Welcome to Take the Edge Off, a series that breaks down the beauty and self-care routines of influencers, CEOs, experts, and celebrities. Find out how they unwind and decompress while taking a closer look at the holy-grail essentials they’re currently raving about.
Board-certified dermatologist Elyse Love wears many hats. In addition to being a wife and mother, she also works as a full-time skin professional with New York City–based cosmetic, medical, and surgical skin care center GlamDerm. Love also applies her knowledge and expertise as the dermatologist adviser for Bluemercury, providing feedback on product development for the retailer’s in-house brands and services.
Outside the office, the dermatologist serves as one half of the BeautyCurious podcast team, discussing beauty trends and breaking down common myths with celebrity esthetician Ian Michael Crumm. And to top off her robust personal and professional résumé, Love also counts herself an avid fitness enthusiast, carving out time to regularly catch a streaming workout and even running the New York City Marathon twice. “I do these once a week if I’m disciplined or on vacation,” she says of her go-to online Pilates classes. “The workouts are truly so calming and still somehow give me the best abs ever.”
Bazaar caught up with the expert for more insight into her daily beauty and wellness routines. From keeping Mrs. Knowles-Carter on repeat to wearing skin-friendly no-makeup makeup looks, here’s a closer look at how Elyse Love takes the edge off.
What are you reading or listening to these days?
I’m listening to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, of course. I’ve also been on a reading spree and am currently on How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks.
How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, by David Brooks
What are some of your go-to bath or shower products?
I think the shower experience is so overlooked, in terms of achieving and maintaining hydrated, smooth skin. I love using Aēsop’s Geranium Leaf Body Exfoliator in warmer months for smooth skin and uplifting aromas. The most important step is moisturizing the skin immediately after exiting the shower. I rotate moisturizers often, but Eucerin Advanced Repair is my current go-to. It’s deeply hydrating and applies easily and quickly. I also love Nécessaire’s Body Cream.
What beauty or self-care products do you use on a regular basis to help combat Zoom fatigue?
Computer screens can exaggerate early signs of skin aging and even contribute to hyperpigmentation, so a multitasking product like the Mother Science Retinol Synergist is a blessing. It is an all-in-one antioxidant, pigment regulator, and collagen stimulator to address all signs of aging.
Do you have a favorite hand sanitizer, soap, or cream right now?
Yes! I feel so strongly about this. I keep Dove’s Deep Moisture hand soap and hand sanitizer throughout my house. I started developing hand eczema while I was pregnant, and changing my hand soap and hand sanitizer completely eliminated it. I also keep a lightweight hand moisturizer next to the cleanser—right now that’s CeraVe’s Therapeutic Hand Cream.
What was the last beauty product you put on today?
It’s a no-makeup day for me, but I did brush my brows up with Lévans Cult Brow Mega Hold Brow Gel by Robin Evans.
Are you into bold makeup, no makeup, or no-makeup makeup right now?
I’m into a very clean, natural face that shows off my skin with a pop of a red- or plum-colored lip. I don’t like the feeling of suffocating my skin with makeup, so this allows me to have some fun while letting my skin breathe. I also find it to be a very low-maintenance look. My favorite products are Dior’s Forever Skin Glow, the Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint, Ilia’s Multi-Stick, and YSL Beauty’s Couture Velvet Cream Matte Liquid Lipstick.
What’s the last fitness class you streamed or attended in person?
I have a trainer, Daryl Gregory, who I see up to three times per week, depending on my schedule. My schedule is pretty hectic with a nine-month-old and work, so it’s nice to not have to plan workouts. My favorite streaming workout is B the Method by Lia Bartha. Pilates is an incredible workout in general, but Lia’s method is like no other and really, really works without doing damage to your body.
What’s one piece of self-care advice you’d give our readers?
I recently became a mom and it has been a truly fantastic experience, but it is nonstop. I usually keep my son with me when I’m not in the office. One of my friends convinced me to take him to day care for a half day, and now I have to spread that message to you: If you have the option, at least every once in a while, take your children to child care for a few hours. Ideally, get a massage, but honestly, just having a few hours to watch TV, respond to emails, and clean has been restorative.
