These are the skincare products a top dermatologist actually uses and advises against

With a new “miracle” serum or skin-sculpting gadget dropping every other scroll, it’s no wonder our beauty cabinets are groaning. From needle-based innovations to LED-lit everything, the skincare world is both thrilling and—let’s be honest—overwhelming.

So, what’s actually worth it?

We caught up with a skin expert who’s seen it all, tried most of it, and doesn’t hesitate to tell the difference between science and snake oil. “None of these are endorsements,” Dr Kiran Kaur Sethi, medical director of Isya Aesthetics Clinic, Delhi, insists. “They are products that I like overall.” With that said, her go-tos are an intriguing mix of clinical staples and cult favourites.

The fab five (yes, you can buy them)

“I love Rilastil sunscreen—easy to apply and light,” she begins. Sunscreen that feels invisible? Sign us up.

“I also really enjoy Cleansing Complex cleanser by iS Clinical—it has salicylic acid, but it’s very gentle on the skin,” Dr Sethi continues, noting how rare it is to find something exfoliating and soothing.

Another personal favourite? “Obagi’s Hydro Drops. Truly hydrating and absolutely beautiful.” If glowing skin had a potion, this would be it.

She’s equally passionate about lashes and brows. “I really enjoy M2 Beauté lash and brow products—they’re non-medicated yet still effective,” she says. And for haircare with serious credentials: “I love Philip B hair products, especially the Russian Imperial range.”

Needles, nucleotides, and NAD—the next frontier

While the beauty aisle continues to churn out buzzwords, our expert is paying attention to delivery systems and biologically active ingredients that go beyond the superficial.

“I really enjoy the VT needle trend,” she says. “If you get the right gauge of needles that is not too harsh, and you use it gently and no more than once or twice a week, it can really help delivery of actives.” Think of it as micro-dosing—but for skincare.

“I am also enjoying topical PDRN and polynucleotides,” she adds. “While they are larger particles, I do see an improvement in hydration and skin resilience when applying them.”

Then comes the game-changer: “I’m also interested in bio-placenta and placenta ingredients for regeneration. And in topical NAD products again for regeneration, menopause and perimenopause is a tough time for women, and these ingredients could be a game changer.”

Gadgets that actually work (yes, really)

As for the high-tech tools crowding our feeds?

“LED masks can genuinely help, especially the blue light LED,” Dr Sethi explains. “When used properly, they can reduce acne lesions.” And for anyone chasing the glow: “Red light is good for reducing redness and to improve collagen synthesis.”

Haircare gets its moment in the spotlight, too. “I also love LED helmets for the scalp—it helps with hair growth,” she says. Practical and powerful? That’s our kind of beauty tech.

The trend she’s not buying into

Not everything trending is worth your time—or your pores. When asked about products that miss the dermatologist-approved mark, she doesn’t hesitate.

“Sunscreen sticks are simply a waste,” she says. “They are based on waxes, so to get enough sunscreen on your skin, you have to put a thick layer of wax on your face, which will typically cause acne and obstruction. You need 2 mg/cm² of sunblock on your face. It’s physically impossible to do that with sunscreen sticks.”

What to splurge on? Stick with the classics

With so many innovations, is there one product category that’s actually splurge-worthy?

“Honestly, it’s either vitamin C or retinol,” she says. “The gold standards with the most data.” Tried, tested, and not going anywhere.

The one she loved—and the one she let go

Every skincare lover has their hits and misses—even the pros.

“I tried and loved PDRN skincare,” she says. And the one that didn’t make the cut? “I ditched skincare based on probiotics—I just didn’t find any difference.”

So next time you’re tempted by a shiny new tube or glowing TikTok review, take a moment. Ask yourself: is it backed by results or just buzz? Because at the end of the day, your skin deserves more than a trend—it deserves the truth.

Lead image: Getty

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