Martha Stewart looks amazing for any age, but it is hard to believe she’s 83. She credits her cosmetic dermatologist of five years, Daniel Belkin, M.D., with helping her look her best. “I rely on his thoughtful expertise,” Stewart said in a past episode of The Martha Stewart Podcast, “Finding Your Best Face,” where she chats with Dr. Belkin, a board-certified member of the New York Dermatology Group, about her anti-aging treatments.
In the podcast, Stewart and Dr. Belkin share their measured approach to her regimen, which includes moderate Botox, filler and laser treatments, as well as skincare products that are scientifically tested for their effectiveness. “I don’t think a lot about age, but I don’t want to look my age,” Stewart said in the episode. If you’re inspired by the lifestyle queen’s radiant skin, Dr. Belkin recommends a few specific skincare products.
Martha Stewart’s Go-To Skincare for Glowing Skin
1. Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $139.45
This luxe cream contains a potent blend formula called AlphaRet, a combination of retinol and an AHA (lactic acid). Dr. Belkin says to take caution when you start using it. “Don’t use it every day right at the beginning,” he says. “Use it once or twice a week at first, until your skin gets used to it, or gets retinized. Use it in the evening, not the morning, and use it in conjunction with moisturizer so your skin doesn’t get too dry.”
You could also get a retinoid from your dermatologist, Dr. Belkin says. “Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives, which are stronger,” he explains. “If you can tolerate the retinoids, they may provide more benefit. But if your skin is sensitive, a retinol like the one in this product is a good alternative.”
If you’re worried about using retinol in the summer, just ensure you always have on a good SPF. You should either way! “I think it’s a misconception that using retinol makes your skin more sun sensitive, because if your skin is used to it, that is not the case,” Dr. Belkin says. “However, if you’re at all irritated or red from it, that will make your skin more sun sensitive.”
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2. Alastin HydraTint, $82
Speaking of SPF, whether you’re using a retinol or not, any good skincare routine includes sunscreen. Stewart and Dr. Belkin love this product because it moisturizes, protects from UVA/UVB rays and provides a bit of coverage with a light tint. It’s perfect for when Stewart is working in the garden and doesn’t want a full face of makeup.
Stewart said in her podcast that she uses the mineral sunscreen on her face, neck, décolletage, hands and lower arms and that it provides her with adequate sun protection and a nice glow.
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3. U Beauty The Super Hydrator, $168
“This is a great moisturizer,” Dr. Belkin says of this celeb-fave hydrator. “It’s really rich, absorbs well and has hyaluronic acid.”
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polymer in the body that heals and provides moisture to cells. In skincare, it’s formulated to lock in moisture to the skin. “Humectants like hyaluronic acid are molecules that draw hydration in,” Dr. Belkin says. “Anytime your skin is well-moisturized, the epidermis expands slightly and so everything looks plumper and fine lines look diminished.”
If you want to follow Stewart’s skincare routine but are looking for a more budget-friendly option, opt for products with the same active ingredients: a night cream with a retinol, a sunscreen that protects against UVA/UVB rays and has a light tint so you can wear instead of foundation, and a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid.
Sources:
- Daniel Belkin, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group.
- Hyaluronic Acid, National Library of Medicine, Kendra Walker; Brandon M. Basehore; Amandeep Goyal; Patrick M. Zito.
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