Want to Invest in Luxe Skin Care? These Brands Are Worth the Splurge

ZO Medical, created by Zein Obagi, is very similar to professional grade products, yielding results you might see from a trip to the dermatologist's office — but they take a little longer to work. Melamin Skin Bleach & Correcting Creme ($66) was prescribed to me by Dr. Obagi himself to help with my melasma. It contains 4 percent hydroquinone to help with pigmentation, which actually works without including the ruddiness or irritation you can usually experience from the ingredient.

Other products to try: AkneBright ($45) and Retamax ($145).