Your cleansers job is to remove makeup, sunscreen, sweat, sebum, environmental pollutants, etc…while also gently exfoliating and preparing your skin for actives. Most people do a single cleanse, while others do a double cleanse. Dr. Tyler encourages a double cleanse using a simple micellar water and rinse, followed by your regular cleanser. Micellar water is gentle for all skin types and is perfect for removing makeup and sunscnree.

For acne prone skin, use a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser.

For dry, sensitive skin, use a cream based cleanser with ceramides and hydrators.

This is where you focus on your actives, and can include multiple products. What specific skin concern are you wanting to treat?

• For hydration, add a hyaluronic acid or beta-glucan serum.

• For skin brightening, add a vitamin c serum.

• For acne or uneven texture, add an exfoliating toner or serum.

Oftentimes, this is the step that can get confusing and complicated. Individual items may have redundant ingredients that cause damage instead of benefit. Or one item has an ingredient that inactivates an ingredient in another product. While each regimen step requires intention, this may be the step that needs the most attention and help from Dr. Tyler at Limelight.

Every skin type needs moisture. A moisturizer not only provides hydration and moisture (these are different things, believe it or not), but also aids in maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

For overnight exfoliation, add a glycolic acid cream.
For fine lines and wrinkles, add a product with peptides and a retinol.
For extra dry skin, consider noncomedogenic oils.

Are you changing your moisturizer with changes in the seasons? How about a different moisturizer for daytime/nighttime?

Some of Dr. Tyler’s favorite moisturizing ingredients include ceramides, beta-glucan, snail mucin, and squalane.

Sun protection is essential in your daily regimen. UVA/UVB radiation damages skin cells, and the proteins responsible for producing collagen and new skin. Do you notice that you have more freckles or wrinkles on the left side of your face? That is sun damage incurred while driving the car.

Sun exposure causes melanocytes to over produce melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation and in extreme situations, gene mutation and melanoma.

There are two types of SPF: chemical and physical.

Chemical sunscreens blend easily and work well for darker skin tones.

Physical sunscreens can often cause a white cast, but may provide superior protection for a longer period of time.

Sunscreen is the most important part of your routine, so make sure you have a product that works (at least SPF 30) and that you love.