Professional Picks: 5 skin care brands backs by the pros

Acne that just won’t clear, sensitive skin that flares at every formula, fine lines in need (well, want) of filling – any of these stubborn concerns sound familiar? One way or another we've all been there; and with so many trending hacks, viral products and new creations in abundance, it can be way too easy to piggyback on other’s Holy Grails and wonder why you haven't reaped the same benefits.

But in those trying skin care times, there is one source we know we can count on to cut through the noise: the professionals. From entire skin care lines designed by dermatologists to must-haves peels and creams earning their seal of approval, trust in these results-driven brands to get straight to the heart of your skin care concern.

1. BACK TO BASICS

Dermalogica

Acid this, retinol that. It’s a wonderful yet confusing skin care world out there and when your skin is feeling overwhelmed (we’re talking breakouts and irritation), it’s time to scale back on steps. Look to {Dermalogica} for a solid investment in simple-yet-effective formulas that filter out non-essential ingredients with a kind-to-skin approach. From the skin-smoothing {Daily Microfoliant} to the ultra-nourishing {Intensive Moisture Balance} moisturiser, there’s a whole range of customisable skin care saviours to discover, loved by skin therapists and enthusiasts alike.

CeraVe

Another beloved brand that hits the reset button is the cult-favourite (and purse-friendly) {CeraVe}. Designed with dermatologists, CeraVe is known for their ceramide-powered formulas that tackle every concern, from acne and cracked skin to eczema and psoriasis. Our failsafe for repairing our moisture barrier? The jumbo-size {Hydrating Cleanser}, of course.

2. STRESSED-OUT SKIN

La Roche-Posay

Does it feel like anything and everything that touches your skin causes you to break out, flare up, itch or burn? Or all of the above? It might feel like you’re up against the skin care world but believe it or not, there are brands on your side. Dermatologist-approved {La Roche-Posay} knows just how to nurture your sensitive skin with their unique, mineral-rich ‘Thermal Spring Water’ formulations. Designed to calm skin and keep inflammation at bay, this French pharmacy brand expertly blends skin-restoring ingredients with hardworking actives that don’t irritate skin – we’re looking at you, {Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser}. Even if you don’t err on the sensitive skin spectrum, La Roche-Posay’s bestselling {Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ Sun Cream} is one sun care saviour you can’t go wrong with.

3. SLOW DOWN THE CLOCK

Murad

If you’re a few years shy of embracing your crow’s feet and laugh lines, we’re way ahead of you – well, more specifically, high-tech brands like {Murad} are. The first doctor-brand out there that dates back to 1989, this is clinical skin care at its finest. Thanks to their potent (but always gentle), science-backed formulas, firm favourites like the firming and smoothing {Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum} have climbed to the top of the youth-boosting ranks – we’re talking “won’t believe your eyes” results. Knowing that preventive care is one of the best ways to stave off signs of ageing, we’d be lost without the luminous-finish {City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50}.

Perricone MD

Another great option for slowing down the clock is the range from {Perricone MD}. Created by world-renowned dermatologist and skin care expert Dr. Nicholas Perricone, this brand is all about working from the inside-out to achieve healthy skin, so you can count on their formulas to go beyond surface level. If you feel like even your eight hours of beauty sleep can't cast away dull-looking skin then count on the {Cold Plasma Plus Intensive Hydrating Complex}. Waking up tired skin with strengthening peptides and powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, this overachiever targets signs of ageing, from laugh lines to skin that's lost its perk.

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