How to choose a skincare product? For most of us, it begins with trust. Do we believe in the efficacy of the skincare products (and brands) we’re thinking of investing our hard-earned money in? This goes some way towards explaining why doctor-founded skincare brands are having a moment. Given we’ve spent the majority of a year estranged from our facialists and dermatologists, it’s hardly surprising that we’ve sought the same kind of professional expertise and results from our skincare routines.
Online e-tailers like Space NK have continued to see growth in the entire skincare category over the last few months, with high-tech skincare, like doctor brands, leading the way. “We saw customers looking for more high tech solutions when clinics closed,” Suze College, head buyer at Space NK, tells Vogue. “Investment in at-home tools is one area which continues to trend with our customers, with products like Dr Dennis Gross’s Spectralite Facewear Pro for at-home LED being a popular choice.” Searches for Dr Dennis Gross and Dr Sebagh are up 96 per cent and 60 per cent respectively on the site, while Augustinus Bader is up a huge 1,060 per cent.
Dr Barbara Sturm, whose skincare range is beloved by celebrities and beauty editors alike, says there is a strong argument for putting your money into a doctor-led brand. “Healthy skin and good skincare is all about science,” she says. “It therefore makes sense to buy skincare from a doctor, as the products are [reliably] focused on efficacy and ingredient science.” She started her own brand to cater to her patients’ post-treatment skincare needs, and to ensure they were following an effective regime to enhance in-clinic results.
Of course, they aren’t all made equal. “Doctor-led brands aren’t automatically infused with magic,” she says. “The only thing that sustains a brand is proven results.” With that in mind, Vogue takes a closer look at 10 of the best doctor-led skincare brands that guarantee good skin results.
SkinCeuticals
Founded by dermatologist, professor and skincare chemist Dr Sheldon Pinnell in 1997, SkinCeuticals is a staple in many efficacious skincare routines thanks to its medical approach to high-end skincare. Its topical antioxidants, whether CE Ferulic or the newest launch, Silymarin CF, become instant essentials for anyone who tries them.
Augustinus Bader
Harnessing the power of a patented molecule called TFC8 (or Trigger Factor Complex), and Professor Augustinus Bader’s (world-leading) expertise in stem cell research, this is a high-tech skincare line if ever we saw one. The formulas, which essentially prompt skin cells to work hard in repair and restore mode, are fast becoming cult. Try The Cream (or its Rich counterpart), to see what all the fuss is about.
Dr Dennis Gross
If it’s smooth, glowing skin you’re after, there is a Dr Dennis Gross skincare product to help you make it happen. Opt for the Ferulic + Retinol range if you’re concerned about fine lines or lacklustre skin; the Hyaluronic range for deep hydration; and the C+ Collagen range for brightening. Oh, and you’d be silly not to try the Alpha Beta Universal Peel Pads, which he has rightly become famous for.
Dr Barbara Sturm
With an onus on combatting inflammation in the skin, Dr Sturm’s skincare line is built to heal and foster good skin health. What to pick from the line? The new The Good C Vitamin C Serum comes Hailey Bieber-approved, and you can’t go wrong with the Hyaluronic Acid Serum, either.
111 Skin
Founded by Harley Street cosmetic surgeon, Dr Yannis Alexandrides, 111 Skin was originally launched to offer his patients the right formulas to help their skin heal after treatments. Now it’s a line—loved by everyone from Margot Robbie to Priyanka Chopra—that offers unbeatable sheet masks (we love the Sub-Zero Depuffing Face Masks), as well as the latest Y Theorem Concentrate, a seven-day treatment programme designed to repair the skin barrier and alleviate stress.
MZ Skin
Ocuplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani’s, skincare line is as chic as they come – check out that blush and gold packaging. It’s also highly effective, and caters to every skin concern, from pigmentation to dullness and dehydration. The emphasis is on a glow—something Dr Zamani herself always emanates—try the Rest & Revive serum for the ultimate overnight treatment, and expect your skin to be radiant by the time your alarm goes off.
Dr Sebagh
The rich and famous love the discreet Dr Sebagh for his injectable tweakments—and his skincare line is also as youth-giving. The whole line is high-performance and filled with active ingredients. Standouts include the Deep Exfoliating Mask, which contains lactic and azelaic acid for fresh, even-toned skin, and the Supreme Maintenance Serum for overall good skin health.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
