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Between “Fake Botox,” HIV-confirmed cases at medi-spas and pretty much everyone being an expert on social media, Louisville, KY dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD is having a moment when it comes to the myriad of offerings—and misinformation—in the world of beauty. Here’s what the board-certified dermatologist says are off-the-radar, but have her seal of approval for being fully legit.
Brandefy
Dr. Buss Cassis says the Clinical Vit C+ E + Ferulic Defend Serum ($49) is a SKU she loves. “I am loving this product. We have had one contender in the past that was hands-down amazing, but the cost was just always my pause. I am all for paying for the good stuff, but finally happy a brand could figure out the ingredients and make it reasonably priced.”
Vetted
“I love the brand and the concept,” Dr. Buss Cassis attests. “So many patients are allergic to preservatives or just don’t want to use them. Many times, they can’t use much as far as anti-aging products. These smart dermatologists took on this challenge and have created a great retinol ($98) and a vitamin C moisturizer ($62) that anyone can use—but especially if you suffer from allergic contact dermatitis, you just might find these on your smart list. As a dermatologist, I will still need to check the ingredient lists, but I feel comfortable this is a great starting point.”
YSE
This Molly Sims–developed has this derms’ do, who even goes so far to say it is one of the few celeb lines she’d back. “I love this brand,” Dr. Buss Cassis says. “The exfoliating pads ($72) are huge, and they are so smart for the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. It helps me get the point across that all the skin is aging—take care of it.” Plus, the doc says: “The daily SPF ($48) is beautiful, and it gives you a glow great. That product is really a smart creation. It is a little on light color for me, so I simply layer with a tinted moisturizer and then layer on top. No makeup needed! It’s always a little hard for a board-certified dermatologist to get behind a celebrity skin care, to be honest…many times, unfortunately. it can be a name without good science to back it up. Oftentimes, we must clear up rashes and disappointed customers…this product line is not that. It’s smart, well made and it’s beautiful Molly Sims listens to dermatologist and chemists.”
Scrub MD
Dr. Buss-Cassis categorizes this simple line as “so smart” and something everyone needs. “Fungus is everywhere we are all surrounded by mold. This dermatologist was brilliant to put make an effective antifungal soap and bodywash ($20). Everyone literally needs this in their shower.”
Pavise
An SPF lipstick ($58) that Dr. Buss-Cassis says is “so brilliant” and so needed for the oft-skipped sun-safety step. “I just don’t think we realize what a terrible job we are doing to protect our lips and how quickly SPF wears off. These lipsticks are well done.”