A massive perk of my job as a beauty editor is getting to regularly try new and exciting makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance brands and products. But much like the comfort of my coffee order (one-shot-oat-milk-cappuccino, always) I still have a line up of ‘go-to’s’ I know I can always rely on. This especially holds true when it comes to my skincare and it was just the other evening whilst doing my night-time regime I realised that 80 percent of my ride-or-die’s are from doctor-led brands.
With this in mind, I reached out to the brains behind a couple of those I most love and respect to find out why there continues to be such a demand for doctor-developed skincare.
World-renowned aesthetics doctor Barbara Sturm says it’s a deep understanding of the science behind the skincare that makes them such a worthy investment.
"We’ve seen a growing and intense interest from the customer in the science of their own health and the products they use,” says Sturm. "People are losing interest in products that don’t work or even worse, that attack healthy skin. I built my skincare solutions around advanced ingredient science – potent ingredients that have been widely clinically studied for their properties and efficacy. Skincare and treatments that embrace the individuality and diverse needs of every consumer are the present and future of skincare.”
According to Dr Anita Sturnham who founded her brand Decree after years of successfully treating skincare issues in her London clinic, it’s also having real knowledge, expertise and accreditation in their respective field. "Most doctor-led brands are based on the founder's clinical experience and have a strong focus on efficacy and using active levels of ingredients that have been clinically proven to create change at a cellular level in the skin,” she explains. "We see patients day in, day out, and understand how ingredients can impact skin health.”
Keep scrolling for the best doctor-led skincare brands to invest in – and ones that I use every single day.
1.Decree
The aim of Decree is to strip back complicated regimes with a line up of eight highly efficacious products. "The range empowers you to become an expert in your own skin, allows you to enjoy a simplified yet effective routine and will show you the benefits that following a consistent skincare regimen can bring,” explains Sturnham. I honestly credit this brand for transforming my skin.
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The first step in my skincare routine. It calms the skin and allows the products you subsequently apply to penetrate deeper and work better.
2. Dr Barbara Sturm
Loved by celebrities and beauty editors across the globe, Dr Barbara Sturm started her own brand to enable her patients to enhance as well as achieve in-clinic results at home. Each product boasts an innovative ingredient-focused formula backed by science and results. My must-have? The Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which Sturm credits as ‘the white T-shirt’ of her own skincare line.
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A deeply hydrating serum that acts as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It's the key to instantly plumping and boosting the skin, and it'll continue to keep looking better.
3. 111 Skin
I have such a love affair with 111 Skin, and I’m in good company – the likes of Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid count themselves as fans. I was lucky enough to get advice from Harley Street cosmetic surgeon and founder Dr Yannis in the lead up to my wedding on what products I should be using and when. The Clarity Concentrate 7-day treatment programme and Rose Gold Brightening Mask played a massive role in just how glowing and blemish-free my skin looked on the day.
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There's face masks, then there's 111 Skin face masks. Seriously in a league of their own.
4. RéVive
Founded by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Gregory Bays Brown, the brand incorporates its Nobel Prize-winning science used to heal burn victims. Each product is formulated with bio-renewal technology to increase cell renewal and improve collagen and elastin production. I’m currently slathering my skin with the Moisturising Renewal Nightly Retexturizer Cream.
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The rejuvenating night cream takes sleeping beauty to new levels, gently exfoliating to help remove dead and dull skin cells.
5. Augustinus Bader
Pair Professor Bader’s expertise in stem cell biology and cell technology with his patented Trigger Factor Complex molecule and you have something pretty special – little wonder it’s loved by Victoria Beckham Naomi Campbell and Priyanka Chopra to name a few. The high-tech formulas trigger your skin’s natural repair and renewal process by ensuring your skin is in an ideal environment for regeneration. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t look back.
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Strengthening soy bean, hydrolysed rice proteins, soothing aloe vera and brightening ascorbic acid work alongside the hero Trigger Factor Complex.
6. Skinceuticals
Founded by dermatologist, professor and skincare chemist Dr Sheldon Pinnell in 1997, you’d struggle to find a beauty editor that isn’t completely hooked on at least one Skinceuticals product. To this day, the brand works with world-renowned doctors, scientists and surgeons to create cutting edge skincare formulations, such as their iconic C E Ferulic Serum.
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Everyone needs a daily SPF 50, and this one is light-weight and sits well under makeup.
7. MZ Skin
With over 15 years in practice as one of the UK’s top eye surgeons, Dr. Maryam Zamani created MZ Skin from a real understanding of what her clients wanted from their skincare regime. The brand prides itself on medical know-how, scientifically-backed ingredients and clinically-proven results. The result? Products that effectively cater to every skin concern – all wrapped up in shelfie-approved gold and pink packaging.
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A five-day radiance regime – and a personal favourite of mine. Apply two single doses of the acid and antioxidant-rich serum per day for swoon-worthy skin.
8.Dr Dennis Gross
With 25+ years working as a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, Dr Dennis Gross was inspired by skincare problems he saw every day in his NYC clinic when creating the brand. The products really do offer clinical-grade results from the comfort of home – try the cult Alpha Beta Universal Peel Pads to see for yourself.
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Five alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and salicylic) work to remove the oldest, thinnest layer of skin without irritation.
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