It’s likely been months since you were last at your dermatologist’s office—and it may be just as long until you feel comfortable going again. Inevitably, if it hasn’t already, your Botox will wear off, your filler will begin to degrade, and the glow from your chemical peel will turn dull from lack of exfoliation. And when your skin concerns start becoming more noticeable, you might find that the products that once did the job aren’t cutting it any longer.
That’s when it’s time to bring in professional-strength skin care. Professional-strength products are commonly sold in doctors’ offices and medical spas (most are happy to ship out orders if you call), but many are available online as well. They typically have impressive clinical trials backing up their claims and higher percentages of active ingredients than what you’d find at the drugstore or a major beauty retailer, which usually translates to more significant results. Below, eight dermatologists recommend their favorite professional-strength product for firming, brightening, and building up collagen.
SkinBetter Science InterFuse Intensive Treatment – Lines ($130)
“I really love Lines by SkinBetter Science. The InterFuse technology is a patented delivery system that helps to deliver hyaluronic acid into the superficial dermis to smooth fine lines and deeper wrinkles, instead of just sitting on top of the skin. It can be used during this time in lieu of fillers, if one is unable to get in for injections.” —Dr. Elise Barnett, board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar ($195)
“My favorite professional-strength product is Alastin Nectar. It clears out old, glycosylated collagen—which is [caused by] eating sugars of any type and creates deep wrinkles and furrows—by increasing gelatinase activity, [which] increases collagen and elastin production. Retinoids are the only other medication thought to be able to clear glycosylated collagen. Because it clears out clumped collagen, cell-signaling improves and all products you use to stimulate fibroblast production of connective tissue proteins will become more effective. It also has been shown to enhance wound healing.” —Dr. Sheryl Clark, board-certified dermatologist in New York City
AnteAge MD Accelerator ($120)
“My absolute favorite product for its incredible anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits is AnteAgeMD Accelerator serum. It turns back the hands of time faster than I’ve ever seen any other topical treatment work. The bakuchiol delivers retinoid-like effects without the irritation. It also includes therapeutic levels of vitamin C and E, hyaluronic acid, and growth factors. Bonus: it’s safe to use during pregnancy and nursing!” —Dr. Alexis Stephens, board-certified dermatologist in Coral Springs, Florida
DNA EGF Renewal Regeneration Serum ($145)
“This has skin-specific growth factors that target collagen and up its production, thickening and tightening skin while reducing pores and improving color irregularities. It’s also plant-derived and more stable than other growth factors that are bacterial-derived. After cleansing, apply a liberal amount over the face and neck nightly. It’ll smooth lines, increase firmness, reduce pores, and even the complexion.” —Dr. Jennifer Herrmann, board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California
Senté Bio Complete Serum ($110)
“I love recommending this as a way to amp up a skin-care routine. This product contains retinol, which is one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients confirmed in many medical studies over the years. The unique quality of this product is that it releases retinol more slowly into the skin to enhance efficacy and reduce irritation. It is best used as the first product you apply to clean skin at night. A pea-sized amount should create a thin layer over the full face. It can be followed with moisturizer if needed. The active ingredient integrates into the skin cell DNA and stimulates healthy turnover and repair of damage from the sun.” —Dr. Nancy Samolitis, board-certified dermatologist in West Hollywood
QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads ($24.95)
“I recommend 10 to 20% glycolic acid peel pads. You can purchase them on Amazon, but don’t ever go over 20% at home. Glycolic acid is a great way to exfoliate, decrease lines, and treat pigment irregularities. When you first use peel pads, they can cause irritation and outbreaks; if this happens, decrease the frequency of applications. “The other item would be Latisse to grow the lashes. You can call the practice for a prescription and we can send it to you.” —Dr. Jennifer Reichel, board-certified dermatologist in Seattle
ISDIN Melatonik Overnight Recovery Serum ($160)
“Isdin Melatonik is a three-in-one serum that contains melatonin, bakuchiol, and vitamin C. Melatonin is antioxidant that helps combat free radicals produced by UV rays and pollution; bakuchiol is derived from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, and has similar properties to retinol, [but it] stimulates collagen without the irritation and dryness; vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant powerhouse. However, it does come in an oil formulation, which I know some patients like and others do not.” —Dr. Monica Boen, board-certified dermatologist in San Diego
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment ($12.99)
“Acne is one of the most common complaints I have seen in my teledermatology consultations. The cause of the acne could be from wearing masks, increased anxiety, a change in hormones, the use of moisturizers clogging pores, and eating more sugar. We now have several great over-the-counter acne medications that were prescription medications. Differin Adapalene Gel, alternated with Persa-Gel-10 (which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide), is the best over-the-counter medication for treating acne and unclogging pores. It can take about eight weeks to see improvement and it can be irritating to the skin at the beginning of treatment, so some patients will need to reduce use at the beginning, but if they continue, most can improve their acne in about eight weeks.” —Dr. Ronald Moy, board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California
