Inside the skincare routines of dermatologists aged in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s - as they reveal their biggest beauty regret

It seems like every time you log onto TikTok, there's a beauty influencer raving about a brand-new viral skincare product that you just have to try. 

Whether it's snail mucin or hair identifying spray or a new kind of blush, there's always something that's setting the internet ablaze. 

And this doesn't even cover all of the skincare advice and 'hacks' that are shared on the platform, too, like mouth taping and slugging. 

But at the end of the day, how can we really know what's good for our skin - and what products and routines can we trust? 

To find out, FEMAIL interviewed trusted dermatologists in their 20s to their 60s to learn what products they use on their skin everyday - and the common skincare mistake that they all regret making when they were younger. 

At the end of the day, how can we really know what's good for our skin? And what products and routines can we really trust?

20s: Rachel Goodman, MD

Dr. Rachel Goodman is a recent graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and will be heading into her dermatology residency at Yale University soon.

She was also a 2022 Medical Student SCRIPS Scholar at Vanderbilt University's Medical Center. 

When Dr. Goodman wakes up, she starts by washing her face with the inexpensive and gentle CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which she likes because of its moisturizing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to reinforce the skin's natural barrier. 

After that, she uses the $182 SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which she appreciates for its blend of Vitamin C and ferulic acid. She says that this serum protects her skin from environmental damage. 

'While vitamin C and retinoids can enhance each other's effects, I like to apply them at different times (morning and night) to avoid excessive irritation,' she explained. 

Then, she applies a pea-sized amount of the La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Niacinamide Serum, which she likes to use in the morning because it's safe alongside Vitamin C products.

She said it also helps with DNA repair and reduces inflammation. 

For a moisturizer, she likes the fragrance-free version of the $19.99 Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel, followed by a thin layer of the $45 Elta MD Tinted Sunscreen for the face and neck.

Dr. Rachel Goodman is a recent graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and will be heading into her dermatology residency soon

'Early in medical school, a dermatologist mentor advised that for healthy skin aging, the two most essential products are sunscreen and retinoids,' Dr. Goodman shared with DailyMail.com

Since the doctor grew up in Florida, she admitted that she spent a lot of time baking in the sun with little sunscreen - something that she regretted. 

'Early in medical school, a dermatologist mentor advised that for healthy skin aging, the two most essential products are sunscreen and retinoids,' Dr. Goodman shared with DailyMail.com. 

'So when people mention that sunscreen feels uncomfortable, leaves an unwanted white cast, or is an annoying additional step, I remind them that sunscreen not only has numerous benefits like preventing skin cancer, but also prevents long-term signs of sun damage,' she continued. 

Finally, she applies some Aquaphor to her lips, which she likes for its ingredients like petroleum and mineral oil. She says that the different components create a barrier and seal in moisture to keep her lips hydrated. 

At night, Goodman's routine is a bit more streamlined.

She cleanses with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and then goes on to what she calls her favorite step - applying a pea-sized amount of prescription tretinoin 0.05% all over her face. 

'I love retinoids like tretinoin because, like sunscreen, they effectively help prevent signs of photoaging, [like] fine lines [and] wrinkles,' she explained.

'Tretinoin also combats acne as an added bonus. In my experience, I've found that tretinoin works best to prevent acne rather than as a localized spot treatment,' she said. 

Dr. Goodman added that before she began using tretinoin, she would apply adapalene gel, which she said was not as powerful but was a good, affordable over-the-counter option. 

30s: Dr. Samantha Ellis of PotzokinMD Skincare Center in Danville, California

Dr. Samantha Ellis is the founder of skincare brand Prequel, with products that won the 2024 Allure Reader's Choice Awards

Dr. Samantha Ellis is a board-certified dermatologist who offers dermatology care to her patients in California, while sharing her skincare expertise on her social media channels, like TikTok.

She is also the founder of skincare brand Prequel, with products that won the 2024 Allure Reader's Choice Awards.

In the morning, Dr. Ellis likes to stick to a 'pretty simple' skincare routine that includes both expensive and inexpensive products, especially when she is getting ready to go to clinic. 

The first thing she does is cleanse her face with warm water, and goes in with the Prequel Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C serum, followed by an eye cream, like the $114 Neocutis Lumiere Firm.

If her skin needs that extra boost, Dr. Ellis will layer on a hydrating serum on top of her Vitamin C serum, and then finishes off with sunscreen, which she says also functions as her moisturizer.  

'I have a sunscreen "wardrobe" and often choose based on my mood or planned activities for the day,' she shared. 

She will always include an antioxidant and SPF in her morning routine because she wants to make sure her daytime skincare is protecting her skin from various stressors throughout the day. 

But at night is where things start to get a bit more fun - Dr. Ellis admitted that she often liked to test out new products.

'I have a sunscreen "wardrobe" and often choose based on my mood or planned activities for the day,' Dr. Ellis shard with DailyMail.com

She says that she always starts with a double cleanse to remove sunscreen and makeup, starting with Bioderma's $18.99 Micellar Water or the $10 Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil, followed by her Prequel Cleanser. 

'My double cleanse is how I gently prepare my skin for all of the anti-aging/corrective treatments that come next in the routine,' she said. 

After that, she applies the $20 Prequel Redness Reform Serum, along with a peptide serum. She is currently alternating between the viral $25 CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum and the $179 Colorescience Pep Up Serum.

Finally, like the other dermatologists, she applies a retinoid, which helps with fine lines and pigmentation, and a moisturizer. 

One night per week she will forgo the retinoid and use an exfoliating treatment, like the Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel Pads.

And, like her fellow dermatologists as you'll soon see, Dr. Ellis also told DailyMail.com that she wished she had used sunscreen before her mid-20s. 

'I've been working to correct all of the sun damage I incurred, but deep down I know some of that is irreversible and could easily have been prevented with safer sun habits,' she admitted. 

40s: Dr. Mamina Turegano of Sanova Dermatology in New Orleans, Louisiana  

Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple-board certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist, is based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

She has a well-known online presence, including her YouTube channel, where she dives deep into viral skincare trends and skincare concerns, like whether or not your dry skin could be thyroid-related.

Each morning, Dr. Turegano cleanses her face with cold water to wake her up, followed by the $182 Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, a Vitamin C which works to brighten the skin, decrease find lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin, along with sunscreen. 

Dr. Mamina Turegano has a well-known online presence, including her YouTube channel, where she dives deep into viral skincare trends and concerns

Skinceuticals is another brand that's well-loved by dermatologists, and is sold in many of their offices - but can be a bit pricey.

Next, the dermatologist uses Clinique All About Eyes Serum, which contains caffeine to help depuff swollen skin  and improve dark circles, followed by the La Roche-Posay Melasyl B3 Serum, a new anti-hyperpigmentation product. 

Dr. Turegano also uses the $115 Neova DNA Total Repair Serum. 

She explained that DNA repair enzymes are an important anti-aging ingredient that repairs damage from UV exposure. 

In the morning, Dr. Turegano puts on the Vichy Liftactiv Collagen Specialist Moisturizer to increase collagen production, as well as the La Roche-Posay tinted mineral sunscreen, her go-to sunscreen for over 10 years. 

She admitted to DailyMail.com that she wished that she had started using a retinoid product earlier, as well as regularly wearing sunscreen. 

'I didn't start until my late 20s when I was in dermatology residency and I learned about the importance of daily sunscreen use and the effectiveness of retinoids,' Dr. Turegano told DailyMail.com.

'I also wish I didn't bathe out in the sun as much as I did during high school and college,' she added. 

When it comes to her night routine, the dermatologist starts by taking off her makeup, using the Elemis Pro-collagen cleansing balm, which she says makes her skin feel soft.

'I also wish I didn't bathe out in the sun as much as I did during high school and college,' Dr. Turegano said 

After her makeup is all gone, Dr. Tuegano washes her face with either the Biojuve Conditioning Cleanse or the $16.99 RoC Barrier Renew Gel-To-Foam Cleanser. 

Then, she'll put on the $225 Biojuve Living Biome Essentials Serum and the brand's Activating Mist, a product that Dr. Turegano says combat signs of aging and hyperpigmentation.  

To brighten up dark circles under her eyes, she glides on the $116 Skinceuticals Age Advanced Eye Complex, and follows up with a Tretinoin 0.05% cream.

The last step in Dr. Turegano's nighttime routine is the Clinique Clinical Repair Lifting Face and Neck Cream, which she said has a has a well-researched blend of peptides to help lift and moisturize the skin.

50s: Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd of Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology in Miami, Florida

Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd is an internationally recognized, board-certified dermatologist and lifestyle medicine doctor based in Miami, Florida.

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd currently serves as Director of the Skin of Color Division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology, and is the founder of Derm Friends, an online platform that helps people find products for specific skin and hair concerns. 

Every morning, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd goes for a walk outside, which means she always puts on sunscreen. 

Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd currently serves as Director of the Skin of Color Division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology, and is the founder of Derm Friends

'I live in Miami, where the UV index is very high, so the sunscreen I use for exercising outside is different than the sunscreen I wear for everyday use,' she told DailyMail.com.

Currently, the dermatologist uses the $15 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick, which she likes for its easy application. 

When she's back from her walk, she uses the $15 Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash, followed by the $19.99 La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream if her skin is feeling dry.

La Roche-Posay is a fan-favorite brand among dermatologists, and is often easy to find in drugstores. 

She'll then apply a lightweight one for everyday use, like the CeraVe AM SPF30, another drugstore product. 

Dr.  Woolery-Lloyd likes to mix her sunscreen with concealer, specifically the $7 e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer, to create the look of a tinted moisturizer. 

'The other added benefit of using a concealer is that the tint helps to block visible light,' she said. 

The dermatologist noted that while she has always applied sunscreen daily, she would have added a tint to her sunscreen earlier. 

The dermatologist noted that while she has always been good about applying sunscreen everyday, she would have added a tint to her sunscreen earlier

'The data on how visible light affects our skin is relatively new,' she told DailyMail.com. 

'I think this is very helpful for boosting protection from the sun.'

At night, if she has any makeup on, she'll use the $12.99 CeraVe Makeup Remover Cleanser Balm followed by a gentle cleanser, like the $16.49 CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser or Dove Beauty Bar.  

Once her face is all clean, she will go in with the La Roche-Posay MelaB serum, something that she just recently added to her routine. 

'It contains a new ingredient to even skin tone, and I am loving the results so far,' she shared. 

For a nighttime moisturizer, Dr. Woolery-LLoyd is a big fan of Eucerin's Immersive Hydration Gel Cream, which she says is very lightweight but still hydrating - and only costs about $20. 

60s: Dr. Ellen C. Gendler of Gendler Dermatology in New York City

Dr. Ellen C. Gendler is not only a board-certified dermatologist but also a leading expert in cosmetic dermatology, as a clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Medical Center. 

She is straightforward and not a big fan of gimmicky skincare - consistently sharing advice and warnings on her popular TikTok and Instagram pages, where she boasts a combined 300,000 followers. 

In the morning, Dr. Gendler starts out with a face cleanser from her own skincare line, Gendler Dermatology, which she says contains jojoba oil and is non-drying. 

Like Dr. Turegano, she uses Prequel's $23 Vitamin C, and goes in with the $115 Neova Total DNA Repair daily serum, which is meant to address skin damage from the sun. 

For a moisturizer, the dermatologist alternates between Dieux's $45 Instant Angel or one by the brand Virginskin.

One product she absolutely loves for her under eyes is the M4 Estriol Cream by Alloy, which contains topical estriol, an estrogen hormone, which is meant to help address signs of aging. 

A great sunscreen is extremely important to Dr. Gendler, too.

Dr. Ellen C. Gendler of New York City's Gendler Dermatology is a leading expert in cosmetic dermatology

'As someone who developed a skin cancer on my face in my 50s, requiring reconstructive surgery, I wish I had not basked in the sun looking to get tan like I did as a teenager and young adult,' Dr. Gendler shared with DailyMail.com. 

'I wish I had known about European sun filters back then,' she added.

In Europe, the sunscreens have newer chemical filters, which means that they have a stronger protection against the sun, especially when it comes to blocking UVA rays, which go deep into our skin and can contribute to a variety of potential problems.

After she's applied all of her skincare in the morning, she puts on the Rationale Tinted Serum 3, a mineral sunscreen that contains SPF 50, as a makeup. 

And, when she's going to be outdoors, she layers on the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400, but just uses one coat when going into the office. 

At night, she cleanses with the same products, along with the prescription-only M4 Estriol Cream.

She then applies the Altreno 0.05% tretinoin, a product she's been using for more than 20 years, a go-to product that she credits for helping her skin look as good as it does now. 

That's followed by the Photozyme Ultra-Rich cream, a DNA repair that also serves as her moisturizer.

Using a great sunscreen is very important to Dr. Gendler, who developed a skin cancer on her face in her 50s

If she's feeling super dry, she'll add in the $170 Isdin Melatonik restorative serum on top. 

'Everything I use serves a distinct purpose to accomplish something,' Dr. Gendler explained. 'I don't believe in fluff.' 

One product she doesn't believe in? 

The dermatologist admitted that she 'deeply regrets' using lash serums like Latisse, which she said caused permanent pigmentation on her eyelids and a total loss of the fat around her eyes.