20 products our dermatology providers love

Here at Curology, our medical providers (like me!) spend a lot of time talking about skincare products. We each have our own personal favorites, but there are a few products that are a hit around the office for various reasons — they’re effective, they’re good for your skin, or they just feel good. So for this week’s blog, I decided to round up a few of our favorites — this list is far from exhaustive, but if you need routine recs, this is a good place to start.

Cleansers

1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

“The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is my go-to everyday cleanser — effective enough to remove makeup without drying out my skin.” — Rachel, NP-C

2. Vanicream Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser

This oil-free, non-comedogenic cleanser is a great option for those with sensitive skin.

3. The Curology Cleanser

“I love how the cleanser doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight, or too dry.” — Lia, DNP, NP-C

4. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

This gentle cleanser contains hydrating ingredients that help the skin lock in moisture while also clearing away the day’s gunk.

Moisturizers

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream (for dry skin)

“The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream absorbs rapidly and smoothly — my skin feels exceptionally soft afterward!” — Rachel, NP-C

6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (for oily skin)

I personally use this product and love the smooth gel texture. It makes my skin feel extra hydrated!

7. The Curology Rich Moisturizer

“The rich moisturizer is soothing for my dry skin and doesn’t make my skin turn red as other products have done in the past.” — Lia, DNP, NP-C

8. The Curology Moisturizer

The moisturizer by Curology is a cool, layerable moisturizer for normal to oily skin. It’s non-clogging, breathable, and buildable.

Sunscreens

9. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30

This tinted physical sunscreen leaves a smooth matte finish, and it provides antioxidant benefits with vitamins C and E.

10. EltaMD UV Clear Untinted SPF 46

I personally love this product and use it every day! It hydrates my skin, and it’s easy to layer makeup on top.

11. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30

This moisturizing sunscreen gives your skin an extra boost of hydration while also protecting it from the sun’s rays.

12. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

This ultra-gentle physical sunscreen is perfect for super sensitive skin.

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Vitamin C Serum

13. Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum

“Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C serum feels like a shield that I put on every morning to combat environmental pollutants and UV rays, and helps lighten any dark spots that I may have!” — Jenn, NP-C

14. Topix Citrix Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Brightening Serum

This hydrating vitamin C serum provides a powerful antioxidant boost that helps improve signs of aging such as fine lines and dark spots.

15. Paula’s Choice Resist C15 Super Booster

“I saw a noticeable improvement in my hyperpigmentation and melasma after using Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster for a month.” — Rachel, NP-C

16. Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum

I personally use this product and love how well it layers under my sunscreen every morning. It’s a great way to get additional sun protection!

AHA/BHA Products

17. Derma-E Overnight Peel with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)

“I love the gentle tingle of The Derma-E Overnight Peel twice a week. It leaves my skin smooth and glowing without irritating it!” — Laura, PA-C

18. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (AHA)

“The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum makes my face feel soft and readily able to absorb moisturizer, Vitamin C, and other daily products. It’s a great nightly prep to ready your skin for the next day!” — Jenn, NP-C

19. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid (BHA)

“BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) can be a great way to clear pores, as they are lipid-soluble, which means they can help dissolve the oily sebum in the pores. For a beginner who’s never used chemical exfoliants, I recommend Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid used once weekly, gradually using more frequently from there as your skin tolerates.” — Paul, PA-C

20. The Ordinary AHA/BHA Peeling Solution (AHA/BHA combination)

Paul also mentions that “For more experienced patients, The Ordinary makes a great AHA/BHA Peeling solution. It has the pore-clearing benefit of a BHA but also adds an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) which is water-soluble, so it helps exfoliate the dull, sloughing skin cells on the superficial layer. This can be irritating/drying for some, so I recommend using only once weekly (or every other week to start).”

Custom skincare, straight to your door

We love our over-the-counter products, but I won’t lie — prescription skincare can make a huge difference. That’s why the majority of our medical providers use their Curology custom cream as part of their nightly routine. And the good news is that prescription-strength skincare is accessible without breaking the bank when you sign up for your first month of Curology on us! One of our in-house medical providers will prescribe you a customized cream with a mix of 3 active ingredients to treat skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. You’ll just pay $4.95 (plus tax) to cover shipping/handling, and you can try any of our dermatologist-designed skincare products for no extra cost.

Written by

Nicole Hangsterfer, PA-C