Dermatologist-developed products, for the most part, scare me. I want to maintain my healthy complexion and prevent possible future damage without resorting to anything overly potent that might leave me red in the face — or god knows what else. I have an aversion towards dermatologist that hawk their own product lines (I once went to see an NYC derm that had her own line – instead of treating my skin she wouldn’t stop trying to push her products and for that, she charged me a fortune…never again will I go see a derm with their own product line!). The exceptions to my rule are Dr. Perricone and Dr. Brandt, both of whom not only make fantastic products, but I’d jump at the chance to meet them in person any day of the week! With that I wanted to highlight  Dr. Brandt Skincare glow by dr. brandt ruby laser technology kit glow ($65). It’s a recently launched, limited edition set of two creams: overnight resurfacing serum and ruby crystal retinol hydracréme, both of which are potent, but not at all scary!

At $65 the duo is a great value. Both products are formulated with retinol, one of those magic ingredients that beauty editors swear by to even out lines, improve discoloration, and clear skin — and it’s something women need to think about starting to use beginning in their mid to late 20s.

Around my age (I’m in my mid 20s), our skin begins to lose some of its natural radiance as oxygen levels and water retention decrease. In our 30s, cell turnover starts to diminish and collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production begin to slow down. In our 40s and beyond, skin loses the ability to hold water and cell turnover is dramatically reduced.  Retinol can help with all of that so despite having sensitive skin (and the serum being formulated with 2% active retinol complex—the highest concentration available without a prescription), I had no qualms about lathering the ruby crystal all over my face by day and the resurfacing serum all over my face by night because of all my past positive experience with Dr. Brandt’s products. I’ve been using both since January and they’re relatively lightweight and not at all greasy. The day cream I found to be particularly great because it has an instant illuminating and tightening effect and it’s moisturizing enough to use on its own so it works well if you like to keep your skincare routine quick and simple in the AM.