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Trusted Expert Tips of Dr. Dendy Engelman

When it comes to skincare, the flood of influencer advice can be overwhelming and often misleading. Thankfully, Dr. Dendy Engelman, a respected dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City, offers clear, expert-backed guidance for maintaining youthful skin. With nearly 20 years of experience helping patients look younger through medical and cosmetic treatments, Dr. Engelman’s regimen cuts through the noise, blending science and practicality.
Morning Routine: Protect and Brighten
Dr. Engelman starts her day focusing on protection and hydration. She recommends the Vital Hydrating Cleanser from Image Skincare, which gently cleans while infusing the skin with essential vitamins A, C, and E. This cleanser enhances radiance without stripping natural oils a crucial step for healthy skin.
Her “holy trinity” of morning products includes:
- Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum: This $91 serum plumps the skin and brightens the complexion by softening fine lines and providing antioxidants.
- VOL.U.LIFT: Priced at $134, this product addresses puffiness, wrinkles, and dehydration, perfectly complementing the serum.
- Image Prevention Advanced Blend Mineralizer SPF 75: Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Dr. Engelman favors a color-correcting moisturizer with built-in mineral sunscreen to guard against UV rays and pollution while giving a subtle glow ideal even under makeup.
Evening Ritual: Repair and Renew
For Dr. Engelman, evenings are when skincare becomes a focused ritual. The first step is thorough makeup and SPF removal to cleanse away the day’s pollutants. She uses The MAX Facial Cleanser ($41) for this purpose.
Next comes her nighttime powerhouse ingredient retinol. Her choice, AGELESS+ Pure Liquid Retinol 0.1% ($94), targets wrinkles, pores, and pigmentation. Despite being a cornerstone of anti-aging care, only about 25% of American women and a mere 10% of men regularly use retinol. Dr. Engelman emphasizes that modern formulations reduce irritation risks, even for sensitive skin, supporting collagen production and cell turnover effectively.
She wraps up her evening by reapplying VOL.U.LIFT to keep skin nourished overnight.
Beyond Products: Skincare Technology
At home, Dr. Engelman incorporates technology to boost results. She’s a fan of the Luminess Conture Kinetic Toning Device ($49), which uses gentle vibrations and suction to invigorate skin and enhance serum absorption. She uses it weekly, especially around the eyes and smile lines, appreciating that it’s backed by extensive research supporting its efficacy.
Final Thoughts: Science and Simplicity Win
Dr. Engelman’s approach underscores that effective skincare is about combining proven ingredients like vitamins and retinol with diligent protection from the sun and environmental stressors. Her routines mix accessible luxury with expert knowledge, offering readers ways to look younger without falling for gimmicks.