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.
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