How to Exfoliate Without Damaging Your Skin

How to Exfoliate Without Damaging Your Skin

by | Jul 7, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

We hear about exfoliation quite a bit as a means of keeping our skin smooth, moisturized, and healthy. After all, how can we get a glowing, healthy-looking complexion if we’re constantly dealing with dead skin cells that pile up?

But knowing that exfoliation is a good idea and knowing how to exfoliate are two entirely different things. Here, we break down exactly what exfoliation is, and how to exfoliate without damaging your skin.

What is exfoliation?

According to Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, the purpose of exfoliation is to get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and clear out congested pores to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

“Exfoliation plays into the life cycle of skin cells which is about 3 months in children and about 28 days in adults,” she explains. “With age, the dead skin cells that accumulate tend to take longer to shed from the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells build up and clog pores and lead to a dry and dull complexion and rough texture.”

Benefits of exfoliating

The main benefit of exfoliation, according to Dr. Green, is to help speed up cell turnover rate. “Exfoliation also allows serums, treatments, and moisturizers applied afterward to penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver the best benefits,” she explains.

Skin types that are suitable for exfoliation

All skin types are suitable for exfoliation, but you might have to make some tweaks in terms of how you exfoliate based on your skin type. For example, chemical exfoliants, which typically contain beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) can be great for sensitive or dry skin, according to Dr. Green. AHAs are great for dry skin because they don’t cause irritation, while BHAs are great for oily or acne-prone skin. With normal skin, you should feel comfortable going with a physical or chemical exfoliant.

How to exfoliate without damaging your skin

If you want to exfoliate without damaging your skin, there are a few key components to keep in mind, according to Dr. Green.

“Exfoliating too often or scrubbing too hard can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier and remove the essential oils present that provide hydration and healthy skin,” she explains. “This can lead to redness, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, dryness, infection, or acne breakouts. Stripping the skin of essential moisturizing oils can cause the skin to respond by overproducing sebum, which can then become trapped in the pores and lead to the formation of acne breakouts.”

It’s best to start slowly and gradually increase frequency of exfoliant use if you want to avoid irritated skin. “There is nothing wrong with decreasing the frequency if your skin shows any signs of irritation,” Dr. Green says. “It is highly recommended that you discuss with a board-certified dermatologist to determine which exfoliant and skincare regimen would be best for your specific skin type. If you’re experiencing redness, itchiness, or irritation, avoid using any exfoliants until your skin is healed.”

How to exfoliate the face

Before trying an exfoliating cleanser on the face, Dr. Green recommends applying it to your inner arm first.

“If you are trying a new exfoliating product, perform a patch test on your inner arm before applying to the face to ensure that the product will not cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction,” she says. “To perform a patch test, place a small amount of the product on clean skin and leave the area be for at least 24 hours. If there is no skin irritation after use such as redness, swelling, itching, burning, or rash, then the product should be safe to use on the face.”

Exfoliation on the face should be performed two to three times a week, and always remember to use a moisturizer afterward.

How to exfoliate the body

Since the skin on the body tends to be less sensitive than skin on the face, it’s easier to exfoliate it without damaging the skin, but you should still perform Dr. Green’s patch test before exfoliating your entire body. With a really high-quality body scrub, you can exfoliate your body two to three times a week, and be sure to use a moisturizer afterward.

How to exfoliate the legs

With a body scrub and a brush or sponge, exfoliate your legs by using short, gentle strokes on the skin. Just make sure to avoid any areas that have cuts, as an exfoliating scrub can further irritate those areas and slow down the healing process.

How to exfoliate the feet

Exfoliating the feet is different from exfoliating other parts of the body. You’ll want to soak your feet a few times a week, then use a pumice stone to slough off dead skin cells. Be sure to moisturize afterward, just as you would when exfoliating other parts of the body.

How often should you exfoliate?

You should not exfoliate every day, as doing so can cause dryness or irritation. Two to three times per week is the ideal amount.

Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine. With the proper attention, care, and the right products, you can say goodbye to dead skin cells and easily exfoliate your skin without irritating it. Enjoy!

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

Lip Wrinkles: Causes and Treatment

Lip Wrinkles: Causes and Treatment

by | Jun 30, 2022

Reverse Regimen

When we think about areas of our face where wrinkles and fine lines show up, our lips aren’t usually the first spot we think of. But lip wrinkles, which are vertical lines that form on and around your lips as you age, can be a source of annoyance that can leave us feeling less confident than we deserve to be.

But what are lip wrinkles, exactly, and what can you do about them? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are Lip Wrinkles?

As noted above, lip wrinkles are vertical lines that form on and around your lips as you get older. They’re sometimes called “lip lines,” “lipstick lines,” or “smoker’s lines,” and they can be tough to hide or conceal, making them more bothersome than other wrinkles or fine lines.

What Causes Lip Wrinkles?

There are a handful of causes of lip wrinkles, but there are the most common ones:

Aging

Unfortunately, one of the top causes of lip wrinkles is pretty inevitable: Aging skin. “As we age, we gradually produce less and less collagen,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.  “This means our skin is less able to repair itself and retain moisture, resulting in drier, thinner, and less elastic skin. This also makes our lips and other areas of our face more prone to fine lines and wrinkles”.

Sun exposure

Sun exposure (and lack of protection) can be another culprit when it comes to lip wrinkles. “Repetitive unprotected sun exposure can make lip wrinkles worse since the ultraviolet rays can damage our collagen stores and cause premature aging,” explains Dr. Green.

Smoking

There’s a reason why lip wrinkles are often referred to as “smoker’s lines” — smoking is a big reason why lip wrinkles show up in the first place. “Smoking can cause premature aging since cigarettes contain free radicals that damage our bodies and prevent our skin cells from getting adequate nutrients.”

Treatments for Lip Wrinkles

As with most skin-related issues, the best treatment for lip wrinkles is to stop them from popping up in the first place — or at the very least, do your very best to stop them from getting worse. “You can change your diet to include foods that are high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and nuts,” Dr. Green suggests. “These foods can fight free radicals and other agents that cause premature aging. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can improve your blood flow and improve both your complexion as well as prevent any more free radicals from damaging your skin cells.”

Here are some other options worth trying:

Anti-aging lip serum and balm

There are tons of different lip serums and balms out there, so look out for a lip wrinkle serum that contains specific ingredients.

“Look for products containing either vitamin C or retinoids,” suggests Dr. Green. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is known to support healthy collagen production, making it optimal for preventing lip lines and keeping them from getting worse. Meanwhile, retinoids support natural cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production. This makes them a great option in reducing the appearance of fine lines and rejuvenating the skin.”

That being said, if you opt for a serum or balm that contains a retinoid, it’s extra important to remember to apply a lip balm with SPF afterward.

Exfoliate lips

Since exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, lip exfoliants can be a great way to keep the skin on your lips healthy. Just remember not to overdo it (once a week is fine), and make sure to apply a moisturizer and SPF afterward. “Many people fail to apply SPF to their lips when they go out,” Dr. Green says. “Always apply a lip balm with SPF and reapply every two hours to protect your lips from UV damage.”

Oil massages

Treat your lips to a luxurious oil massage, especially if you’re regularly exfoliating them. Lip oils are an excellent way to deeply moisturize the skin of the lips, helping to protect them from further damage.

Dermal fillers

Dr. Green notes that dermal fillers can be an excellent treatment option for lip wrinkles. “Dermal fillers that are made of hyaluronic acid like Belotero Balance, Restylane, and Juvederm can temporarily fill in lip lines and give the appearance of natural, supple, and beautiful lips,” she notes. “Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our bodies and when injected, can add volume, smooth out the surface of the skin, and immediately improve the skin’s overall appearance.”  It’s always important to discuss your options with your dermatologist to determine what is right for you.

While annoying, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the appearance of lip wrinkles and stop them from getting worse. So fill up your cart with antioxidant-rich foods, remember to exfoliate, and don’t forget the SPF!

Sources

Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts – What’s the Difference?

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts – What’s the Difference?

by | Jun 7, 2022

Purging or a break out?

What Is Skin Purging?

Knowing the difference between skin purging vs breakout can help save time, money, and peace of mind. In general, skin purging is when your pores are reacting to an active ingredient in skincare. Skin purging is basically your skin getting worse before it gets better.

Skin Purging vs a Breakout

Telling the difference between a skin purge vs a breakout can help ensure you are treating the issue correctly. This also helps you stay in the know about your health, how to handle skin issues, and when to involve a dermatologist.

Adding to or making changes in your daily routine can trigger a breakout as your body reacts to the change. Consider these factors first: Have you recently started medication or tried a new food? Is there an ingredient in your haircare, skincare, laundry detergent, or other products that you may have a sensitivity to? Are you menstruating, or going through another hormonal change? Do you usually suffer from acne and breakouts? Keeping a food journal or product log can help narrow down possible culprits of your reaction.

Skin purging, on the other hand, is usually caused by active ingredients being introduced to the skin in new skincare. Purging is basically a symptom as a result of your new treatment. Examples of ingredients that are known to cause skin purging include hydroxy acids and retinoids. Signs of skin purging generally clear or subside within a reasonable amount of time, which is good news for anyone looking for results that come with active ingredients in skincare.

What Does Skin Purging Look Like? – 5 signs

If you are noticing what appears to be a breakout, and are asking yourself “is my skin purging?”, make a list of any changes in your skincare routine or treatments. Yes, skin purging can look very similar to a breakout, but there are ways to differentiate the two. Here are some signs of what skin purging actually looks like.

Small Pimples

Also known as comedones, these are existing clogging pores that will enlarge and begin to make a head as a pimple. Sometimes, there is a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, cysts, pustules, and papules where the product has been applied.

Dryness

Signs of skin dryness, flaking, peeling or sensitivity can be your skin purging or adjusting to your new product or routine. 

Redness

Inflammation, signs of discoloration, or visible redness can be signs that your pores are purging or getting ready to purge.

Quick Lifecycle

Signs of skin purging can appear and then disappear faster than acne breakouts. Regular breakouts appear and then heal around 8 to 10 days, while skin purging can disappear much quicker.

Breakouts

Confusingly, breakouts can be signs of your pores purging, but the underlying cause wouldn’t be that of a breakout. Skin breakouts that indicate purging should not be treated with an acne product the same way a simple breakout would be because you are already using your active ingredient.

Is Skin Purging Good?

While it can feel uncomfortable and look like a breakout, skin purging is usually not “bad”. It may be tempting to stop using your new skincare, but sticking with it often allows you to reach your desired results.

Skin Purging Process – How Long Does It Last?

So how long does skin purging last exactly? It depends on your skin type, and how quickly your skin is usually purging pimples. Expect approximately 4 to 6 weeks of these symptoms, and if they last longer, be sure to reach out to your doctor or dermatologist.

Can Skin Purging Be Avoided?

Sure, skin purging can be avoided, but if it means clearer, better skin in the future, why would you want to? Skin purging can be tamed or avoided by not switching up your skincare routine or products, not using drying products, wearing sunscreen every single day, and keeping your skin as hydrated as possible. Our real advice, though? Stick with your new product, especially if your dermatologist is recommending it because the results will be highly worth it.

When It’s Just a Breakout

Sometimes, it’s nothing but a breakout! Likely not something you haven’t already experienced before. If you’ve tried a new product or food that is actually clogging your pores, your skin may be reacting through a breakout. Consider non-comedogenic skincare if you are prone to acne and breakouts, or keep a food journal to identify the culprit of your breakouts. Dairy is a common food group that exacerbates breakouts. Knowing the difference between purging and breaking out is helpful from the start. Always be kind to your skin when there’s a breakout present, applying a gentle skincare face mask or serum and taking a break from abrasive products. Do not punish your skin with an overload of products, which can cause a damaged skin barrier.

Now you are aware of the key differences between skin breakouts vs purging, and the action plan when each one occurs. Remember to always keep skin clean, protected with SPF, and hydrated by drinking plenty of water as the foundation of any skincare routine. Now you can put your best face forward with your ongoing journey in skincare.

Sources

  1. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Are Your Haircare Products Causing Breakouts?

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

All About Layering Serums

All About Layering Serums

by | Feb 28, 2022

Rodan+Fields Serums

Stars of the skincare world, serums get a lot of press. And for good reason! What are serums? Serums are high-powered, concentrated fluids that are a must-have step in your skincare lineup. They are formulated specifically to help you achieve various skincare goals, thanks to their active ingredients.

Whether you choose Vitamin C, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, or another formulation, there’s no shortage of formulations from which to choose. If you have more than one skincare goal — anti-aging and acne, for example — you can even layer serums to get the glowiest, most beautiful skin. In this post, we’ll talk about how serums differ from moisturizers and the best way to layer two of our best-selling formulas in the Rodan + Fields range — in addition to answering a few frequently asked questions about serum layering.

How do face serums differ from moisturizers?

Serums are thinner, lighter, faster, and even more potent than your go-to cream. Facial serums are sort of like lightweight moisturizers in that they’re typically a liquid formula. And as mentioned, they boast a higher concentration of active ingredients. When it comes to modern skincare, serums are known for their efficacy. They can help you address specific skin concerns from acne to anti-aging.

How should you layer your serums?

So how exactly should you layer your serums? To amplify your skincare results, you want to apply the thinner formula first. If both serums are about the same in viscosity, then you want to choose the serum designed to target your chief skincare concern first. Then, apply the second one on top.

You want to give your formulas a little time to absorb. It’s best to wait a few minutes in between layers for best results.

Should you always layer serums or sometimes just use one? 

That depends on your skincare goals, of course. While you’re targeting multiple concerns, you should use multiple serums. One thing to keep in mind: You want to make sure you’re not layering serums with competing exfoliants. For example, if you’re using a retinol serum, you shouldn’t use one with glycolic acid or salicylic acid on top. Sticking to a single chemical exfoliant is a good rule of thumb when it comes to applying your serums.

How often should you apply your serums? 
You want to apply your serums every day — consistently — for the best results. Depending on your serum’s active ingredients, you may want to apply at night versus during the day. Retinol, for example, is best used at night—though some formulations allow for daytime use. The instructions on the bottle will tell you whether a skincare product is best used during the day, night, or both.

Should you always layer your serums or sometimes use just one? 
That’s up to you, but to kick off your routine, you may want to layer your serums for a few weeks and then split them up into your morning and evening regimens, respectively.

What are two serums that work well for layering? 

Two serums that work really well together are Rodan + Fields Intensive Renewing Serum and Active Hydration Serum.  Layer Active Hydration Serum on first, then Intensive Renewing Serum for best results.

Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum

Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum incorporates a concentrated and comprehensive revitalizing complex that harnesses the skin’s natural renewing powers to reduce and prevent the visible signs of aging. It’s formulated with Retinal-MD Technology, a form of Vitamin A that’s even more potent than Retinol—but it’s gentle enough for daily use. This serum is best used at night to empower the skin’s  natural renewing process to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while revealing vibrant, younger-looking skin.

Active Hydration Serum

Active Hydration Serum is a face serum that was created to deliver all-day hydration and boosts the performance of skincare products layered on top. This serum raises skin’s hydration level by 200% after just one use and maintains continuous hydration for eight hours based on an 8-day U.S. clinical and consumer study.  It helps transform dry skin into younger-looking, younger-acting skin. With consistent use over time in your own Regimen, Active Hydration Serum helps increase skin’s moisture retention and improves skin’s moisture overall.

How quickly will you see results when using your serums together daily?

For Intensive Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum, in just four weeks, you should see more refined, firmer-looking, smoother-feeling skin with less visible lines and wrinkles. By formulating Intensive Renewing Serum in single-use capsules, the serum is protected to maintain its stability.

The clinicals for Active Hydration Serum revealed that 100% of participants had an increase in skin’s moisture retention after one week*. A whopping 94% of participants saw an improvement with regard to moisture after just two weeks** .

Happy serum layering!  

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

Rodan+ Fields Has A New Serum That Will Change Everything!

Rodan+ Fields Has A New Serum That Will Change Everything!

by | Sep 18, 2021

Total RF Serum

  • Rodan + Fields just released its newest product: the Total RF Serum.
  • The serum is meant to improve skin’s firmness, plumpness, and radiance.
  • Total RF Serum comes in refillable packaging to cut back on waste.

While some people might prefer a basic three-step skin-care routine that’s quick and effective, I’m more of a maximalist. I love to incorporate R+F products and tools into my daily regimen, and I always use a serum to target specific skin-care goals. My go-to is the Redefine Regimen. However, sometimes, I switch things up. Occasionally I target discoloration and uneven skin tone with the Reverse Regimen. Sometimes I want to plump and smooth fine lines. And when a serum comes along and promises to do it all — even better times a thousand.

The Rodan + Fields Total RF Serum ($175 retail – I can help you save more) is one of those all-in-one serums. It is our brand’s newest innovation that took five years to perfect and was formulated to do it all: it improves the skin’s elasticity, firmness, plumpness, radiance, and texture, plus reduces the appearance of pores.

“We’re all aging all of the time due to sun exposure, pollution, stress — the cumulative effects appear as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity, dullness, enlarged pores, and dryness,” co-founder of the brand Katie Rodan, MD, tells us “A product specifically designed with ingredients to energize surface skin cells, especially one that could be used by people of all ages, was our ultimate goal.”

Total RF Serum

This powerhouse serum is packed with ingredients that deliver on the above claims — omega-6 essential fatty acids help hydrate and plump the skin, sandalwood minimizes the appearance of fine lines, Indian kino tree extract promotes even tone, antioxidants protect against environmental aggressors, ceramides support the skin’s moisture barrier, and calcium helps make skin firmer and tighter.

The Total RF Serum is safe to use both morning and night and is compatible with all skin types. Fold it into your routine after cleansing and toning. The consistency of the formula is creamy as opposed to watery like most serums and has a light blush hue to it. There’s a very faint, clean scent, but nothing too noticeable, and it quickly absorbs to a lightweight, soft, hydrating finish.

As someone with oily to normal skin, I found that the serum fit right in with my existing routine, and it didn’t leave my skin feeling irritated or more oily in the slightest bit. The pearly pink hue of the serum also gave my skin an instant radiance, which is even better!

Another aspect of the product that I love is that it is refillable! The vial filled with the serum that sits inside the glass bottle can be replaced after you run out, saving  money and unnecessary waste.

 

 debi.myrandf.com

Skin is a beautiful thing, wear it well!

Not sure what is right for your skin? Take the quiz below 

https://debi.myrandf.com/solution-tool

Learn more about Rodan + Fields and how you can get your most radiant skin yet. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message