Every Skin-Care Product a Top Dermatologist Uses Every Day

Newport Beach, CA dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, MD takes us step by step through her morning and evening skin-care routines.

My Skin-Care Philosophy
It’s simple and based on the science of the epidermis: Protect with sunscreen, nourish with topicals, exfoliate with chemical peels and stimulate with lasers.

My Biggest Skin Concerns
Uneven skin tone: brown spots and blotchiness; and dull, dry skin. My goal is to make it smooth and dewy.

My Annual In-Office Regimen
I do neurotoxins three times a year, LaseMD once a year—it’s like a buff and shine, and I love the take-home serum—a Jessner chemical peel once a year that peels my skin to dewiness, and a HydraFacial with microcurrent treatment for special occasions.

Morning Routine
Every morning in the shower, I wash my face with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($11), which is an inexpensive option to effectively cleanse without stripping my skin.

Then I apply Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% ($160) to help reduce brown spots. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant to absorb those nasty free radicals our skin creates due to UV exposure.

Revaleskin Night Cream ($132) is technically a night cream, but I like to use it as a daily moisturizer, as it contains coffeeberry, a potent antioxidant.

Lastly, sunscreen, which is the most important step. I apply Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion with SPF 30 ($10.50) on my face, neck and chest, as well as my arms when they’re exposed. It’s not sticky or heavily scented, and it has effective broad-spectrum protection with zinc and titanium dioxide without leaving behind white residue.

Evening Routine
Before bed, I wash my face with SENTÉ Exfoliating Cleanser ($46)—it’s a mild, gentle exfoliant that’s not too harsh—and a “buff puff,” an old-fashioned sponge.

Three times a week, I use NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Serum ($78) before applying tretinoin. The glycolic acid strips down the dead layer of the epidermis, allowing my products to absorb better.

Next I apply prescription Obagi Tretinoin Cream 0.1%. A pea-size amount covers my entire face, including my lower eyelids, and helps preserve collagen and enhance cell turnover.

Then I use SENTÉ Dermal Repair Cream ($158), a scientifically effective formula with HSA (Heparan Sulfate Analog) to help protect collagen and elastin.

Under my eyes, I apply Lifeline Skin Care Eye Firming Complex ($89), which features stem cell technology to help tighten and hydrate. I swipe any excess cream over my cheeks by my accordion lines.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($23.50) goes on top—it hydrates and plumps without being oily.

Finally, I spritz on Avène Thermal Spring Water ($18.50) to seal in the humectants. I often use it at the end of my morning regimen, too. Water is the basis of skin hydration, healing and plumpness.