At Home Skincare Regime

Let’s start with a truth: If you’ve ever walked into a Sephora or browsed a big-box retailer’s skincare aisle, you’ve probably felt overwhelmed. And worse, probably misled. The truth about most of those products? They’re heavily marketed, but ultimately ineffective for achieving real, lasting results. It's all about the packaging—bright colors, influencer endorsements, and "miracle claims." But real skincare requires real ingredients. And the reality is, if you’re not using medical-grade formulas, you're wasting time.

Visible, lasting results come from clinically proven products that address skin concerns with the kind of potency you can’t find in a department store.

At The Brightwood, we’re big believers in simplicity. You don’t need 12 steps to flawless skin. You need a streamlined approach: four products, three steps, twice a day. That’s it. 

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1. Cleanser: Start with Real Clean

Good skincare always starts with a clean base. But "clean" doesn’t mean stripping your skin of its natural oils or leaving it feeling tight (a.k.a. the exact opposite of clean). Our go-to cleansers are formulated to gently remove dirt, makeup, and environmental pollutants without disturbing your skin’s delicate pH balance. Medical-grade cleansers are specifically designed to work in harmony with your skin—not just make it feel squeaky clean for five minutes.

Tip: Choose a non-foaming, sulfate-free formula that hydrates as it cleanses. Trust us, your skin will thank you.

2. Treatment: The Active Ingredient That Actually Works

This is where the magic happens. Active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, and growth factors are essential for tackling specific skin concerns—whether it’s acne, pigmentation, or premature aging. Unlike the watered-down formulas you’ll find in drugstores, medical-grade treatments are potent enough to penetrate the skin and make a visible difference.

Dr. Dellavalle’s pick: A prescription-strength retinoid is essential for accelerating cell turnover, preventing wrinkles, and keeping your pores clear. If you're looking for brightening, look no further than stabilized vitamin C or peptides that actually repair and rejuvenate the skin.

3. Moisturizer: Hydrate, Protect, Restore

Moisturizing isn’t just about slapping on something to "seal in" your skincare. In fact, the right moisturizer can do so much more. Medical-grade moisturizers have advanced formulas designed to support the skin’s barrier, retain moisture, and even enhance skin’s elasticity. They’re packed with beneficial ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants that work to keep your skin plump, hydrated, and protected from environmental stress.

Why you need this: Not all moisturizers are created equal. A good moisturizer helps your skin better absorb the treatments you’re layering underneath and provides protection from daily irritants (including pollution and sun exposure).

4. Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Best Friend

If there’s one thing we’ll scream from the rooftops, it’s this: You must wear sunscreen every single day. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy or if you’re inside all day. UV rays don’t care. And if you want your skin to stay healthy and youthful, sunscreen isn’t optional. It's the ultimate form of prevention.

The difference between a $100 medical-grade sunscreen and a $30 drugstore option? The formulation. Medical-grade formulas are designed for broad-spectrum protection, plus added benefits like antioxidants and skin-soothing agents. Look for SPF 30 or higher, and choose one that suits your skin type (tinted for extra defense, oil-free for acne-prone skin).

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The Secret to Visible Results

This is the simple reality of great skincare: consistency is key. We know, the buzzwords and new trends are tempting, but your skin is screaming for stability. With the right combination of effective products, you’ll see visible improvements in just weeks.

Morning routine:

1. Cleanser
2. Moisturizer
3. Sunscreen

Evening routine:

1. Cleanser
2. Treatment (e.g. Retinoid)
3. Moisturizer