A great skincare routine isn’t just about washing your face—it’s about using the right products that nourish and protect your skin. From gentle cleansers to powerful serums, each step in your regimen plays a role in keeping your skin healthy and radiant. “A proper skincare routine should focus on strengthening the skin barrier, hydrating the skin, and targeting specific concerns such as acne, aging, or sensitivity,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Emily Collins, M.D.
To help you navigate the overwhelming world of skincare, we researched countless Dermatologist Recommended Skin Care Products to determine the best picks. Below, you’ll find expert-approved recommendations for every skin type and concern, from the best vitamin C serum to the most effective retinol treatment.
Best Skincare Products Recommended by Dermatologist
- Best Vitamin C Serum: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
- Best Hydrating Serum: Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
- Best Nighttime Retinol: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
- Best Gentle Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
- Best Daily Moisturizer: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Best Exfoliating Cleanser: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Best Face Mask: Then I Met You Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask
- Best Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Best Lip Care Mask: Aquaphor Lip Repair
Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Routines
Every skin type has unique needs, and dermatologists recommend different products based on those needs. Here’s what skincare experts suggest for different skin types.
Best Skincare Routine For Normal Skin
Normal skin is well-balanced—not too oily, not too dry—and typically has few blemishes or sensitivities. The goal here is to maintain this balance and prevent any disruption to the skin’s natural barrier.
Morning Routine
Cleanse
Opt for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is ideal for normal skin, as it cleanses without causing dryness.
- Recommended Product: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Tone (optional)
Use a toner that balances the skin’s pH and preps it for other treatments. A hydrating toner will maintain moisture levels.
- Recommended Product: Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner
Serum (Vitamin C)
Apply a brightening and protective vitamin C serum to prevent oxidative damage from free radicals.
- Recommended Product: MAELOVE Glow Maker 15% Vitamin C Serum
Moisturize
Lightly hydrate without weighing the skin down.
- Recommended Product: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Sunscreen
Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
- Recommended Product: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Night Routine
Double Cleanse (if needed)
Remove makeup or sunscreen with a balm cleanser, followed by your regular cleanser.
- Recommended Product: CeraVe Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
Exfoliate (2-3 times per week)
Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and keep the skin smooth.
- Recommended Product: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Retinol (optional)
Use a gentle retinol product to encourage skin turnover and maintain youthful skin.
- Recommended Product: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Moisturize
Apply a richer moisturizer for overnight hydration.
- Recommended Product: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks moisture and can often feel tight or rough. It needs extra hydration and protection to replenish lost moisture and restore skin elasticity.
Morning Routine
Cleanse
Use a cream-based, hydrating cleanser to avoid further stripping moisture.
- Recommended Product: Cetaphil Face Wash
Tone (optional)
Choose a toner with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe to soothe and replenish moisture.
- Recommended Product: CeraVe Hydrating Toner for Face
Serum (Hyaluronic Acid)
Opt for a hyaluronic acid serum to draw moisture into the skin.
- Recommended Product: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Moisturize
Use a thicker moisturizer with occlusive ingredients like ceramides or squalane to lock in moisture.
- Recommended Product: Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Sunscreen
Always finish with sunscreen that won’t dry out your skin.
- Recommended Product: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 50
Night Routine
Cleanse
Stick to a gentle hydrating cleanser to preserve moisture.
- Recommended Product: Cetaphil Face Wash
Exfoliate (1-2 times per week)
Exfoliate gently with a hydrating exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Avoid physical exfoliants, which can irritate dry skin.
- Recommended Product: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
Moisturize
Use a thick, emollient moisturizer to restore the skin’s moisture barrier overnight.
- Recommended Product: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin
Oily skin produces excess sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. The key is to control oil production without over-drying the skin.
Morning Routine
Cleanse
Use a foaming or gel-based cleanser that helps control oil without being overly drying.
- Recommended Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
Tone
A toner with salicylic acid or niacinamide helps control oil production and minimize pores.
- Recommended Product: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Serum (Niacinamide)
Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and improve skin texture.
- Recommended Product: Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
Moisturize
Use an oil-free, lightweight gel moisturizer that hydrates without adding excess oil.
- Recommended Product: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Sunscreen
Choose a mattifying sunscreen that controls shine while offering sun protection.
- Recommended Product: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Night Routine
Double Cleanse (if needed)
Use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by your regular gel-based cleanser.
- Recommended Product: Bioderma – Sensibio – H2O Micellar Water
Exfoliate (1-2 times per week)
Use a gentle chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid to keep pores clear and prevent breakouts.
- Recommended Product: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Retinol (optional)
A gentle retinol product will help reduce acne and promote skin cell turnover.
- Recommended Product: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Moisturize
Use an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer to prevent dehydration.
- Recommended Product: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Best Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can react to products with redness, irritation, or itching. This type of skin requires calming, fragrance-free, and soothing ingredients.
Morning Routine
Cleanse
Use a mild, fragrance-free, and soap-free cleanser to avoid irritation.
- Recommended Product: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Tone (optional)
Opt for a calming toner with aloe vera or chamomile to soothe sensitive skin.
- Recommended Product: Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum
Serum (Vitamin C)
Choose a gentle vitamin C serum that will brighten without irritating.
- Recommended Product: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Moisturize
A soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer will help maintain hydration and restore the skin barrier.
- Recommended Product: Aveeno Calm + Restore Facial Cream
Sunscreen
Use a mineral sunscreen that is free of fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.
- Recommended Product: EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
Night Routine
Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser free of irritants to maintain skin balance.
- Recommended Product: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Exfoliate (1 time per week)
Exfoliate gently using a chemical exfoliant with soothing ingredients.
- Recommended Product: Paula’s Choice Calm 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
Moisturize
Use a deeply hydrating moisturizer that soothes inflammation.
- Recommended Product: Aveeno Calm + Restore Facial Cream