Cosmeceutical Shopping with Erin Gilbert, MD

At the 2015 Cosmetic Surgery Forum in Las Vegas, I was asked to share my top 10 favorite cosmeceuticals. Given the ever-increasing number of innovative over-the-counter and physician-dispensed products out there, this was no easy task. From moisturizers, sunscreens, and facial serums to antioxidants and hair supplements and everything in between, these are my personal picks.

Facial Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

My Rx: Apply in the AM after your morning regimen

Why I like it:

• Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection,
  100% mineral SPF
• Suitable for patients who are sensitive to chemical sunscreens
• Replaces foundation/make-up and adds good
  SPF coverage
• Light enough to use over serum or moisturizer

Hair Growth Supplement

Viviscal

My Rx: Take two tablets a day for 3-6 months

Why I like it:

• Supplements topical or oral Rx treatments
• Significant clinical studies on efficacy
• Science: increases alkaline phosphatase
  (anagen phase marker)

Eye Cream

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

My Rx: Apply AM and PM after cleansing

Why I Like it:

• Good for sensitive and dry periocular skin
• Suggest for young and older patients
• Immediate cosmetic effect (increased hydration and optical diffusers)
• Gradual decrease in under-eye pigment and periocular rhytids

Neck Serum

Restorsea Repairing Neck & Decollatage Treatment

My Rx: Use in the AM and PM after cleansing; apply in an upward motion

Why I like it:

• Non-irritating, gradual smoothing exfoliating effect
• Mid-weight serum for patients who don’t like the texture of neck creams

Face Oil

Beauty Counter Lustro Face Oil No.1

My Rx: Apply 1-2 drops after cleansing and serum/retinoid regimen (mix with moisturizer if skin is very dry)

Why I like it:

• Added hydration for patients with very dry skin or those using a topical retinol
• Lightweight oil, but provides lasting hydration
• Can be used alone or mixed with a favorite moisturizer
• Doesn’t cause acne breakouts

Exfoliator and topical probiotic

MyBody Glowbiotics Probiotic Instant Resurfacing Pads

My Rx: Apply 2-3 times per week after cleansing with sunscreen

Why I like it:

• Immediately smooths and brightens skin appearance
• Non-irritating for most patients (rare cases of redness, subsides within an hour)
• Anti-inflammatory and pro-immune effects of probiotics

Intensive Facial Moisturizer

Neostrata Bionic Face Cream-PHA 12

My Rx: Apply in PM after cleansing over Rx retinol or retinoid

Why I like it:

• Highly emollient
• Completely non-irritating (less than saline in occlusion studies)
• Can be used after peels, microdermabrasion, LED peels, injectables, and even fractionated laser treatments

Growth Factor and Retinoid Serum

myHERO Multivitamin Youth Serum

My Rx: AM and PM after cleansing with moisturizer with sunscreen in AM

Why I like it:

• Non-irritating retinoid for patients who don’t tolerate Rx retinoids
• Reduces pigmentation
• Light and rapidly absorbed serum

Antioxidants

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

My Rx: Apply 4-5 drops in AM after cleansing under moisturizer and SPF

Why I like it:

• Excellent antioxidant properties
• More moisturizing for drier patients
• Can be used post-procedure

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel

My Rx: Apply AM and PM in AM after cleansing under moisturizer and SPF

Why I Like it:

• Excellent antioxidant properties
• Similar antiaging benefits to CE Ferulic but has brightening agents
• Preferred by men
• Many prefer the pump (versus dropper) packaging

Erin Gilbert, MD, PhD, FAAD is the founder of Gilbert Dermatology in Brooklyn, NY. She originally made this presentation at the 2015 Cosmetic Surgery Forum in Las Vegas. Dr Gilbert is an advisory board member for MyBody.