Out of Skincare Products? Try These Derm-Approved Hacks
No products, no problem: Dr. Pimple Popper's got you covered.
Published:
4 minute read
Sometimes life gets in the way of your perfect skincare routine. Whether you’re traveling, caught up in a busy week, or just forgot to restock — running out of skincare happens to all of us. So what can you do to stay on track? According to SLMD Skincare founder and board-certified dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), there are plenty of simple skincare hacks — including some drugstore staples — that can help you get by without throwing off your whole routine.
Here’s what Dr. Lee recommends when you’re out of product but still want to treat your skin right.
Hack #1: Try a DIY face mask
Out of product? No problem. You might already have skin-friendly ingredients in your kitchen. Choose one to three ingredients that suit your skin’s needs, mix into a spreadable paste, and apply to clean skin. Leave on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and follow with your usual moisturizer.
Here are a few derm-approved options to look for:
- Honey: naturally antibacterial and moisturizing
- Yogurt: contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate
- Oatmeal: soothes irritated skin and reduces redness
- Aloe vera: calms inflammation and hydrates
- Green tea: rich in antioxidants to help protect skin
Always patch test before applying anything new to your face — especially DIY blends.
Want more ideas? Dr. Lee shares her favorite DIY skincare recipes in this blog post.
Hack #2: Pop pimples (if you must) like a pro
Let’s be real: resisting the urge to pop a pimple isn’t always easy. Dr. Pimple Popper doesn’t recommend it — but if you’re going to do it, do it the right way.
Dr. Lee’s safe popping advice:
- Know your pimple. Only consider popping if you see a clear white or yellow “head” — never mess with deep, red, or painful bumps. If you’re unsure, it’s better to leave it alone or spot treat.
- Prep properly. Wash your hands and cleanse your face. Use a warm compress to help soften the skin and bring the contents closer to the surface.
- Use the right tool. A clean comedone extractor is your best bet — apply gentle, even pressure around the pimple. If nothing comes out, stop. Forcing it can cause scarring or push bacteria deeper.
- Treat and protect. Cleanse the area with alcohol or apply a targeted product like SLMD SA Acne Spot Treatment or BP Acne Spot Treatment to help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Hands off afterward. Let the area heal — no picking, no touching. Cover with a Salicylic Acid Pimple Patch to protect.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “It’s always better to treat a pimple than to pop it. But if you’re going to do it, be gentle and smart about it — and know when to walk away.”
Some popular at-home remedies can actually irritate or damage your skin. Learn which DIY spot treatments to avoid — and what to use instead — in this blog.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Skincare Staples
Hack #3: Sub in drugstore standbys
Don’t have access to your go-to skincare? Here are Dr. Lee’s favorite over-the-counter swaps you can grab at the drugstore:
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment – perfect for dry patches and chapped lips.
- Eucerin Original Healing Creme – great for large areas of dry skin; fragrance-free and non-irritating.
- 1% Hydrocortisone Cream – helps calm itching, redness, or irritation (especially for eczema or psoriasis flare-ups).
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “If you're out of your usual moisturizer, look for something gentle and fragrance-free — the kind made for sensitive skin is your best bet.”
If you're in a pinch, you can also find select SLMD products at Amazon and Sprouts — so you're never too far from a dermatology-developed solution.
Hack #4: Become a skin detective
Sometimes your skin acts up when your routine is off — but small habits make a big difference.
Dr. Lee’s quick-fix reminders:
- Change your pillowcase and face towels more often.
- Avoid touching your face throughout the day.
- Keep your phone clean (yes, it touches your cheek).
- Stay hydrated and avoid sugary, alcoholic drinks that cause puffiness.
Hack #5: Be kind to your body — your skin will follow
Stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can all show up on your skin. When you're out of product, use the moment to reinforce healthy lifestyle habits that support clear, balanced skin.
- Hydration is key. Drinking enough water helps your skin stay resilient — especially if you’re also consuming caffeine or alcohol.
- Load up on skin-supporting nutrients. Foods rich in vitamin A — like carrots, squash, and leafy greens — can help reduce inflammation and restore glow.
- Watch the dairy. If you notice breakouts around your jawline or cheeks, try cutting back — some people are sensitive to hormones in milk products.
- Don’t skimp on sleep. Rest gives your skin time to repair, helping prevent puffiness, dullness, and dark circles.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “Your skin reflects how you’re taking care of yourself — from the food you eat to how much rest you get. Even small changes can make a visible difference.”
Hack #6: Skincare set it and forget it
Running out of product can throw your whole routine off — and that’s when breakouts tend to creep in. One easy fix? Set up auto-delivery so your essentials show up like clockwork. It takes the guesswork (and the Target runs) out of skincare — and can even save you money.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “The best way to keep your skin on track is to stay consistent. If you’re constantly skipping steps because you’re out of product, you’re not going to get the results you want.”
Dr. Lee's Last Word
Skincare’s a journey — and it’s okay to improvise sometimes. A few smart swaps can keep you consistent until you’re back on your routine.
