When it comes to picking a skin care product—from a new face serum to a beach-worthy sunscreen—a glowing recommendation from a trusted friend is a great place to start. At LovelySkin, our staff is immersed in all things skin care from sunup to sundown—and we have strong opinions about what makes a great formula! To help you find your next skin-saving fave, we asked some of our staffers to share some of their go-to products for anti-aging, cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection and more. Here are nine of their favorites to consider for your next beauty haul.
This smoothing face serum combines the hydrating powers of hyaluronic acid and glycerin with mineral-rich Vichy volcanic water sourced from French volcanoes. Well-suited for sensitive skin and accepted by the National Eczema Association, this formula can be used as a standalone moisturizer or as the first step in your skin care routine.
“This serum keeps my skin extra hydrated and gives it such a nice glow!” says Ashley E., Customer Care Assistant Manager. “I have noticed such a difference in the smoothness of my skin after using this over time. It is such a wonderful product to have in my routine!”
With time-released retinol and a tri-peptide concentrate, this daily neck cream is formulated to address wrinkles, crepiness and loss of firmness resulting from an aging neck and decolletage.
“I love using this product at night while I sleep,” says Pam S., Business Development Manager and LovelySkin Retail Manager. “It helps to tighten the wrinkles on my neck, and it also helps with the discoloration I get on my neck.” As with most retinol products, you may need to start slowly and ramp up your application as your skin acclimates to the anti-aging effects of retinol. “In the beginning, I had to use it every other night—I have sensitive skin—but now I can use it every night,” she says. “You can always tell what a product is doing when you stop using it. I don’t want to be without my neck cream!”
Great for oily skin types, this daily moisturizer helps nourish the skin barrier while absorbing excess oil to keep shine in check throughout the day. In addition to mineral-rich La Roche-Posay thermal water, it also contains niacinamide, a multitasking ingredient that helps soothe inflammation, address acne and provide anti-aging benefits, too.
“The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer provides the perfect amount of hydration without going overboard and making my face oily,” says Aaron S., Content Editor. “It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin looking matte and shine-free. That’s essential for when I’m applying sunscreen or a CC cream after, as it doesn’t make other products pill or feel too heavy.”
This facial cleanser from board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s own product line is formulated for dry skin types with olive oil extract, meadowfoam seed extract and afaLUXE, a proprietary molecule that encourages natural exfoliation without over drying your skin.
“I like using this cleanser because it removes makeup very well,” says Berenise F., Accountant. “It feels cool and smooth on my skin when applying it. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated instead of dry. Overall, it’s my favorite cleanser.”
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays all year round. This easy-to-wear formula for face and body is water-resistant, layers well under makeup and contains hydrating glycerin as well as antioxidant-rich vitamin E.
“This is a great sunscreen for mature, dry skin,” says Pam S.. “It helps with moisture on my face and dries quickly with a non-greasy feel.”
When it comes to reducing visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, the efficacy of retinol is clinically proven. This nighttime face treatment combines the skin-renewing powers of retinol with a lipid blend to help reduce the dryness and peeling that can be a common side effect of retinol use.
“I have recently started to use retinol in my skin care routine, and I wish I had started this sooner,” says Bailey M., Senior People Operations Manager. “I have used other retinol products that leave my skin red and inflamed, and this one does the exact opposite. I use it at night before I go to bed, and when I wake up, my skin feels so fresh and soft.”
This high-potency overnight facial treatment employs 10% glycolic acid and 2% phytic acid to boost radiance and improve the appearance of skin texture by exfoliating away the dead skin cells that can contribute to acne and make your skin appear dull and uneven.
“I started using this product to help with the tone and texture of my face, neck and chest,” says Joey L., C.M.E., Med Spa Team Lead/Manager. “The SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 not only improved the tone and texture, but it also has brightened my skin so much.” She also appreciates how easy this treatment is to use. “You simply apply a thin layer at night followed by your moisturizer. In the morning, you have a fabulous glow, and the skin feels so soft. All the work is done while you sleep!”
For his LovelySkin LUXE line, Dr. Schlessinger created these Exfoliating Gels in four different concentrations of skin-renewing afaLUXE, from the entry-level strength of 9% to the maximum strength of 19%. With regular use, these gels help improve the appearance of pores, reduce fine lines and minimize breakouts.
“I can’t live without my LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Max,” says Felisha M., Office Administrator. “I’ve used the treatment gels for years. I started with the 9% and have worked my way up to the 19% strength, and I absolutely love the results. The texture of my skin is noticeably smoother, and my complexion is always bright and blemish-free.”
This versatile skin balm is ready to come to the rescue for all kinds of skin irritations, from stubborn dry patches to insect bites to eczema. A base of shea butter and cocoa butter combines with 1% hydrocortisone to heal inflammation and irritation.
“As someone with very dry, sensitive skin, the FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm is my holy grail,” says Ashley B., Social Media Lead. “I love the stick application because I can apply it with no mess, and it easily fits into my pocket for on-the-go use. I keep one in my nightstand, my purse and at my desk—the hydrocortisone helps heal any irritation I’m experiencing, and shea and cocoa butters help relieve dryness. I can’t live without it!”
Are you looking to assemble a new skin care regimen on a budget? You can read up on our favorite dermatologist-recommended skin care products with affordable prices.