The superhero products that dermatologists use in their own skincare routine

Celebrity favourite Dr Kiran Sethi calls in the big guns

With a front-row seat to every new development in the beauty industry, you know that dermatologists can tell their all-star products from their also-rans. And they’re not likely to get distracted by pretty packaging and marketing gimmicks, no matter how shiny. So when a top dermatologist like Dr Kiran Sethi says she trusts a product enough to add it to her daily essentials, you just add to cart. Read on for her skincare routine.

Cleansing Balm

A kind of oil cleanser, cleansing balms have become popular for their ability to deeply clean the skin of dirt and impurities without stripping it of natural oils.

Doctor’s pick: “Sunday Riley Cleansing Balm. With oils, butters and cleansing scrub particles, my skin feels nourished, cleansed and fresh.”

Vitamin C

The benefits of Vitamin C in your skincare routine are aplenty. Clarity, smoothness, brightness and overall skin health, there’s a concentration of ascorbic acid for pretty much every skin type. You just have to find the one that works best for you.

Doctor’s pick: “An essential part of my skincare routine, I need it in the morning to protect my skin from oxidative stress, pollution, sun damage and dirt. Good products for this are Sesderma C-Vit Radiance Glowing Fluid, Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 serum, Auriga Flavo-C Cream and Sunday Riley C.E.O Cream.”

Ceramides

Sethi’s go-to moisturisers are packed with ceramides. They help balance and restore the skin barrier, lock in moisture and make skin less likely to get dry, irritated or inflamed.

Doctor’s pick: “I love A-Derma Exomega Emollient Cream, Avene Cicalfate Repair Cream and the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.”

Sunblock

You need it to save yourself not just from dark spots, pigmentation and other signs of skin damage but from sun-related cancers. With a growing number of sophisticated products in the market across price ranges — even organic and natural options — you can’t get away with that old “it’s too sticky” excuse.

Doctor’s pick: “I apply 2 tablespoons at least twice a day for the face and neck. I check without fail for re-application. Some good brands are Zscreen, Coola and other 100% mineral sunscreens – they are my latest favourites.”

Retinol or Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A which is one of the few scientifically-backed anti-ageing ingredients on the market. Boosting collagen, making skin plump and evening out fine lines and wrinkles – it’s often hailed as a cure-all in skincare. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) form chemical exfoliators, gentler (and yet effective) than physical exfoliation like apricot and walnut scrubs on the skin. AHA works to smoothen your skin, make it even-toned and younger-looking.

Doctor’s pick: “These ingredients are anti-ageing, collagen-boosting and brightening. You can alternate them at night. I like Sesderma’s Azelac RU Serum and RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum for retinol. For AHAs, Dr Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel and Sesderma’s Acglicolic Serum works the best.”

BONUS: Face oils are often misunderstood. Not all oils are heavy and pore-clogging. You just have to pick the right one for your skin.

Doctor’s pick: “Rosehip oil is fantastic. Vintner’s Daughter and Essential Body Couture have great mixes of oils for the skin.”

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