I finally took the time to head to my dermatologist from my annual skin check. (Side note- everyone should be getting annual skin checks!) After getting into my skivvies and having every inch checked for any abnormalities I started drilling my dermatologist to give me all the dirt on recommended products. He wrote me some prescription strength medication for my acne, melasma and redness but then spilled the beans on some highly recommended OTC skin care products!
First I’ll talk about my prescription strength meds because insurance will most likely cover the cost of some of these and it could be worth it to see your derm to get them. Majority of the time prescription strength products are going to work better and faster but I totally understand that OTC are just easier sometimes!
Prescription Medicine
I have been having some pretty bad breakouts lately. Actually, I struggled with acne most of my life and was part of the Accutane club (which worked wonders by the way). I also have dark spots on my face and mustache area which is called melasma. Thanks a lot hormones. Anywho, my doctor prescribed 3 products to help with both. Here is what he prescribed:
Doxyclcline antibiotics: for the acne and inflammation
Clindamycin cream: spot treatment for acne, also used in morning under makeup to help prevent breakouts
Retin-A: AKA the miracle cream – this stuff is used to treat acne, dark spots and fine wrinkles. It is a much more powerful form of some retinol creams that are OTC.
Recommended OTC Skin Care Products
Now to the good part. I saved all these products to my Amazon storefront. CLICK HERE to see all the recommended products!
I’m going to break down some common skin ailments and what my doctor recommends. I’ll add notes after the products but I highly recommend you do the research and read all the reviews before purchasing since I have not personally tried all of the items.
Acne
Differin (0.1% gel): topical leave on gel for acne, fine lines and wrinkles
Neutrogena Clear Pore Wash and Oil Absorbing Clay Mask
Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Moisturizer: works well for dry skin and has SPF 30 in it
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser: good for oily skin and for treating hyperpigmentation
Anti-Aging
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum: has retinol, hyaluronic acid and glucose complex to help combat fine lines and wrinkles
Differin (0.1% gel) – topical leave on product for fine lines and wrinkles (also great for acne)
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic: a more expensive option but effective in anti-aging and skin cancer prevention
Dry Skin
Cerave Moisturizing Cream: best overall lotion for dry skin
Neutrogena Hydro Gel Boost Cream: good choice for oily/combination skin
Urea 20% Cream: use for cracked or chapped skin on bottoms of feet and toenails
Cerave Therapeutic Hand Cream: grood for dry, chapped hands
Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Cream: great for dry hands
Eye Cream
Teamine Eye Cream: reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Lumiere Bio-Restoriative Eye Cream: great for puffiness, darkness, and fine lines
Hyperpigmentation (or melasma)
Ambi Fade Cream: great for post-inflammatory dark spots on body
Azelaic Acid: helps dark spots from acne or rosacea
Scars
Bio-Oil: works well for stretch marks, surgical scars, or dry skin
Merderma Advanced Scar Gel: really great for lightening any scars
Sunscreen
Cerave AM Facial Lotion: great lightweight formula for daily use under makeup
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc: SPF 50, great for those sensitive or allergic to synthetic sunscreens
Neutrogena Baby SPF 60: great for kids and adults, for days that you have high sun exposure
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 100+
Do you have a favorite OTC skin product? Let me know in the comments below and let us know what you use it for! As always, I highly recommend doing your research on these products or any other ones. This is not a complete list but it’s a great start on a few highly recommended OTC skin care products from a dermatologist!
-Stacey
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