As a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in Redondo Beach, Dr. Annie Chiu is one of California’s leading skin specialists. Here, Dr. Chiu shares her 12 skincare must-haves, from body washes to sunscreens to serums.
Olay Cleansing and Renewing Nighttime Retinol Body Wash: Olay body washes are always affordable, creamy and luxurious feeling, while not over-drying the skin. This particular one has retinol, which is a proven antiaging ingredient to help maintain youthful skin even on the body.
Skinmedica TNS Advanced Plus Serum: Evidence-based, science-backed studies show this growth-factor formulation helps fine lines, wrinkles and even giving the skin a firmer appearance. Growth factors are high-yield signal anti-aging proteins that are notoriously difficult to stabilize. This proven formula is packed with stable growth factors and an antioxidant formula, making it a great all-in-one serum.
Tatcha The Rice Wash: This gentle, creamy and soft formulation is a favorite facial cleanser that doesn’t over strip delicate facial skin, while enriching the skin with rice powder, which in eastern medicine is believed to have anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.
Alastin Hydratint Mineral Sunscreen: This tinted sunscreen not only protects against UV radiation, but blue light as well. The lightweight tinted formula blends with almost any skin type and gives the skin a healthy glow. This is the perfect sunscreen for those days you want a little brightness but want to go make-up free.
Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask: An ultra-luxurious-feeling mask that can be used even overnight to instantly moisturize, soothe and brighten the skin. I always feel my skin looks and feels soothed, softer and brighter when I use this as my overnight mask.
Amorepacific The Essential Creme Fluid: Antioxidant-rich green tea dominates this moisturizing formula that feels like a lightweight fluid. Perfect for layering with other products or under makeup.
Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil: For dry winter months, this antioxidant-packed face oil brings back hydration and glow in a lightweight formula. Perfect for that extra moisture boost on dry irritated skin.
PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment with Retinol: Retinol is the gold standard ingredient for inducing neocollagenesis for anti-aging. This is a great non-prescription-strength stabilized retinol formulated with stem cell extract technology.
SkinLab MD Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs: Formulated to order with skin brightening vitamin C, kojic acid and arbutin. These pads brighten hyperpigmentation quickly and effectively, encouraging an even, bright skin tone.
Ilia Lip Wrap Hydrating Mask: An exfoliating, moisturizing and plumping lip moisture balm that your lips deserve every night. Papaya enzymes exfoliate built up dead skin cells, allowing the penetration of plumping hyaluronic acid and mango butter.
Dove Lavender and Chamomile Nourishing Hand Sanitizer: With all the use of hand sanitizers, this formulation is one of the few that leaves your hands feeling softer and moisturized.
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid: A consummate favorite among dermatologists. This is a true vitamin C serum that has stood the test of time to even skin tone and improve clarity and fine lines with the most active form of vitamin C.