Ultimate Skincare Holiday Gift Guide
No matter what their skin type, Dr. Pimple Popper's got the perfect pick for everyone on your list.Published:
2 minute read
Searching for the perfect presents this holiday season? We’ve got you covered, with skincare gifts for both face and body. The beauty part? They’re formulated for all skin types, from acne-prone to aging skin — and everything in between.
No matter where they are in their journey — from newbie to skincare junkie — friends and family will benefit from products formulated with proven dermatological ingredients, says SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper). Here are her favorites.
Gifts for glowing skin
No matter your skin type, says Dr. Lee, the key to clearer, more youthful, and radiant-looking skin is to unclog pores, exfoliate, and keep skin moisturized. She recommends a routine that combines both alpha and beta hydroxy acids, plus a lightweight moisturizer with soothing, hydrating ingredients. When pimples pop up, don’t pick: use a targeted, healing treatment instead.
Dr. Sandra Lee’s glowing skin picks
Gifts for Popaholics®
Every family has at least one — if not more! — Popaholic® who just can’t resist pimple popping. Dr. Lee has warned us about the hazards of picking and popping before, but she’s also quick to note that sometimes, it’s too tempting to resist. The most important thing to keep in mind, she says, is that excessive squeezing, poking and picking can lead to infection and scarring.
While the best thing you can do is to spot treat a pimple, then leave it alone to heal, there are safe ways to extract pimples or comedones (aka blackheads and whiteheads) that are at the skin’s surface. Make sure your hands and tools are clean, and follow Dr. Lee’s golden rule: “Know when to pop…and when to stop.”
Dr. Sandra Lee’s presents for Popaholics®
Gifts to minimize pores and refine skin
One of the biggest concerns for those with acne-prone skin and those with aging skin alike is maintaining an even skin tone and keeping pores clear. This is where the duo of alpha and beta hydroxy acids really shines, explains Dr. Lee. Beta hydroxy acid (aka salicylic acid) penetrates into pores to clear out oil and dead skin to help prevent pimples and minimize the appearance of pores, which can become more obvious as we age.
Adding in alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic, lactic or mandelic acids) helps exfoliate the skin, sloughing off dull, dead outer layers. This also helps unclog pores and also refines the skin’s surface, minimizing dark spots (aka hyperpigmentation from both acne and the sun) and fine lines, too.
Dr. Sandra Lee’s pore-clearing picks
Skincare stocking stuffers and more
We’ve got skincare gifts for everyone on your list, for any occasion: stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, holiday gift exchanges — and more. Here are a few of Dr. Sandra Lee’s go-to skincare gifts to stock up on:
- Vitamin C Serum: an antioxidant powerhouse that helps protect skin from environmental damage, with added hyaluronic acid to boost skin’s natural glow. Suitable for all skin types.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum: the ultimate skin quencher, formulated with added squalane to give skin a plump, dewy look — use it on dry elbows, heels, cuticles and split ends, too.
- Salicylic Acid Pimple Patches: translucent patches, infused with salicylic acid to help heal pimples while protecting them from picking and popping. For anyone who experiences pimples, but not recommended for those with sensitive skin.
- Salicylic Acid Body Spray: exfoliates and keeps pores clear, can also be used as the ultimate acne hack — spray on the inside of masks, hats, and on sports gear to prevent pimples from forming.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
I always tell patients that taking good care of your skin is one of the best things you can do for yourself — so why not give the gift of great skincare to your friends and family? These bundles make the perfect presents because they really work — and they’re formulated for all skin types.
