Celebrity-Loved Dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali's Top 10 Skin-Care Products
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The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, about his favorite skin-care products.
If you're truly impressed by Martha Stewart's youthful appearance, it's all thanks to board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD. He's also the dermatologist behind Rhode's skin care lineup and works closely with Hailey Bieber. "[Dermatology is] truly the most incredible field. I love the diversity of the day to day. You can be surgically excising a skin cancer, treating acne in a college student, or doing laser resurfacing all in one afternoon. Not to mention, you get to play detective by solving mystery rashes. It's truly a blend of being a dermatological scientist, general doctor, autoimmune expert, and even an artist," Dr. Bhanusali says.
Beyond his celebrity clientele, he's passionate about making medications more accessible to patients and consumers through educational content on social media and his digital health platform Skin Medicinals. Dr. Bhanusali loves the aesthetics side of his practice, but he is also deeply passionate about his scar work. "The ability to give people the ability to smile again or even move limbs is truly unparalleled. The hugs and tears that have flowed in our office make it all worth it."
A misconception he often comes across, especially on social media, is that dermatology is easy. "For medical dermatology, often our experience is built upon thousands of hours of studying and years of clinical exams. It may seem like a quick diagnosis but it's the result of a vast depth of knowledge and experience," he says. Dr. Bhanusali also wants to dispel the notion that lasers or injectables are quick procedures that can be done anywhere. "Having focused on scars and having had countless patients I've had to 'fix,' it's really important to go see a board-certified dermatologist who has extensive training in these types of procedures."
Dr. Bhanusali's biggest skin-care tip is to avoid following trends and figure out what works for you. "I generally like a 'less is more' approach. That said, formulas are important and the research or science behind products are what I gravitate towards. Much like cooking, the right recipe can make all the difference," he says. Dr. Bhanusali is noticing consumers investing in products that are science and results-driven more than ever. "I think marketing used to go a long way, but now the average consumer is more educated and wants to only spend money on things that really work, which is a good thing!"
Ahead, Dr. Bhanusali shares his top skin-care recommendations, including his favorite sunscreen picks, at-home beauty devices that are worth the investment, and more.
Experts Featured in This Article
Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD, is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, researcher, and laser surgeon, practicing at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. He is also the dermatologist behind Hailey Bieber's Rhode.
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Best Product For Acne According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Neutrogena Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment ($18, originally $40)
"For over-the-counter, the Neutrogena Adapalene 0.1% is a great option that can help yet still remains gentle," Dr. Bhanusali says. The prescription-strength formula is oil-free and fragrance-free, and it's best to use it at night.
However, acne isn't one-size-fits-all, and Dr. Bhanusali acknowledges the importance of identifying its cause and creating a custom treatment for each patient. "For more severe acne cases, I usually compound a topical with tretinoin, azelaic acid, and hyaluronic acid via Skin Medicinals."
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Best Product For Hyperpigmentation According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Skin Medicinals Custom Compound ($45+)
"I custom compound a high dose hydroquinone with ionic acid via Skin Medicinals," Dr. Bhanusali says. Skin Medicinals is a patient-dermatologist digital platform that helps deliver custom topical and oral medications at a fraction of the cost of traditional prescriptions. A custom compound varies from patient to patient, and formulations can include eight to 12 percent strength hydroquinone, kojic acid, and vitamin C. "Hyperpigmentation is tough, so I like a heavy-duty approach to start and then look for products with tranexamic acid after to help maintain the result."
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Best Product For Pores According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel Treatment ($13, originally $15)
"An over-the-counter Adapalene product is a great option," Dr. Bhanusali says. Our editors love Differin's Adapalene Gel Treatment and always stock up on it. Adapalene is known to help decrease acne by increasing cell turnover and diminishing blackheads and clogged pores, which in turn also helps reduce the appearance of pores. The Neutrogena one above helps with this as well.
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Best Cleanser According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Rhode Pineapple Refresh Daily Cleanser ($30)
If you prefer to exfoliate while cleansing, Dr. Bhanusali recommends the Rhode Pineapple Refresh Daily Cleanser. "The Rhode Pineapple Refresh was formulated for very gentle exfoliation, even in the most sensitive of skin (myself included), and is something I use daily," he says. It's a balm-to-foam cleanser that deeply cleanses your skin without stripping it. Our editor loves how refreshing it feels on her skin, and you can read more in her review of the Rhode Pineapple Refresh Daily Cleanser.
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Best Eye Cream According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream ($116)
"I recommend the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye for mature skin and the RoC Retinol Line Smoothing Anti Wrinkle for Dark Circles Eye Cream ($13-$30) for your 20s and 30s to maintain collagen production," he says. The SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye has a silky texture that deeply hydrates the undereye area to help improve the appearance of crow's feet, puffiness, and dark circles. It contains ProxylaneTM, a flavonoid blend; glycyrrhetinic acid, which helps brighten the skin; Matrixyl 3000; and caffeine. It also has diffusing ingredients to help diminish dullness immediately.
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Best Sunscreen According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 ($13, originally $17)
Dr. Bhanusali has several SPF favorites, including both chemical and physical formulations. "I love Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF Lotion when I am on the beach or breaking a sweat. For day to day, I alternate between a bunch, including the Hydroboost SPF, EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 ($43), or the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 ($36)."
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Best Face Mask According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask ($5)
"We use the Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask by Neutrogena both for our patients in-office and at home for gentle hydration during the winter months. It's lightweight yet still very hydrating," he says. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this hydrogel mask can be used after cleansing but before your serums. You can leave it on for up to 30 minutes for a deep hydration treatment.
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Best Beauty Tool According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro Facewear ($379)
"The Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro Facewear LED mask is a great option given the red light and blue light options built in — and it also rings in at a relatively more reasonable price point than others. I also like that it's developed with dermatologists," he says. This LED mask is FDA-cleared and lets you customize treatment options to target your acne and anti-aging concerns simultaneously.
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Best Vitamin C Serum According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Neostrata 15% Vitamin C and PHA Serum ($55)
"In general, vitamin C creams make me nervous given how inflammatory they can be. That said, I like brands with good science. Neostrata has a Vitamin C with PHA that is formulated really well and gets you a potentially better penetration than other products without being overly harsh." This serum can help improve the look of dark spots and fine lines while delivering a brighter complexion with gentle exfoliation.
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Best Lip Balm According to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment ($16)
"I have to go with the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. While most love the aesthetic appearance after application, the formula is really a powerhouse of ingredients. It helps with long-term support for the barrier and infrastructure of such delicate skin." The viral lip treatment contains shea butter, peptides, and cupuaçu to help deeply hydrate and restore moisture in the lips. It comes in a variety of scents and tinted options as well. Read more in our editor's review of the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment.
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Anvita Reddy (she/her) is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and reviews home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She tests skin care, makeup, and hair care, plus countless other beauty products.