Social media has become a hub of quick tips, underrated hacks, and buzzy trends for all things beauty over the years. But if you’ve ever been the victim of #SkinTok, then you know that not every piece of beauty advice on the internet is sound — especially when it comes to your skin.
Therefore, it’s important to get your information straight from the professionals themselves. Luckily, New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD doesn’t hold back when it comes to giving out good skin advice. To learn from the best (instead of a myriad of inexperienced beauty TikTokers), we sat down with Dr. Engelman to discover the best way to shop for effective skin care, as well as the products she swears by, regardless of your age or skin type.
First, check your skin care labels
Ingredients make a huge difference in determining the efficacy of products, so read the labels before you buy. “When I’m choosing skin care, I look for formulas that are clinically backed and support the skin barrier,” says Dr. Engelman. “I gravitate toward stabilized antioxidants, peptides, ceramides, and humectants like hyaluronic acid because they help maintain hydration, firmness, and overall skin resilience.”
Stock up on the three essentials
According to Dr. Engelman, the products everyone should be incorporating into their routine are a daily antioxidant serum, a reliable moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. “Those three steps create the foundation for healthy skin at any age,” she explains. “Antioxidants help defend against environmental damage and support skin brightness, moisturizers maintain the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss, and sunscreen protects against UV-induced collagen breakdown, a significant contributor to visible aging.”
What does Dr. Engelman use herself?
When it comes to her own routine, Dr. Engelman says there are specific products that she reaches for repeatedly, with a few items from IMAGE Skincare’s VITAL C line topping her list. “The formulas [in the VITAL C line] use multiple stabilized forms of vitamin C, paired with hyaluronic acid for hydration and calming botanicals that help reduce visible redness,” Dr. Engelman explains. “It’s a line that restores radiance without compromising the skin barrier, which makes it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including those recovering from procedures or environmental stress.”
Dr. Engelman says the IMAGE Skincare VITAL C Hydrating Intense Moisturizer is one of her favorites, as it’s a great everyday option because it delivers hydration without heaviness. “It’s a texture that works well for many skin types and sits beautifully under sunscreen and makeup,” she says.
She also swears by VOL.U.LIFT for tackling facial volume changes or thinning skin texture. “The formula combines next-generation hyaluronic acid, biomimetic collagen fragments, bakuchiol, and amino acids to help improve the appearance of deflation, dehydration, and reduced density,” she explains. This pick — which was formulated by a plastic surgeon — is also great for those using GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic) who see loose, crepey skin after weight loss (although, you don’t have to be on a weight loss drug to use it).
When it comes to a serum, the VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum is ideal for minimizing the appearance of fine lines, as well as plumping and brightening the skin. It’s packed with an antioxidant blend of multiple forms of vitamin C to reduce dullness and hyaluronic acid to moisturize.
Apply these products in order of thinnest to thickest
As a general rule of thumb, you should always apply your products from the thinnest formula to the thickest. “I typically recommend using a serum in the morning, right after cleansing, so you get antioxidant protection when your skin needs it most,” explains Dr. Engelman. “Then follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration, and always apply sunscreen.” For a clear, non-tinted SPF option, the IMAGE Skincare DAILY PREVENTION Clear Solar Gel SPF 30 protects skin from UV rays while also delivering additional antioxidants to the skin for anti-aging benefits.
“Over time, this routine helps restore glow, smoothness, and a stronger barrier,” confirms Dr. Engelman.
The bottom line
Using effective, science-backed products makes a real difference in how your skin looks long term. “When the barrier is strong and collagen is consistently supported, the skin appears brighter, more balanced, and more resilient,” says Dr. Engelman. So, skip the misinformation on the internet (yes, that means those marketing-first products pushed by influencers) and kickstart your routine with these expert-recommended product picks instead — your skin will thank you.
