Walking down the skincare aisle is like sensory overload. There are gels, creams, so-called essences, and serums, so many serums. The products claim to revitalize, exfoliate, hydrate, brighten, soothe, correct—or work anti-aging wonders. What’s a skincare novice to choose? “It can be overwhelming for me, as a dermatologist in practice for 25 years, to walk into a Sephora and be surrounded by all the different options,” says Dr.