Skincare Basics

Image by Olivia Brown

Every makeup guru, esthetician and celebrity will constantly preach this message. Kylie Jenner even used this idea to promote products from her “Kylie Skin” skincare line in 2019: every ounce of makeup you put onto your face always needs an amazing base. That base will always start with skincare. Although you may be able to cover up discoloration and pimples with concealer, the most challenging thing to hide is your skin’s texture. The plumpness and dewiness your skin projects from cleansing and moisturizing cannot be painted on with makeup. Implementing a skincare routine really is more simple than it seems… and it does not need to come with a celebrity price tag.  It’s fair to say that the celebrity patients of New York City Dermatologist Shereene Idriss M.D. – Emily Ratajkowski, Ashley Graham, and Paloma Elsesser – enjoy an expensive lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean Dr. Idriss recommends every product with a boujee price tag. Dermatologist-approved products can be found in your local drugstore with lower price tags and extraordinary results. Here are the top dermatologist-suggested drugstore cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments that are up to par with A-list skincare junkies, because expensive doesn’t always mean better.

Removing Makeup

Getting any excess makeup and dirt off is essential before officially cleansing the face. Using a makeup melt or micellar water is highly recommended by professionals. 

Bioderma’s Micellar Water ($11)

This French brand’s micellar water is a classic for sensitive skin. Makeup artists constantly recommend this product to celebrity clients because of its dependable use and unfailing makeup removal. Model and skincare junkie Ashley Graham is seen using Bioderma’s product in her feature in Harper Bazaar’s Go To Bed With Me series.

Cleansing

The importance of cleansing is pretty obvious… get that dirt, grime, and makeup off of your face! A solid routine begins with a simple cleanser that gets the job done. Powerful moves are made on the skin with treatments, which is why a cleanser should carry uncomplicated ingredients. This is the easy part… 

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser ($9) 

This unscented cleanser is gentle enough to use on all skin types, yet powerful enough to remove all dirt and excess oils from the skin. Dr. Shereene Idriss uses and highly recommends this simple product.

Morning Hydrating Treatments

It is important to use products that actively fight through a hectic day. Vitamin C incorporated with hyaluronic acid is a powerful antioxidant that will brighten your complexion and boost sunscreen. The most praised vitamin c serum is $166 … So here are a few treatments that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum ($28) 

Mad Hippie’s serum contains star ingredients vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, Ferulic acid and vitamin E that work together to fight discoloration and bring on a healthy glow. This brightening serum is dermatologist-approved with clean, antioxidant-rich ingredients. Mad Hippie’s serum has recently been featured in Vogue with a variety of notable vitamin C serums. 

Cerave Vitamin C ($25) 

Featured in Vogue’s beauty secrets and Who What Wear, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has shared the secret to her glowing skin explaining that Cerave’s vitamin C serum is better than expensive options! The product contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and ceramides, and the Cerave brand is well-loved by Sandra Lee M.D., more famously known as Dr. Pimple Popper.

Nighttime Exfoliant Treatments

Nighttime skincare allows your skin to relax, absorb active ingredients and regenerate. It preps the skin for the next day and is one of the most important parts of a skincare routine. Incorporating light exfoliation will prevent acne, blackheads, and potential fine lines. Nightly chemical treatments are highly favored in the world of skincare compared to harsh, abrasive scrubs. 

Differin Gel ($15) 

 Differin Gel is a customer favorite and dermatologist-backed retinol product used to treat acne, but can also be used as a general exfoliant. The once prescribed treatment is available in local pharmacies and can be bought without a visit to the doctor. 

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant ($32) 

This gentle exfoliant has been popular amongst doctors and customers. Two standout ingredients in this formula are green tea and salicylic acid, which are used to sweep away dead skin cells and diminish dark spots.

Moisturize

Whether you have oily or dry skin, sealing a skincare routine with a hydrating moisturizer is crucial. If you are not hydrating your skin enough, your skin will overcompensate dryness by producing its own oils, causing breakouts and flare-ups. A quality moisturizer acts like healthy food- it loads your skin with nutrients.  

Weleda Skin Food ($13) 

Weleda’s Skin Food is a staple in the skincare world. This is another one of Dr. Shereene Idriss’ favorites as it is an ultra-rich cream that melts into the skin leaving users with a glow from within, not a greasy feel. 

La Rouche-Posay Facial Moisturizer ($20) 

Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology recommends this oil-free moisturizer labeling it as “by far the best at the drugstore.” It is safe for sensitive skin and has the ability to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. 

SPF

Every dermatologist will preach that no matter the weather, sunscreen is a must. It is especially important to shield the skin with SPF when incorporating acidic treatments into your routine. Protecting against harmful rays will reduce the chances of skin cancer, premature aging, and dark spots. 

Sunbum Face Sunscreen ($18) 

Sunbum’s everyday SPF 30 sunscreen perfectly tops off a morning skincare routine. It is designed for sensitive skin with a lightweight, silky feel. The product is paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, and can even act as a primer.