Two new supercharged serums to try right now
I’ve had the pleasure of counting board-certified dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye of Englewood Cliffs, NJ among my clients for over five years now, and it’s been so fun watching (and helping) her practice evolve throughout this time. So when she told me she was launching two clean serums that she formulated herself I couldn’t wait to dive in, and we spent the next few months working on the packaging, marketing materials, online copy, and all that fun stuff. The finished Bergen Dermatology products finally arrived a few weeks ago, and I’ve been using them every day since. (I was so excited to show them to my husband and son, and the latter said, “What’s a serum?” upon presenting it to him—I must start teaching him the finer points of skincare STAT.)
In the morning I use the Radiance Drops Skin Nutrition Serum because it’s bursting with resveratrol and other antioxidants, plus non-toxic skin-brighteners like kojic acid, azelaic acid and bearberry extract along with niacinamide, bakuchiol and other good-for-your-skin ingredients. The texture is substantial, but it magically absorbs in a flash—and I’ve never, ever experienced pilling when applying other products or makeup afterwards.
At night I use the Pro-Aging Drops Skin Wellness Serum, and this one product has my entire wish list of ingredients covered. Featuring a potent blend of retinol, bakuchiol, niacinamide, green tea polyphenols, plant-derived salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids (and more!), Dr. Boakye also designed it to curb the free radicals that cause the oil oxidation that can contribute to breakouts, which is a win-win in my acne-prone skin’s book.
Beyond being ecstatic about Dr. Boakye’s second foray into the skincare (her first was the incredibly hydrating Karité Shea Butter line she created with her sisters), I was on a Zoom this morning and actually noticed how glowy, plump and healthy my skin looked. Even more, my skin feels amazing and is in the best shape it’s been in months. Now that’s definitely something to smile about…
