Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
Derms always have the best skin-care recommendations. Luckily, the Dermstore summer sale is here with up to 20 percent off some of the top skin-care brands. To help narrow down what’s in your cart, we’re looking to Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and host of Well+Good’s YouTube series Dear Derm. In 25 episodes of the series, Dr. Gohara has shared her favorite products—many of which are part of the Dermstore summer sale.
Through May 27, you can use code “SUMMER” to save on participating brands during the Dermstore summer sale. Shop some of Dr. Gohara’s favorites below.
These are the steps in Dr. Gohara’s skin-care routine:
What we’re buying during the Dermstore summer sale
1. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, $28
“When you effectively exfoliate, you’re going to feel smoother, softer skin,” says Dr. Gohara. “Your skin is going to appear more glowing and trading. It also helps other skincare products to penetrate more effectively. And lastly, it allows the skin cells to naturally regenerate, generally while we sleep at night, to do so with a clean palette.” She likes to use these pads at night after washing her face.
2. ELEMIS PEPTIDE NIGHT RECOVERY CREAM OIL, $48
Dr. Gohara explains that peptides signal collagen production, relax muscles in the skin, and act as carrier proteins. This cream-oil product is perfect if you’re looking for a restorative night cream.
3. SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex, $71
Dr. Gohara loves retinol because it speeds up cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and evens skin tone. She says this serum is cosmetically elegant and wonderful for someone who’s just getting started with retinol.
4. DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE B3 ADAPTIVE SUPERFOODS STRESS SOS EYE CREAM, $52
She says serums and creams are the best way to get started with peptides. This eye cream from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare also includes niacinamide and caffeine to brighten and even your skin while decreasing undereye puffiness.
5. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $108
This hyaluronic acid serum is Dr. Gohara’s favorite because it includes five different weights of hyaluronic acid. “Different serums and products use different sizes of molecules for different effects on the skin,” she says. “Bigger molecules sit closer to the top of the skin and smaller molecules make their way to the deeper layers in the epidermis. For a really well-rounded effect, you want to make sure you have high- and low-weight hyaluronic acid so that every level of skin is being hydrated and plumped.”
6. NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Kit, $260
“Microcurrent devices like NuFace are great because they use stimulation to send weak electrical signals throughout the deeper portion of your skin to sculpt your face,” she says. “You’ll get the best results if you use it regularly, which in dermatology lingo means a few times a week.”
This is how many steps should *actually* be in your skin-care routine:
7. Obagi Professional-C Serum 10%, $73
Vitamin C is a superstar skin-care ingredient and antioxidant. She says it’s most effective when used in the morning to protect your skin from environmental stressors. This one from Obagi is designed to provide antioxidant protection from UV damage, brighten hyperpigmentation, and encourage the growth of collagen and elastin fibers.
8. Avène Skin Recovery Cream, $28
This is one of Dr. Gohara’s favorite nighttime products to combat dry skin. It’s packed with super hydrating ingredients like squalene and glycerin, meaning you can go to sleep with your skin feeling moisturizer and protected.
3. PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night, $88
This Dr. Gohara’s go-to retinol. If you get blackheads, Dr. Gohara says this serum (which traditionally retails for $110) is great for loosening them up. She says to use a pea-sized amount all over your face “so that it prevents new ones from coming out and help old ones to loosen up in that pore.”
10. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum, $92
In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum contains niacinamide to help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and ceramides to repair damage.
11. SACHAJUAN SCALP CONDITIONER, $27
If you’ve got dandruff and an irritated scalp, Dr. Gohara says that over-the-counter products can sometimes do the trick. She recommends this scalp conditioner because it contains salicylic acid, which can help decrease inflammation.
These are the answers to the most common skin-care questions Dr. Gohara’s patients ask:
Sign up for the Well+Good SHOP Newsletter
Get exclusive deals on wellness, beauty, fitness, and food products that have been hand-picked by our editors.
Got it, you've been added to our email list.
