As the holiday season approaches, the search for thoughtful, meaningful gifts begins. This year, why not give the gift of great skin? As a physician, influencer and expert in skincare, wellness and beauty, I’m thrilled to share my top five skincare products, carefully selected to cater to various skin types and needs. Each product on my curated list is backed by science, offering proven benefits for a radiant, healthy complexion. Whether you’re shopping for a skincare newbie or a beauty enthusiast, these picks are guaranteed to please. —Noam Raiter, MD
Sunscreen
One of the most common skincare myths is that sunscreen is only necessary in the summer. Maintaining a daily sunscreen routine is essential for skin health, even in winter and when you’re indoors! Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and, most importantly, long-term skin damage. When selecting a sunscreen, choose one that provides both UVA and UVB protection and has an SPF of at least 30— but the higher the SPF, the more protection! Not sure how much sunscreen to use for your face? Aim for two finger lengths or approximately ½ a teaspoon.
Some of my favourites:
Vitamin C
If you’re looking for brighter, firmer, and more even skin this winter, try adding a vitamin C serum to your routine. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with a whole host of benefits for your skin, and it has been a staple in my morning skincare routine for years. However, not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Look for a serum that contains L-ascorbic acid (a highly potent form of vitamin C) and, ideally, other ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid, which help improve the efficacy of the serum. Since exposure to air can degrade the quality of vitamin C, opt for a serum packaged in an airtight, opaque, or dark-coloured bottle to preserve its potency.
Some of my favourites:
Hyaluronic Acid
The dry winter air can be especially harsh on our skin, making it even more important to prioritize hydration. While I love hyaluronic acid year-round, it’s especially important during this season. Hyaluronic Acid helps us achieve that dewy, plump look by retaining moisture from within—holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water! It’s best to apply the serum with slightly damp fingers or immediately after washing your face, giving it water to draw into the skin. Many serums claim to boost skin hydration, but hyaluronic acid remains a staple in my routine.
Some of my favourites:
LED mask
Whether you’re indulging in self-care or searching for the ideal gift for a skincare enthusiast, LED face masks offer the perfect way to elevate any routine. Although red LED treatments have been available in dermatologists’ offices for a long time, these at-home devices have picked up momentum in the past year, and research shows that with consistent use, they really work. These masks use different light wavelengths to target different layers of the skin, with red light working to reduce inflammation and increase collagen production. The price can be significant, so make sure you are investing in a mask from a reputable brand with products that are backed by research.
Some of my favourites:
Pimple patches
This seemingly simple product is such a game-changer for anyone dealing with acne or blemishes. Some pimple patches are just hydrocolloid gel patches and others have other added acne-fighting ingredients. Although the latter can have benefits to certain skin types, I like to keep it simple with hydrocolloid patches. They work in a few ways:
- Stop you from picking at your pimple
- The hydrocolloid absorbs excess fluid from your blemish, especially if it is near the skin surface
- Promote wound healing.
I love embracing makeup-free days in the winter, and having patches in fun shapes and colours can add a little brightness and joy to our day!
Some of my favourites:
For more wellness insights from Dr. Noam Raiter, follow her on Instagram and TikTok or tune into her podcast, You Are Not Too Busy.
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