Which skincare products actually work?
The ingredients with real evidence are few: daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a retinoid at night for lines, pores and acne, vitamin C in the morning for brightness and protection, and a moisturizer suited to your skin. Add targeted actives such as azelaic acid for pigment and redness, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for acne, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Everything else is optional.
Most of a skincare routine can be bought anywhere. The difference a dermatologist makes is matching strength and formulation to your skin and prescribing the actives that are not available over the counter.
A dermatologist's basic routine
- Morning: gentle cleanser, vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen
- Night: cleanser, retinoid (tretinoin by prescription is the gold standard), moisturizer
- Add as needed: azelaic acid, hydroquinone cycles, benzoyl peroxide, a hydrating serum
Skinpeccable carries medical-grade lines including EltaMD and iS Clinical at both offices, and Dr. Darvish prescribes tretinoin and other actives. See our skincare guide.
Related
More about peels, microneedling & facials
What does a chemical peel do and which one is right for me?
A chemical peel applies an acid solution that removes damaged outer layers of skin so smoother, more even skin replaces it. Light peels (glycolic, salicylic, lactic) brighten and clear acne with little downtime; medium peels (TCA, VI Peel) treat pigment, fine lines and texture with about a week of peeling. The right peel depends on your concern, skin tone and how much downtime you can take. Read more
What is SkinPen microneedling and what does it treat?
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling device that creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, triggering collagen and elastin production. It improves acne scars, fine lines, pores, texture and stretch marks, and is safe for all skin tones. A session takes about 30 minutes with numbing, redness lasts one to two days, and a series of three to six treatments gives the best result. Read more
What is the vampire facial (VAMP) and does it work?
The vampire facial combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) drawn from your own blood. The PRP, rich in growth factors, is applied to the skin during and after microneedling and absorbed through the channels, amplifying collagen production. It improves texture, fine lines, acne scars and overall glow more than microneedling alone. Skinpeccable offers it as the VAMP treatment. Read more
Microneedling or a chemical peel: which should I choose?
Choose microneedling for texture problems that sit in the dermis: acne scars, fine lines, large pores, stretch marks. Choose a chemical peel for problems in the surface layers: dullness, uneven tone, dark marks, active acne, mild sun damage. They are often alternated or combined in a skin program, and both are safe for all skin tones when properly selected. Read more
What is a medical facial and how is it different from a spa facial?
A medical facial is performed in a physician's office by a licensed aesthetician using professional-strength products and techniques, such as deeper exfoliation, extractions, peels, LED light and medical-grade actives, chosen for your skin diagnosis. A spa facial focuses on relaxation with gentler products. Medical facials produce visible results and can be combined with prescription skincare and in-office treatments. Read more
What is microdermabrasion and what does it do?
Microdermabrasion is a gentle mechanical exfoliation that uses a diamond-tipped wand or fine crystals with suction to remove the outermost layer of dead skin. It brightens dull skin, smooths mild texture, reduces the look of pores and helps skincare absorb. There is no downtime and it suits all skin tones. It is best done monthly for maintenance rather than as a one-time fix. Read more
How often should you get a facial or chemical peel?
Most skin benefits from a professional facial or light peel every four to six weeks, which matches the skin's natural turnover cycle. Acne-prone skin may do better every three to four weeks; sensitive skin every six to eight. Medium-depth peels are done in a series of three to four spaced a month apart, then once or twice a year. Consistency produces more than any single treatment. Read more
What are power masks?
Power masks are professional-strength treatment masks applied during a facial to deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients: hydration, brightening, calming or clarifying, depending on the formula. They are stronger than retail masks and are chosen by the aesthetician for your skin that day. They can be added to any facial or done as a quick stand-alone treatment before an event. Read more