How to Shop the Dermstore Anniversary Sale Like a Dermatologist
It’s the most wonderful time of year.
Ever wish you could just copy/paste the virtual carts of the experts who really know what they’re doing when it comes to shopping for beauty products? Well, we leaned into that nosiness and started a series dedicated to the shopping lists of some of the country’s top beauty experts.
When it comes to shopping for skincare online, the process can be overwhelming. Yes, reviews help, but wouldn’t it be even better if you could just ask someone, perhaps a dermatologist? Well, it’s your lucky day: dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry is here to give you the rundown on what she would snap up during Dermstore’s lauded annual Anniversary Sale, running from August 9th through 17th (though you can shop starting August 8th if you're a VIP). “I am a huge fan of shopping for skincare at home,” says Dr. Henry. “In these uncertain times, we can rely on online retailers to help keep us safe while getting our skincare fix.”
Keep scrolling for her curated selection of deals from one of the year’s best sales.
Dr. Henry swears by regular exfoliation—and this gentle, daily powder formula is one of her top picks. She says that this skincare step is “critical to preventing acne and promoting an even skin tone."
Rice-based enzyme powder in this product activates with a splash of water to gently remove dead skin cells. Plus, it contains salicylic acid, which can help to clean clogged pores, Henry says. Essentially, your skin is getting a one-two punch of chemical and physical exfoliation to slough away the gunk that’s lurking on and under your skin.
At-home chemical peels can be a bit hit or miss—they’re either too potent (resulting in potential skin damage) or too gentle (little-to-no visible results). Dr. Dennis Gross, a dermatologist with 25 years of experience under his belt, created a single use peel pad system that aims to tackle fine lines, large pores, dark spots, and breakouts, all without being too harsh.
This two-step alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid peel pad is easy to use and super low-risk compared to a deeper peel, without the down time.
This new treatment from the celebrated skincare brand Sunday Riley is both a customer and derm favorite for its ability to gently exfoliate the surface of your skin to help reveal a visibly smoother, brighter complexion. “I love glycolic acid because it is both an exfoliant and a humectant, so it deeply exfoliates and draws in moisture to help enhance the skin’s overall radiance,” says Dr. Henry.
This essential serum helps soften wrinkles, reduce dark spots, and address other signs of aging, says Henry, who swears by the product because of the extensive scientific research SkinMedica put into its development.
Neocutis Bio Serum Firm Rejuvenating Growth Factor and Peptide Treatment
If glowing skin is your goal, you’ll want to add this anti-aging serum to your cart. Why? It’s packed with peptides, human growth factors, and sodium hyaluronate, which Dr. Henry says will help to stimulate collagen while hydrating the skin.
This serum contains three of Henry’s favorite ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. They work together, she says, to hydrate, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and promote a smooth, even tone. Bonus: she declares it “safe for the most sensitive skin types.”
This multi-purpose product is the ideal pick-me-up for tired eyes. Imagine your perfect under-eye concealer but crafted with key skincare ingredients, like a powerful blend of peptides and vitamins that targets under-eye buzzkills like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
It’s available in multiple shades for a diverse range of skin tones, and is also a mineral sunscreen, which Henry notes is great for sensitive eyelid skin.
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