Board-Certified Dermatologist · NYC
Evidence-based skincare, without the gatekeeping.
I break down what actually works, what's overhyped, and what your skin really needs. Honest dermatology, independent recommendations, real product reviews.
Ingredient of the Week
Ceramides
Start with the barrier.
- Why they matter
- Ceramides are lipids found naturally in your skin. In moisturizers, they can help support hydration and the skin barrier.
- Where to start
- A fragrance-free moisturizer is a useful starting point for dry skin. Choose a texture that suits your skin and feels comfortable to use.
- Look beyond the label
- Consider the whole formula and your skin's response. A single highlighted ingredient does not tell you everything about a moisturizer.
Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology: choosing a moisturizer ↗
From the ingredient to the product
Shop My Favorites
Explore the skincare I recommend, with my guides to help you decide what belongs in your routine.
Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon Favorites
Browse my skincare recommendations, then visit the blog for the reasoning behind each pick.
Shop My Amazon Favorites ↗ShopMy Favorites
Explore my curated skincare collections and browse the retailer options listed with each pick.
Shop My ShopMy Picks ↗Free Download · For Subscribers
The Dermatologist's Tretinoin Starter Guide
The exact ramp-up schedule, product picks, and troubleshooting tips I share with patients starting tretinoin. Learn how to manage dryness and build a routine you can tolerate.
- Week-by-week frequency schedule from beginner to nightly
- Five common mistakes that can worsen dryness and peeling
- Which moisturizers, cleansers, and SPF to pair
- What to expect at month 1, 3, and 6
New Here?
Start with these three guides
If you're new to skincare or just looking for where to start, these are the three pillar guides I'd send anyone first.
Beginner Retinol Guide
The complete dermatologist's guide to starting retinol, with 7 product picks and a strength-by-strength roadmap.
Read the Guide → 02Tretinoin Moisturizer Hub
The exact moisturizers I recommend to patients on tretinoin, by skin type and stage of acclimation.
Read the Guide → 03Best Drugstore Picks 2026
My 12 best drugstore moisturizers of the year, with picks for every skin type and all under $35.
Read the Guide →Most Popular
What readers are searching for
The posts bringing people back. Dermatologist-reviewed guides on the products and routines that make a difference.
Best Moisturizers to Use With Tretinoin
The moisturizers I actually recommend to patients based on skin type, sensitivity, and tolerability.
Read More → RetinolBest Retinol for Beginners (2026)
The 7 retinols I'd actually recommend to a true beginner, across every budget and skin type.
Read More → DrugstoreBest Drugstore Moisturizers 2026
12 dermatologist-tested drugstore moisturizers with picks for every skin type, all under $35.
Read More → Body CareAmLactin Lotion: 7 Uses a Derm Recommends
Everything AmLactin is good for: KP, crepey skin, rough texture, and more, plus how to use it.
Read More → TretinoinBest Moisturizer for Tretinoin Peeling
The products I recommend to patients in the peeling phase, with a step-by-step recovery routine.
Read More → ComparisonVanicream vs CeraVe for Sensitive Skin
An honest head-to-head of two of the most popular sensitive skin brands. Which is actually better?
Read More →Browse by Topic
Find what you're looking for
The Podcast
Derm Next Door
With Ali & Reem
Listen to two New York City board-certified dermatologists talk about skincare, beauty trends, and everything in between. Real conversations that make skin science accessible, evidence-based, and actually fun to listen to.
New episodes drop regularly. Tune in for product breakdowns, ingredient deep-dives, and the kind of unfiltered industry talk you usually only get from your derm best friend.