Would you steal the best ideas for skincare products from a top dermatologist? Most definitely I would! Especially if the dermatologist is Mona Gohara, M.D., who explains why sleeping on pillows and linens exposed to dryer sheets can leave you with breakouts and pimples. A Reddit user initially posed the question, and MarieClair.com went to Dr. Gohara for answers. “Dryer sheets have been implicated for a while in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema,” says the assistant clinical professor at Yale University.
“The fragrance is the usual culprit, but it’s not a far stretch to think that it may irritate acne for the same reasons: a compromised skin barrier,” says the expert on skin care who teaches skin health in the Yale Department of Dermatology. That’s a slam dunk explanation from a knowledgeable physician.
Who would know better than Dr. Gohara about the lotions and potions that can save your skin? Hand the Danbury, Connecticut dermatologist a budget of $100, and she would buy these products for herself and recommend them for you.
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Ginger & Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask, $32
“I like to mask in the morning, so I’ll brush my teeth and dry my hair while it’s on to save time,” she explains. “I’m excited about this one because I haven’t seen many vitamin C masks out there, and I’m a huge fan of the antioxidant. When it’s infused into the skin, it wards off signs of ultraviolet light, making your complexion glowy, even-toned and radiant.”
Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutriumMoisture, $5
“This body wash deposits moisture deep into the skin and replaces crucial lipids that you naturally lose in the shower,” Dr. Gohara says.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder with SPF 50+, $35
“SPF is crucial, regardless of skin type or skin tone,” she explains. “I like powder formulas because you can re-apply them throughout the day—and I’m all for easy application. Plus, it color-corrects and functions as a CC Cream, so it’s a great multitasker!”
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm, $18
“I use this balm year-round, but I really slather it on when it’s cold outside,” she says. “Harsh winter air is particularly rough against your lips, so infusing them with hydration and moisture is key. The bonus: It doubles as a great, neutral lip gloss.
Tarte Tartiest Pro Cruelty-Free Lashes in Little Black Dress, $12
“Aside from being cruelty-free—which I love—they are much gentler on the eyelid than other lashes I’ve tried,” Dr. Gohara says. “They’re even comfortable enough to wear on a regular basis and not just for special occasions!”
Read More: How a Top Dermatologist Would Spend $100 on Beauty Products and also Dryer Sheets Can Cause Acne, and Everything Sucks
