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When it comes to skin care, your options are as vast as ever, and having a recommendation from a trusted dermatologist can make all the difference when it comes to choosing the right products. LovelySkin CEO and board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger closely monitors innovations in the skin care world, and products—from sunscreen and eye cream to shave gel—have to pass a high bar to earn his stamp of approval.
We asked Dr. Joel Schlessinger as well as his son Dr. Daniel Schlessinger to share their top products in the categories that you care about most.
When it comes to comprehensive skin care systems that provide excellent results over time, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends Obagi's Nu-Derm System, a hydroquinone-based treatment regimen for hyperpigmentation issues such as melasma and dark spots. “Hydroquinone has been a gold-standard treatment for pigmentation issues for decades, and this system is very effective when it comes to improving uneven skin tone,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “This system also helps improve skin texture as well as visible signs of photoaging, such as sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.” Nu-Derm is available by prescription via a telehealth appointment with SchlessingerMD. Obagi also makes a hydroquinone-free version of the system, Nu-Derm Fx, that’s available at LovelySkin.com.
This medicated balm combines 1% hydrocortisone, shea butter and cocoa butter to help heal skin that’s dry, cracked or irritated as a result of skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis or severe dryness. “This product is really a labor of love involving three generations of our family,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist as well as Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. He came up with the idea to create a stick-based balm for dry skin in middle school back in 2007 when lotions weren’t doing the job to help heal his dry, cracked fingertips. “With the help of my dad, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, and my grandfather, Bernie, who has a PhD in physical chemistry, we worked on the formulation together, and FixMySkin was born.” All these years later, FixMySkin body balm and lip balm remain a go-to remedy for eczema and psoriasis as well as itchy skin ailments, such as poison ivy, insect bites or seborrheic dermatitis.
From Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s own LovelySkin LUXE line, this eye cream packs multiple benefits for the delicate skin around your eyes in just one step. SNAP-8 peptides and hyaluronic acid help plump skin to improve the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines and wrinkles while Persian silk tree extract strengthens collagen and elastin. Horse chestnut extract helps reduce the appearance of puffiness while self-adaptive optical technology helps diffuse and reflect the light, making dark undereye circles less noticeable throughout the day. “I love the Brightening Eye Cream because it helps not only with the moisturization of the eye area, but also the dark circles by reflecting light, allowing for a better look immediately,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.
Another favorite is the Epionce Bright Eyes Set, a two-piece set that includes an eye serum and eye cream to help address signs of aging and fatigue with meadowfoam seed oil, peptides and antioxidant-rich algae extracts.
“We all can appreciate a combo product that helps save time by cutting down the number of steps in our routine, but that’s only worth it if you don’t compromise on quality or effectiveness,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
This eye treatment combines the UVA and UVB protection of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with the light, tinted coverage of an undereye concealer and the anti-aging benefits of an eye cream. “The eyelids and under-eyes are often missed when it comes to sunscreen application, yet this delicate skin is especially vulnerable to sun damage. That’s why I’m all for a high-quality, multitasking sun protection product,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
“I used this product when recovering from a laser procedure around my eyes and found it to be incredibly gentle and protective,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “It actually seemed to moisturize, which was a huge benefit, and it didn’t sting at all, which was a definite bonus.”
Sunscreens are an ongoing topic of conversation in the SchlessingerMD office, and both Dr. Joel Schlessinger and Dr. Daniel Schlessinger are constantly trying the newest formulas to see what deserves a spot on their favorites list. They recommend using a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis and reapplying it often to protect your skin from skin cancer and photodamage, such as fine lines and discoloration.
The sheer, lightweight Colorescience Total Protection™ No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 impressed Dr. Joel Schlessinger with its all-mineral formula that protects skin with 10% zinc oxide. “NoShow is my go-to for daily protection. It is a reef-safe physical sunscreen, which is important to me when I travel and could be in the ocean, but it is also a fantastic daily product,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “It doesn’t irritate my eyes when I apply it and goes on beautifully. Lastly, it doesn’t cause breakouts, which is equally important. Five stars!”
Another all-time favorite is EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46. “EltaMD UV Clear has been a favorite of mine for years, and I often recommend it to my patients who are prone to acne because it won't clog pores. It also contains niacinamide to help reduce breakouts,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. For athletes or people who spend long stretches of time outside, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger recommends EltaMD Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Lotion for the face and body. “With up to eighty minutes of water resistance, this sunscreen is a great pick for wet or sweaty activities under the sun, whether that be swimming, tennis or hiking,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
Though not technically sunscreen, HELIOCARE Advanced Antioxidant Supplements are a skin-protecting supplement Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends in addition to regular sunscreen application for anyone who is out in the sun for long periods of time. “Think of HELIOCARE as an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harmful rays. If you miss areas of the skin when applying sunscreen or can’t reapply appropriately, it enhances your sunscreen and may make the difference between burning and not burning,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. HELIOCARE supplements contain an antioxidant ingredient called Polypodium leucotomos extract, which helps enhance UV protection by disarming the free radicals that harm your cells as a result of sun exposure.
“Antioxidant serums featuring vitamin C are praised for their ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “However, the quality of these serums vary, and choosing a high-quality one is necessary to make it worth using.” LovelySkin LUXE VITA-CE with Ferulic Acid contains a high concentration of antioxidants and an octapeptide blend to help support collagen production in the skin, reduce the depth of wrinkles and fade hyperpigmentation.
With a unique breathable formula, this aloe-based foundation was created with sensitive skin in mind. “This is the foundation I recommend for my patients who have sensitive or reactive skin and need to wear full coverage makeup often, whether that’s for on-screen appearances or stage performances. Additionally, we use it for our laser patients as they recover,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “People who have skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis or eczema often end up with worsening irritation from wearing a full face of makeup, and I find this foundation works well for them.” It’s also a smart choice to have on hand if you need to wear makeup after an in-office procedure, such as a chemical peel or laser treatment.
“SkinMedica is on the cutting-edge of skin care research, and this is their most advanced facial serum available right now,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “I’d recommend it for mature skin because it helps target coarse wrinkles and helps improve uneven skin tone, texture and laxity.” Key ingredients include a growth factor blend, peptides and marine extracts to help support repair and renewal functions in the skin. In a clinical study, users reported visible results after two weeks of use and continued improvement in the appearance of their skin through 24 weeks of use.
“I always recommend these two products for my acne-prone patients, but they also offer anti-aging benefits as well as the ability to improve dark spots from acne or the sun,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Both products feature afaLUXE, a combination of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals that boosts cellular turnover, helping to reduce breakouts, improve pigmentation concerns and support collagen production for firmer, younger-looking skin. The LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild 11% features 11% afaLUXE, while the [LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Cleanser](LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Cleanser](https://www.lovelyskin.com/o/lovelyskin-luxe-clarifying-gel-cleanser) matches afaLUXE with an AHA (glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) for effective exfoliation with every cleanse.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger was the principal investigator in a clinical study of the effectiveness of this neck cream at SchlessingerMD. “The improvement in fine lines, skin laxity and jawline contour was very impressive,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “This is definitely one of the best neck creams out there.”
After sixteen weeks of use, 90% of users noticed smoother skin texture and 83% noted that their neck appeared firmer. Proprietary ingredients—Pro-Amino Acid, NeoCitriate and NeoGlucosamine—work together to help promote new collagen production, support the skin matrix and build volume in sagging skin. You can take a look at some of the before-and-after photos from the Neostrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream clinical study here.
If you’re looking for a rich anti-aging facial moisturizer for dry or sensitive skin, this face cream from Epionce comes highly recommended by Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “This formula contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that instantly plump the skin as well as active complexes that improve signs of aging over time,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says. Key ingredients include rose canina fruit oil, meadowfoam seed extract, flax seed extract, safflower seed oil, olive oil and avocado oil. It can be used daily and fits into just about any existing skin care routine for men and women.
“Using a moisturizing shave gel helps provide a protective barrier between your razor and your skin while shaving to help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “This one is my absolute favorite, and I use it every time I shave and love to introduce friends and family to it, as it is so unique.” Soothing ingredients include aloe vera, jojoba oil, marine extracts and a touch of menthol for a cooling effect every time you use it.
Face masks are a staple of at-home spa nights, but they don’t have to be reserved for special occasions. “Incorporating an exfoliating face mask such as this into your weekly routine is a great way to stay on top of your skin care,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “I’ve been involved with the afa line since the early days of clinical trials, and this face mask combines the oil-absorbing ability of bentonite clay with the gentle exfoliating power of afaLUXE.” This results in decreased redness, a more balanced skin tone and fewer breakouts with continued use.
“Today’s innovative body lotion formulas are capable of doing a lot more than moisturizing your skin,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. This is one of the best lotions for aging skin because of its ability to help correct dark spots, elasticity and uneven skin tone on the body with afaLUXE. “I recommend this body lotion as a follow-up to in-office procedures, such as IPL and microdermabrasion.” You can use it as an all-over body lotion or as a spot treatment on trouble areas where hyperpigmentation is more prominent due to sun exposure, like your palms, shoulders and neck.
“I’ve been a fan of the NuFACE device for years, and the creators are always improving the design to make it easier to use and more beneficial for your skin,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
The NuFACE Trinity+Pro Complete Set contains the NuFACE TRINITY+ Pro Smart Professional Facial Toning Device, which uses microcurrent to help firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also uses a red-light attachment for wrinkle reduction and an attachment with smaller prongs that allows you to easily reach the areas around your eyes and lips. “Just like regular exercise helps tone the muscles in your body, using this microcurrent device consistently can help improve face contour,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.
This new device uses IPL technology to permanently reduce hair with twelve weeks of use. “IPL stands for ‘intense pulsed light,’ and it essentially stunts hair growth by forcing the hair into the resting phase,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “At-home IPL devices have been around for some time, but they can be hard to stick with because they’re uncomfortable to use and can take a long time to treat larger swaths of skin.”
“What’s so great about the Foreo Peach 2 is it has a larger treatment window to help cover bigger areas like your arms or legs, and it also has a mechanism that blows cool air onto your skin to help reduce discomfort,” he says. The Foreo Peach 2 also features a sonic massage feature to temporarily dilate pores, so the IPL can reach each hair follicle more effectively. A full course of treatment takes twelve weeks, but you’ll start to see a reduction in hair growth in as few as two weeks.
From ALASTIN Skincare, this facial serum was created to help support and enhance the results of cosmetic treatments in your dermatologist’s office. It helps strengthen your skin in advance of in-office treatments with TriHex Technology, which helps support the production of healthy new collagen and elastin. It also helps reduce recovery time and soothe skin after a procedure thanks to ingredients such as arnica, phytoene and naringenin. “I really like using this product for both pre- and post-care when it comes to in-office procedures, like microneedling, chemical peels or laser resurfacing,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger.
Participating in research studies is a major focus at SchlessingerMD all year round. You can read more about the recent milestones and active studies that Dr. Joel Schlessinger is leading at his practice on the LovelySkin Blog.
Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.
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