Michelle Lee, M.D., board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of PERK Plastic Surgery (Beverly Hills, CA), shares her personal faves.
Skiinbetter Science Sunbetter Sheer SPF 56 Sunscreen Compact: "Sunscreen is the single most important product in any skincare routine. What I love about this product is that it applies smoothly over makeup, making it easy to use consistently throughout the day. For someone with a busy schedule, having SPF and light coverage in one elegant compact makes sun protection effortless. Consistency is key with sunscreen, and this product removes every excuse not to reapply."
Plated Skin Science Intense Serum: "Exosome technology represents an exciting frontier in regenerative skincare, and Plated is one of the few consumer-facing products I feel confident recommending clinically. The platelet-derived exosomes in this serum work by signaling the skin's own repair mechanisms, making it excellent for post-procedure recovery to reduce healing time. As a surgeon who views skin quality as the foundation for everything else, I am drawn to products that work with the skin's biology."
PERK Potions Nourish Cream: "I created PERK Potions because I could not find a moisturizer that met the standard I hold for my patients after laser resurfacing: deeply nourishing without being heavy and formulated with ingredients that support skin barrier function rather than just sitting on the surface. The Nourish Cream is my daily non-negotiable, morning and night. It is the product I reach for after every procedure, every long surgery day, and every flight."
Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Purifying Mist: "Recovery and skin health are inseparable, and this mist is something I recommend to virtually every post-procedure patient, as well as use daily myself. Hypochlorous acid is remarkably gentle, calming, and hydrating while supporting the skin's natural healing environment without disrupting the microbiome. I keep it on my desk, in my gym bag, and in my treatment rooms, as it aligns perfectly with my philosophy for effective skincare."
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream: "Retinoids are the most evidence-based ingredient in anti-aging skincare, but tolerability has always been the limiting factor. AlphaRet solved that problem by combining a retinoid with an alpha hydroxy acid in a way that dramatically improves tolerability without sacrificing efficacy. I recommend it to my patients as the cornerstone of any serious skin maintenance routine, and I use it myself."