Many people assume if they want great skin they just have to go to the dermatologist.

But in reality, that’s only the first step.

A visit to your dermatologist alone won’t clear up your skin problems. Great skin comes when you listen to their advice AND use the best products for your skin.

Yes, a visit to the dermatologist is the best place to start to fix our skin issues, but real change comes when you pair their services with effective, trustworthy products. And what better place to start than with the products recommended and sold by your dermatologist? You can trust them, they’re affordable, and they come with a guarantee. Here’s why:

How Dermatologists Choose Their Products

Dermatologists don’t carry mediocre products in their offices. They carry products they’ve personally used or tested. Their reputation is on the line — they don’t want to promote products that aren’t great. Think about it — if you get a rash from a dermatologist-sold product, you probably won’t trust them enough to go back.

How do they choose what to sell? Dermatologists only recommend skincare products with a proven track record. Most products spent years in development and testing and come with a “hypoallergenic” label. That doesn’t mean everyone can use it, but it will work for most clients.

Many of these products also come with a guarantee. If your skin reacts or you don’t see the results you wanted, you can return it within a reasonable time (usually 30 days).

Are These Products More Expensive?

Dermatologist-sold products cost less than people think. Most offices choose products in a moderate price range and don’t add much markup.

See, dermatologists view this as a service for their patients, not as a sales technique. They only carry the products they deem highly effective and worth patients’ money. We know how easy it is to spend $200 on a little cream in a department store — that’s not what you’ll find in the dermatologist’s office.

How Dermatologist-Approved Products Work Best for You

When you buy in the office, you know you’re getting the right product. If you can immediately buy the product your dermatologist just told you about, you don’t have to worry about finding it or misunderstanding their description.

For these conditions and needs, a dermatologist-sold product may be especially helpful.

Eczema

If you have eczema (atopic dermatitis), your doctor will probably recommend, “Use a mild soap for daily bathing. Then use a heavy moisturizer to trap in the moisture.” But will you be able to get the right product? Do you know what soaps are mild and what moisturizers are heavy enough to work?

If you have the option to buy at the dermatologist’s office, you’ll leave knowing you have a good soap you can use in the shower that won’t strip the oils from your skin and a moisturizer that can actually lock in the moisture your skin needs to fully repair. Plus, you won’t have to spend another two hours trying to find the right products — it’s a one-stop shop.

Dandruff or Scalp-Psoriasis

Often people come to the dermatologist for scalp irritations. Treating a condition like seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis is multi-step. If your dermatologist has a shampoo and conditioner option to pair with a prescription product, you’ll likely see improvement more quickly than with the prescription alone.

Daily Skincare Routine

Many patients ask for a recommendation for daily skincare. They want to know what cleanser and moisturizer will work best for them. There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. So we carry products designed for sensitive, acne-prone, dry, and combination skin. Then we can easily show patients which products will work best for their particular skin type.

For example, we recommend a specific moisturizer for people with really dry skin and a different option for someone with acne who doesn’t need extra oil added to their skin. As their dermatologist, we know their skin conditions and can recommend skincare products tailored to their specific needs.

Can I Buy These Products Online?

If it’s the same product, go for it… but you won’t find much of a price difference if you’re buying the legitimate product online vs. in-office. We price our products comparable to their online price. We know that if there’s a big price gap, you’ll just shop online (we do it too!).

However, if you choose to buy online, make sure you’re getting a legally distributed product. Some products on Amazon aren’t what they claim — and some companies have made it illegal for distributors to list their products online.

Why? They’ve ordered their own company products online and tested them. They’ve often found the product has been removed from the container and something else put in — so you never know if you’re getting the right thing unless you buy from a legal distributor.

If you really want to see significant improvement in your skin, go ahead and schedule your next visit to the dermatologist. When you go, you’ll find more than great advice — you’ll find the products that work best for you.