A plain-language routine built by your provider, drawn from our medical-grade product lines
Medical-grade skincare uses higher concentrations of proven active ingredients than drugstore products and is generally only sold through dermatology practices. Brands like Revision, EltaMD, ZO Skin Health, ISDIN, and Nutrafol each specialize in specific concerns, and picking the right products from the right brands makes a bigger difference than brand-hopping.
The goal is a routine you will actually use, built around products that actually work. That usually means four to six steps, not fifteen.
A good skincare routine is built around three foundational steps plus one or two targeted steps. The foundation is a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Get those three right and you have already beaten most complex routines.
The cleanser you use depends on your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, a salicylic acid cleanser or a gentle foaming cleanser works well. For dry or sensitive skin, a cream cleanser or a low-pH hydrating cleanser is better. For normal skin, most gentle cleansers work. Revision Gentle Cleansing Lotion, Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser, and ZO Exfoliating Cleanser are three common recommendations depending on your skin.
Moisturizer depends on how your skin behaves. Dry skin benefits from heavier creams with ceramides, like Revision D·E·J Face Cream. Oily skin does better with lighter gel moisturizers or hydrating serums like Revision HA HydraSerum+. Normal skin often benefits from a combination approach, using a lighter product in the morning and a heavier one at night.
Sunscreen is the single most important product in any routine. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen prevents most of the skin aging and pigmentation issues that drive other product purchases. EltaMD UV Clear, EltaMD UV Daily, ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless, and Revision Intellishade are all strong options depending on whether you want tinted or untinted coverage, what your skin type is, and whether you prefer a chemical or mineral formulation.
Targeted actives go on top of the foundation. For anti-aging, a retinoid used at night, like Revision Retinol Complete, is the most evidence-based option. For brightening and pigmentation, a vitamin C serum in the morning, like Revision C+ Correcting Complex, or a prescription topical like hydroquinone adds significant improvement. For specific concerns, your provider recommends products tailored to the issue.
Supplements can add value in specific situations. Nutrafol, for hair thinning, has good evidence for improving hair density when used consistently for six months or more. Heliocare, an oral antioxidant supplement, adds additional protection against sun damage for patients with significant sun exposure or a history of skin cancer.
The most common mistake is using too many products. Five actives stacked on top of each other often irritate skin and cancel each other out. Simpler routines with fewer but better-chosen products usually produce better results. Your provider will lean toward simpler over more complicated.
Book this consultation if you are starting from scratch and do not know what to use. If you have a product drawer full of things that have not made a noticeable difference. If you have a specific concern like acne, pigmentation, or early aging and want the most effective routine for it. If you are preparing for an aesthetic treatment and want to prime your skin beforehand. If you just had a procedure and need post-care products.
It is also right if you want to understand what actually matters in a routine so you can make better decisions at Sephora or the drugstore when it fits your budget.
A provider who has examined your skin can recommend products that fit what is happening under the surface, not just what is on the bottle. That matters most for patients with acne, rosacea, melasma, or sensitive skin.
We sell products at the office because patients want the convenience, not because we need to meet a sales target. If a cheaper version works as well, we will say so. If you prefer to buy elsewhere, nothing changes in your plan.
Your skincare routine is tied to whatever medical or aesthetic care you are doing. Retinoid with your acne prescription. Post-procedure care after microneedling. Brightening protocol with your laser plan. Everything works together.
Plan for 20 to 30 minutes. You bring what you currently use, even if it is embarrassing, and your provider looks at your skin and talks through your goals. Then they build a routine that usually has a morning step, an evening step, and sometimes a weekly treatment.
You leave with a written plan. The plan lists each product, when and how to use it, what to expect, and what to call us about if it does not go well. If you want to buy the products at the office, we stock most of them, but you are never required to buy them from us. The plan works whether you source the products from our office, online, or another dermatology practice.
Follow-up is optional but welcomed. If the routine is not working after six to eight weeks, message your provider through the portal and we adjust.
No. The plan works whether you buy products at our office, online, or elsewhere. We stock most recommended products for convenience, but there is never pressure to buy.
Most patients notice improvement in texture and glow within four to six weeks of consistent use. Changes in pigmentation and fine lines usually take three to six months to become clearly visible.
Absolutely. If you are already coming in for a medical or aesthetic visit, we can add skincare recommendations at no extra charge. The dedicated skincare consultation is for patients who want a more thorough review from scratch.
We carry Revision Skincare, EltaMD, ZO Skin Health, ISDIN, Nutrafol, Alastin, and select other medical-grade brands at most locations. If a product you want is not in stock at your location, we can usually ship it from another of our offices.
For specific concerns like acne, pigmentation, anti-aging, or post-procedure care, yes. For basic maintenance, a well-chosen drugstore routine can work. Your provider will tell you honestly where the upgrade is worth it and where it is not.
Please give us a call and we will be happy to answer all your questions or concerns you may have.
