Welcome to I Swear by This, an interview series where we chat with our favorite fashion and beauty insiders about the beauty products they use down to the last drop. This week, we asked board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson MD FAAD to share all the products she's loving right now.
While the Internet democratized the beauty industry, social media is rife with misinformation and misleading claims causing confusion and concern among consumers and patients. Thankfully, there are also dermatologists online who are using their voices to cut through the noise. One of those doctors? Dr. Caroline Robinson, a dermatologist and founder of Chicago-based practice Tone Dermatology. With her expertise in skin care, especially in regards to skin of color, Dr. Robinson uses her Instagram platform to provide informative and easily-digestible science-based skin-care advice while also advocating for diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry.
Below, Dr. Robinson shares the beauty products that are a mainstay in her routine.
Original Healing Jelly, Pack of 3
“I use this as the last step of my body-care routine, especially during the winter. I’ll use a regular body moisturizer, then I’ll top it off with Vaseline. I also like using this on my lips; I wear masks all day long and the lower half of my face gets so dry because of it. At night, after I cleanse my face, I’ll put on a little bit of water on my lips and work a moisturizer, like Cerave, onto my skin, then I’ll layer Vaseline on my lips and around my mouth, so it acts like a concentrated mask.”
Soothing Care Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
“I use this to the last drop and it’s always stocked in my house. Because it’s hypoallergenic and part of their sensitive skin collection, I can use it, my kids can use it, and it won’t irritate your skin. Plus, it smells really nice.”
Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
“A lot of my dermatological practice is related to hair and educating patients to make sure they’re using products that don't conflict with their scalp or hair condition. Since I bleach my hair, I need to use something that protects the hair; this hair mask has a blend of peptides and proteins, which is great.”
C+ Correcting Complex 30%
“This is so good because it has 30 percent THD, which is arguably the most potent and least irritating form of vitamin C. My skin has grown more sensitive, so I don’t want to apply anything to my face and have it sting or burn; I don’t have to deal with any of those negative consequences with this product.”
Chardonnay Oil SPF 30
“I’m sunscreen-obsessed, so I’m always trying out new formulas. I’ve been really into this one lately. And, yes, I used it on vacation. I love it because it’s a mattifying oil—it’s great if you’re on the beach and you want something that’s easy to reapply.”
Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion
"This formula contains color-correcting technology, so because of the way light reflects off the zinc particles, it adapts to your skin tone. I warm the product up in my hands and then apply it into my skin with a few fingers. It blends in perfectly.”
Brightening Night Balm
“Epara’s a Black-owned brand based out of the UK, and I’m in love with this product. It has plankton extract in the formula, which helps even out dark spots. It’s really rich, so on nights I don’t use Vaseline on my face, I’ll use this balm instead and it has the same moisturizing effect.”
Revox-7 Peptide-rich Serum
“I use this serum around my eye because I inject Botox in that area, and they pair really well together because it helps to smooth and soften fine lines while Botox works on the line on the muscle underneath.”
Photo: Courtesy of Ayaka Sano
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