What Dermatologist Whitney Hovenic Buys at the Drugstore

I don’t like it when a cleanser doesn’t make my skin feel clean. Some oil cleansers don’t, and some gentle cleansers feel just a little too gentle. This one strikes the right balance between being gentle and making my skin feel like I’ve actually washed it. It’s great for all skin types, including oily skin. It’s a misconception that people with oily skin shouldn’t use an oil cleanser. In fact, the opposite is true. People with oily skin often overcleanse, which can actually stimulate sebum production.

As a dermatologist, urea is something we prescribe frequently. Then it became incredibly difficult to get it as a prescription, so it’s nice to have an over-the-counter product with the ingredient. This lotion not only moisturizes but also provides gentle yet effective exfoliation. It’s especially great as we head into winter and everyone’s skin starts to feel parched and itchy. I live in Reno, Nevada, which has an incredibly dry climate. This is the lotion I encourage my patients to use.

I think one of the best feelings is having clean teeth. I keep a jar of these in my purse. They’re dissolving toothpaste tablets that you can use with a wet toothbrush to clean your teeth. But my hack is that you can use them without brushing. They freshen my breath and allow me to feel confident that I’m not breathing on people and thinking, Gosh, I wish I could brush my teeth. And it’s nice not to have to carry a tube of toothpaste around. The little tablets are super convenient.

My best friend and I love going to different drugstores to buy lip balms and lip oils. Our criteria is how long your lips feel hydrated. My least favorite thing is finding a lip oil that feels great at first, only to have my lips feel dry again ten minutes later. This is a good one. I like both the neutrals and the brighter colors. It really does give you that long-lasting hydration. Plus, it has a little bit of that plumping feel to it. That’s an extra perk, along with the nice, glossy shine. Most importantly, it sticks around.

It’s great if you’ve just had a workout and don’t have time to wash your face. You can also use it as a toner, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Hypochlorous acid has antibacterial benefits. The spray feels hydrating, and there’s no sticky texture. Spray it on your skin first, then apply moisturizer. It helps your skin feel hydrated and layers well under other products. It also helps calm the skin, so it’s great for someone with eczema, acne, or psoriasis.

The Very Black washable mascara is a staple. It’s very nostalgic for me because I started wearing it in high school. It has that ’90s vibe, but it’s stood the test of time and comes at a great price.

Because my hair is blonde, a lot of dry shampoos make it look gray. This one actually helps blend my roots when I’m overdue for color. Some dry shampoos I’ve tried are way too chalky and heavy, but this one gives me a bit of volume at the roots.

My favorite sunscreen is the one our company makes because it’s more of a skin-care product than just sunscreen. It’s tinted and moisturizing, so it’s my all-in-one product. I can put it on and skip the rest of my routine in a pinch because I’ve got hydration and glow. It makes my skin look prettier. I tell people that sunscreen is the one step they cannot skip in the morning. None of us want to look old and wrinkled, and I spend my days removing skin cancer.