If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 30s, while juggling a busy and often high-stress career, it’s that skincare is more than a luxury – it’s a necessity. For those of us riding the waves of too much caffeine, prolonged screen time and inadequate sleep, the evidence often reflects back at us in the mirror.
In the midst of a hectic schedule, finding the time to search for the right skincare products can feel like an added stressor. This is why I appreciate having a handful of dependable staples in my routine. After years of trial and error, I’ve settled on a select few that are consistently on my repurchase list. They’ve proven their reliability time and again, and the difference in my skin is noticeable when I don’t use them. It’s this level of trust and visible results that make them non-negotiables in my daily skincare regime.
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on a selection of these products that I use from Dr Dennis Gross, a US brand well-regarded for its dermatologist-formulated skincare. I’ve been really impressed with this skincare line and recently purchased their DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro. You can read my initial thoughts on the Dr Gross LED mask here.
In today’s article I wanted to share the 3 Dr Dennis Gross skincare products that have been part of my daily routine for around a year now.
Contents 1. Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel 2. Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum and Overnight Wrinkle Treatment 3. All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 Final Thoughts
1. Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
If any of you frequently visit the r/30PlusSkinCare subreddit, you’ll likely already be familiar with the Dr Dennis Gross peel pads as an often-cited holy grail skincare product. Their massive cult following is what initially drew me in. These pads became my first venture into the Dr Dennis Gross range as I was curious to see if the results lived up to the glowing reviews.
What are Peel Pads?
The Alpha Beta Peel Pads by Dr Dennis Gross are a two-step treatment designed to provide powerful yet gentle exfoliation. These pre-soaked pads are formulated with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, enhancing skin’s radiance, texture and tone. They come in three strengths – Ultra Gentle, Universal and Extra Strength.
I use the Extra Strength version as they have more active ingredients and offer an intensive treatment which is ideal for those dealing with skin concerns like fine lines, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone.
Can You Use Extra Strength Peels on Sensitive Skin?
I have sensitive, combination skin that is prone to breakouts and the Dr Gross website suggests that both the Universal and Extra Strength versions will work for this. After reading numerous reviews, I decided to go straight for the Extra Strength with my first purchase. I was a little bit worried, as my skin can be sensitive – but I’ve got on great with the Extra Strength and I’m on my third box now.
The first evening I used these, my skin turned red and I worried that I was having a reaction. However, when I woke up the next morning my skin looked absolutely amazing. It was glowing, hydrated and a complete turn-around from how dull it had been the day before.
I still get a little redness with each application, so I only use these at night – the redness is completely gone by the next morning,
How often do I use Dr Gross Extra Strength Peels?
I don’t use these every day as I think that my skin is a little too sensitive for that. 2-3 times a week is the sweet spot for me. I’ve read online that a great hack is to cut the peel pads in half or quarters to store in a ziplock food bag to make the box last for longer.
However, as I don’t use these every day, I just use the full wipe and ensure it’s completely dry so I know that I’ve got all the product onto my skin, as per the instructions.
What to use after the Dr Gross Alpha Beta Peel?
After using the peel pads, I follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturiser by La Roche-Posay. First, I use the Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum and then I’ll finish up with their Nutritic Intense Rich Moisturiser (both are very gentle products that I use every night).
Pros and Cons
The cult following for these pads is completely justified. They are incredible. The pads bring a fresh, glowy look to my skin and they’re great for any breakouts as they clear my skin up so quickly. There have been a couple of weeks where I’ve been travelling and forgotten to take my peel pads with me and I have noticed a very visible difference with my skin becoming dull and dehydrated looking.
The only downside really is the price – it isn’t too bad for me as I only use 2-3 pads a week, so a box of 30 will last around three months. However, it would definitely add up if I was using a pad a day. In the UK, it’s fairly easy to pick up a box of 30 at a discount through LOOKFANTASTIC, Cult Beauty or Sephora – just keep an eye out for their sales and purchase ahead.
2. Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum and Overnight Wrinkle Treatment
Okay, technically these count as two separate products from Dr Gross – the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum and the Overnight Wrinkle Treatment. I find these pair to be a perfect complement to my regimen and use these on days when I’m not using the peel pads.
What do the Dr Dennis Gross Retinol Serums do?
Retinol is a key ingredient in anti-aging skincare, and for good reason. It’s known for its ability to renew and rejuvenate skin, tackling everything from fine lines to uneven texture. When combined with ferulic acid, it provides an extra boost of antioxidant protection and skin-soothing benefits.
The Dr Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum specifically targets the delicate area around the eyes. Given that this area is often the first to show signs of aging, a dedicated treatment can make a significant difference. On the other hand, the Overnight Wrinkle Treatment works while you sleep to support the skin’s natural repair process to address deeper lines and wrinkles.
How often do I use retinol?
I use the eye serum and overnight wrinkle treatment together 2-3 times a week on evenings when I haven’t used the peel pads (as the Extra Strength peel pads also contain retinol). This is purely because of my skin’s sensitivity – I think using more than one retinol product every night would be too harsh for me.
On top of this, I always make sure there is at least one night a week where I don’t use either the Advanced Retinol products or the peel pads, to give my skin a break from active ingredients. On my break night, I just use the Nutritic Intense Rich moisturiser by La Roche-Posay.
Do I use a moisturiser after the Dr Gross Overnight Wrinkle treatment?
I don’t feel the need to follow up with a moisturiser after using the Overnight Wrinkle Treatment. My combination skin feels well hydrated by this product alone. However, those with drier skin types might benefit from an additional moisturiser to lock in hydration.
With the Overnight Wrinkle treatment, I use around 2 pumps on my skin and this is more than enough product for full coverage.
Pros and Cons
Both the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum and the Overnight Wrinkle Treatment have a pleasant, lightweight feel on my skin. A major plus is that they don’t leave any greasy residue. While the wrinkle treatment does have a slightly sticky texture initially, it absorbs completely within 10-15 minutes, just in time for bed.
On the flip side, a minor drawback for me is the scent of the Overnight Wrinkle Treatment. It’s hard to describe, but it carries an almost medicinal-like aroma. I generally prefer fragrance-free skincare, and while this scent isn’t an added fragrance – something I appreciate – it is quite distinct and may take some getting used to.
3. All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
The final Dr Dennis Gross skincare product from my routine that I want to share today is the All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50.
A good sunscreen should be worn everyday to combat skin ageing, but if you are using retinol products then it becomes absolutely vital to use a daily SPF. Retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making sunscreen a non-negotiable – even in the UK where sunny days aren’t exactly commonplace.
A dedicated mineral sunscreen in addition to makeup containing SPF
I specifically chose the Dr Gross All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for its mineral-based formulation combined with a high SPF 50 protection. I prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical formulas, and the Dr Gross SPF uses zinc oxide – a natural mineral – to offer a physical barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.
This is particularly important for my sensitive skin as the SPF 50 rating provides a strong defense against UV damage. While I do wear makeup that contains SPF (I use the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF30), I’m aware that this alone isn’t sufficient for full protection.
A dedicated, high-strength sunscreen like this is essential in my routine to provide greater skin protection, especially considering the increased sensitivity due to retinol.
Does the Dr Gross SPF leave a white cast?
A major downside to mineral SPFs is that they often leave a white cast on skin. I’ve tried other mineral sunscreens before, and often they were greasy and challenging to absorb. The reason why the All-Physical Ultimate Defence is now a staple for me is because it blends in completely and provides a dewy (but not greasy) base to apply makeup on top of. Most importantly, it leaves no white cast on my skin tone, which is a significant win for any mineral sunscreen.
Pros and Cons
I love how the Dr Gross sunscreen absorbs into my skin without affecting the application of my makeup. It also works great on days that I go without makeup, given that it doesn’t leave any white cast.
The SPF is water and sweat-resistant, which is a huge plus for those living in places where rain is the norm. I also really appreciate the inclusion of hyaluronic acid as it gives that extra bit of hydration for my skin.
One con is that you do need to give the sunscreen some time to sink in before applying makeup. I usually apply the SPF as soon as I wake up, and then leave applying my makeup until after I’ve got dressed and had my first coffee. If I’m in a rush and can’t give the sunscreen that 15-20 minutes to sink in, then I notice it can make my tinted moisturiser much harder to apply evenly on top.
Final Thoughts
So there we have it – my current staple skincare products from Dr Dennis Gross. While this isn’t the cheapest skincare line, I find that the products pay for themselves in the results I get and their reliability as staples in my routine.
These aren’t the only skincare products I use and I’ll do a future write-up on the skincare products that I also use from La Roche-Posay. For now, hopefully this will help give some insight if you’re interested in trying any of these products out.
And finally, just a note to say that I have bought all these Dr Gross products myself and this review is completely unbiased – just me sharing my genuine experiences and opinions with you!