5 Easy Tips For Smooth, Ageless Skin - According To A Leading Dermatologist

Prepare for radiant skin + five proven dermatologist-created skincare brands that deliver.

Want skin that illuminates a room? Developing a good skincare routine is key. A good one shores up your skin, which is essentially a protective barrier, keeping it from looking dull, unhealthy, and worst of all, accelerating aging.

“If you want your skin to perform you need to take care of it,” says Julie Russak, M.D., FAAD, owner of Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City. “To maintain that protective barrier you want to make sure that all of the proteins and components of the barrier are healthy, that your body can produce them, and that you also don’t strip them with your skincare. Otherwise, the skin becomes very dry, irritated, inflamed, and it can’t do its job.”

Follow these top skincare rules from Dr. Russak to get a jump start on boosting your complexion, and then snag some of the derm-backed brands that follow to help reveal your skin’s radiance. You’ll thank us later.

1. Find a Face Wash

Your choice should differ slightly from day to night says Dr. Russak. In the mornings, opt for a mild one with the goal of just removing the impurities from the skin. In the evenings “it is very important to use a stronger face wash to make sure that you remove all the dirt that settles on your skin throughout the day,” says Dr. Russak. This way, your skin can fully absorb the products that you’re using.

2. Use Vitamin C

Vitamin C, which Dr. Russak recommends using in the morning, serves two skin functions: One is as a strong antioxidant to protect skin from damage from outside elements. The other is as a co-factor for collagen production, meaning “it actually boosts and improves your collagen production,” which keeps the skin from looking aged, she says. 

3. Say Yes to Sunscreen

According to Dr. Russak, “sunscreen is one of the most important things because it provides your skin protection from environmental and UV damage.”  Exposure to UV rays is linked to everything from hyperpigmentation and fine lines to melanoma and basal cell skin cancers. Pick one with at least an SPF 30.  

4. Reap the Rewards of Retinol

Another must on Dr. Russak’s list: retinol, which she advises using as early as possible to boost the skin’s regenerative potential. Here’s why: this anti-aging molecule accelerates skin cell renewal while tackling pretty much any skin issue, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, dark circles and the list goes on.

5. Get Some Z’s

Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you feeling tired, but science shows that just one night of missed slumber can cause issues including swollen eyes, dark undereye circles and wrinkles and fine lines—all of which can lead to a dull-looking complexion. Plus, “our skin regenerates only at night and only during the deep REM sleep,” says Dr. Russak, “so healthy sleep is extremely important for beautiful skin.”

Yes, revered dermatologists are behind some of the most proven skincare brands that deliver all of the above, along with visible results. Here are five doctor-developed lines worth experiencing…

Rose MD Skincare

Named after its creator Rosemarie Ingleton, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Ingleton Dermatology in New York City, Rose MD Skincare takes its cue from Ingleton’s native Jamaica. Infused with the island’s natural fruit extracts including sugarcane, lemon, orange, bilberry, and sugar maple, her superfruit blend addresses common beauty concerns (think anti-aging, blemishes, and brightening) without irritating parabens, synthetic dyes, or fragrances. The result: five products that offer a more radiant complexion. 

Dr. Oracle

The brainchild of several dermatologists, including Ro Young Woo, this Seoul Korea-based K-beauty brand is home to a myriad of popular comprehensive lines, including Antibac, EPL and ReAgen. Basically, it’s your one-stop-shop for everything skincare. The 21 Stay line, in particular, boasts products like the A-Thera Cleansing Foam, A-Thera Toner, and B-Hydro Emulsion—all of which contain silica-rich bamboo which is linked to collagen stimulation and in turn, your skin’s brilliance.

Epi.Logic

As a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon—someone who specializes in procedures around the eyes, forehead and midface—Chaneve Jeanniton, M.D. knows a little something about the skin and the face. Her line, epi.logic takes this knowledge and channels it into a skincare line brimming with ingredients such as retinol, the antioxidant-rich Vitamin C and niacinamide, which help offer the skin a glowing boost. 

Macrene Actives 

Sage. Mint. Rosemary. Thyme. Bay leaf. Dill. Fennel. Glancing at these herbs, you might think you’re looking at your farmer’s market list. The truth: These are a few of the organically farmed ingredients found in this 10-year-old brand developed by dermatologist and scientist Macrene Alexiades, M.D. Ph.D. FAAD. An earth-friendly bonus: in addition to being a clean line—silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free—Alexiades uses glass containers, biodegradable inks, and recycled packaging. That, and the fact that it helps lead to luminous skin, makes us love it even more.

 Ava MD

Created by Ava Shamban, M.D., Ava MD is a compact line with just five products: a scrub, serum, cream, face wash, and cleansing pads, that take care of all of your skincare needs. Most products including one of the line’s best sellers, Warming Green Tea Scrub, contains green tea which is a known antioxidant that not only protects the skin from inflammation but offers it hydration. And we all know that hydrated skin gives off a coveted glow. FYI: Dr. Shamban is also behind The Box - Dermatologist Curated Skincare by Dr. Ava – a hero assortment of full-size, supercharged products she personally selects.