Expensive Skincare That's ACTUALLY Worth It | Doctorly Dermatology 

You guys are amazing. I've tried having honest conversations with several dermatologists and they treated me as an inconvenience, forcing me out the door without any answers. The time and honesty you put into your explanations are life changing. Thank you so much.

Skincare so expensive that you had to wear suits lmao!! 🤣🤣

I’m a pharmacy student graduating in a few days and I LOVE these videos. They give so much insight into new prescription skin care products which we do not learn a lot about in school and helps me to better counsel my patients. Thanks doctors for helping me be a better pharmacist!

I found your channel today and subscribed immediately. Your channel is amazing and I love how honest and knowledgeable you are! 🙏🏻

Can you do an episode on non invasive, anti aging procedures? Ex. IPL, laser resurfacing, ultherapy etc.?

Would love to see a whole video dedicated to procedures! Not enough transparency on all the different procedures available, how they work and what the cost. For some reason people are hesitant to admit when they have had these done and I think they need to be more talked about.

These real life comparisons about products, procedures, efficacy & cost are so unbelievably helpful! Thank you guys so much. I am an aesthetician & always learn so much. I’m also a consumer….. so 💜!

I just got into Paula’s Choice so I’m so glad to hear it’s recommended and trusted.

OKAY. You guys won me over. I'm subscribing. I'm a family physician and have been watching your videos for a few weeks. I REALLY appreciate your effort to provide evidence to support your statements/claims/opinions/thoughts. I will be recommending this channel to my patients who want to correct their skin issues. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Just discovered your channel and binge watched it on my night shifts! Thank you for keeping us entertained especially through covid, love the evidence based recommendations, I've even started taking notes!

I love your channel, I just started watching!! This video was super helpful. As an African American woman, I think I’ve been fear-mongered out of trying a lot of the products for hyperpigmentation just because I don’t want any adverse effects! I’ll definitely bring some of these up with my dermatologist the next time I’m in the office! Thanks so much!!

This is one of my favorite videos you all have done! I loved how you compared these top products with dupes. Thanks for this!

You guys totally change my point of view about doctors . Your personality and attitude is inspiring.

If ONLY all dermatologists were this HONEST, I wouldn't still be dealing with acne scars and hyperpigmentation in my 40s. By the way, you guys look Great in normal clothes, we LOVE you both equally. Keep up the Grear work❤❤

I appreciate that you two promote affordable skincare products, but also don’t mind spending my money when it’s really worth it.

I’m from Australia and I absolutely love your wealth of knowledge and how “down to earth” you both deliver the message - Thank you so much 🙏 I also love how well you compliment each other giving such excellent skincare advice and with opposing opinions at times, makes it even more real 👍 Having great eye candy also makes your videos so much more enjoyable - lucky wives! 😉 Please keep posting ❤

Yes, please do a video on lasers. Every place that has them, calls them different things. Really hard to know exactly what ur getting.

I have rosacea and sensitive skin and have had NO issues with the C E Ferulic. Being in Australia a lot of the dupes aren’t available but i don’t mind splurging on the C E Ferulic because it’s my only “luxury” product in my routine and my routine so simple. Retinoids make my rosacea flairs so much more intense (the retinoids itself doesn’t flair me but I would only have to think about the sun to flair my skin!). Just goes to show that skin is SO personal!!

Thank you so much for these videos! I finally feel like I have permission (and the knowledge) to stop aspiring to afford overpriced skin care products! What a relief. I’m curious what eye creams, if any, do you use and recommend? I’ll also double check to make sure you haven’t done a video on this topic yet! Those seem to be one item that is always a higher price point. Thanks again! Subscribed!

I just bought and started with Alpharet 3 days ago based on your recommendation and you’re right, I didn’t get irritation at all and I have very sensitive skin. It felt good on my skin. Thank you for all you do! I’ll be patient and wait to see the results.

You guys are absolutely amazing and helped me change my skin care routine! Love your recommendations. Thanks!

You guys are so adorable and I love your videos! I do buy expensive skincare products from time to time as long as they work but a less expensive dupe is always a plus. (Fleur and bees eye cream is 20 dollars whereas tata harpers is over 100…and the fleur and bee works just as well!)

Truly appreciate you linking to the actual research papers!

Watched you guys for a few months now & honestly I’ve never had “dewy” skin in my life! I have oily acne prone skin. Thank you so much for all your amazing advice! I love learning from you guys!💗

You two are seriously the cutest docs I have ever seen.

Just found your channel today and I subscribed so fast! You both have great personalities and I love how actually informative your videos are. Keep doing what you're doing! 💕

Would love to hear about some of the more permanent procedures including microneedling, CO2 laser, chemical peels, Picosure, thermals…etc. Great content, btw!

I love that you just recommended to support a product that actually did the research! Wowsa! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

So glad to hear someone talk about Paula's Choice. Been using her products for over 25 years and love the research behind her products.

Every dermatologist I've ever been too brushes off my concerns (Extremely sensitive skin, acne scarring and dealing with blackheads and large pores) and instead wants to sell sell me products that are $500-$700 dollars. It's insane. And I wait MONTHS for these appointments. I've tried some of the products and they are just to harsh for my skin. I've even told them I'm good with whatever proceedure they think might be necessary. But if you aren't getting Botox and fillers they don't have time for you. (I'm in Calgary.) That's how I ended up here on RU-vid with you two so THANK YOU for doing these videos.

I’m 72 and had extensive pigmentation due to years of gardening. I recently had IPL treatments (4) and it has made a world of difference. I may go back for a few more treatments during the winter to treat some of the deeper pigmentation but as you said, and my doctor emphasized, I must wear SUNBLOCK religiously from now on or I will undo all the good results. I wish I had known this earlier in my life so my issue could have been avoided. I will be starting a retinoid regimen soon with a product that is not photo sensitive allowing me to use it morning and evening just not right away. I have to start off slowly. I’m so happy that both my grandchildren wear sunscreen regularly when outside. I just found your channel and subscribed after the first video. They are interesting and useful. Thank you.

I love how great you both look all dressed up; it sure is a nice change from the scrubs. 💖

We definitely need a video on all different types of skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation, freckles, age spots, Melasma and Acne. So many creams, serums, Retinoids Vitamin A.

I just joined the skin scare bandwagon and it's been so confusing and frustrating until I found you guys. Finally! Info that is understandable, approachable and feasible. Ya'll cute too. Thanks!

Dr. Maxfield’s smile is contagious 😊

ok but y'all look SO good in suits !!

I would love to see the eye cream segment! Feel like this is an area too many deems forget to address in their videos. Can’t wait to see you deep dive into it soon

It’s amazing to know that you added cyspera and skinbetter science products. Not sure if you have checked ISclinical brightening serum and complex for Melasma. I have been using it for some of my clients and they are showing amazing results. I would love for you to look into the ingredient list. As always you two are doing an amazing job. I have learned so much from your content.

I tried the drunk elephant c firma and noticed minimal improvements to my skin. I am currently on my second bottle of the youth to the people vitamin c + caffeine and I love it. I noticed improvements in my hyperpigmentation almost immediately (about a week of use) and I prefer the texture so much more than the drunk elephant serum. I found DE was quite a tacky texture, and didn’t really absorb fully into my skin and just sat on top. YTTP is way better in texture though still a bit sticky, and absorbs within a couple of minutes. Highly recommend to anybody !

This was great and I’m very excited to see your next installment on eye cream. I always use an eye cream and can’t wait to see what you recommend.

Half a million subscribers and the docs are getting all posh on us, but I'm here for it!

Congrats to Pat! Thanks for all the valuable information ❤

My gosh there is no one single video from you guys that I don’t love! So so helpful video!!! I would really like to see more studies comparing retinol or retinaldehyde with tretenoin since many of us have a hard time with tretenoin.

The thumbnail of this video made me laugh. It’s Dr. Shah and the [un]intentional side-eye.

This is truly some of the best and most helpful skincare content on RU-vid. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone!

Please do a video on the most effective eye products and procedures! That would be amazing. Great videos!

Excellent tutorial on available products!

Thank you for providing such rich information in a humorous way. I have been a skin care fanatic since Clinique first came out with their men’s skincare line in the late 70s. At 64, my skin tone and texture is great with very few wrinkles. You mentioned in another videos that one of the side effects of Botox and fillers is fewer wrinkles. I used both in my 30s and 40s. I also appreciate the low price point high quality brand you share. I love inkey, The Ordinary and Naturium.

Did Dr. Shah say he officiated a wedding?! How do you work full time, make RU-vid videos, TikTok videos, Instagram videos and then go officiate a wedding on the weekend? You said you work in clinic 60 hours a week! When do you sleep?

Love you guys, I've learned a lot with your videos. Was excited for this one... At almost 55 with actually still beautiful skin.... This is where my money goes! Keep up the good work

You guys are really great! I love your content. Would you do a video about skincare history? Like the good and bad of beauty trends in the 50s and 60s?

Thank you both for this video!!! It's CRAZY INSIGHTFUL and I appreciate you discussing all of the politics behind the products and companies too.

I wish all dermatologists were this good 😭 I’ve always had bad experiences & have to change dermatologists bc most of them were old man and retired or went to big cities 🥺

How can you both be charming and cute while explaining facial products. You guys rock! Love your energy, smile and the way you communicate.

Love these guys! Great clinical data!

Watching it with a smile on my face. Here we go 👍🏼

CONGRATS ON THE NEW LOGO!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

It's cute that you guys dressed up!....I like that you guys defined what "worth" meant. Thanks for doing this!

I have been watching this channel for an hour already, I am addicted hahah thank you for all this information to you both! And to the editor!

Lol! Love how you guys dressed up for the occasion!

Vitamin c called, tired of being called "unstable"

Recently have found your channel. Love the information you give in a relatable way!

I got so excited when you mentioned Maelove because thats the vitamin c serum I use!

Timeless is also a great dupe! Thanks Jennifer ☺️

Please make a video explaining and comparing procedures that are actually worth the money as well!!

You both are wondeful teachers, editing is top notch as well.

I'm an esthetician of 19 years and I adore you guys!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

You guys are cute. Thanks so much for telling us what works and appreciate the dupes. Can’t wait for the eye cream video. You just got a new subscriber.

Skinceuticals vitamin C: $160. Easily broken down but the vitamin E helps to stabilize the vitamin C. Founded by a dermatologist but L’Oréal bought them out. Vitamin c for collagen synthesis, helps with hyperpigmentation. Some don’t tolerate this very well, some do. More sensitive skin doesn’t like it. New product slyamrin CF or something like that for sensitive skin. Maelove skin glow is a good dupe. Paula’s choice ce ferulic acid Drmtlgy ce ferulic Drunk elephant vitamin c product Products do perform pretty similarly. Similar to retinoids in terms of what they do. If only can afford one, pick the retinoid put your money there. It’s great if you can use both but irritation can make it so we can’t use both. Retinoids- older studies show tretinoin is much better but new study came out saying comparable efficacy. Prescription Rx is a good idea esp with insurance. Skin better science - AlphaRet- retinol + lactic acid Arazlo Alterno- hylauronic acid easier to tolerate Arazlo Trifarotene less irritating Many studies done for acne and not hyperpigmentation or wrinkles. Retin-A first one for anti-aging and acne and has the most research. Go to for a lot of people can be tretinoin. If over the counter try alpharet. Hyperpigmentation: gold standard is hydroquinone. Use for short period of time lower strengths with a dermatologist so don’t get permanent exogenous ochronosis. Tri-luma great for this. Best to see dermatologist for this. Skinceuticals discoloration defense is great over the counter. Melasma or freckles. Faded topicals- could be irritating but very effective and only $36 Cyspera- good for melasma Always wear spf with whatever you use, protect your investment. Procedures are worth your money. Lasers, microneedling, light therapy, they are a focused treatment for these same things and get great results. When you start using over $200 skincare consider treatments.

I'm a rosacea sufferer and have been using the SkinBetter AlphaRet for several months. I started very slowly and have worked up to using it every 3rd night. I'm pleased with the results.

The best videos ever. It is time for RU-vid to give out the Honesty and Education Awards. The winner is Doctorly!

Thank you both! You're both amazing doctors :) I started watching your videos because of the prescriptions I got from my dermatologist for meslasma...so I'll keep using them to a t and being patient.

I loved seeing you both dressed up. 👏😁🖤 But what I love is that in every video you make, you both share what I think is really good to use it or not. I also want you to tell you both Doctors that you are the only dermatologists I am listening to. Locally and internationally. Please do continue doing this videos😊🤗❤️

Thank you both! I am a lifetime skincare junkie and learned back in my early 30s that Tretinoin can save you a ton of money and provide you with superior results. It is so great to get info from real dermatologists (doctors) as you help me facilitate more meaningful discussions with my derm.

I so appreciate the information you all give us!

You doctors are very polite ❤

Ya'll should definitely do a video where you review incredibly expensive and cheap brands!! From Bobby Brown, to Tatcha, Origins, Peter Thomas Roth, etc. vs. Olay, N°7, Neutrogena, etc.

Love all your tips! I use the Timeless Vitamin C and have seen great visible results. I can’t attest to the collagen support but the glow, texture, and the brightening makes the product a winner for me. The airtight, opaque packaging, and the $25 price tag, and the fact that it’s going on three months of use without oxidizing makes it a good value. The ph is at the appropriate level. I have put together a great routine of inexpensive products. My tretinoin is 10 dollars a tube. I My sunscreen is the most expensive at 42. I put my money in fillers and Botox. Those treatments do make a difference but honestly it’s the sunscreen and basic skincare that does the most.

Thank you for the evidence based and profesional info!

Just found out about this channel and I LOVEEEEE IT ♥️♥️ thank you guys!! Not sure if you have a Melasma topic video but if not, PLEASE PLEASE make one 🙏🏼🙏🏼

It’s ok to dress up on a Sunday 👍🏽

You know I never thought of the fact that people spend so much money on products when they could just spend the money on a procedure at a dermatologist office. That makes so much sense!

I love you guys! Your recommendation for Versed retinol lotion was right on! I’m 74 and it made dry patches on my arms disappear. Great advice here!

Thank you for going over high end skin care products … I use Neutrogena & Clinique for eye creams because of sensitivity. Have found way too much fragrance in pricier products but a good face serum is worth it!

Thank you guys again for creating this channel! I am learning so much and have been trying some new skin care products, which I think are helping. Could you please do a video on Co-enzyme Q10? I've been seeing this in so many products and don't know if it's worth the hype. Also, you said you would be doing an eye cream video. Could you please include whether caffeine is an effective ingredient in eye creams? Thank you so much and keep up the good work! xx

Dr. Brenner’s CE Ferulic is also an excellent dupe for SkinCeuticals. Have been using SC for many years and my skin cannot tell the difference. Agree that retinoids are the gold standard in skincare.

Just found your channel and have spent hours watching your videos today. Thank you so much. Very honest and informative.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the info you share!!!

I used the skinceuticals Vitamin C/Ferulic acid for a while and switched to Maelove and I actually like the Maelove better and found it to be more effective. Thanks for this great video.

Hello Dr . Shah and Dr . Maxfield can u give full explanation about collagen supplements Wheather its good for skin , hair , nails . # from India

Thanks for the great video--and especially the link to the double-blind clinical study. I always appreciate those! As a dermatology patient and skincare consumer, I'd like to second the recommendation of investing in visiting an actual board-certified dermatologist. (And if you have a darker skin tone, find one who specializes in darker skin tones.) I used to spend hundreds of dollars on hyped-up skincare products and none of them gave me the kind of results I got after 3 months of visiting a great dermatologist (and spending less than $100 thanks to insurance and coupons). A dermatologist will create a routine that is specific to your skin, your life, and your budget, and not something generic enough to sell to millions. I will say though that I'm finding Aklief more irritating than Retin-A Micro, but that could just be me! Or the fact that it's winter and I'm still in my first month of Aklief! Thanks again!

learning so much! thank you for posting🙋🏻‍♀️

I love the “buffet” of products you’ve recommended. Thank you! What are your opinions on Curology/Agency?

Hi!! Love love love the video! Thank you for the quality content. Here, in Canada every dermatologists office carries ZO Skin Health. Is this line worth it? Cheers,

Great info. Was screenshoting all the products!!!!

Thank you. It has been a long time since I searched for a skin care product and your video has helped me.

Hey Docs! Thanks for a great video. Just wanted to make a quick comment about your discussion on sunscreen and hyperpigmentation. It might be worth it to note that for some people chemical sunscreens can actually cause hyper pigmentation. At least in my case, and with many other people I’ve talk to, oxybenzone ( and possibly some of the other chemical sunscreens) were the major factor in causing dark blotches on my skin. I know it’s totally tough to get so much information into a short video. I really appreciate the time and effort you’re taking and all of the great information! Thanks so much!

Skinceuticals will always be my go to as I know it works & many local dermatologists suggest it after any facial treatment.

Hey from Canada, I should say eh from Canada. Thanks for all the info, always something to learn. Goofy and fun as always, that’s why you have so many loyal followers, thanks again🇨🇦

I had horrible acne as a teenager and the Dr fave me that last stick product u mentioned to use and wow dude it change my life! Strong good stuff! Love this information! Thank you🙏❤️