In this blog post I will share dermatologist Dr Dray’s expert tips on finding affordable, effective products from Amazon for every skin type and concern. As a dermatologist, Dr. Dray emphasizes accessible skincare solutions without compromising on quality. The guide highlights her top Amazon recommendations for cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, and some additional tips and products that directly and indirectly impact your skin. From budget-friendly finds to must-have basics, this guide is perfect for those looking to build a dermatologist-approved skincare routine using Amazon’s wide selection.
Note: The inserted images from Amazon are for your benefit and mine. They give you a better idea of the products I talk about; and if you use my link to make any purchase, I make a small commission from Amazon as part of their Amazon Affiliates Program. All products are dermatologist recommended!
1. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
Keeping your skin moisturized is at the base of skin care, so let’s start here!
One of the top questions Dr Dray is often asked is what products are beneficial to get rid of stretch marks, and while there isn’t that much you can do, an ingredient that is known to help is hyaluronic acid. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream is an effective product that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and is safe to use even if you’re pregnant.
This has no fragrance, is deeply hydrating and can be used on your face as well as your body. Good news for people with niacinamide sensitivities, this product does not have niacinamide.
Here is a post about the top Neutrogena recommendations by Dr Dray
2. Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence
Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence is one of Dr Dray’s most frequently repurchased skincare product. Snail mucin is not only hydrating, but there is research that proves that it also helps stimulate healing pathways.
Skincare typically takes months to show effects, but using this product can show immediate smoothing out of fine lines, it gives a hydrating, healthy, plumped skin glow right away and diminishes the appearance of pores.
Dr Dray likes to use this on damp skin, 3-4 pumps of this product on your face and neck is what she recommends.
3. Cosrx Snail Mucin All in One Cream
While the essence mentioned above can be used by itself and provide great results, to really amplify the benefits of this essence, dermatologist Dr Dray also uses the Cosrx Snail Music All in One Cream on top of the essence. The stacking of these two wonderful products really smoothens out the skin, you feel nice and hydrated. This is perfect to use under and around your eyes as well. Try the two products together and watch your pores disappear.
4. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Azelaic Acid is really good for redness, for acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is anti-inflammatory and generally pretty well tolerated. Few people do complain about itchiness caused by this ingredient but in general it does not trigger sensitive skin.
This product also has salicylic acid, which is suitable for people with oily skin, acne, dark spots, rosacea and inflammation. This Paula’s Choice product is one of the best Azelaic Acid products Dr Dray has ever used, and considering how much skin care she tries and tests out for us, that is a huge claim.
5. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This product is worth the hype and Dr Dray constantly recommends this product any time she’s talking about black heads, white heads, comedones, hyperpigmentation. It is safe if you have a deeper skin tone as well, and it’s anti-inflammatory.
6. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60
This chemical sunscreen is a light weight sunscreen with a fluid consistency, it is water resistant, it does not leave a white cast, it is safe to use when it’s hot and humid, or even when you will be out doors and enjoying water-based activities. It is a chemical sunscreen but it does not aggravate the eyes.
7. Kerasal Nail Renewal
Dr Dray loves the Kerasal Foot Ointment, but they also have a nail renewal treatment that is excellent for your nails. You apply it twice a day on your nails for a week, and then you can cut that down to once a day for 8 weeks (ideally). This can change the game for how your nails look, especially for us gel manicure loving girlies. This can be used on toe nails as well, especially if there’s some damage from frequent pedicures or if you wear tight fitting shoes, (flashback from my school days, we had a uniform). This can also help with nail fungus!
8. The Mighty Patch
These are the best skin patches that help shrink the pimple and help them heal faster. They are also good for mosquito bites. They are comfortable and stay on even through sweat. One of the most useful uses of these patches is that it keeps you from picking your skin. Skin picking is a more serious problem than most people think it is. If you have a habit of picking your skin intentionally or unintentionally, skincare will most likely not work the way you want it to. These pimple patches are a fantastic way to keep you from doing that.
9. Hita Shampoo Scalp Brush & Massager
A tip that Dr Dray has is to not use too much shampoo, too much shampoo can strip your hair down of the natural moistures but the scalp still needs to be cleaned regularly. It is important to remove any product build up, oils and dandruff. It is important to shampoo as much as your hair can tolerate to make sure the scalp is clean. Yes, shampoos are meant to clean the scalp and the focus needs to be on using the shampoo on your scalp and not your ends.
Instead of using a large volume of shampoo, use a shampoo brush. This one is recommended by Dr Dray, it not only helps you use too much shampoo, but also helps massage your scalp; in doing that it increases the blood flow circulation that improves the health of your hair and facilitates hair growth.
This is also a great fabulous choice for people with hand eczema. It is better to not have it contact your scalp when it is in the healing process.
10. TheraGun Mini Massage Gun
While this product is not directly related to skincare, it is indirectly helpful for overall stress relief and skin health. It is one that Dr Dray uses every day. This helps relax and unwind after a long day. This mini gun is convenient to carry with you when you are on the go and need a pick me up at any time. It is powerful and goes really deep to give you a good massage. It is not bulky and make giving yourself a helpful massage easy.
Active in sport, tight muscles? Get this massage for yourself, it also makes a great gift if you’re looking for something for someone. I don’t know a single person who would be upset at getting a good massager as a gift!
11. Yagud Walking Pad
This once again, while not directly connected to skincare, is crucial to overall health and skin. Staying active, working your body and muscles are so important to your health and directly translates into the appearance of your skin. Dr Dray has been using this under the desk walking pad by Yagud for six months and absolutely loves this equipment that is easy to plug in and move around your house and get some steps in.
Wrapping Up
This is a great time to catch up on your holiday shopping, and Amazon is a great place to get started. Dr. Dray’s Amazon skincare guide offers a practical approach for anyone seeking effective, dermatologist-approved products without a hefty price tag. With her expert insights, she helps simplify the often-overwhelming world of skincare, making it accessible and affordable. By following her recommendations, you can confidently build a skincare routine that prioritizes quality, safety, and results—all conveniently sourced from Amazon.