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When it comes to skin-care and complexion goals, it’s important to be realistic with your expectations. After all, even though many skin-care products can help reduce the appearance of things like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, it’s rare that you’ll find a store-bought product that will work quite as effectively as an in-office treatment. That doesn’t mean they won’t work some magic, though—it just means you have to know which products actually live up to their claims. With that in mind, we thought who better to consult on the matter than Smita Ramanadham, MD, a double board-certified plastic surgeon who carries out these treatments herself.
So without further ado, ahead you’ll find seven skin-care products as good as in-office treatments that Dr. Ramanadham recommends.
Shop skin-care products as good as in-office treatments
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick — $28.00
Looking to refresh your lower lids? Ramanadham says that Peace Out’s Retinol Eye Stick is a great product to do just that. “The eyelids are one of the first areas to show early aging as this skin is thin in comparison to other areas of the face,” she explains. “This stick contains encapsulated retinol and is a great way to address fine lines and dark circles without the dryness and irritation that a traditional retinol is associated with.”
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution — $7.00
In-office chemical peels are known for drastically improving the texture and tone of skin. And according to Ramanadham, The Ordinary’s at-home formula is your chemical peel in a bottle. “The combination of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids exfoliates the skin improving its texture and [treating and reducing] acne,” she says. “It will also address pigment and result in smoother, healthier skin.”
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Anti-Aging Serum — $58.00
While you can’t completely reverse fine lines and wrinkles with a store-bought anti-aging product, Ramanadham says that this serum is a top contender for creating more youthful-looking skin. “This is a great serum that contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, and collagen that will hydrate the skin, plump, and improve fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. “It does not leave a residue and leaves your skin feeling soft.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum — $92.00
In office, patients would opt for laser treatments and peels to address dark spots. At home, however, Ramanadham calls out Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum as an effective alternative. “This is a serum packed with vitamin C, lactic acid, and kojic acid, which is the perfect trio to brighten skin and address hyperpigmentation while repairing and protecting it from free radicals formed from UV damage,” she says.
OleHenriksen Wrinkle Blue Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème — $49.00
If you have particularly sensitive skin, Ramanadham says that this retinol-alternative eye cream is a great option. “This eye cream is great in that it improves fine lines around the [eyes] with a powerful antioxidant, Bakuchiol, that has all the benefits of retinol without the acclimation period,” she says. “And with added peptides, this is an all-around good anti-aging eye cream.”
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum — $89.00
In-office facials, lasers, and peels can drastically improve the tone of your complexion—fortunately, so can Dermalogica’s BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum. “This serum is great for brightening,” Ramanadham admits. “It has vitamin C, an antioxidant that gives skin a radiant glow, and lactic acid, which exfoliates to leave the skin bright and more even-toned.”
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Neck Cream — $54.00
Last but not least, while some folks might feel inclined to get filler in their neck, many are looking for an at-home product that works to prevent further wrinkling and tone disparities. “This neck cream is one of my favorites,” Ramanadham shares. “Similar to the undereye, the neck typically shows early signs of aging because the skin is typically thinner than the remainder of the face. Few creams address this area specifically, so this is a winner all around. It contains ceramides that improve the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, and collagen to improve the skin’s texture, elasticity, and firmness.”
Curious which products a dermatologist uses in her own routine? Check out the video below.
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