Introduction
Taking care of our skin is so important, but finding the right products that are affordable and actually work can be tricky. As a dermatologist, I’m often asked for product recommendations that my patients can easily find at their local drugstore without breaking the bank. After testing countless skincare items over the years, I’ve narrowed down my top picks from Target for healthy, glowing skin at every age.
Cleansers
Having a gentle yet effective cleanser is the foundation of any solid skincare routine. I recommend Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for most skin types. It cleans without over-drying and leaves skin feeling soft and fresh. For a deep pore cleanse, try the Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub once or twice a week.
Moisturizers
One of the most common skincare mistakes is not properly moisturizing. After cleansing, always apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Those with oily skin should try an oil-free, lightweight lotion like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM. For dry skin, I love Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream—it’s rich yet fast-absorbing.
Eye Creams
The delicate eye area shows signs of aging faster than other parts of our face. Using an eye cream can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles while brightening dark circles. The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream and Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Eye Treatment are two of my top recommendations for combatting under eye aging.
Lip Care
Don’t forget about your lips! Constant exposure to sun, wind and dry indoor air can cause sore, flaky lips. Apply a hydrating lip balm with SPF like Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm or Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect throughout the day for soft, healthy lips.
Sun Protection
Daily sunscreen use is hands down the best anti-aging skincare tip I can give. Unprotected sun exposure leads to dark spots, wrinkles and skin cancer over time. Choose a broad spectrum SPF 30 (at least!) like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen or Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen for your face.
FAQ
What order should I apply my skincare products?
Cleanse, tone if using a toner, apply serums/treatments, eye cream, face moisturizer, then sunscreen.
How often should I exfoliate my face?
1-2 times per week is sufficient for most skin types. Those with sensitive skin may only need to exfoliate every 2 weeks.
Do I need a separate day and night moisturizer?
Not necessarily – one moisturizer with SPF for daytime use and without SPF for night is fine for most people.
At what age should I start using an eye cream?
I recommend starting eye creams in your late 20s to keep the eye area hydrated and supported.
How often should I wash my face if I have acne-prone skin?
Twice daily is ideal – over-washing can trigger more oil production and worsen breakouts.