s Healing Ointment as excellent formulas.
Best Skin-Care Routine for Oily Skin
Dr. Karen Kagha
Skin Type: “I am naturally more oily, acne-prone,” Kagha explains. “With my skin type, mild hyperpigmentation can arise.”
Step One: “In the morning, I use a gentle wash. Depending on how my skin is doing, I alternate between CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, Senté Exfoliating Cleanser, and Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash.” Senté and Revision Skincare’s formulas are powered by exfoliating acids to brighten and slough away impurities, and CeraVe’s is infused with benzoyl peroxide to remove excess dirt and oil and prevent new breakouts.
Step Two: “Then, I apply a vitamin C serum; I’m currently using SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF.” Formulated with oily and acne-prone skin in mind, this serum features a cocktail of silymarin (milk thistle extract), L-ascorbic acid, and ferulic and salicylic acid to reduce oiliness, breakouts, and skin texture.
Step Three: Next is moisturizer, which at the moment is the Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer. This is packed with linoleic acid, oat kernel, and silver mushroom to soothe and nourish the skin.
Step Four: “Finally, I apply sunscreen. Currently, I am using EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44,” Kagha says. The tinted mineral sunscreen provides universal sheer coverage to most skin types, along with protection against UV rays. “For fancier days, if I want more coverage, I may mix a drop of Dermablend Flawless Creator foundation with my sunscreen.”
“At night, I alternate between the same washes mentioned in my morning routine,” she says. “I then use a small pea-size amount of Arazlo 0.045% lotion. Finally, I apply a moisturizer, which is sometimes La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.” This coveted French pharmacy find is known to be incredibly gentle and nourishing thanks to its featured ceramides, niacinamide, and prebiotic thermal water.
More to Know: “Depending on active breakouts, I do have a prescription benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin lotion that I apply intermittently to problem areas,” Kagha said of what supplements her routine. In light of her specialties in aesthetics and lasers, she often treats her diverse clientele and her own skin with this approach. “One of the most common complaints of my personal skin type is hyperpigmentation,” she notes. “For this, I enjoy combining other less frequent in-office options, including non-ablative fractional lasers and chemical peels for more stubborn areas. I always encourage patients to take a more preventative approach and begin caring for their skin early for better results.”
Best Skin-Care Routine for Dry Skin
Dr. Whitney Bowe
Skin Type: “My skin is sensitive, dry, and I am prone to occasional breakouts,” Bowe says.
“My morning skin-care routine is consistent and streamlined—I do not skin cycle in the morning,” Bowe explains. “My goal is to protect my skin from the daily stressors that can generate free radicals, like ultraviolet rays and pollution.”
Step One: “Cleanse using a gentle cleanser and warm (not hot) water,” she advises. “One of my long-time favorites is La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, which is milky and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished, not stripped and tight.”
Step Two: Next up, vitamin C serum. “I’ve been using SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF because their CE Ferulic tends to break me out, but I’m really excited about the newer, more stable vitamin C derivatives like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate because we know that L-ascorbic acid, the more traditional form of vitamin C, is highly unstable.”
Step Three: “I moisturize using Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream, which was clinically tested using an instrument called a Tewameter to measure TEWL, or transepidermal water loss, meaning how much water is evaporating from the surface of the skin,” she says. “It’s powered by a proprietary blend of deeply hydrating and restorative ingredients including prebiotics, postbiotics, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane.”
Step Four: For sun protection, she reaches for Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen, a lightweight K-beauty cream powered by rice extract and grain fermented extracts to be ultra moisturizing. Otherwise, she likes Supergoop!’s Glowscreen for a dewy and sun-kissed glow.
Step Five: “The last and final step of my morning routine is drinking my Bowe Growe,” she says. The elixir targets inner skin care—what she considers the missing layer of your skin-care routine. “Bowe Growe is a vegan elixir made with a blend of polyphenols which are powerful plant-based nutrients that help rebalance your gut microbiome and support healthy skin from the inside out. I treat the skin from the inside out and from the outside in as part of my three-dimensional approach to skin health, and although I eat an incredibly healthy diet, I also believe in smart, strategic supplementation.” Bowe drinks one to three drops of the elixir in four ounces of water once per day.
“My nighttime routine, called skin cycling, has gone viral on social media in the past few weeks,” Bowe explains of her approach to a balanced nighttime regimen. “I introduced skin cycling as a less-is-more approach, being thoughtful and deliberate about your skin-care routine. Rather than adding more products on top of one another, skin cycling encourages you to use products in a strategic way to complement one another and set you up for success while dialing down unnecessary irritation.” Her skin cycling routine consists of four nights, then repeats: exfoliation, retinoid, then recovery.
Night One, Exfoliation: “I reach for chemical exfoliating products over harsh physical scrubs. This type of exfoliation gives your skin an immediate glow, but also preps you to get the most out of night 2, retinoid night,” she explains. “On top of your exfoliating product, you want to apply a fragrance-free moisturizer that specifically rebalances the skin microbiome and repairs the skin barrier, but you [also] don’t want to use a product that is too heavy or greasy because that can drive the exfoliating acid into the skin unpredictably and create unnecessary irritation.” For the same reason, Bowe cautions against using Vaseline or occlusive oils (like coconut oil) on exfoliation nights as the skin is more vulnerable. “Bowe Glowe moisturizing cream is an ideal final step on exfoliation night, after any tingling sensation from the exfoliating serum subsides.”
Night Two, Retinoid: “I have sensitive skin so I opt for a gentle retinol,” she says. Versed’s serum includes encapsulated retinol, alongside natural retinol alternatives such as arophira and bakuchiol. Then, she’ll lock in moisture with her Bowe Glow Cream. “It boosts hydration and repairs the barrier with nourishing ingredients like squalane, ceramides, and sunflower seed oil without creating that heavy, occlusive effect that you want to make sure to avoid on retinoid nights.”
For very sensitive skin, Bowe would recommend applying the moisturizer first to act as a buffer, allowing your skin to adapt to your retinoid. “If your skin still feels tight or dry after applying your retinoid, you can apply another layer of your moisturizer on top.” She calls this a “sandwich technique.”
Nights Three and Four, Recovery: “On my recovery nights, I skip active ingredients like exfoliating serums or retinoids,” she says. “For me, recovery nights are all about hydration and repairing the skin barrier.” Here, she’ll again reach for the Bowe Glow Cream to rebalance the skin microbiome and boost hydration. “I use this cycle, in this order, to allow my skin to experience the benefits of these actives while minimizing irritation for optimal results.”
More to Know: “I use a silk sleep mask over my eyes at bedtime to block out light and help me sleep more soundly throughout the night,” she says. “Beauty sleep is real, and getting quality, deep, restorative sleep each night is critical when it comes to maintaining the health of my skin.”
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Best Skin-Care Routine for Acne-Prone and Aging Skin
Dr. Dara Spearman
Skin Type: “My skin type is a bit oily and acne-prone but as I age I am noticing the need for more hydration. This definitely affects my routine because I have to carefully balance products I want to use for anti-aging to be sure they don’t cause acne breakouts.” Spearman tells Vogue.
Step One: Spearman starts off her mornings by washing her face with SkinMedica’s Pore Refiner Wash. “I am acne-prone and this face wash helps to keep breakouts to a minimum without irritation. It gently exfoliates while unclogging my pores, helping reduce current acne and prevent future breakouts,” says Dr. Spearman, noting that her skin never feels tight or stripped after using this face wash.
Step Two: “[Next I] use an salicylic acid and vitamin C serum as a targeted treatment. Vitamin C offers powerful antioxidant protection while helping to control oil production and reduce blemishes,” says Dr. Spearman, also turning to a growth factor serum to simultaneously address any aging skin concerns. “Growth factors boost collagen production and elastin fibers to support skin regeneration.” With consistent use, Dr. Spearman notes that growth factor serums can reduce, fine lines, sagging, and uneven texture.
Step Three: After serums, Dr. Spearman says she recently started adding a neck cream to her routine as a preventative measure against signs of aging—her go-to is Revision’s Nectifirm. “This cream helps to target laxity and texture of the neck area with peptides and plant extracts to firm and smooth the skin,” she says.
Step Four: Some days, Dr. Spearman will skip her morning moisturizer for a hydrating gel. “I’ll opt for SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel under my sunscreen on days that I feel particularly dry,” she explains. “This lightweight hyaluronic acid serum replenishes moisture and boosts—it’s perfect for layering under treatment products.”
Step Five: Dr. Spearman rotates between several of her favorite sunscreen options—two of which come from SkinCeuticals and EltaMD. “Daily sun protection is non-negotiable in preventing premature aging, protecting against UV-induced pigmentation, and collagen overall breakdown. What I particularly like about these formulas is their radiant glow, mineral tint, and added hydration,” she says.
Night
Step One: When it’s time to wash the day away, Dr. Spearman turns to a gentle foaming face wash. She particularly likes La Roche-Posay’s Toleraine option. “This face wash effectively removes both makeup and impurities, without disrupting the skin barrier. It’s ideal for my sensitive, acne-prone skin,” she says, noting that the foaming quality and gentle formulation makes even removing eye makeup a breeze.
Step Two: After cleansing, Dr. Spearman turns to SkinMedica’s corrective pads to target any hyperpigmentation left behind from healed acne. “These pads reduce the dark spots I sometimes have leftover from old acne breakouts and also provide mild exfoliation,” she says, adding that the gentle acids fade post-inflammatory discoloration, even overall tone, and refine texture without over-doing it on actives—so sensitive skin types can follow suit.
Step Three: Next, Dr. Spearman uses Image Skincare’s overnight retinol mask due to its super-gentle formulation. “There’s no irritation thanks to the smart encapsulation technology,” she says, explaining that this product creates a protective envelope around the barrier, allowing it to be protected while delivering active ingredients into the deeper layers of skin. “This product delivers retinol in a stabilized, gentle form to smooth fine lines and promote cell turnover, without creating any further inflammation.”
Step Four: Before moisturizing, Dr. Spearman lathers on a regenerative cream to tackle aging skin concerns overnight. “This SkinCeuticals cream features a combination of anti-aging peptides and hydrating agents to reduce signs of aging, promote a healthy glow, and improve skin texture.”
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Step Five: Last, but certainly not least, Dr. Spearman loves suing a gel moisturizer to round out her nightly skin-care routine—her current favorite is the drugstore-favorite Neutrogena Hydro Boost. This lightweight moisturizer provides instant and fast-absorbing hydration, with no residue left behind.
Meet the Dermatologists
- Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali is a board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and laser surgeon based in New York City. He is also the founder of the telehealth platform Skin Medicinals.
- Dr. Whitney Bowe is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of her own beauty line, which looks to address concerns from both the inside and outside.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a Birmingham, Alabama–based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology who specializes in dermatologic surgery, injectables, hair restoration, and laser dermatology.
- Dr. Karen Kagha is a Los Angeles–based and Harvard cosmetic and laser fellowship trained dermatologist who specializes in hyperpigmentation, acne, and skin of color.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in melanoma and skin cancer care.
- Dr. Nkem Ugonabo is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and lasers.
