15 Best Skincare Products for Rosacea, According to Skin Experts

By Katarina Avendaño | Beauty & Health Editor at Good Housekeeping

When shopping for skincare products on the market, those with rosacea often have to be mindful about what they are putting on their skin. As someone who has rosacea, I am always looking for hero products that not only calm my redness and irritation, but also offer other powerhouse ingredients for overall skin health.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and rashes, and often appears on the nose, cheeks and sometimes the eyes. “While anyone can develop rosacea, it commonly occurs in individuals between 30–50 years old. Although it may be more likely to develop in those with fair skin, it can also occur in those with darker skin types,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD.

Even though doctors believe that genetics and certain environmental factors could play a role in rosacea, scientists are still researching the exact causes of this skin condition. "There are several causes of rosacea. Eating spicy foods, either cold or hot weather and red wine/alcohol can all cause rosacea flares," says Dr. Shari Sperling, DO. Although there is no cure for rosacea, there are ways to manage and reduce flare-ups with soothing skincare ingredients, topical and oral prescriptions, light therapies, laser treatments and avoiding rosacea triggers.

When it comes to finding a skincare routine that works best for you, it's ideal to select products that are soothing and nonaggressive. “I recommend using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer with hyaluronic acid serum (ideally one with vitamin B3, sunscreen) and potentially a topical prescription,” says Dr. Kenneth Mark, Cosmetic Dermatology Expert. He also adds that you should avoid acne products, retinoids and overly exfoliating cleansers such as those with salicylic acid.

It's always recommended that you see a doctor before treating any skin conditions on your own, but if you are experiencing redness or flushing of the skin, here are the best rosacea skincare products — ranging from toners to serums, that have been recommended by dermatologists and our skin experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute —that can help.

Cleansers

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD explains that "products for rosacea should focus on calming the skin and minimizing irritation." Therefore, one of her favorite products is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This product contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore the skin’s natural barrier. It’s effective at removing makeup and buildup from the day, yet gentle enough to not strip the skin and leave it dry. In fact, its MVE Delivery Technology gradually releases ceramides over a period of time, hydrating the skin throughout the day.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Add the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser to your skincare arsenal if you are looking for a daily cleanser that won’t be harsh on the skin. It’s also effective enough to use for removing makeup and excess oils without stripping the skin. Plus, Dr. Garshick states that this cleanser “is free of common irritants found in other cleansers such as fragrance, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde and other preservatives, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.”

Moisturizers

Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

This dermatologist-recommended cream helps nourish and heal the skin.“It contains a post biotic restorative ingredient, helping to support the skin barrier and also protect the skin from external irritants,” explains Dr. Garshick. Although this is a rich cream, it's a non-comedogenic formula so it won’t clog pores or feel greasy.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

The Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a lightweight formula that is suitable for sensitive skin. “This moisturizer contains a combination of ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and niacinamide which has soothing properties, while also supporting the skin barrier and calming the skin. It helps to replenish moisture using glycerin and can be used all year,” says Dr. Garshick.

Sunscreens

MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

Mineral moisturizers are ideal for sensitive skin because they tend to cause less irritation. In our Beauty Lab's sunscreen test, this pick came out on top for best mineral formula. It didn't sting skin (or eyes!), and also didn't leave skin feeling dry.

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

A great sunscreen is the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection. Dr. Garshick recommends this product because "it contains hyaluronic acid to help provide moisture, ceramides to help support the skin’s natural barrier, as well as niacinamide which can soothe the skin." This sunscreen has also been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and the Skin Cancer Foundation Daily Use Seal of Approval.

Serums

Vichy Minéral 89 Prebiotic Concentrate

This unique concentrate is made with Vichy volcanic water, vitreoscilla ferment and niacinamide. Dr. Garshick likes this product because these ingredients “help to boost repair of the skin barrier and soothe the skin.” It also boosts the skin’s elasticity and improves the appearance of fine lines. According to Vichy’s website, you can apply this concentrate after cleansing, then follow with serums and moisturizer.

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

“Using the same ingredient found in a commonly used prescription for rosacea, this azelaic acid serum works to reduce bumps associated with rosacea as well as redness and inflammation,” says Dr. Garshick. This concentrate by Naturium not only contains a glycinated azelaic acid complex, but also vitamin C and niacinamide, which work together to improve the appearance of the skin.

SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX

“Serums should definitely have niacinamides and green tea polyphenols, but remember to focus on lower percentages. Niacinamide should be less than 5%, more of it can actually do the opposite effect,” say Dr. Shokeen. Therefore, she recommends SkinCeuticals 10 AOX, a lightweight serum for sensitive skin. This formula includes L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) and Ferulic Acid which work together to neutralize free radicals and improve the appearance of fine lines.

theraderm OPC Reparative Serum

This expert recommended serum received the Good Housekeeping 2023 Beauty Award for calming sensitive and inflamed skin. This product contains powerful antioxidants known as OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), a group of compounds which belong in the class of polyphenols, which have shown to reduce inflammation, signs of aging and protect against free radicals. “Over the week, I used it twice a day, and the redness on my cheeks subdued significantly,” said Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann.

Color Correctors

Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50

If you are looking for a product that soothes the skin, provides coverage for redness and offers sun protection, the All Calm® Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50 can do all three in one product. Plus, “it contains a patent pending BioSolace™ complex which helps to relieve sensitivity or irritation,” says Dr. Garshick.

Elf Camo Color Corrector

In our Beauty Lab's tests, they rated this affordable option the best color corrector for redness. Green color correctors are a great for cancelling out redness, but our experts also liked the peach version.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel

Dr. Garshick likes this gel because it “helps to calm and hydrate the skin while also reducing redness.” This product not only contains hyaluronic acid for moisture, but thyme, olive and cucumber extract that work together to soothe the skin.

17 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin that Don't Feel Greasy (Tested and Reviewed for 2023)

By Beth Gillette and Abby Dupes | Beauty & Health Editor at SELF

I know the cardinal rule of skincare is that you have to wear sunscreen every day. Slathering on a formula with SPF 30 (or higher) every single day is the key to helping prevent fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, sun irritation, and most importantly, skin cancer and sun damage. But until recently, I was convinced my oil-prone skin and SPF just didn't mix. Every formula I'd tried slipped and slid off my face in mere hours, making me look shiny as hell. However, that's finally changed — since I discovered that sunscreens for oily skin do exist and are formulated specifically to mattify skin while protecting it from sun damage.

Obviously, this led me to test legit dozens of sunscreens to determine the best options out there for oily skin; we're talking sunscreens for acne, tinted sunscreens, mineral and chemical sunscreens, and more. On top of that, I chatted with four dermatologists to get their take on sunscreen for oily skin, along with their top product picks. But before we get into that, here are a few of my faves:

1. Ultra-Violette Velvet Screen SPF 50 Blurring Mineral Skinscreen

I own about 30 different sunscreens (and have tried hundreds over the years—hey, it’s my job, okay?), and I have to give myself a pep talk before I test any others, since nothing will compare to how much I love my skin wearing this sunscreen from Ultra Violette. I spread it on my skin in the morning before foundation, and I sometimes don’t even feel like I need to pat on setting powder because it gives me such a natural, matte finish. It goes on with a thick, cream consistency, but immediately blends into a velvety finish (hence the name).

• Type: Mineral (zinc oxide)

• Other key ingredients: Kakadu plum, gluconolactone

• SPF: 50

• Oil-free? Yes

One Cosmo editor says: “Truly, no other sunscreen makes my skin look so good. It's mattifying without making my face look dull or dry, even if I have the random dry patch throughout my otherwise oily face." — Beth Gillette, beauty editor.

2. First Aid Beauty Hydrating Sunscreen Milk SPF 45

Some of us with oily skin (hi, me) have a tendancy to also get inflamed breakouts. Fun! If swiping sunscreen on your irritated face sounds like the worst thing you could ever do, give this one a try. It's loaded with colloidal oatmeal, a master at soothing swelling, irritation, itch, and more. But it's also surprisingly blendable and lightweight, so it won't make you look like a greaseball.

• Type: Chemical (Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene)

• Other key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, soybean oil

• SPF: 45

• Oil-free? No

One Cosmo editor says: "Sure, I have oily skin, but my face is a precious lil fairy and often gets irritated and inflamed. Soooo, I loved when I saw this has colloidal oatmeal to help soothe skin. But it's also extra lightweight and doesn't even feel like I'm wearing anything once I rub it in." — BG

3. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh SPF 50+ PA++++

This water-based Korean sunscreen feels like I just splashed water on my face (2000s skincare ad style). It's cooling, lightly hydrating, and plumping, but also fully absorbs into my skin to avoid the dreaded greasy look I always get with SPF on my oily skin. Don't let its thin consistency fool you, though—this formula is actually loaded with hydrators, including ceramides, beta-glucan, peptides, panthenol, and oat kernel extract.

• Type: Chemical

• Other key ingredients: Ferulic acid, ceramides, peptides, beta-glucan

• SPF: 50

• Oil-free? No

One Cosmo editor says: "When I visited Seoul, it was my goal to pick up all the cool Korean sunscreens. Of everything I tested, this was the best for my oily skin. It's probably one of the lightest SPFs I've ever tried. It doesn't even feel like sunscreen; just a serum." —BG

4. Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Dr. Shamban recommends this stick sunscreen from Shiseido for oily skin because it goes on with a smooth, matte finish. Stash this cute lil bb in your makeup bag and glide it directly over your skin to reapply your sunscreen on the go. Because it goes on completely clear (for all skin tones) (!), you don’t even need a mirror to smooth it on, making it essentially mess-free. You can massage it all over your skin every two to three hours, or use it to touch-up the high points of your face that are prone to sun damage, like your nose and forehead.

• Type: Chemical (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene)

• Other key ingredients: Triethylhexanoin (moisturizing), licorice root extract

• SPF: 50+

• Oil-free? No (mineral and castor oil)

One Cosmo editor says: "As someone who loves the sun but also has super dry skin that I want protected at all times, I love this stick from Shiseido. It doesn't make me feel oily or greasy, and it's great for swiping over my dry patches, shoulders, or anywhere else that needs some extra love when I'm in the sun."—JH

5. Eucerin Sun Clear Skin SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion

I'm obsessed with this lightweight chemical sunscreen from Eucerin on my acne-prone skin—and I'm even more obsessed with how affordable it is. For less than $16, this SPF 50 cream is loaded with dimethicone to help control my oil throughout the day and gently smooth my textured skin temporarily. And when I run out, it's so easy to quickly add to an Amazon order or pick up on a drugstore run.

• Type: Chemical (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene)

• Other key ingredients: Vitamin E, dimethicone

• SPF: 50

• Oil-free? Yes

One Cosmo reader says: "I recently discovered the Eucerin Sun Clear Skin SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion, and it has become an absolute must-have in my daily skincare routine. I've struggled to find a sunscreen that doesn't cause irritation, and Eucerin Sun Clear Skin has proven to be gentle and suitable for daily use. It goes on smoothly, doesn't clog pores, and feels lightweight on the skin. The non-greasy formula is a welcome relief. It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving behind a matte finish that doesn't feel heavy or sticky."

6. Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

I keep my vanity stocked with this sunscreen for whenever I’m dealing with a particularly angry breakout. It has a light-green tint that helps neutralize some of the redness on my skin, along with loads of anti-inflammatory ingredients, including ectoin, bisabolol, and green tea extract. But don’t worry—the tint fully disappears into my medium skin once I blend it in (though it may leave a slight white cast on deep skin tones), leaving behind a velvet-y, sheer finish with absolutely no tacky residue.

• Type: Mineral (zinc oxide)

• Other key ingredients: Ectoin, bisabolol, green tea extract

• SPF: 30

• Oil-free? No (raspberry and moringa seed oils)

One Cosmo editor says: "One thing about me: I'm, unfortunately, always breaking out, which means I have a constant rotation of sunscreens that work for my acne-prone skin. This one is my go-to for soothing and diminishing redness as soon as I spread it on, thanks to the green tint. It feels like a soothing cream, but protects like an SPF." — BG

7. Cocokind Silk SPF Mineral and Chemical Sunscreen SPF 30

I’ve tested a handful of clean sunscreens for oily skin, and they often leave a white cast or a strong glowy finish that my oily skin simply despises. But one of my favorite clean beauty brands, Cocokind, essentially developed the antithesis of that. This sunscreen is a hybrid of chemical and mineral filters (see: homosalate and zinc oxide) that protects my skin but blends out with a sheer, lightweight finish on my medium skin tone (and also on deeper skin tones, based on TikTok reviews). TBH, I completely forgo my morning moisturizer in the summer in favor of this sunscreen, because the lightweight banana flower extract is just moisturizing enough for my oily skin but doesn’t leave my makeup slippin’ and slidin’ all over my face.

• Type: Chemical (homosalate) and mineral (zinc oxide)

• Other key ingredients: Banana flower extract (moisturizes)

• SPF: 30

• Oil-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I'd been using Cocokind's other sunscreen for years and loved it, but the Silk Spf is a total game changer. [It] makes my skin look so dewy, goes on super smooth, and doesn't irritate my sensitive/acne-prone skin at all.”

8. Ciele Tint & Protect SPF 50+ Tinted Serum Foundation

IMO, most tinted sunscreens are not made with oily skin in mind, usually imparting a dewy glow that makes me look like the second coming of Edward Cullen. But Ciele's formula has a blurring satin finish that sits beautifully on my skin throughout the day. I just squeeze a few drops out of the dropper, then stipple it on my face with a beauty sponge. It makes my skin look smooth and soft—not glossy or shimmery—all the while imparting SPF 50 protection.

• Type: Mineral (titanium dioxide)

• Other key ingredients: Dimethicone, bisabolol, niacinamide

• SPF: 50

• Oil-free? Yes

One Cosmo editor says: "I've somehow acquired this SPF-focused skin tint in about seven different shades so I always have one that will match me. It covers up all my zits and dark spots while blurring my pores and, of course, protecting my skin." — BG

9. Coola Refreshing Water Plumping Gel Serum Sunscreen SPF 30

Thick, goopy creams simply don't inspire me to slather on sunscreen every day. But ya know what does? This majorly lightweight serum-based SPF from Coola. It's loaded with the lightest hydrators (aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, hello) that quickly sink into my skin, leaving me feeling plump and fresh without all the heaviness. It's the dream canvas for foundation too, since it doesn't add any extra dewiness or slip that makes my products melt.

• Type: Chemical (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene)

• Other key ingredients: Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid

• SPF: 30

• Oil-free? No

One Cosmo editor says: "I used up a full bottle of this last year because I freakin' love how cooling and light it feels on my skin. In the summer, the last thing I want is to feel like I have a heavy sunscreen on in already-sticky NYC. But this glides on and feels like I just patted on a gel-serum." — BG

10. Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33

“Mineral-based sunscreen tends to be better for oily skin,” says dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD, “because these minerals are typically less irritating to your skin than chemical SPF filters are, making them a bit more tolerable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.” However, these formulas often get a bad rap for being thick and heavy on your skin and leaving behind an unsightly white cast. But I’ve found this new mineral sunscreen from Lightsaver (which was developed by dermatologist David Kim, MD) to feel nothing like the rich, milky formulas I’m used to.

Instead, this sheer sunscreen has a light tint that essentially disappears as I blend it into my skin (though it might take a little effort to blend into deep skin). Its lightweight moisturizers, squalane and glycerin, leave behind a satin, skin-like finish, which layers really well under my tinted moisturizer. Plus, it’s also formulated with niacinamide, which is basically a do-it-all ingredient that soothes and brightens over time.

• Type: Mineral (zinc oxide)

• Other key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, niacinamide

• SPF: 33

• Oil-free? No (sunflower seed oil)

One Cosmo editor says: "I’m fully impressed with this mineral sunscreen. There’s no white cast on my medium skin tone, and it doesn’t feel goopy or heavy on my oily skin. I can load this on my face in the morning without having to worry that my skin will become a grease machine in a few hours." — BG

11. Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush SPF 30

“Lotion and creams provide the best SPF coverage,” notes Dr. Shamban, “but powder sunscreens are still great for fast, no-fuss, no-mess touch-ups.” Which is also why I love this translucent mineral sunscreen for reapplying sunscreen to my oily skin, because it’s essentially a setting powder and a sunscreen top-up all in one.

Seriously—even dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD, is a fan: “It absorbs excess oils, which leaves your skin with a matte finish,” she says. I start with a liquid sunscreen underneath (like, any of the others on this list), but instead of trying to blend another layer of sunscreen over my oily skin, I just dab this powder over my face with the included brush.

• Type: Mineral (zinc oxide)

• Other key ingredients: Ceramides, papaya and mango fruit extracts

• SPF: 30

• Oil-free? Yes

One Cosmo reader says: “This is such a holy grail for my skincare. I put this on in the morning and my face stays matte the entire day.”

12. EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46

Every dermatologist I've ever met—including Dr. Shokeen and Jeannette Graf, MD—has raved about this ultra-lightweight sunscreen from EltaMD. Why, you ask? Because, along with chemical and mineral SPF, it uses niacinamide and lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin that can cause breakouts, smooth any bumpy texture you have on your skin, and slowly fade acne scars. I’m partial to the clear formula, but I did order the tinted version pretty much immediately after Hailey Bieber used it in a GRWM TikTok and love it for my medium skin as a skin tint.

• Type: Chemical (octinoxate) and mineral (zinc oxide)

• Other key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

• SPF: 46

• Oil-free? Yes

One Cosmo editor says: "When you discover an SPF like this one that fully protects your skin from the sun and blends beautifully into the deepest of skin tones, then you definitely award it and tell the world to stock up!”—Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large

13. Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen Gel SPF 45

If I put this clear sunscreen from Black Girl Sunscreen on my oily skin in the morning, my face will stay completely shine-free until I’m ready to take my makeup off. The clear-on-all-skin-tones, silicone-based gel leaves skin smooth and imparts matte finish, which makes it especially great under makeup. And because it’s so smoothing and mattifying, it works double-duty as my makeup primer, since it doesn’t pill or get greasy no matter how much I layer on.

• Type: Chemical (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene)

• Other key ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, squalane

• SPF: 45

• Oil-free? No (coconut oil and shea butter)

One Cosmo editor says: "It goes on super easily and has the creamiest texture that immediately plumped and hydrated my skin. Also, the matte finish is honestly a perfect base for makeup, and it plays well with other products." — Ama Kwarteng, beauty contributor

Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen for oily skin?

You can skip moisturizer and just use sunscreen for your oily skin, but experts suggest incorporating both into your routine. “It’s important to use moisturizer and sunscreen separately, as each serves a different purpose for the skin,” says Dr. Shokeen. “Moisturizer hydrates and plumps your skin, while sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.”

But there definitely are options out there if you want to skip a step in your routine, like moisturizing sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF (of 30 or more, remember!). “There are hybrid sunscreens with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that can work as both,” says Dr. Shokeen. “But ideally, you should use two separate products to achieve optimal skin health,” she says, especially because you’ll need to use a ton of SPF moisturizer to get adequate protection against the sun (kind of like drinking two bloody margs instead of taking a shot of tequila).

Why does my sunscreen make my face so oily?

“Sunscreens can make your face oily because they’re often filled with rich oils and butters,” says Dr. Graf. “Historically, facial sunscreens have been thick and heavy in nature,” says Dr. Graf, noting that these formulas often used dense moisturizing agents and occlusive ingredients that would sit on top of your skin and leave an oily film.

Is chemical or mineral sunscreen better for oily skin?

Neither chemical nor mineral sunscreen is necessarily “better” for oily skin, but generally, dermatologists including Dr. Graf and Dr. Shamban, recommend opting for mineral formulas. Here’s a quick rundown of chemical versus mineral sunscreens to explain why: Essentially, chemical sunscreens use active chemical filters (like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or homosalate) to absorb the sun’s rays, convert them into heat, and then release them from your skin.

Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use mineral filters (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to create a physical shield between your skin and the sun (which is also why they tend to be thicker and often leave a white cast behind). So which one is better for oily skin? If you ask Dr. Shamban and Dr. Graf, they both suggest choosing a mineral sunscreen for oily skin, because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to be slightly mattifying and oil-absorbing (though, consequently, they’re often a bit heavier and ashy, too).

Derms also generally recommend mineral sunscreen for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as the filters in chemical sunscreen can sometimes be a culprit for irritation for some sensitive-skin folks. But because of the white and ashy cast mineral sunscreens tend to leave, it’s often not possible for those with very-deep skin tones to use, which is where oil-free, clear chemical formulas like Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen and Starface Clear As Day come in.

You might also prefer a chemical sunscreen based on your lifestyle, like if you’re outside all of the time sweating or swimming, because the formula won’t slide off as easily. In that case, “among the chemical sunscreen filters, I find that octocrylene and octisalate are more lightweight for oily skin,” says dermatologist Mamina Turegano, MD.

Can sunscreen cause acne breakouts?

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, sunscreen can potentially cause breakouts, especially if your SPF is full of heavy, pore-clogging ingredients. But note: It’s not necessarily the sunscreen chemicals or minerals themselves that are clogging your pores, but the other ingredients they’re mixed with. Just like any cream or lotion that doesn’t agree with your skin, a cocktail of butters, oils, sweat, and your own sebum can potentially get trapped in your pores and lead to pimples and blackheads, says Dr. Graf. So how do you pick the best sunscreen for breakouts and oil? Ahem...

The Best Night Creams, According to Dermatologists

By Sara Coughlin and Jessica Kasparian | Beauty & Health Editor at SELF

You already know sleep can benefit your body and mind, but it can work wonders for your complexion too—especially if you slather on one of the best night creams before bedtime. A moisturizer formulated for overnight use can rehydrate your skin and improve its texture, tone, and overall appearance.

We chatted with dermatologists about how to find the perfect night cream for your skin and tested their favorites. Plus we dove back into SELF’s Healthy Beauty Awards to find our tried-and-trues. Now, all you have to do is pick one!

Best Overall: La Mer Crème de La Mer

For a luxe option that really works, try La Mer’s Crème de La Mer (and bask in the skin care flex of displaying it on your sink). It’s made with the brand’s proprietary Miracle Broth, which is mostly moisturizing algae extract, and the consistency feels great on dehydrated skin, Bradley Glodny, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park Avenue Dermatology in New York City, tells SELF. He adds that it’s also a good choice for people concerned with signs of aging: Your skin tends to get drier as you get older, and a rich cream like this one can help restore its moisture.

SELF’s director of social media, Kassidy Silva, knows this is is a splurge, but says it’s worth it: “I apply a thick layer as the last step—and sometimes only step—to my nightly skin care routine to help lock in moisture and leave me with a dewy morning glow. As a new mom, I’ll take any opportunity to cut down on my routine, and this cream packs that big of a punch,” she says. And you won’t need to stock up too often: “While the price tag might give you a bit of sticker shock, a tiny bit goes a long way. I’m still working on my first jar that I opened almost two years ago!”

Runner-Up: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242

This night cream from SkinCeuticals has earned a holy grail reputation for its ability to restore the skin barrier, Aanand N. Geria, MD, FAAD, the founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey, tells SELF. Its key ingredients include ceramides and vitamin E, both of which help moisturize and strengthen skin. Dr. Geria also points out that the Triple Lipid Restore cream contains antioxidants that can prevent signs of free radical damage, like fine lines and dark spots caused by sun exposure.

SELF’s commerce director, Shanna Shipin, says this cream has made a huge difference in her eczema-prone, dehydrated skin: “It wraps my dry skin in a cocoon of hydration, and it has an immediate impact in that my skin looks plump, dewy (but not oily!), and bouncy after applying,” she says. “Longer-term, it's worked to even out my skin tone and make it appear brighter.”

Best Budget: Eucerin Skin Balance Night Cream

This 2023 Healthy Beauty Award winner is fragrance-free, hydrating, and budget-friendly—so it’ll likely be easy on your skin and your wallet. Its star moisturizers are lightweight glycerin, rich shea butter, and panthenol, a form of vitamin B5 that helps your skin hold onto more water and prevents inflammation.

Our tester noticed an immediate improvement after using this moisturizer for the first time: “This cream was surprisingly light and perfect for nighttime,” they said. “I almost always wake up feeling dry, but I awoke to my skin feeling more hydrated than usual.”

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream

La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream is a good option for people with sensitive skin because it’s fragrance-free, so it’s less likely to cause irritation, Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist and the founder of Ocean Skin & Vein Institute in Manhattan Beach, California, tells SELF.

The thin, gel-cream formula is packed with moisturizing glycerin, shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E, to nourish skin without feeling too heavy.

Best for Irritation-Prone Skin: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair

If you have dry, irritated skin that’s prone to inflammation (including redness), the Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask from Dr. Jart+ is worth a try. Dustin Portela, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in Idaho, praises its calming ingredients like centella asiatica, a plant extract that’s soothing and hydrating.

Our tester says they “can’t recommend this enough” to anyone with redness and irritation: “It's an overnight mask that actually shows a difference in the morning,” they say. “My skin was significantly less red in the morning and felt moisturized after I rinsed it off.”

Best for Firming and Brightening: Augustinus Bader The Cream

Augustinus Bader’s The Cream packs an impressive amount of skin-improving ingredients, including plumping peptides, skin barrier-enforcing ceramides, gently exfoliating retinyl palmitate, and brightening vitamin C. This combo can ward off signs of aging and damage (think: fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and redness) before they pop up.

Dr. Glodny also says The Cream can “heal and moisturize your skin overnight,” thanks to a blend of amino acids (which make up the proteins that keep your skin strong). If you’re trying to address multiple issues at once and you have a little extra to spend, we think this night cream is well worth the investment.

Best for Oily Skin: Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream

This Healthy Beauty Award–winning cream has a light, whipped texture that blends into skin like a dream. It majorly boosts hydration—hi, hyaluronic acid!—without leaving a greasy residue behind. Our verdict? It’s perfect for oily or combination skin types.

“I deal with some dryness and sensitivity around my eyes, but my face often gets oily throughout the day, and this was just the perfect texture,” our tester says. “It just made my face look and feel so good. I didn’t think I’d be running to repurchase a $48 cream, but here I am!”

Best for Signs of Aging: Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin-Renewing Water Cream

There’s no denying the skin-smoothing effects of retinol, but are the results worth the notorious purge period your skin goes through? Actually, you don’t have to wonder. These cream-filled capsules are infused with retinol, making them gentler—and less likely to cause irritation, so you can skip right to the good part.

Just ask our Healthy Beauty Awards tester: “I was a little nervous to try this cream because I have sensitive skin and have never used retinol every day, but it worked GREAT,” they said. “I noticed that my dark spots from acne faded significantly after using it consistently for a month, and it gave me an overall glow without making my face look too dewy or greasy (which often happens with products that contain ceramides for me).”

Best for Skin Barrier Repair: Tatcha Indigo Calming Cream

Redness and stinging are major signs that your skin barrier isn’t feeling so hot. Enter: this Healthy Beauty Award–winning cream. Accepted by the National Eczema Association, it contains colloidal oatmeal and Japanese indigo extracts to tone down irritation. With squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, it’ll tackle flaky patches too.

“Anytime I felt like my face was looking dry and red, I’d slather this stuff on and wake up with skin that felt hydrated and balanced,” our tester says. “It also played nice with various serums, layered well with other creams, and didn’t get all weird under my sunscreen.”

How we chose the best night creams

After asking dermatologists which qualities to look for in a night cream, I collected favorites from SELF staffers. They came through with creams they’ve been using nightly for years. I also perused past SELF Healthy Beauty Award winners to find nourishing moisturizers with active ingredients that are better suited for your p.m. routine.

These Are The Best Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin, According To Experts

By Tessa Flores | Beauty & Health Editor at Huffpost

I’ve always assumed that applying my foundation on top of an angry pimple was just a necessary evil if I wanted to leave the house without feeling like the whole world was staring at the pimple, even if it meant my breakout would look worse the day after.

But after speaking with skin care experts from dermatologists to aestheticians, I’ve learned that there are many foundations out there that not only won’t make acne worse, but might actually help keep blemishes at bay while offering the best breakout-friendly coverage around.

When shopping around for foundation, Vanessa Coppola, a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of a New Jersey-based medical spa, said you want something that’s non-comedogenic.

“This basically means it’s not going to clog up your pores and make your acne worse,” Coppola said. “The next step is to look for an oil-free formulation. Almost all foundation brands typically have a water-based oil-free version of their foundation.”

Board-certified San Diego-based dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi said that comedogenic foundation formulas are typically heavier and contain “petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, coconut oil, avocado oil, and waxy emollients like myristyl myristate.”

She added that silicones, although they can help impart a silky texture to foundations, have occlusive properties and therefore can cause buildup in pores.

“The key is to find a lightweight formula, perhaps more water-based, made with hyaluronic acid that delivers coverage and contributes to the overall health and hydration of the skin,” Shirazi said.

According to Coppola, finding an oil-free, non-comedogenic foundation that also contains blemish-fighting ingredients is a “win-win scenario,” especially for those with acne-prone skin.

“Ingredients that have a long history of acne-fighting properties include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and mineral-based clays which can help to absorb oil for those that produce excessive amounts of sebum from their skin,” Coppola said. She explained that the inclusion of skin care staples such as ceramides, glycerin and aloe vera can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, something that’s often comprised with acne and has the potential to make exacerbate breakouts.

Shirazi and Coppola both agree that your skin care regime prior to makeup application is as equally important as the foundation you choose.

“Ensuring your skin is cleansed thoroughly, exfoliating weekly and moisturizing to support the skin barrier are important steps,” Shirazi said.

Coppola cited the “like dissolves like” concept in skin care. “If you’re going to use a water-based oil-free foundation on your face, it is going to work best if your skin is prepped with an oil-free hydrator. If you put heavy oil-based emollients on your skin after cleansing and then apply a water-based oil-free foundation, it will likely separate and cake,” she said.

Instead of pouring over ingredients lists and hedging your bets on a foundation that might work for your breakouts, keep reading to see which acne-prone foundations have gotten the approval of Shirazi, Coppola and other skin care professionals.

1. A medicated and redness-neutralizing foundation

Board-certified California-based dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen suggested the non-irritating and medicated formula of Clinique's Acne Solutions liquid makeup, which she said treats acne while you wear it. This is because it contains salicylic acid to help reduce buildup in pores as well as glycerin to help maintain hydration and laminaria saccharina extract for reducing redness and inflammation caused by acne.

2. An Amazonian clay powder foundation

According to dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, this loose powder foundation by Tarte is great for oily complexions because it offers mattifying ingredients like oil-absorbing kaolin clay. The full-coverage formula, which comes in 12 long-wearing shades, also contains nourishing ruby powder and skin-brightening tourmaline.

"It also has a mousse-like, matte texture to help camouflage active breakouts while controlling oil and blurring the appearance of pores," Shirazi said.

3. A long-wearing full-coverage foundation

"This is a terrific all-around balanced formulation for acne-prone skin," said nurse practitioner and med spa owner Vanessa Coppola of Estēe Lauder's Double Wear foundation. According to her, the oil-free composition and matte finish provide a good, lasting coverage that works even in humid months, and she appreciates the extensive 56-shade range.

"It's a silicone in water formulation that is buffered with hydrating ingredients that are noncomedogenic and is free from parabens, sulfates, drying alcohols and synthetic fragrances," she said.

4. A mattifying CC cream with SPF 40

If you want fuller coverage from your foundation, board-certified Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav likes the mattifying formula of the It Cosmetics' color correction cream, which also contains ingredients like peptides to support skin elasticity and natural collagen production.

"It's an oil-free skin care-like formula that contains SPF 40, charcoal to help purify the skin, clay to absorb oil and tea tree to help fight bacteria," Yadav said. The matte-finish cream is available in 12 shades.

5. A blemish-fighting liquid foundation

This lightweight Neutrogena foundation made specifically for acne-prone skin was recommended by nearly all of our experts. Coppola said that she really loves this product, both for its formulation as well as its price.

"It contains 0.5% salicylic acid, a known acne-fighting ingredient, which is formulated in a silicone and water formulation allowing for a smooth glide in your application and it has a balanced profile of nonirritating hydration and oil control agents that help to break out excess oil on the skin," Coppola said.

6. A luminous finish oil-free foundation

The famed Luminous Silk foundation by Armani Beauty was also suggested by almost every one of the skin experts we spoke to, with many claiming it's a good foundation alternative for those who want a more radiant finish, more than a completely mattifying one.

"It never feels dry or cakey and it really does give your skin a glowy, dewy look," Coppola said.

The wildly popular, oil-free and hydrating formula, which is available in 40 shades, claims to blur imperfections and offer the perfect level of seamless coverage and allowing color pigments to lay flat for blending and layering and won't pill or separate.

7. A natural-finish buildable coverage foundation

Shirazi also chose Nars' Sheer Glow foundation, which she said is a lightweight liquid containing antioxidants like vitamin C and turmeric to help brighten the complexion and protect skin against damaging free radicals. It promises a natural-like skin finish, buildable coverage and non-drying wear thanks to the addition of glycerin.

8. A breathable foundation with salicylic acid

This clinical foundation, developed specifically for acne-prone patients, made it onto Shirazi's list because of its highly breathable wear and the inclusion of salicylic acid to dissolve oil and reduce breakouts. The unique complex is meant to help conceal everything from breakouts to rosacea, while helping to speed up the healing process and offering sun protection up to SPF 25. "It has a light texture with aloe vera to help hydrate and soothe the skin,"

15 Best Retinol Creams in 2025, According to Dermatologists

By Kristin Canning | Beauty & Health Editor at Self

Retinol is seemingly everywhere lately—why? The vitamin A derivative can help exfoliate dead skin, promote cell turnover, improve hyperpigmentation, even your skin’s tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Jennifer Sawaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with US Dermatology Partners Scottsdale, previously told SELF. Whether you’re noticing deeper lines, duller skin, acne, or old pimple scars, retinol can help (yes, even if you have sensitive skin).

Given how powerful this ingredient is, there’s a sea of products that contain it, meaning it can be a huge challenge to find one that works for your skin type and concerns without causing irritation. That’s where we come in: We asked dermatologists which are the best retinol creams to try and how to shop for a product your skin will love.

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

Pros

• Low retinol concentration won’t irritate skin

• Brightening

• Formulated for all skin types

Cons

• Pricey

Dr. Houshmand likes this SkinCeuticals night moisturizer because it’s gentler, due to its lower concentration of retinol. Snehal Amin, MD, FACMS, FAAD, the cofounder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology in New York, also recommends this pick to beginners, adding that it’s easy to switch to a product with a higher concentration (like the brand’s Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream) once your skin gets acclimated to this one. Another bonus: This cream contains vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that can help even skin texture and tone.

Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream

Pros

• Supports the skin barrier

  Contains soothing ingredients

Cons

• Contains strong fragrance that some Amazon reviewers report smells bad

Dr. Houshmand recommends RoC’s Deep Wrinkle Night Cream if you’re not ready to commit to a pricey product. In addition to retinol, it contains glycolic acid to exfoliate skin and squalane and shea butter to help retain moisture.

Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Differin 0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel

Pros

• Prevents breakouts

• Helps lighten scarring

• Unscented

Cons

• May be too drying for some

• Some Amazon reviewers say it feels sticky

Now a gold standard OTC acne treatment, Differin contains adapalene and can work as both a spot treatment and a product for your entire face. It unclogs pores while preventing future breakouts (although you may go through a purging phase and see more pimples come to the surface when you first start using it).

Best for Sensitive Skin: Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Pros

• Contains soothing ingredients

• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Very pricey

Since retinol can be irritating, you’ll want to be especially cautious if you have sensitive skin. “[This is] one of the most gentle yet effective retinols,” making it a great option for skin care beginners and veterans alike, Dr. Penzi says. The formula includes an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates, along with anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea extract.

Best Extra-Gentle: Kiehl’s Daily Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Facial Serum

Pros

• Non-irritating—even for beginners

• Supports skin barrier

• A little goes a long way

Cons

• On the pricey side

This gentle formula from Kiehl’s is a favorite of SELF’s senior commerce editor. “This is the first retinol I tried, and it’s so good that I’ve stuck with it ever since. I have super sensitive combination skin, and this serum has never caused a breakout or any irritation,” she says.

“It’s very lightweight and sinks in in seconds—plus, I love that it doesn’t feel sticky or tacky after I apply it. Even though it’s very gentle, I have noticed a difference (especially when I forget to use it for a few days and then go back to it).” It’s so gentle, in fact, that you can work up to using it twice a day, according to the brand.

Best Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer Cream

Pros

• Thick, rich texture

• Budget-friendly

• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Some Amazon reviewers say it doesn’t soak in well and can feel greasy

This cream works double-duty to provide the benefits of a retinol and a nighttime moisturizer in one product. “It’s great for all skin types,” Dr. Penzi says. As a bonus, it contains niacinamide and glycerin for an extra dose of hydration.

Best for Travel: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

Pros

• Supports the skin barrier

• Capsules help keep the product stable and potent longer

Cons

• Pricey

Dr. Houshmand likes this encapsulated retinol from Elizabeth Arden because it’s easy to take on the go and ensures you get the right amount of product every time. Inside each capsule is a cocktail of retinol, peptides, ceramides, and oils, which work in tandem to help your skin look smoother, clearer, and more hydrated over time. (And, if you ask us, the capsules are prettier than anything else we have on our bathroom shelves.)

Best Oil: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair 0.3% Concentrated Retinol Face Oil

Pros

• Lower retinol concentration is less likely to irritate skin

• A good value

Cons

• Contains fragrance

Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Solana Beach, California, previously told SELF that Neutrogena’s Rapid Repair Retinol Oil is her favorite OTC retinol product, and it’s easy to see why. Thousands of Amazon reviewers say it’s lightweight, easy to apply, and absorbs into the skin quickly.

Best Eye Product: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum

Pros

• Gentle

• Contains brightening antioxidants and de-puffing caffeine

Cons

• Pricey

Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, likes that this easy-to-apply, fast-absorbing retinol gel is safe to use around the eye area. He notes that in addition to retinol, it contains bakuchiol, a gentler plant-based retinol alternative that may also stimulate collagen production.

Best Brightening: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Pros

• Moisturizing formula

• Multiple ingredients help combat wrinkles

Cons

• Pricey

“This retinol contains a blend of peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants to help improve skin tone and texture while also protecting the skin against free radical damage,” Dr. Garshick explains. Free radicals are unstable molecules created in the environment via pollutants and the sun’s UV rays. They can cause fine lines, unevenness, and dark spots, but antioxidants (as well as sunscreen!) may help prevent that damage. Another bonus: This cream also contains an array of moisturizing ingredients, like virgin marula oil.

Best High Concentration: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Pros

• Combats wrinkles with multiple ingredients

• Has a high retinol concentration

Cons

• Fairly pricey, may be too drying for some

Dr. Geria recommends this retinol from Paula’s Choice, which has a smooth, lotion-like texture that absorbs quickly and contains soothing ingredients like oat extract to prevent irritation. With a relatively potent concentration of 1% retinol, it’s formulated to be highly effective without sapping your skin of its moisture.

Other great options

While the above products are our favorites, there are plenty of other retinols to peruse. If you’re still searching for the right fit, we think the serums and creams below are also worth considering.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti Aging Retinol Cream

Pro

• Helps fade dark spots

• Great exfoliator

• Lightweight, serum-like texture

Cons

• Fragrance-free, but some Amazon shoppers don’t like how it smells

This cream combines retinol with lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, for a super-exfoliating formula. “I really see a difference in smoothness, decreased pore size, and how radiant my face looks,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I can honestly say age spots have faded and my skin texture has improved,” another added.

CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum

Pros

• Gentle formula

• Brightening

• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Some Amazon reviewers say it can pill under other skin care

If you’re looking for a more affordable retinol that’ll work for sensitive skin, this one from CeraVe is definitely worth a try. It contains three types of ceramides, which help protect and reinforce your skin barrier, as well as niacinamide, an ingredient that’s anti-inflammatory and soothing. Combining these with retinol means you can get the wrinkle-fighting power you want without major dryness and irritation.

Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

Pros

• Brightening

• Hydrating

• Rich feel

Cons

• Contains fragrance

Murad’s thick night cream is a great option if you’re looking for a retinol product that can serve as a great moisturizer too. “This stuff is great. It doesn’t irritate my skin like some other retinols,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It goes on great, I love the smell and texture, and I feel like it's made a difference.”

Naturium Retinol Complex Serum

Pros

• Budget-friendly

• Contains several moisturizing ingredients

Cons

• Some Ulta reviewers say it has an unpleasant smell

This less expensive serum combines retinol with bakuchiol, so you’ll get even more anti-aging benefits with less potential for irritation. It’s also packed with calming, moisturizing ingredients like linseed oil and murumuru seed butter.

“I started using this product, and within days, my skin was glowing, plump, and tight. My natural trouble lines were instantly smoothed out. Not to mention my scars faded and my skin tone truly evened out,” wrote one Ulta reviewer. “I most definitely will continue to use this product. It’s non-irritating and just feels amazing going on, plus it layers very well with other moisturizers.”

The 18 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Chemical-Free Protection

By Nicole Saunders | Beauty & Health Editor at Best Products

Warm weather season is officially here, and we're already dreaming about longer sunny days, three-day weekends, and al fresco dining. As the weather heats up, we'll be sporting less clothing, so wearing and reapplying mineral sunscreen is especially important. Wait, what is mineral sunscreen? It's a super gentle type of SPF that uses minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to reflect UV rays like a mirror on top of the skin to prevent skin damage, like sunburns, wrinkles, or worse, skin cancer.

Mineral sunscreens are favored by board-certified dermatologists, such as Dr. Sumayah Jamal, M.D., and Dr. Divya Shokeen, M.D., because they're a safe form of sun protection for everyone, including those with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. "I prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical SPF due to the much lower potential for skin irritation and sensitivity. Many people simply do not tolerate chemical sunscreens, which can also be very damaging to coral reefs," explains Jamal, who practices at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York.

Need more convincing? Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, chatted with both doctors to discuss mineral sunscreen's benefits and their all-time favorite recommendations. Saunders already noticed some popular mineral sunscreens are already hitting low inventory or sold out (hi, Kosas DreamBeam), so if a product catches your eye, we advise hitting add to cart and checking out asap before they sell out.

Mineral Sunscreen Benefits

Throughout our in-depth sunscreen coverage, dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons we consulted agree that mineral sunscreens are better than chemical sunscreens. But what is their reasoning for using mineral sunscreen in their everyday lives? Here, Jamal and Shokeen share their favorite reasons why mineral sunscreens are better than chemical sunscreens.

• Lasts longer in direct sunlight: Chemical sunscreen ingredients break down faster with direct sun exposure, so you must reapply them more frequently than mineral sunscreens.

• Unproblematic sun protection: Mineral sunscreens use titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or sometimes both ingredients for sun protection. They form a physical block that bounces the sunlight away from your skin, and there are zero risks with them absorbing into your skin and potentially your bloodstream.

• Gentle enough for babies and sensitive skin: Mineral sunscreens are also safe and gentle for kids. Doctors previously told us that babies 6 months and up could safely wear convenient stick or cream mineral sunscreens infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

  Instant protection: Mineral sunscreens provide immediate broad-spectrum sun protection against the ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays that cause aging, sunburns, and skin cancer. Chemical sunscreens rely on de-emulsification, a process where SPF dries down after 15 to 30 minutes and leaves behind a sun-protecting layer. Also, not all chemical SPFs provide both UVA and UVB sun protection.

• They're typically safer for the environment: Many mineral sunscreens are biodegradable and reef-friendly. They don't harm marine life or contribute to coral bleaching when washed off in the ocean. Who doesn't love minimizing their impact on the plant?

How We Chose

Sunscreen shopping doesn't have to be complicated. Saunders considered all aspects of these highly-rated mineral sunscreens, including their formulation, UV filters, and other good-for-you ingredients. Some of these are part of her beauty rotation, and others are products she's adding to her shopping cart, stat. She also read hundreds of online reviews to ensure these mineral sunscreens are highly rated and don't leave behind a white cast. So, whether someone needs tinted, classic lotions, or a spray formula, these 100% mineral sunscreens are top performers worth buying.

1. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50

   While it's a great option for everyone, oily skin types will especially appreciate this SPF 50 mineral sunscreen from Australian Gold. It's oil-free, nongreasy, and dries with a matte finish.

   But that's not the only reason why we gave this mineral sunscreen pick the top spot on our list: It's also formulated with Australian-native botanicals, including Kakadu plum and eucalyptus, to give the skin a clarifying and brightening treatment while out and about.

   Need further proof this water-resistant mineral sunscreen deserves a place in someone's beauty routine? It amassed the most Amazon reviews among our picks — a casual 23,445 to be exact.

   They're obsessed with Australian Gold's mineral sunscreen because of its affordable price tag, with many noting the silky textured product glides on smoothly and doesn't leave a white cast on their skin. Some even say that it outperforms their higher-end products despite the $8 price tag.

2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

   Good luck getting Saunders to shut up about all things La Roche-Posay. She's a huge fan of the brand and considers their Anthelios one of the best mineral sunscreens in the game.

   "Lightweight, sheer, and non-greasy, La Roche-Posay's sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin. It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals. Anthelios helps mattifies my oily skin and doesn't feel sticky or tacky on my hands afterward," says Saunders.

   This mineral sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is much higher than other options on the market. It's a must for the upcoming spring and summer trips to the lake, pool, or beach.

3. COOLA Organic Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 50

   Saunders is also a fan of COOLA and notes their products are on point. "Some mineral sunscreens are thick and chalky, but COOLA's has a silky, liquid feel that glides on easily and doesn't leave behind annoying white residue. It's a fantastic pick for those with darker skin tones, but of course, all complexion can enjoy the benefits of using this product," she says.

   Made with organic ingredients, including a proprietary plant-based complex, users can expect a sheer and light sunscreen that can keep up with their lifestyle.

4. COOLA Organic Sun Silk Face Moisturizer Lotion with SPF 30

   Jamal prefers this hybrid face moisturizer with mineral sunscreen because it has a transparent finish that's excellent for all skin types and tones. It's also reef-friendly (a must for her!) and leaves the skin looking dewy. Plus, it helps guard our skin against pollution and blue light emitted from tech, like laptops and smartphones.

   Users can expect their skin to look more illuminated and hydrated by using this sunscreen infused with anti-aging botanical ingredients, such as lotus, jasmine, and white peony. Overall, it's made with 70% organic ingredients, which we always appreciate.

   One reviewer says it's a dreamy product that leaves kept their skin protected while on vacation in St. Lucia. "I made sure I reapplied it throughout the day, which helped with preventing me from getting sunburned. This is the first time I went on vacation and didn’t get sunburned/heat rash on my face," says their 5-star review.

5. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Wrinkle Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

   New York's favorite dermatologist, Dr. Dennis Gross, M.D., created the ultimate mineral sunscreen. It boasts an oil- and fragrance-free formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays, photoaging, pollution, and blue light.

   Although the SPF coverage is lower than others on this list, it still meets the American Academy of Dermatology's recommended broad-spectrum SPF 30 guidance. It's also made with cosmetically elegant ingredients, such as non-nano zinc oxide, and natural ingredients, including lingonberry and sea buckthorn.

   Users also appreciate the lightweight texture and feel that layers nicely under makeup or when worn independently. Others with sensitive and acne-prone skin note the gentle ingredients don't irritate their face.

   "Neither one of us broke out and it also moisturized nicely without leaving a greasy mess behind. We used it on the French Riviera where it was quite sunny and here, [where] it is more humid, and it worked for both locations," one Sephora reviewer says about her and her husband's experiences using this SPF.

6. ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen

   Ugh, we know the price tag sucks, but Saunders says almost every dermatologist she has interviewed over the last 3 years has suggested using this mineral sunscreen. Case in point: Shokeen says it is ideal for someone who wants a lightweight and moisturizing sunscreen that provides some coverage.

   And FWIW, we previously named this the best sunscreen for anti-aging because its nourishing formula contains peptides, vitamin E, and DNA Repairsomes to plump tired skin. It's also tinted, so those with darker skin tones won't have to worry about it leaving behind an ashy finish to their skin.

   To quote one 5-star Amazon review, “I have older skin and fine lines, and after application, there was no build-up in any of the lines. It absorbed in quickly. Also, it comes out of the bottle quite thin (LOVE that!) so no heavy layer to wait to absorb [into my face and neck]."

7. Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

   We love supporting women-owned brands. Influencers Mariana Hewitt and Lauren Gores Ireland launched Summer Fridays with a single product, and today has become a beauty empire creating practical and aesthetically pleasing products, like the ShadeDrops.

   This mineral sunscreen has a milky texture that feels like a serum, but absorbs quickly doesn't leave behind annoying residue or whitecast. It's chock full of vitamins and antioxidants, along with moisturizing squalane and soothing chamomile.

   One Sephora reviewer with acne-prone skin considers it the their no-fail mineral sunscreen, and they've already bought a backup option. "I can even reapply this serum on top of makeup my pressing it into my skin to get continued coverage in the afternoon. Very happy with this product and recommend to some of my clients even though I sell a different SPF at my spa," says their 5-star review.

8. Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++

   Put down the highlighter and instead use this new beauty product for spring. After going viral on TikTok, the Kosas DreamBeam sold out on Sephora (boo!), but with good reason: it leaves the skin looking dewy, but not greasy, just like a freshly glazed donut. How dreamy?

   We love that DreamBeam is made with nearly 22% non-nano zinc for some major sun protection. Plus, it's infused with four derm-loved ingredients, and honestly, we're impressed.

   There are peptides and ceramides to help plump and soften the skin, while the dream team of hyaluronic acid, which is an epic moisture magnet, and allantoin, to soothe sensitive skin.

   "This is my favorite sunscreen I have ever used. It gives a glowiness to the skin without looking oily, and if you are looking for a light makeup look, just add some concealer and you are ready to go! The formulation is so smooth and also works amazingly as a primer. Could not recommend this enough," gushes one 5-star review.

9. Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

   Although a bit pricey for the size, this facial sunscreen is seriously worth it — Shokeen and esthetician Yuko Funaki of Moonflower Spa in New York suggest this one.

   Funaki loves that the formula has a radiant, universal tint that adapts to someone's skin tone, so users could skip foundation on no-makeup days. She highlights that it doesn't leave behind a white cast, which is a problem for those with darker skin tones and anyone wearing foundation or primer.
   
   Shokeen says it's also great for anyone looking to layer with makeup. Online reviewers agree, noting it feels light on the skin and does not irritate their eyes. But most importantly, they love that it provides some much-needed broad-spectrum SPF 50 coverage.
   
   "I have had a few incidents of skin cancer in the past from sun damage. Since I have found this sunscreen, I get incredible results when I check in with my dermatologist each year. It is a game changer and, literally, a lifesaver," declares a 5-star review.

10. Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30

    Shopping for sensitive skin can be hard, to say the least. This sensitive skin-friendly formula from Blue Lizard contains no chemical sunscreen ingredients, parabens, or fragrances.

    Thousands of Amazon reviewers swear by this option for sensitive skin, too. One reviewer says sunscreen often gets in their eyes while working out, leading to an irritating and painful experience. "Blue Lizard sunscreen solves that problem. No matter how much I sweat, or whether I apply this sunscreen close to my eyes, there's no eye irritation. It also provides great, long-lasting, protection from the sun. I've been using this product for over a year now and I plan to stick with it," says their 5-star review.

    Bonus: The cap turns blue to alert you when someone is being exposed to harmful UV rays, and it's reef-safe, too.

11. EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

    Sunscreen serums have recently been popping up everywhere, but this option crafted by Venus Williams and The Sunscreen Company is by far the best.

    Jamal is fond of this reef-friendly mineral sunscreen due to its lightweight feel and transparent finish. She promises it is excellent for all skin types and leaves behind a matte finish without drying it out, making it great for oily and dry skin types.
    
    Former beauty editor Jennifer Hussein is also keen on this SPF and says, "Its ultra-lightweight, breathable, and invisible formula, paired with clean, botanical ingredients, makes the whole process of using sunscreen much more enjoyable."

    Did we mention this reef-safe pick is also infused with prickly pear to hydrate your skin?

12. Supergoop! 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 45

    Users will love how easily this Supergoop! sunscreen stick glides on the skin without causing excess shine, residue, and white cast. Sunscreen should be applied to the scalp, which sounds funny, but the reality is that the scalp is exposed skin and deserves just as much TLC as the face and body.

    Given this is a stick formula, it's designed. tobe non-greasy and mess-free, so users won't have to worry about running their perfectly styled hair with excess product.

    The mineral sunscreen also features a nourishing blend of shea and cocoa butter, jojoba, avocado, and chia seed oil. Plus, the solid stick makes it easier to stow away in their purse, pocket, or wherever someone stashes their outdoor essentials.

13. EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

    Shopping for someone who lives an active lifestyle? Then they will want to pack this EltaMD mineral sunscreen in their gym bag. On top of being water- and sweat-resistant for a full 80 minutes, this formula is also free of fragrances, oils, and parabens. It alos boasts a very high level of zinc oxide (19%) to block UVA and UVB solar rays.

    We previously named this the best sports sunscreen of all time because it earned snaps from two board-certified doctors. It combines knotgrass extract, an anti-aging botanical, with jojoba esters, which helps boost the skin's barrier function, adds hydration, and minimizes redness and wrinkles.

14. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++

    If someone has dry, flaky skin, they'll want to opt for this ultra-hydrating formula. This mineral-based sunscreen features Biossance's star ingredient, sugarcane-derived squalane, to hydrate and provide antioxidant benefits to the skin. We also love that this formula is sheer, so there's no white cast or gross residue when you wear it.

    One reviewer on Accutaine and is allergic to chemical sunscreens loves this SPF because it doesn't strip her dry skin of additional moisture. She says, "This is the first I’ve found that leaves my skin more moisturized after applying. If I hadn’t known it’s 100% mineral, I would’ve guessed it was a regular hybrid sunscreen, because it applies like one (better, actually). I’ve never used a mineral sunscreen that left less of a white cast than this one."

    Bonus: It can also be used as a primer for someone's makeup routine!

15. Babo Botanicals Sheer Non-Nano Zinc Continuous Spray SPF 30

    Getting every nook and cranny on the body can get pretty difficult — we're all familiar with the painful arm reach-around to get our upper backs, right?

    Well, if someone would like to make things a little easier on their joints, then this spray sunscreen is perfect. It leaves an even mist of fragrance-free, mineral-based SPF 30 sunscreen that's gentle enough for sensitive skin types. It's also ultra-sheer, lightweight, and hypoallergenic.

    "I have never had a product spray so wide as this one and I loved it. I really felt I was getting full coverage. I didn't notice any whiteness to the spray. It didn't make me feel greasy or oily. I am white as a ghost and I didn't get burned at all on over a 2-hour hike with little shade. I will continue to buy and recommend," says one 5-starAmazon review.

16. Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen

    Not all mineral sunscreens play well with redness, but this one from Peter Thomas Roth feels invisible on the skin and can even be used as a primer.

    Its award-winning formula is infused with soothing ingredients, like safflower extract and vitamin E, to help camouflage a flushed complexion. There's also vitamin A (aka retinol) for an anti-aging effect, brightening vitamin C, and even diamond powder that leaves skin hydrated and glowy.

    Many Sephora reviewers consider it an incredible mineral sunscreen. "This sunscreen feels much lighter on the skin, [has] no white cast, and [is] not oily at all. Excellent formula and finish and [is] extremely comfortable to wear alone or under makeup," says one reviewer who previously used Shiseido Wet Force sunscreen.

17. Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder

    In our guide to acne sunscreen, doctors previously explained that mineral SPFs are ideal for preventing acne because they sit on top of the skin and are non-comedogenic.

    This reef-safe mineral powder sunscreen is great for acne-prone skin because it absorbs excess oil like a champ, and it doubles as a setting powder. Speaking of multipurpose products, allow us to put everyone onto one of our favorite lazy girl hair hacks: dust on this powder sunscreen to your scalp as a dry shampoo alternative in a pinch.

    Thousands of reviewers say this is one of the best mineral sunscreens on Amazon. It's so seamless to use, one reviewer says the translucent and refillable beauty product works with their autism sensory issues. They add it doesn't irritate their eczema and doesn't leave behind a white cast.

    To quote their 5-star review, "This sunscreen does it for me in every way I can think of. The texture didn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, it feels kinda nice to run the brush over my skin. My super sniffer detects absolutely no smell at all, which I highly prefer even over 'pleasant' smells."

18. Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

    This mineral sunscreen is ideal for anyone who finds applying sunscreen a necessary, but boring task. The fragrance-free lotion is packed with a holographic shimmer, so they'll stay safe under the sun while rocking a serious glow. Kids will love it, too!

    The Target Clean formulation contains some of our favorite skincare ingredients, like raspberry, grape, and carrot seed oils, to help fight free radical damage. It's also non-GMO, paraben-free, and reef-friendly, so users can swim in the ocean with this SPF and not feel guilty when the water inevitably washes it away.

    "I didn’t expect to like this that much, but it’s such a good sunscreen for everyday face application, especially under makeup! It’s matte and doesn’t make me look oily (I have very oily skin). I also have sensory issues, and this doesn’t have the oily/sticky sunscreen texture that other brands have," says a 5-star Target review.

These SPF-Packed Makeup Upgrades Will Make You Rethink Your Summer Glam

By Jackie Fields | Beauty & Health Editor at People

Let's face it: SPF-infused makeup isn't always great. Yes, it provides UVA/UVB protection, but makeup application is about so much more, from the way a product glides across your lids, cheeks and lips to the feeling you get — or don't — the seconds, minutes and hours after it's been on your skin.

These editor-tested finds shield your skin from harmful rays (all are SPF 30 or greater) and don't skimp on experience — a win-win for makeup enthusiasts looking for their products to pull double-duty. From an invisible primer to a radiance-boosting setting spray, and everything in between, these sunscreen-infused makeup products will make you reapply because you want to well before you have to.

Primer: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Invisibly Radiant UV Primer.

When it comes to SPF, few brands cover as much ground as Neutrogena. Its new mineral SPF 30 primer, which melts seamlessly into skin, is an essential first step in any makeup regimen. (We also love the radiance-boosting formula for our hands.)

Skin Tint: Versed Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40.

As skin tints grow in popularity, so do their benefits. For Versed's version of the light-coverage complexion product, it boosted its serum-like formula (which comes in 14 flexible shades) with hyaluronic acid — and SPF 40.

Highlighter: Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunlighter Glow & Protect Stick SPF 45.

Supergoop! is always innovating in the SPF space, and its pearlescent SPF 45 stick that can be applied all over or solely on the high points of your face (such as your cheekbones and just above and/or below your brow) gives skin a gorgeous, healthy faux glow.

Blush: Naked Sundays SPF 50 Glow Balm Mineral Peptide Stick.

Blush is booming but none of the best recent launches pulled double duty with SPF until now. Naked Sundays' creamy, Vitamin E-infused SPF 50 balm, which comes in a muted and bold pink, imparts a soft wash of color while sealing in moisture as well.

Tinted Lip Balm: Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin Lip SPF 30.

Since breaking into the beauty industry with its Best Skin Days tinted skincare, Iris & Romeo has become known and loved for its skin/makeup hybrids. Trust us: its lip SPF 30 is as comfortable as they get with absolutely zero scent or flavor, just beautiful coverage color that lasts hours.

Setting Spray: Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist 50.

When it comes to getting sun-kissed skin, nothing works wonders quite like Kopari's mica-flecked mists and sticks. This SPF 50 setting mist not only locks makeup in place (though you don't need to have on makeup to use it), it hydrates skin with every spritz.

Body Balm: Dolce Glow SPF 50 Body Balm.

Celebrity tan artist Isabel Alysa has been helping her A-list clients get a healthy glow for years. But for her, it's about more than bronzing products. Her latest SPF 50 balm protects skin from the neck down, but true to Alysa's art form, it also leaves a luminous sheen.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads in Your Ear, According to a Dermatologist

By Jasmine Washington | Beauty & Health Editor at Seventeen

Tuning into pimple-popping and blackhead extraction videos can be fun to watch, but things take a different turn when you noticed your own dots of blackheads sprinkled across your nose or, even worse, inside of your ears. Just like zits, whiteheads, and other blemishes, blackheads in the ear "form in the same way as those on any other part of the face or body," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen tells Seventeen. Whenever open pores are clogged with gunk, like dead skin cells, oil, or sweat, and oxidize with the air, "it creates a plug that allows the bacteria" to grow, leading to inflammation in the form of pesky blackheads. Unlike regular pimples, blackheads turn black when they oxidize. Getting breakouts like blackheads in your ears can be annoying at the very least, but there are ways to remove existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.

What’s the best way to prevent blackheads from forming in the ear?

When it comes to your day-to-day skincare routine, you probably just skip over your ears and move right along to the next step. Dr. Shokeen suggests showing your ears a little TLC to stop blackheads outside of cleaning your ears once daily. "The best way to prevent blackheads from forming in the ear is to maintain a healthy cleansing and exfoliating routine," she says.

Since your ears are so delicate and easily irritated, Dr. Shokeen recommends "using a gentle cleanser and a mild exfoliant" to help unclog pores. "Any product used in or around the ear should be gentle and designed for sensitive skin." That means skipping out on physical exfoliants (you know, the ones with a grainy texture) that manually buff away dead skin and opting for physical ones that are enriched with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid to dissolve instead. Once you've cleansed and exfoliated, Dr. Shokeen suggests using a "toner or astringent" to "help tighten the pores and prevent debris from getting trapped in them."

Is it okay to remove blackheads with extracting tools?

You've probably seen tons of videos of people using extracting tools to remove blackheads. While those clips rack up tons of views on social media, Dr. Shokeen advises against using tools, including comedone extractors, to remove blemishes at home, especially blackheads inside of the ear. "Doing so can lead to further irritation, redness, scarring, and infection," she warns. Instead, she suggests visiting a professional dermatologist who can use the "appropriate tools and techniques to safely remove blackheads."

Getting blackheads in your ear can be a bit of a pest, but if you add a few extra steps into your daily skin and body-care routine, you can help treat current blackheads in your ears and prevent new ones from forming. If all else fails and you continue getting blackheads in your ear no matter how often and thoroughly you clean and exfoliate your ears, head straight to your dermatologist for professional help.

14 Best Mineral Sunscreens For Dry, Oily, And Sensitive Skin, Per Dermatologists

By Lizzy Briskin | Beauty & Health Editor at Women’s Health

You've probably heard it before, and your dermatologist will never stop saying it. Covering your skin with SPF every single day is a must to helping reduce your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Something you've probably heard less, though: Not all sunscreen is made the same. You've got two options: mineral and chemical sunscreens.

Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) use ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays from penetrating the skin," says California-based dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD. "They're ideal for children or acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and sensitive skin patients as they tend to be less irritating than chemical sunscreens."

Mineral sunscreens also "tend to have a more cosmetically elegant finish," meaning they're a good choice for layering under makeup, Dr. Shokeen says. They often leave a smooth, dry, almost primer-like coating on the skin.

You should keep in mind that if you do opt for a mineral sunscreen, though, you should make sure to apply it at least half an hour before sun exposure. This will allow your skin the chance to absorb the chemicals for proper protection, Dr. Shokeen explains.

Ready for a sun bath? Below, see the 14 best mineral sunscreens, per dermatologists and reviews.

1. Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen

   Dr. Camp likes this SPF 30 sunscreen from Supergoop! "It spreads easily on the skin and does not leave a white cast. It also contains aloe leaf juice and squalane to keep skin hydrated." The dry, satiny finish means that this lotion works as a great primer under makeup as well.

   Rave Review: "I have been trying to find a good mineral sunscreen for my face. This one has almost no white cast and any white cast goes away immediately upon rubbing it into your face. It sits really nice on my face and underneath makeup."

2. Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen

This tinted sunscreen is "ideal for someone looking for a pigmented mineral SPF with broad protection and good coverage," says Dr. Shokeen. It offers an SPF of 50 and is formulated with antioxidants to combat sun damage while protecting you from future exposure.

Rave Review: "It blends well and provides great but light coverage. My dermatologist recommended it and I use it daily. My sensitive skin doesn’t have any type of allergic reaction. Love this product!"

3. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

"This is a great option that provides UVA and UVB coverage using entirely physical blockers (zinc and titanium)," says Dr. Shokeen. It also has a subtle tint that's not overwhelming and works on a wide range of skin tones. "The tint is great for someone with drier or more sensitive skin looking for mild coverage," says Dr. Shokeen.

Rave Review: "I usually go from product to product trying new things, but I loved this so much I bought it again. It’s a small bottle, but because it’s a liquid it goes a long way. There’s a tiny bit of color to it so it doubles as a light foundation. I have very light skin and this is perfect. I don’t like noticeable foundation. I think if your skin is darker it would work just as well because the product isn’t thick."

4. Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Wrinkle Defense Sunscreen

This everyday sunscreen from Dr. Dennis Gross is a favorite of Dr. Camp's and is a great option for layering under makeup. It's super lightweight, non-greasy, and fragrance-free. Plus, it provides 30 SPF protection without tinting your skin white, thanks to its 16 percent zinc oxide content.

Rave Review: "I’m on the light side of white and have combination skin. I used this sunscreen all summer and never had a problem. This is really something for me because I use retinol that makes my skin sensitive to other products and sunlight, and it’s been difficult to find good sunscreen."

5. EltaMD UV Stick Sunscreen

"This sunscreen stick is a great sunny day sidekick because it’s easy to travel with, offers all-mineral SPF 50+ protection, and blends in without leaving a white residue on the skin," says Dr. Camp. You won't have to worry about leaks or messy streaks with this product, thanks to the hands-free stick-style applicator.

Rave Review: "I can see this lasting long. It’s easy to apply on my face and neck. This also doesn’t break me out which is great. I can only use very few sunscreens due to my sensitive skin and I’m glad to add this to the portfolio. It doesn’t leave that much of a white cast compared to other sunscreens, so I would say this is brown-girl friendly."

6. Australian Gold Botanical Mineral Sunscreen

If you love fragrant sunscreen, this Australian Gold lotion is for you. It has a lovely citrus scent and offers SPF 30, plus water resistance for up to 80 minutes. So, you can confidently wear this sunscreen in the pool or during an outdoor sweat session.

Rave Review: "I love the way this sunscreen spreads and feels on the skin. It feels hydrating and has nice ingredients such as panthenol, squalane, shea butter, and dimethicone."

7. Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm

"Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your lips and ears," says Dr. Camp. "This SPF lip balm contains zinc as well as vitamin E and shea butter to fortify delicate skin." It's easy to pack and reapply throughout the day using the tube-style applicator.

Rave Review: "I love it—it goes on like a regular lip balm without the weird texture. While it does make the color of my lips look a little lighter, it doesn't turn them white so it looks natural. It also doesn't have a weird taste like other ones tend to have. I hope they never stop making this!"

8. CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

This mineral facial sunscreen from CeraVe offers extensive coverage, thanks to a high concentration of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Some users note that the cream leaves a white cast on the skin, but it can be mixed into foundation for a more even complexion.

Rave Review: "Easy to use. I have CeraVe moisturizer, and then I apply this SPF. Works great. No white cast, but I do prefer the tinted version for more glow and glam. For reference, I am an Indian woman with light tan skin."

9. Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder

This genius product allows you to reapply your SPF without ruining a face of makeup. Simply brush on the (Re)setting powder to get a bit of a glow and protect your skin. It comes in three shades to match a range of skin tones. Yep, Supergoop appears twice on this list because it's just that good.

Rave Review: "I have always struggled with the fact that if you wear makeup, you can't really reapply sunscreen, and I have gotten burnt many times because of this. However, this sunscreen changed the game! It worked great over my makeup and was easy to reapply midday. I also liked how it has a locking mechanism. Not to mention, I am very acne-prone and this stuff didn't affect my skin at all. The shade worked well on my skin and I would definitely recommend this to a friend."

10. Coola Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen

Coola body sunscreen works hard to protect you from sun damage. It has a thick, dense texture that's highly waterproof (in fact, some users note that it can be challenging to wash off), and is great for swimmers. The larger bottle is also more reasonably priced.

Rave Review: "This sunscreen is the best one I’ve ever used and it provides excellent protection. I’ve tried many other sunscreens before this one and they were all oily, which caused me to get sunburned. It has a matte finish, neutral smell, and natural ingredients."

11. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

This larger bottle is a great buy for a family beach vacation. The zinc and titanium dioxide formula protects against strong UVA and UVB rays. Plus, the sunscreen is waterproof and soaks into the skin within a few minutes to avoid a white tint.

Rave Review: "I'm so happy with this product. Blue Lizard is terrific at protecting your skin from the sun. I took this on a trip to Bali and never burned, even in the sun all day on a boat. It blends in perfectly without any white residue. It feels light on the skin after 20 minutes and you don't know you have anything on."

12. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen

This tinted sunscreen offers a high SPF of 50 and has a universal tint that should absorb evenly into any skin tone. It dries light and dry with a matte finish, so you can apply the lotion under makeup or skip additional makeup altogether.

Rave Review: "When I first saw the color of the sunscreen I was a little worried, especially knowing it is a mineral lotion. To my joy, it wasn't as thick or powdery as the regular mineral sunscreen I bought and then threw away. Plus, the tint looked a bit dark, but for my skin, it blended really well which was super nice."

13. Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen

Kosas' DreamBeam sunscreen won't only protect you from the sun, but it can serve as a skin-boosting primer for your makeup, too. It's loaded with ceramides and peptides that moisturize, smoothen, and brighten skin. This sunscreen is also a clean option made without silicone to prevent irritation.

Rave Review: "This product blended in with my skin very smoothly. It also does not have your typical sunscreen scent, which is nice to not smell on your face. It feels hydrating on my skin after applying it. I did not experience any breakouts. I also like how I can use this as a makeup base as well."

14. Nécessaire The Mineral Sunscreen

This hydrating, fragrance-free sunscreen is made with algae to prevent sun damage and premature aging, and hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol to plump the skin with moisture. It's also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it pretty safe for those with sensitive skin.

Rave Review: "I have very sensitive skin. I came across this sunscreen. Wonderful product, super easily absorbed, and layers perfectly on top of my regular skincare routine. I have used it for two days now and I’m obsessed. The texture of it is amazing."

Meet The Experts

• Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD, is a dermatologist based in California.

• Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a dermatologist who practices at MDCS New York.

What should I look for in a mineral sunscreen?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays), an SPF of 30 or higher, and water resistance, says New York-based dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. Look for all of these features on the sunscreen label before buying.

Everything You Need to Know About Skin Flooding, TikTok’s Latest Trend

By Iman Balagam | Beauty & Health Editor at Coveteur

If you spend enough time on #beautytok, you're bound to stumble upon a ton of skincare techniques and routines you may have never heard of before—skin cycling, slugging, dolphin skin, and most recently, skin flooding. While these terms may sound intimidating, many of them are just repackaged versions of what we've already been doing.

Skin flooding, in particular, is simply the act of flooding your skin with hydration. But before you start packing on the moisturizer, it’s important to get the facts straight. Below, we explain everything you need to know about skin flooding.

What is Skin Flooding?

According to California-based dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen, skin flooding involves applying a large amount of skincare products or a higher concentration of hydrating serums onto the skin and layering on moisturizer to deliver as much of the products possible for quicker or more potent results. This method can be especially advantageous for individuals with dry or irritated skin from retinoids and actives like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), as it effectively "floods" the skin with hydration.

How do I skin flood?

To practice skin flooding, Dr. Shokeen suggests drenching your skin inhyaluronic acidor glycerin-based humectants immediately after cleansing to ensure the skin is still damp before sealing with moisturizer. This allows the humectant to hold onto the moisture and seal it off from the environment. Another approach is to use a hydrating toner or mist, followed by a humectant serum and moisturizer. “This technique is particularly beneficial in dry, hot summers, leaving your skin feeling supple and moisturized,” says Shokeen.

What are the benefits of Skin Flooding?

The main benefit of skin flooding is hydration, hydration, and more hydration! “Layering multiple hydrating products on damp skin aids in achieving deeper and more effective hydration,” explains New York-based dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. Plus, the moisturizer layer helps seal in all that hydration, preventing it from evaporating and keeping your skin plump for a longer period of time. Skin flooding can be particularly helpful when your skin is feeling dry or has been over-exfoliated, especially in dry environments.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Skin Flooding?

Dr. Shokeen warns not to go overboard with occlusive agents or heavier products such as oils, as this could lead to breakouts and milia. “It's crucial to avoid flooding with actives like retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs, as this can result in over-irritated and inflamed skin, with lasting dry patches.”

It's also important to note that while skin flooding can be incredibly beneficial for hydrating and nourishing the skin, it may not be suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin. As Dr. Engelman explains, excessive hydration may trigger excess oil production and breakouts in some individuals. To avoid clogging pores or overstimulating sebum production, she recommends using a non-occlusive emollient moisturizer.

5 Products to Include in Your Skin Flooding Routine

1. Creamy Jelly Cleanser

2. SOS Daily Rescue Spray

3. DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum

4. Bio-Renew EGF Cream

5. Barrier + Triple Lipid Peptide Cream

28 Best Skincare Products, According to Experts

By Nerisha Penrose | Beauty & Health Editor at Elle

Shopping for skin care can feel so fun until it’s time to treat a concern, and suddenly, product labels read like a foreign language. With buzzy products cropping up at lightspeed, it’s easy to grow frustrated and buy anything that a friend, influencer, or, mommy dearest recommends.

One bad skin day can seem like you’re undoing years and months of hard work, but a solid routine with the absolute best skincare products money can buy can get you right back on track. We’re inundated with new skincare releases daily, so finding the best face cleansers or hydrating moisturizers can seem like an endless journey. Since we already provided a guide on how to correctly order your skincare, it was only right we shared the best skincare products to bring you closer to the skin of your dreams. Remember, quality is better than quantity.

Thankfully, we consulted a slew of dermatologists and skin experts to share their picks for the best skincare products every collection should have. From drugstore favorites to medical-grade serums and moisturizers, these skincare products are worthy of your attention and your coins. Ahead, scroll down to find the 29 best skincare products derms can’t live without.

1. A Glossy Lip Balm: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

   Key ingredients: grapeseed oil, elderberry extract, colloidal oatmeal

   Size: 0.5 fl oz

   One swipe of Summer Fridays’ viral Lip Butter Balm turns into five, and then moments later, you realize you’re still swiping the velvety texture across your lips. Glossy and nourishing, this formula uses shea and murumuru seed butters to moisturize the lips. Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose is a huge fan of this balm, which “smells delicious and is full of nourishing moisturizers like shea butter and murumuru seed butter. This is my go-to daily lip protectant,” she says.

   Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

   An ELLE Editor says: “Not going to lie, I own just about every flavor of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. At first, it was a welcome departure from my usual glittery, glossy, or plumping lip products. Then, I experienced how nourishing and smooth my lips felt for hours and I barely needed to re-apply. As long as Summer Fridays keeps launching these, I’ll keep buying.”—Nerisha Penrose ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

2. A Soothing Cream for Sensitive Skin: Embryolisse Lait Creme Sensitive

   Key ingredients: aloe vera, shea butter, soy proteins

   Size: 3.38 fl oz

   Choosing the right moisturizer takes a bit of trial and error, especially considering what ingredients are packed into a formula that may feel good on the skin, but could be pore-clogging or too strong. Embryolisse’s Lait Creme Sensitive was designed to soothe and protect sensitive skin. Dr. Murphy-Rose enjoys that it can also work as an overnight treatment. “It is a rich, hypoallergenic moisturizer that doubles well as an overnight cream mask. Lait Creme Sensitive was developed for sensitive skin of all ages and contains intensely moisturizing shea butter, beeswax, soy proteins, and aloe vera. I use this to repair skin after a day of skiing or under makeup when skin is dry,” she says.

   Embryolisse rating: 4.73

   An Embryolisse reviewer said: “I love this, but best of all, my skin loves it! The regular Lait Creme works fine most days, but if I have any irritation from other products, the sensitive formula calms my face down immensely.”

3. A Calming Gentle Cleanser: Skincare Junky Jelly Facial Cleanser

   Key ingredients: coconut-based surfactant blend, ceramides, cucumber, niacinamide, glycerin

   Size: 6 fl oz

   A gentle cleanser is a win in any skin care routine. This one from Skincare Junkie is packed with soothing ingredients, like cucumber, niacinamide, and ceramides, that provide a cushion for the skin. “I can’t live without the Skincare Junkie Gentle Jelly Facial Cleanser. This is the perfect gentle cleanser that cleans thoroughly, removing even sunscreen and makeup without stripping or drying skin. It is formulated with ceramides, niacinamide and cucumber to nourish skin while cleansing. Other gentle cleansers just don’t remove the product as well. Skincare Junkie is clean and hypoallergenic,” Dr. Murphy-Rose says.

   Amazon rating: 5/5 stars

   An Amazon reviewer said: “The consistency of this face wash is fantastic - not too heavy, not too light. It glides on and you feel the dirt and makeup of the day wash away. Feeling refreshed! Also, the bottle and packaging are super cute and look great on my counter.”

4. A Multipurpose SPF: Dr. med Christine Schrammek Optimum Protection Cream

   Key ingredients: Water lily extract, vitamin E

   Size: 2.5 fl oz

   Suncare is perhaps one of the most essential steps in your routine. In this formula, SPF 30 protects the skin, as vitamin E helps to delay aging. “Sun protection! Sun protection! Sun protection! Even if you think that you don’t really need sun protection because the sun is not shining or we are in the cold season, UV radiation has a very big influence on skin aging. I use sunscreen every day (at least SPF 20, ideally SPF 50 in summer). Optimum Protection Cream is a multi-active ingredient skincare cream and SPF in a one-step product. It works well with all skin types and is suitable for all skin tones as it doesn’t cast a white film on the surface of the skin,” Dr. Christina Drusio, a medical specialist for dermatology and venerology at Dr. med Christine Shrammek

   Be Beautiful Cosmetics rating: 5/5 stars

   A Be Beautiful Cosmetics reviewer said: “I have been using this cream for many years and absolutely love it. Had a little wait for my order but received it in good condition.”

5. A Powerful Eye Balm: Dr. med Christine Schrammek Sensiderm Eye Balm

   Key ingredients: centella asiatica, ayurvedic

   Size: 0.5 fl oz

   As you age, the skin around your eyes loses elasticity. The earlier you incorporate an eye cream, the better. This one from Dr. med Christine Shrammek firms, smoothes, and protects. “Why specialized eye care? For one thing, it supports the thin skin around the eyes, which is heavily stressed by the constant blinking of the eyes. On the other hand, eye creams are specially designed for this anatomical region,” explains Dr. Drusio.

   Dr. med Christine Shrammek rating: 5/5 stars

   Our expert says: “Unlike some day products, [Sensiderm Eye Balm] does not contain any penetrating oils that could irritate the mucous membranes around the eyes. Sensiderm Eye Balm has been dermatologically tested to effectively reduce dark circles, crow’s feet, and puffiness; most importantly, it’s fragrance-free for sensitive skin.”—Dr. Drusio

6. A Barrier-Supporting Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

   Key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, thermal spring water

   Size: 13.5 fl oz

   If you’re using actives or retinol, your skin barrier needs all the support it can get. This product helps you build support from the first step. With La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water, niacinamide, ceramides, and more, this cleanser nourishes the skin while cleansing away dirt and impurities.

   Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

   Our expert says: “Big bang for your buck. Formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, its creamy texture works great at removing makeup, sunscreen, oil, and impurities without overdriving the skin. It’s fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types. It goes well with powerful products, like retinol or exfoliants, in any given skincare routine.”—Dr. Shirazi

7. A Bacteria-Killing Facial Spray: SkinSmart Facial Cleanser for Acne

   Key ingredients: hypochlorous acid

   Size: 8 fl oz

   Among all the threats to our skin, bacteria reigns supreme. Here's a facial spray that kills acne-causing bacteria without leaving a sticky film behind or drying out the skin.
   

   Our expert says: “Formulated with hypochlorous acid, a natural molecule found in our own bodies to defend against infections, it’s an easy, on-the-go facial spray to use after workouts or on the go. I also use it after laser treatments to reduce the risk of infections. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe around the eyes.”—Dr. Shirazi

8. A Tinted Sunscreen: Isdin Eryfotona Ageless

   Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, Q10, vitamin E

   Size: 3.4 fl oz

   No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen frequently uses this tinted version from Isdin because it flatters most skin tones. “This tinted SPF is perfect for literally every single skin type; it is very hydrating and perfect for anyone looking for the no-makeup makeup glow,” she explains.

   The mineral sunscreen is formulated with skin-loving ingredients, including peptides, vitamin E, and Q10—an enzyme that works against fine lines and wrinkles—to protect the skin against the sun and other skin stressors.

   Isdin rating: 4.6/5 stars

   An Isdin reviewer said: “My dermatologist recommended this sunscreen to me twelve years ago. I have been a faithful user ever since. I love the protection I get, the way my face glows with the tint and how it makes my skin feel. It never feels heavy or sticky. It is the only face sunscreen I will use.”

9. A Multitasking Sunscreen: iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30

   Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, centella asiatica, olive leaf

   Size: 3.5 fl oz

   “People are always shocked to hear this, but if I could only have one product for the rest of my life, this sunscreen would be it,” says Candace Marino, a Los Angeles-based medical aesthetician and founder of The LA Facialist. The IS Clinical sunscreen is a mainstay in Marino’s collection for its “multitasking, anti-aging” properties. “Not only does it contain both physical and chemical sunscreens to thoroughly protect the skin, but it’s also packed with antioxidants to protect the cells and fight free radicals that enter the skin from the environmental aggressors like UV rays, pollution, and blue light,” she explains. Speaking of multitasking, this sunscreen also offers nourishment and can be used as a moisturizer.

   Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars

   A Dermstore reviewer said: “This is literally the BEST sunscreen I have ever used!!! And I have tried so, so many. It is so hydrating, makes me look almost glowy, and I really feel as though my skin is protected from the elements. Also wears wonderfully under makeup. I will buy again and again!”

10. An All-Purpose Red Light Therapy Device: Vital Red Light Vital PRO

    Wavelengths: Red (630, 660nm) & NIR (810, 850nm)

    Size: 12.5" x 8.5"

    If your skincare routine lacks a red light therapy device, the Vital Pro deserves your attention. According to Marino, this is the device that helped transform her skin. “By now, a lot of us have experienced the magic of red light therapy for our complexions; it’s incredibly anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and healing all while stimulating collagen production,” she adds. This device provides skincare benefits, and Marino says it’s also improved her overall quality of life. “Using the Vital red light has improved my life by helping me achieve better sleep, making me more energized, and speeding up recovery from sports injuries and sore muscles from working out. This light is powerful, and third-party tested for efficacy which puts it in a league of its own amongst the LED lights available on the market,” she says.

    Vital Red Light rating: 4.9/5 stars

    A Vital Red Light reviewer said: “I can already tell what a difference red light therapy is having on my mood and my skin! I love this!”

11. iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser

    Key ingredients: Hoeny, papaya enzymes

    Size: 4 fl oz

    A warming cleanser might be the one thing you’ve been missing out on. Marino is a major fan of this cleanser because of its main ingredient: honey.

    “It’s made of real honey, an ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It’s also a humectant that helps bind moisture to the skin,” Marino explains. Even better, this cleanser actually warms up when rubbed into the skin and “provides gentle enzymatic exfoliation and warrants a polished, healthy glow.”
    

12. A Hydrating Tinted Sunscreen: AziMD Skincare Hydratint BB SPF 44

    Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid
    
    Size: 2.1 fl oz

    When a product can provide multiple benefits that cut your beauty stash in half, it’s a win in our book. Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare, recommends this Hydratint from her brand, as it’s a mineral sunscreen that has a “lightweight yet hydrating formula that also gives me light coverage. I stopped wearing foundation as this gives my skin a dewy filter-like appearance,” Dr. Shirazi notes.

    AziMD rating: 4.8/5 stars

13. A Hydrating Essence: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

    
    Key ingredients: Pitera
    
    Size: 2.5 fl oz

    When your routine is full of actives, it’s important to restore moisture whenever you can. Enter: SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essense. The treatment is “a hydrating essence that’s rich in antioxidants [and I] apply it to my damp skin under my moisturizer then SPF. It’s my go-to product right after cleansing when my skin isn’t in the mood to tolerate actives like vitamin C or exfoliants,” Dr. Shirazi explains.

    Dermstore rating: 4.2/5 stars

    A Dermstore reviewer said: “Makes my skin softer and with more clarity than anything I have ever used! Also seems to hydrate my skin and I only need moisturizer in a few extra dry spots when I use this.”

14. An Exfoliating Body Spray: AziMD Skincare THE ONE

    Key ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid
    
    Size: 3 fl oz

    Textured skin is no match for this multi-tasking body spray, formulated with glycolic and salicylic acid—two exfoliants that improve skin texture and appearance. Dr. Shirazi uses the spray “on the legs and arms, breakouts, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs; it smooths out rough dark elbows and knees, hyperpigmentation, and thick heels. My patients love it for back and butt acne,” she says.

    AziMD Skincare rating: 4/5 stars

    An AziMD Skincare reviewer said: “I was suffering from razor bumps/ ingrowns really badly and this spray once nightly before bed clears me right up. It works, buy it!”

15. A Buildable Serum: Alumier MD EverActive C&E™ + Peptide

    Key ingredients: vitamin C and E
    
    Size: 0.5 fl oz/ each

    “This potent antioxidant serum features 15 percent vitamin C to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Unique to this product is that it is only activated when mixed into the bottle of serum to maximize freshness,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo explains. The vitamin C is housed in a separate cap to prevent oxidization, so you only use what you actually need instead of wasting the product.

    My Lip Addiction reviewer said: “This serum is Incredibly beautiful science and it’s liquid GOLD to me. It keeps my skin bright and plump! You must be consistent with products to see them WORK . 2 years and never stopping on the particular serum . Holy Grail – Ride or Die and I would recommend it to anyone 20 and up.”

16. An Overnight Worker: Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil

    Key ingredients: Squalane, evening primrose
    
    Size: 0.5 fl oz

    “One of my all-time favorite products from them is the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. It contains a blend of essential oils that work together to hydrate and restore the skin overnight,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry gushes. Formulated with squalane, lavender, and evening primrose, this oil works overnight to boost the skin’s appearance and texture as you catch Zzz. “I have noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and radiance of my complexion since I started using this oil. Plus, it has a lovely lavender scent that helps me relax before bed,” says Dr. Henry.

    Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

    A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This product is awesome. It absorbs quickly and my face feels so smooth with fewer wrinkles. So grateful for my stylist who recommended it!”

17. A Daily Moisturizer: Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream

    Key ingredients: Squalane
    
    Size: 1.7 fl oz

    Dr. Michelle Henry’s desert island must-have is this moisturizer from Kiehl’s, which she loves for its “lightweight yet incredibly hydrating” formula. The moisturizer also “absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves my face feeling plump and soft. I also love that it comes in a large tub, which lasts for months and makes it a great value for the price,” she says.

    Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

    An ELLE Editor says: “I swear by this magic recovery cream for my easily irritated skin. Whenever my skin is dry from too many actives or could use an extra blanket of moisture, I reach for my ever-reliable facial cream to whip my skin back into shape.”—Nerisha Penrose

18. A Soothing Daily Moisturizer: L'Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Oil-Free Face Moisturizer

    Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe water
    
    Size: 3.04 fl oz

    Dr. Henry’s collection also includes this super hydrating moisturizer from L’oreal Paris. “Hydra Genius Liquid Moisturizer is lightweight formula perfect for those who want the hydration of cream without the heaviness. Plus, it has a cooling effect that feels amazing on hot summer days,” she adds.

    Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

    An Amazon reviewer said: “I have been using this for several years. It just glides on your skin. It’s is like silk, not sticky at all. My skin is dry so I get the dry skin formula. As soon I put it on my skin is hydrated. You won’t be disappointed with this product. It is a large bottle so it lasts a long time.”

19. A Potent Anti-Aging Serum: SkinMedica SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

    Key ingredients: TNS®-MR (peptide complex)
    
    Size: 1 fl oz
    
    Here’s a medical-grade serum that targets anti-aging threats like wrinkles and fine lines. “[It’s] a lightweight, anti-aging serum that contains a perfect blend of patented topical growth factors: peptides, botanicals, and marine extracts. It improves fine lines and wrinkles and skin elasticity, and it is ideal for all skin types. It is pricey, but it is worth the money,” Dr. Peredo shares.

    Dermstore rating: 4.4/5 stars

    A Dermstore reviewer said: “The SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is my can't-live-without-it part of my skin care routine! I'm completely addicted to this serum for how smooth it makes my skin feel. Just last night I got 3 compliments about my complexion, which used to be problematic with dry, ruddy creepy skin. Highly recommend this serum to improve appearance of aging skin!”

20. An Effective Moisturizer for Mature Skin: Restorative Skin Complex Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology®

    Key ingredients: TriHex technology, niacinamide
    
    Size: 1 fl oz

    You can never have too many moisturizers, especially ones that target anti-aging and improving the skin’s overall health. Dr. Peredo suggests the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology™ or the HydraTint sunblock, as “they work synergistically to combat all visible signs of aging around the face, eyes, neck, and décolleté. The products help volumize and lift sagging skin while smoothing lines and wrinkles. Plus, the TriHex Technology™ helps rebuild and recycle the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM) by clearing out byproducts of aging from exposure to sun and pollution,” Dr. Peredo explains.

    Dr. Shokeen agrees: “This skin complex is perfect for anyone looking to have long-term collagen enhancement and improve the quality of their skin over time. It has a combination of several different peptides, including hexapeptide, to even help maintain the effects of neurotoxin longer.”

    Alastin rating; 4.7/5 stars

    An Alastin reviewer said: “My go-to product for after-procedure skincare. Repeat purchase.”

21. A Repairing Serum: RescueMD DNA Repair Complex Scar Treatment Serum

    Key ingredients: lapachol, antioxidants
    
    Size: 0.5 fl oz

    As the name suggests, this Rescue MD serum works as the magic elixir for a slew of skin woes. “This multitasking serum uses a blend of lapachol, antioxidants, peptides, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to support the skin’s natural healing process, making it a great option for scars and bites, post-procedure, and overall signs of skin aging,” Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University notes.

    Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars

    An Amazon reviewer said: “I have had 6 surgeries and used multiple scar treatments in the past. No one as good as this one! It’s been only two weeks and I can already see a difference. Can’t wait to see the final result in a few months. I highly recommend it.”

22. A Set of Exfoliating Peeling Pads: Skinbetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads 30 ct

    Key ingredients: glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid
    
    Size: 30 ct

    Dr. Garshick reaches for these peeling pads whenever her skin is in need of a quick glow. “These exfoliating peel pads contain a combination of three key hydroxy acids—lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid—in combination with AlphaRet, a proprietary retinoid. It is easy to use and is a great option for those looking for an exfoliant to help brighten the skin and improve the skin tone and texture,” she shares.

    Skinbetter rating: 5/5 stars

    A Skinbetter reviewer said: “I love love this product!!! This helped me so much with getting my skin to feel softer and smoother! Definitely recommend it!!”

23. An Oil-Free Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, Daily Moisturizer Face Cream with Ceramide and Niacinamide for All Skin Types, Oil Free, Fragrance Free

    Key ingredients: niacinamide
    
    Size: 3.38 fl oz

    To understand the world of La Roche-Posay is to familiarize yourself with its different collections, tailored to specific skin needs. The Toleraine line focuses explicitly on repairing sensitive skin with ingredients that restore the barrier and boost moisture. Another favorite of Dr. Garshick, this oil-free moisturizer “contains a combination of ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and niacinamide to soothe the skin. This lightweight cream helps to replenish moisture using glycerin and can be used all year. It is a great option for all skin types as it is oil-free and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy,” she explains.

    Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

    An Amazon reviewer said: “Great moisturizer overall. I have sensitive skin and have had trouble in the past finding a good moisturizer that doesn't make me break out. Leaves my face so soft!”

24. A Brightening Eye Cream: Colorescience Total Eye Firm & Repair Cream

    Key ingredients: squalane, caffeine
    
    Size: 0.6 fl oz

    The delicate skin around the eyes needs all the nourishment and strength it can get. Reach for this eye cream, which uses Colorsciene’s own Total Eye Complex (pull of peptides, plant extracts, and hyaluronic acid) along with other vitamins and nourishing ingredients to plump and awaken the eyes.

    “This hydrating cream uses humectants such as glycerin and sea buckthorn fruit oil, and emollients such as meadowfoam seed oil and squalane to support the skin barrier and improve the overall texture of the undereye skin. It also incorporates the Total Eye Complex, which works to firm the under-eye skin and improve discoloration, as well as caffeine to reduce overall puffiness. It is safe even for those with sensitive skin as it is free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance,” Dr. Garshick explains.

    Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

    An Amazon reviewer said: “I do like the texture which is not creamy and it doesn’t run.”

25. A Non-Stripping Cleanser: CeraVe CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | Moisturizing Non-Foaming Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and Glycerin | Fragrance Free Paraben Free | 16 Fluid Ounce

    Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
    
    Size: 16 fl oz

    Cerave offers affordable yet effective skincare, and this hydrating cleanser is a bestseller for a good reason and one of Dr. Garshick’s favorites. “This cleanser effectively gets rid of dirt and buildup without leaving the skin feeling dry. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin as well as ceramides to support and strengthen the skin barrier. It is a great option for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, as it is fragrance-free,” Dr. Garshick shares.

    Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
    

    An ELLE Editor says: “This cleanser is a must-have in any beauty stash. It doesn’t lather as much as the cleansers I’m used to, but I’ve realized that just because a cleanser doesn’t lather or leave a squeaky clean feeling doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. My skin feels nourished after each wash, not stripped, and lasts forever. A little goes a long way!”—Nerisha Penrose

26. A Refreshing Serum: Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

    Key ingredients: Pure hyaluronic acid, volcanic water
    
    Size: 7.41 fl oz

    Here’s a serum that feels like a refreshing splash of water. “This serum is formulated with natural-origin hyaluronic acid and Vichy Volcanic Water to help hydrate and plump skin. It has been clinically proven to strengthen and repair the skin barrier,” Dr. Garshick notes. Because of its hydrating properties, Dr. Garshick says it’s also great for year-round use.

    Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

    An Amazon reviewer said: “The texture is thick and it absorbs pretty quickly into my skin! Perfect for winter.”

27. A Firming Neck Cream: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced Neck Firming Cream

    Key ingredients: gallic acid, lingonberry extract
    
    Size: 1.7 fl oz

    As much as we focus on our faces, we can’t neglect our necks. Dr. Garshick uses this neck cream to prevent any signs of aging around the area. “It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E; It is lightweight, oil-free, absorbs easily, and is great for all skin types,” she adds.

    Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

    An Amazon reviewer said: “I am traumatized with the loose skin on my neck. The reality is that I have been taking care of my face for so many years and I neglected my neck. And now, at 46, it shows, the difference is really noticiable. I have tried several products and this is the only one in which I actually notice a good result.”

28. A Plumping Cream: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

    Key ingredients: vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, peptides, aloe vera
    
    Size: 0.5 oz

    Proper skincare prep is required to maintain a long-lasting base. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream plumps the skin via its nourishing hyaluronic acid-packed formula. Your skin feels softer and appears visibly smoother.

    “This cream works to boost moisture and improves the radiance of the skin, offering both immediate and long-term improvements. Containing a combination of hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins C and E, and more, it can help to plump the skin as well as improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Garshick offers.

    Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

    A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I use the CT serum follows by this magic cream every morning and night. My skin feels and looks absolutely amazing. I have incredibly dry skin and use this as a primer. I love that there is no strong scent too. Highly recommend for all skin types!!”

    
    What should you look for in a skincare product?

    Before you shop for skincare, it’s important to understand your skin type and needs. “Consider product formulations, such as gel-based or oil-free products, for oily skin. Heavier cream or oil-based products best suit dry skin types. Lightweight formulas work best in warmer, more humid climates and during the day, whereas heavier, richer formulas are best in cooler, drier climates and best applied at night since our skin loses more water overnight. Look for ingredients that target your specific skin concern. If you have hyperpigmentation, look for ingredients that brighten the skin, such as retinoids, vitamin C, azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid, and licorice root. If you have acne-prone oily skin, products with salicylic acid and niacinamide are great options,” Dr. Shirazi says.

    Can you briefly describe how to determine if your skin is normal, dry, combo or oily?

    “I suggest using a mild cleanser to wash your face, then wait 30 minutes to an hour to determine your skin type. Normal skin feels normal as it's well-balanced, not too oily, and not too dry, given its ability to balance oil production without excess shine or dryness. If your skin feels dry and tight, appears dull, or feels a bit itchy, then you have dry skin. If your skin feels oily all over and looks shiny, then you have oily skin. Those with oily skin may also complain of makeup not lasting as long with excessive shine in the t-zone, as well as being acne-prone. If you have combination skin, then you have oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), while other areas (cheeks, jawline) are normal or dry. You may have dry patches in the drier areas and acne in the oily areas,” Dr. Shirazi explains.

    What’s the correct way to layer your skincare?

    According to Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, the most important products to own are a gentle cleanser, topical antioxidants, moisturizer, and sunscreen. The correct way to layer your skincare is to start with a cleanser and add in your toner and serums before sealing everything in with a moisturizer. Of course, you can't forget the sunscreen. At night, the routine changes a bit to make room for heavier actives or retinol that repair and address your specific skin issues.

    Meet the experts

    Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a California-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Azimd Skincare.

    Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center in New York.

    Dr. Marina Peredo is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist.

    Dr. Michelle Henry is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist

    Dr. Marisa Garshick is an NYC-based board-certified and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.

    Dr. Divya Shokeen is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the California-based practice Ocean Skin And Vein Institute.

    Candace Marino is a Los Angeles-based medical aesthetician and founder of The LA Facialist.

    Dr. Christina Drusio is the medical specialist for dermatology and venerology at Dr. med Christine Schrammek.

    Why trust ELLE Beauty?

    As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose interviewed dermatologists to curate a list of the best skin care products of all time.

How Long Should You Wash Your Face? The Magic Range, From A Derm

By Hannah Frye | Beauty & Health Editor at MindBodyGreen

While investing in high-quality skin care products is important, so is how you use those products. Habits like applying your routine in a certain order and cycling through active ingredients, like retinol and exfoliants, can make all the difference. 

Even how you wash your face can make or break your routine, as simple as it may sound. Here's how to achieve the best results from your cleanser, according to a derm.

How long should you wash your face?

Some people say to leave face wash on for 30 seconds, others say two minutes, and some claim it doesn't even matter. What's the right answer? According to board-certified dermatologist Divya Shokeen, M.D., FAAD, it's not a one-size-fits-all step. 

"Ideally, we recommended washing your face for at least 30 to 60 seconds," she says. "This is enough time to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin without over-drying it." 

Why this range? Well, some people use an oil cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and SPF before washing with a water-based formula (a routine called double-cleansing). For those folks, 30 seconds should fit. But if you only use one cleanser to remove everything, make sure you massage it into your skin for a full minute to truly dissolve all the grime.

Another caveat: If you're using an active cleanser with ingredients like AHAs or BHAs (exfoliating acids) or benzoyl peroxide, then you should keep it on for 60 seconds to ensure these ingredients work their magic, Shokeen notes. (Otherwise, you're literally washing those actives down the drain.) You may want to use these special cleansers only twice to three times weekly to prevent drying out your skin, but you'll want to get the most out of them when you do indulge.

A few extra tips for cleansing:

• For those with highly sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, then be sure to stick with gentle cleansers and only wash your face once daily if possible.

• For everyone else, twice daily is A-OK. For the morning wash, rotate in a gentle cleanser rather than anything active.

• Avoid over-scrubbing the skin, instead working your cleanser in with gentle fingertips.

• Make sure you add a bit of water to your hands and face before applying cleanser to emulsify the formula.

• Always moisturize the skin post-cleanse.

The takeaway

It turns out, the golden time frame for cleansing your skin ranges from 30 seconds to 60 seconds, depending on what skin type you have, what steps you do before, and what kind of cleanser you use.

Looking for a new cleanser? Here's a curated list of our top picks to kick off your search.

9 Best Undereye Patches to Soothe Puffiness and Brighten Dark Circles

By Ana Escalante, Danielle Sinay, and Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Beauty & Health Editors at Glamour

While you might try your best to get enough sleep, your dark circles may tell a different story. Before you spiral: The best undereye patches are here to save the day (and your skin). “Undereye patches contain a combination of potent active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides and others,” says Divya Shokeen, MD, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Osvi Dermatology. These hydrating masks will perk up your undereye area by smoothing fine lines or depuffing the area.

To help you find the best ones, we tested nearly 20 different types of undereye patches over the past couple of years—from cooling options to color-correcting and more. Our favorite, by far, is Topicals Faded Brightening Under Eye Masks because they help depuff and eliminate the appearance of dark circles and fine lines over time thanks to a potent blend of kojic acid, caffeine, and niacinamide. Not to mention, they’re under $25, making them one of the more affordable undereye masks on this list. We also found options great for aging skin and eye bags, ones you can re-up on Amazon quickly, and others that are suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.

How we tested undereye patches

We tested undereye patches by evaluating ingredients, texture, format, and how well they brightened and depuffed our undereyes. The best undereye masks and patches had ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which work to address discoloration and even out skin tone, texture, and elasticity. The ones we chose also had jelly-like textures that clung onto the skin and didn’t budge or move throughout our skin care or makeup routines. The ones that made the cut did a great job of minimizing eye bags and dark circles and depuffing the area.

Best Overall: Topicals Faded Brightening Under Eye Masks

The fastest way to depuff your eyes, according to Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology, is to use products with ingredients like caffeine or peptides. That’s why these brightening undereye masks are a must-try if you deal with stubborn dark circles, thanks to their potent blend of kojic acid, caffeine, and niacinamide. They instantly wake up the area and make your undereyes look fresh and more even-toned.

Testing notes: “I love using these right before I have a big event,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “They stick perfectly to the skin and don’t move or budge, even if I’m doing eye makeup. They’re cooling upon contact too, and make my eyes look more awake almost immediately. After using them consistently once every week I’ve also noticed that my undereyes look slightly brighter and less dark.”

• Material: Silicone

• Key ingredients: Caffeine, kojic acid, tranexamic acid

• Number of patches: 6 treatments

Best on Amazon: Patchology FlashPatch Illuminating Eye Gels

Celebrity esthetician Candace Marino always opts for Patchology’s rejuvenating eye masks for an instant pick-me-up for tired eyes. “I love the brightening ingredients,” she says, so much so that she counts the FlashPatch Illuminating Eye Gels as the best undereye masks for revitalizing dull undereye skin. “These have green tea to lighten dark circles and energize the undereyes, mulberry extract for antioxidant protection, and vitamin C to soften and brighten skin tone,” says Marino.

Testing notes: “If you’re an ASMR beauty lover, I totally recommend reaching for these jelly eye gels that instantly cool and refresh the undereye area. They’re soft and bouncy to the touch and nicely stick onto the skin, and I love to use them in the morning to wake me up and depuff,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

• Material: Gel

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, green tea, mulberry extract

• Number of patches: 5 pairs

Best for Dry Skin: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches

If you have dry or flaky skin on the undereye area, we love these ultra-nourishing undereye patches that contain a blend of glycerin and hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize. They also feature caffeine and peptides to depuff and firm up the area, and boast a satisfyingly thick texture.

Testing notes: “I sometimes get eczema flare-ups in my undereye area around my upper cheek, and it can be extremely uncomfortable to apply makeup there. To soothe it while I have a flare-up, I like to use these cooling masks to help hydrate the area before I apply foundation. These stick on really nicely, are super thick (which makes them satisfying to take on and off), and feel extra refreshing after putting them in the fridge,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

• Material: Silicone

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cucumber extract, glycerin, caffeine

• Number of patches: 6 pairs

Best for Sensitive Skin: Loops Hyper Smooth Eye Hydrogel Eye Mask

Hydrogel eye masks are a great option for sensitive skin types because they work to reduce redness and inflammation. These masks have a blend of alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid and a brightening complex to help boost skin and minimize the appearance of discoloration, fine lines, and crow’s feet.

Testing notes: “These are a real treat after spending time out in the sun during the day, especially if your skin is hot or flushed. They cool the undereye area and stay put for as long as you want to keep them on. I also love that they gently exfoliate, too, making the area look brighter and more even-toned and textured,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

• Material: Gel

• Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, alpha-arbutin

• Number of patches: 5 pairs

Best for Puffiness: Peace Out Puffy Under-Eye Patches

Ready to say goodbye to puffy eyes? Reach for these bio-cellulose undereye patches that help to minimize unwanted signs of fatigue—thanks to a combination of caffeine, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Peace out dull skin; hello, hydrated, revitalized glow.

Testing notes: “If I know it’s going to be a day where I’m going to apply a lot of makeup, I like to plop these on to hydrate and prep my skin. It’s also just a nice little way to start my mornings. The size and shape fit great and they stay in place for the most part. My undereye area feels refreshed after using them each time. I only wish the packaging was better because I struggle to tear it open sometimes,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

• Material: Biocellulose material

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, sodium hyaluronate

• Number of patches: 6 pairs

Best for Dark Circles: YSE Beauty the Overachiever Eye Masks

You may or may not recognize these firming undereye masks from your FYP on TikTok, and we’re here to report that they are worth the social media hype. With a hydrogel underside that sticks onto skin, they work to brighten, depuff, and hydrate the undereye area with vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin.

Testing notes: “I’m plagued with dark circles thanks to my genetics,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “So I’m always on the hunt to find treatments and products that help mitigate the discoloration. I was pretty impressed with these patches after trying them for the first couple of times—they did a great job of brightening my undereye area, which made me look more awake and alert. They’re super comfortable too, and don’t leave any stickiness behind after you peel them off.”

• Material: Hydrogel

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin

• Number of patches: 1 pair

Best for Eye Bags: Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

If you’re looking for a truly luxe experience, these antiaging Peter Thomas Roth masks are the gold standard. Packed with precious minerals and fortified with 24k gold, the hydra-gel eye patches are infused with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to tone and condition the sensitive undereye area.

Testing notes: “I always recommend these patches for those who have deep-set eyes or undereyes that look very hollowed out. Because of my dark circles, this area does tend to look that way, and the older I get, the more I notice that the delicate skin in this area is thinning. That’s why I’ve started to use these once or twice a week, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference. My eyes look less sunken, firmer, and brighter. This one is a little pricey, but definitely worth the money for 30 pairs,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

• Material: Gel

• Key ingredients: 24k gold, caffeine, collagen

• Number of patches: 30 pairs

Best Korean Beauty: Cosrx Under Eye Mask

We love our Korean face masks, so it’s no surprise that we’re also a fan of K-beauty undereye treatments. These hydrogel patches are packed with collagen, caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides—and believe us when we say they’re no joke. They do a great job at softening, evening out, and depuffing the area in just a few uses.

Testing notes: “I was really impressed with these hydrogel eye patches. Word to the wise—they are a bit sticky and goopy during application, but this formula melts down to a nice lightweight serum while sitting on the undereye area. My eyes were particularly dark and puffy when I tested these, and I think they did a great job of brightening and softening my fine lines. Not to mention, I love that they’re hot pink,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

• Material: Gel

• Key ingredients: Collagen, niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides

• Number of patches: 30 pairs

Best for Travel: Wander Baggage Claim Rose Gold Eye Masks

Undereye masks are particularly great for travel to help depuff bags and wake up your skin after a long flight. We always pack these rose gold foil patches because they help flatten puffiness and brighten the area with hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract, and amino acids.

Testing notes: “I’m not going to get crazy and say these are the best undereye masks I’ve ever tried, but I did really love how Wander’s Baggage Claim Eye Masks clung to my skin and stayed put thanks to their unique and innovative combination of foil, elastic, and cellulose fiber. That allows the aloe leaf extract to really get to work on depuffing my undereye bags after a long, exhausting month,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum.

• Material: Cellulose fiber

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf, amino acids

• Number of patches: 6 pairs

FAQ

Do undereye patches really work?

According to Dr. Mitchell, undereye patches do work, but she recommends thinking of them as a temporary boost. “They hydrate, smooth, and brighten, so they are perfect before an event, a night out, or even just when you wake up looking tired,” she says.

What causes eye puffiness?

Eye puffiness can be caused by a variety of factors, says Connie Yang, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Dermstore Medical Advisory Board member. “Puffiness often comes from fluid retention, which can be linked to allergies, diet, or other factors. If allergies are the cause, an antihistamine may help. Reducing sodium intake can also make a difference,” she says.

What do dermatologists recommend for puffy undereyes?

To quickly depuff eyes, the dermatologists we spoke with recommend cold compresses and topical products with ingredients like caffeine to help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling in the area. “I love using cold eye patches (stored in the fridge) that contain caffeine. The chill and caffeine work together to constrict blood vessels, helping reduce fluid buildup,” says Dr. Yang.

Any other tips when using undereye patches?

To get the most out of your undereye patches, Dr. Mitchell recommends applying them on clean, dry skin. “Keep your patches in the fridge before using them for an extra cooling effect, and when you take them off, gently tap in the excess serum with your fingers and let your skin soak it up,” she says. You can then apply eye cream on top to lock everything in.

Meet the experts

• Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology

• Connie Yang, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Dermstore Medical Advisory Board member

• Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD at Osvi Dermatology

• Candace Marino, celebrity esthetician

Crepey Skin: Causes, Treatments & The Best Products To Treat It With

By Hannah Frye | Beauty & Health Editor at Mind Body Green

Imagine a sheet of crepe paper—that thin, wispy material commonly used to make streamers or fold into faux flowers. Sure, it's great for all your DIY craft projects, but it's not so fun when your skin resembles the same fragile texture.

But crepiness isn't as inevitable as you may think; here's everything you need to know about what causes crepey skin, plus how to prevent it and enjoy firm-looking skin for as long as possible.

What is crepey skin?

"Skin 'crepiness' is commonly used to describe aging skin that has lost elasticity, appearing thinner and more fragile, often with wrinkles," explains board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser Jeremy Brauer, M.D.

Crepey skin is a normal, common skin concern that affects people of any age (especially if you already have thin skin); it tends to show up more prominently as you get older. This is due to the natural collagen loss that happens with age, accumulated sun damage, and increased dryness of the skin. (We get into causes in a moment, so we'll elaborate there.)

As board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Divya Shokeen, M.D., FAAD, tells us, it's most often triggered by excessive sun exposure, especially if crepey skin starts to show up in your 20s or 30s. Shokeen notes crepey skin starting in your mid-20s is more often caused by notable tanning bed use or aggressive, unprotected sun exposure (i.e., regular sunbathing without SPF). All the more reason to practice safe sun!

Additionally, crepey skin can be traced back to weight gain and loss. "It can show up sooner if your weight has fluctuated significantly, like gaining or losing weight," adds board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, M.D.

Where does crepey skin appear?

Crepey skin can appear almost anywhere on the body, especially if you naturally have thin skin. That being said, it's more common in the following places:

• Eyelids 

• Back of the arms

• Inner thighs

• Décolletage

• Forearms

• Under-eyes

• Neck

• Back of the hands

Crepey skin causes

Skin is a multifaceted, complex organ—so when discussing various skin concerns, there's often no one singular cause. Instead, it's typically a mix of several:

• Natural collagen loss: "Collagen and elastic fibers in the skin are what provide skin with its resiliency—not only the ability to stretch but return to baseline afterward," Brauer says. "As we lose collagen and elastic fibers with age, environmental exposures, our skin's ability to return to baseline after stretching or trauma is reduced." 

• Sun damage: "Over time, aggressive or excessive exposure to the sun breaks down elastin in your skin. Elastin usually has the ability to stretch and recoil, but with repeated sun damage it loses the ability to heal properly and so remains stretched. This laxity leads to the appearance of lax or crepey skin," Shokeen explains. 

• Natural genetic predisposition to it: As mentioned earlier, anyone with naturally thinner skin is more prone to crepiness. Still, the preventive measures in the following section can help you delay the onset of that crepiness a bit. 

• Lack of moisture: "Moisture retention or hydration is a very important component of healthy skin, and dry climate or other environmental factors that contribute to loss of hydration can result in increased crepiness," Brauer notes. 

• Smoking: Brauer notes smoking as another factor that contributes to crepey skin. This can also result in hyperpigmentation (read: dark spots) on the face and the body. 

• Diet: While there isn't a strict regimen of "bad" or good food for crepey skin, a diet rich in whole and natural foods supports overall skin health and collagen production. On the flip side, lacking leafy green vegetables and collagen-rich foods can accelerate the development of crepey skin. "Years of ingesting insufficient or poor-quality protein is also a major contributor," board-certified dermatologist Carl Thornfeldt, M.D., adds.

How to prevent crepey skin

So, no, you can't entirely prevent crepey skin from coming along at some point (and that's OK! It's normal for skin to change as we age). However, you can encourage tighter, more resilient skin should you feel insecure about crepey skin you already notice. Or if you just want to prevent accelerated skin aging, that's reason enough too (after all, taking care of your skin usually just amounts to healthy lifestyle habits).

Here are a few overarching prevention principles to keep in mind:

1.Wear SPF

As mentioned before, sun exposure is a huge contributor to collagen loss and crepey skin. While you shouldn't hide from the sun entirely (for the sake of living your life to the fullest), you should wear sunscreen every day—even when it's cloudy. 

If you're in direct sunlight for more than two hours (on a long walk, at the beach, working outside, etc.), be sure to reapply your SPF. You should also utilize accessories such as hats, sunglasses, and clothing with UPF.

You'll need sunscreen you love to stay committed, so browse these mineral sunscreens for some curated A+ picks.

2.Consume proteins & vitamin C

We covered this above, but a gentle reminder: Consuming enough protein is essential for maintaining healthy, elastic skin.

The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (g/kg). For a 130-pound individual, that would be approximately 47 grams of protein per day, though many experts regard that as the absolute minimum and recommend a goal closer to 100 grams of protein per day.

In addition, up your vitamin C intake. While it's best known for its immune benefits, vitamin C is required for your body to produce collagen, aka a must-have for tighter skin.

3.Keep the skin barrier strong

"An intact skin barrier not only protects your body by preventing outside agents (i.e., bacteria) from getting in but also by preventing water from getting out, maintaining hydration and locking in moisture," explains Brauer. "When your skin barrier is compromised, there is a greater loss of water, resulting in decreased skin turgor, which ultimately leads to crepey skin." 

Long story short: Be mindful of your skin barrier, and tend to it on a daily basis. Do so by prioritizing moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, plant butters, and botanical oils. At the same time, protect your skin from overexfoliation and excessive sun exposure resulting in burn if you can. Here are the barrier-supporting best body lotions for crepey skin, in case you're curious—as well as the best neck creams, as that's a very common area for crepey skin.

How to treat crepey skin at home

Like many skin concerns, prevention is generally the best route for crepey skin. However, there are steps you can take to ease the wrinkling and sagging should you start to see it developing:

1.Hydrate your skin

First up, you must prioritize internal and external hydration. As board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., told us, "Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize—this can improve the appearance."

Here's why: "Trapping in water with moisturizers helps to decrease transepidermal water loss and prevents dry skin, hence, ease crepey skin," Patel notes. In essence, never skip your moisturizer, and add a hydrating serum and nourishing oil to your routine if you find your complexion running dry throughout the day. 

Especially if you start using retinol and exfoliants (more details to come), your skin will crave moisture post-treatment, so get into the habit of moisturizing twice daily. 

Brauer adds, "Drink at least eight cups of water per day (ideally, try to drink half your weight in pounds in ounces per day)." If you're not doing this already, give it a shot. You'll be shocked at how much better your skin looks in just a few days.

2.Try retinol or something similar

"Using retinoids regularly on the face, neck, body can help to build collagen and improve skin texture over time," Shokeen says. If you're new to retinol, start slowly with a gentle, low-potency formula, apply it over moisturizer at first, and work your way up to regular use. 

Or, opt for ingredients like bakuchiol for similar benefits without the risk of extreme irritation. And yes, you can use retinol on your body as well—just look for a retinol body lotion or serum rather than mixing up your own.

3. Use antioxidant-rich topicals

"When you are exposed to certain environmental aggressors, oxygen can be converted into a free radical by using antioxidants like green tea, vitamin C, resveratrol, or turmeric (ferulic acid), and the skin can neutralize these free radicals and prevent damaging the elastin in your skin," Shokeen notes. 

One easy addition: vitamin C serums. Or, if you're working on crepey skin in the body, look for lotions and creams rich in botanical extracts, butters, and oils to reap the protective benefits. For example, shea butter is high in vitamin E, and mango seed butter is high in vitamin C.

4. Exfoliate regularly

In order for your hydrating products and retinol to work, your skin will have to be cleared of excess dead skin cells. The way to do so: Exfoliate, but gently. See, crepey skin is especially sensitive because it's on the thinner and drier side, so you don't want to scrub your skin raw. 

Instead, opt for once or twice a week at first, and consider working your way up to three times a week should you need it—but remember that over-exfoliation will only lead to irritation and more dryness (read: more crepey skin). 

Not sure how to start? Here's an in-depth guide to exfoliation to help you out.

5. Take collagen-boosting peptides

You now know that crepey skin is directly linked to a lack of collagen in your skin, so why not tend to it at the source? Do this by ingesting hydrolyzed collagen peptides (the most well-researched form as of now), and make it a daily habit. 

Look for collagen supplements with additional skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins C or E, biotin, ceramides, etc., to ensure you get a bang for your buck.

In-office treatments

Now, if you've tried all of the above, and your crepey skin is persisting, you may want to consider an in-office treatment. Of course your dermatologist will match your unique skin with the right treatment, but just know these are a few of the options they might suggest:

• Lasers: "If you feel the damage has been done, lasers can create a long-lasting improvement and give your skin a second chance. Ablative or fractionated lasers like erbium and CO2 can be game changers for the neck and chest," Shokeen says. 

• Chemical peels: Now, chemical peels are not for the faint of heart, as they take much more downtime than other procedures. However, they may be worth it, especially if you're dealing with crepey skin and treatment-resistant hyperpigmentation simultaneously.

• Microneedling: Another option is microneedling, where a device inserts tiny sterilized needles into the skin to encourage healing and spark collagen production. Many microneedling treatments now include radiofrequency as well, using red light to speed up healing and further stimulate collagen production, thus encouraging tighter skin. 

The takeaway

To prevent crepey, paper-thin skin, it's all about supporting your body's collagen and hydration levels. Be sure to add a collagen supplement to your diet, tend to your skin barrier, and stay out of the sun if you skipped SPF. To ease its appearance, consider adding a gentle retinol to your routine—here's everything you need to know about this hero ingredient.