Q+A with Celebrity Skincare Expert Dr. Dendy

We chat with Dr. Dendy Engelman to hear all about what everyone needs in their skincare routine, what skincare trends she sees emerging next, and more.

Dr. Dendy is a celebrity dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and media expert based out of New York City. Her simple “less is more” approach has made her a go-to expert among all of her clients, as well as top publications and TV programs, for achieving beautiful, natural skin. We sat down with her to learn more about what she loves the most about what she does, how to develop the perfect skincare routine, how to keep your skin safe every day and more.

Q: If you could sum up your skincare philosophy, what would it be?

Prevention is key & science is penultimate!

Q: What do you love the most about what you do?

So many things!!! I LOVE my job! If I had to pick what I love most, I would say that I have the opportunity everyday to help people feel better about how they look. Whether I’m treating acne, eczema, or wrinkles, I love the transformation that occurs when I help my patients improve their skin concerns.

Q: What is a misconception you find that people have about skincare?

The biggest lesson I have learned is that the best formulators and cosmetic chemists spend years creating, testing and honing their formulations. Prior to working closely with brands, I thought that most of the skin care lines were predominantly formulated around marketing. Now, I know that the best brands dedicate copious amounts of time and major investment to research and development. I have been consistently impressed as to how they have continued to innovate in a very saturated space.

Q: What is something you wish people would stop doing to their skin?

It is actually something I wish they would do – wear SPF year round! This goes back to the first question. The best way to prevent skin cancer is protection. As a dermatologic surgeon, I physically remove cancer and I know it is best to prevent damage so that overtime it does not turn harmful and go undetected.

Q: What trends do you see evolving in skincare in the coming year?

Since so many are working from home, I anticipate an explosion of home devices hitting the market in the coming year.

Q: How did you go about finding your perfect skincare routine?

As a medical expert, I am well-equipped to look at product ingredients and clinical studies to truly know the realistic results and limitations of products. It is part of my job to be well informed on products/technologies related to skin health. My skincare routine changes based on my skin needs and thousands of hours of product testing.

Q: What is one product everyone needs in their routine - no matter what their skin type?

Sunscreen. About 23% of sun damage is accrued by the time we are 18. It is never too early to start protecting yourself from skin cancer!

Rapid Fire Round

Q: Splurge-worthy item:

Augustinus Bader The Cream

AUGUSTINUS BADER | The Cream
AUGUSTINUS BADER | The Cream
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Q: Favorite drugstore find:

I love Bio Oil which works in harmony with Vitamin A and Vitamin E to encourage cellular turnover. The calendula, rosemary and chamomile oil effectively restore the skin barrier. Differin Gel contains a powerful retinoid to clear acne and prevent future ones as well as to prevent acne scarring. It is the first retinoid available over the counter and it is gentler compared to other retinoids.

BIO-OIL | Multiuse Skincare Oil
BIO-OIL | Multiuse Skincare Oil
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DIFFERIN | Acne Treatment Gel
DIFFERIN | Acne Treatment Gel
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Q: Latest beauty empty:

I love ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ and use it to the last drop! It is easily spreadable and instantly absorbs into the skin, forming a protective smart pro-shield. It’s formulated with 11% Zinc Oxide and DNA Repairsomes which is a liposomal delivery system.

ISDIN | Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
ISDIN | Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
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Q: Recent discovery:

Peace Out's Dots - I just started using these a few months ago and am really impressed!

PEACE OUT | Acne Healing Dots
PEACE OUT | Acne Healing Dots
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Q: Product you can't leave home without:

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream is a hydrating formula seals and protects skin; formula hasn’t changed since the product was created in the 1930’s and I’ve been using this product since I was a child. It has definitely stood the test of time. The best part is it can be used for hands, as lip balm, or anything that needs extra moisture!

ELIZABETH ARDEN | Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant
ELIZABETH ARDEN | Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant
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For more of Dr. Dendy's favorite products, check out her shop below.

Dr. Dendy Engelman
Dr. Dendy Engelman
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a board-certified, award-winning, New York City celebrity dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and media expert who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Known to her patients and the media as "Dr. Dendy", Dr. Engelman is noted for her less-is-more approach to provide her patients with optimal, beautifully natural results. She frequently appears as a media expert in media, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and many more.
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