Martha Stewart’s Skin-Care Routine, According to Her Dermatologists

One would think the details of Martha Stewart’s skin-care routine would be classified information. The mogul, who turns 83 today, has always awed fans with just how smooth, glowing, and—most importantly—healthy her skin is as she ages. While nothing is perfect, you could argue that Stewart’s skin may be the closest thing to it. And something that good can’t solely be attained through a simple skin-care routine and a few aesthetic treatments, right?

But alas, Stewart’s approach to her skin isn’t the result of some magic potion or a deal with the Illuminati. What she does is pretty straightforward, and some aspects of her regimen (such as sticking to a disciplined routine and being very pro-sunscreen) are even things we mere humans can easily integrate into our lives as well.

She works with two New York City–based dermatologists for all her skin needs. Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, is who she turns to curate her daily skin-care plan and for more regular upkeep. Daniel Belkin, MD, board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, is who she looks to for her cosmetic work. Below, both speak with Vogue about what it takes to look like Martha Stewart. Read on to learn more—because we know you want to.

Her Skin-Care Regimen

Stewart’s daily routine is surprisingly quite simple. It consists of a daily morning sheet mask (some of which are custom-made and formulated specifically for her by Dr. Bhanusali); Clé de Peau’s Intensive Eye Contour Cream; the Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 that she mixes with a moisturizer on her face, neck, décolleté, and body; and a Mario Badescu Facial Spray throughout the day to calm the skin. But what really sets Stewart’s regimen apart is a bespoke serum.

Dr. Bhanusali uses Visia-CR Skin Analysis imaging to measure things such as photodamage and wrinkle progression before deciding which ingredients to mix. “She has to know what every ingredient does, how it works,” he says. “She loves seeing studies of skin-care products, [and] we actually talk about studies quite a bit. We look at a host of ingredients—most of which are hydrating and nourishing—and continue to work with her to find the right balances.”

Stewart is not a fan of exfoliants, so chances are low that you’ll find an alpha or beta hydroxy acid in any of these formulations. She and Dr. Bhanusali often text about skin-care ingredients she’s curious about. Saffron, for example, is something she grows on her farm, and she has asked Dr. Bhanusali if it’s something that she should be incorporating. Because sun protection is Stewart’s main concern, an antioxidant complex that neutralizes free radicals from harmful UV rays is key to this custom serum. “She has more sun exposure than probably 99.9% of people out there because she’s out farming every day,” he says. “She’s literally on the farm almost daily when she’s not at an event or in her busy schedule.”

She practices—and preaches—diligent sunscreen use on top of everything, making sure she always applies SPF protection on her face, chest, back of her hands, and anywhere else her skin might be exposed to the sun. “She’s done a great job of educating the world on the importance of protecting yourself,” he adds. “It’s great for all of us to see.”