How Stress Affects Skin and What to Do About It

How Stress Affects Skin and What to Do About It

by | Apr 26, 2024

Skin Exfoliation is important
Stress Skin

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month, and there is no better time to consider the impact of stress on skin concerns and overall skin health.

There is more and more research about the correlation between stress and skin health —now, more than ever. To that end, Rodan + Fields’ founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields published an eight-week study on the impact of skincare on cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.

Can stress cause you to break out?

The study: “Improvements in acne-prone skin quality correlate with a reduction in saliva cortisol levels after use of an 8-week 3-step topical regimen”

The study uncovered the mental health ramifications of adult acne and found that following a three-step skincare routine can dramatically reduce stress levels. A team of experts, including Rodan + Fields brand founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, studied 30 acne-prone women in the 18- to 45-year-old range who used a skincare regimen including antioxidants, prebiotics, electrolytes, and SPF twice a day.

Rodan + Fields developed the Multi-Med Therapy approach, the right ingredients in the right formulations used in the right order, to deliver visible results you can see and feel. Over many years of testing and assessing consumer input, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields found that having a three- or four-step routine is optimal in terms of treating skin concerns and improving skin health. For this study, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields didn’t provide any additional guidelines beyond their standard recommendation they have with all of Rodan + Fields Regimens. The participants used a three-step Regimen. 

The Results of the Study

The results found that participants’ cortisol decreased by about 83%. In addition, the participants felt 76% more confident taking a selfie compared to 53% at the beginning of the study. Many reported being able to wear less makeup, as their skin looked better, and said their “skin looks as good as it feels.” 

We know that stress can leave its mark, literally and figuratively, on your skin. Here are some of the key ways that stress can affect skin and what you can do to alleviate it.

If your skin isn’t looking its best and you’re stressed, ask yourself the following questions. Are you:

1. Not sleeping enough?

When you’re not sleeping at least eight hours per night, the restorative function of your skin can’t be completed. Having a consistent nighttime skincare routine is essential when it comes to having healthy, youthful-looking skin. However, your skincare routine is most effective with proper sleep. Lifestyle changes can also help with better skin regeneration. Checking in with yourself and assessing whether you’re getting enough sleep can make that difference. Another sleep-inhibiting factor is blue light exposure. Switch off your computers and TV an hour or so before bed, or better yet, avoid having these electronics in your bedroom if you can. Alcohol consumption can lead to a less-than-glowing complexion the next morning. Drinking in moderation will have an impact on how your skin looks.

2. Eating sugar?

Eating sugar can impact your cortisol levels, which can lead to an overproduction of sebum or oil in your skin glands, which can cause acne breakouts. What foods should we opt for, and which should we avoid? “I recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, which means low-carb and no sugar as they directly cause skin inflammation,” Dr. Kathy Fields says. “It is so important to get to a target healthy weight and maintain it by implementing a reasonable diet that fits your lifestyle and one that you can practice long-term,” she adds. Exercise is another critical component. The best foods to eat to protect your skin from aging are antioxidants (think berries), carotenoids (think apricots and carrots), and greens (think spinach and broccoli).  Learn more about the best foods to achieve clear and healthy skin.

3. Dealing with bags under your eyes? 

It’s hard to get that glow when you’re not getting the right amount of sleep. Bags under your eyes is a direct result of sleep deprivation. Your skin has its own circadian rhythm, which is a 24-hour cycle that’s part of the body’s internal clock. Think of it as an operating system: it runs in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. At night, your skin absorbs products better, as it’s thinner at that time and undergoes the cell renewal and skin regeneration process. During your nightly eight hours, you give your skin a chance to replace old skin cells and make room for the new ones. So, don’t skimp on that time for the sake of your skin! It’s important to consistently apply your skincare routine every morning and night—including face serum (like one with Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, or Vitamin C) to avoid acne in addition to fine lines, wrinkles and aging in general. Consider a high-quality anti-aging eye cream to visibly reduce key signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and crow’s feet.

4. Lips sore?

You may be surprised by this stress-related result. But it happens: people tend to bite their lips when they’re stressed out—no matter the weather conditions. Stress, fear and anxiety are some of the reasons those who are prone to lip biting may give in to the urge. Dry lips can also be uncomfortable. Make sure to keep lips hydrated by using a balm or serum daily.

5. Dealing with skin irritations?

Stress can lead to skin irritations resulting from picking at acne or scratching at your skin. If you’re stressed, you might also skimp on your skincare routine, which can also aggravate skin issues.

Things to Remember When You’re Feeling Stressed

Think of your skincare Regimen as your daily ritual – a few moments each day where you can practice self-care. Carve out time each morning and night to treat yourself (and your skin!) to some much-needed TLC and ideally, some stress relief.

*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 R+F Source.

Why a Skincare Regimen is Worth Your Time and Money

Why a Skincare Regimen is Worth Your Time and Money

by | Apr 10, 2024

Skin Exfoliation is important
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM HEAD TO TOE

Show me a person new to a multi-step routine — any routine — and I will show you a skeptic.

It makes sense. Disappointed in the past, they want to know if all those steps really matter or if it’s just marketing. What they’re really asking is: “Is it worth my time and money?” and “Will it work for me?” So, how can you know for sure if purchasing a full Rodan + Fields skincare regimen is worth it? Let’s dive in and see!

When using a skincare regimen, you should always do your due diligence to get familiar with all the steps and the potential results from following the regimen:

  1. Look over the clinical studies to see what results are possible
  2. Review the before and after pictures to see real examples
  3. Take your own before and after pictures to track your progress
  4. Follow the directions and be consistent

Rodan + Fields Skincare Advantage

Dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields set high standards by challenging their chemists to create cutting-edge, life-changing skincare solutions for common skin issues to give visible results. They evaluate every ingredient and formula down to the molecular level to make sure it delivers the transformative, visible results we’re known for.

The Regimen Advantage

R+F regimens use Multi-Med Therapy: the right ingredients, in the right formulas, applied in the right order. Let us deep-dive into the product types that make up a skincare regimen—an orchestra of strong and gentle instruments performing together in the perfect combination for a majestic masterpiece: healthier-looking skin.

-Cleansers: Does using a cleanser matter? You just rinse it off anyway. As the first step in the routine, cleansers are a very important step to prep the skin for what’s to come. R+F cleaners offer a range of benefits that include gentle exfoliation and purifying skin as they remove dirt, oil, makeup, to chemical exfoliation of the skin’s surface for a more even appearance in tone and texture, and lines and deep wrinkles. Your cleanser offers its own benefits while also affecting how your skin responds to the remaining products in the regimen.

-Toners: Often seen as a throw-away product, a toner clears the skin for optimal application and efficacy of the products that follow. Our toners are not drying or astringent in any way. So, this format allows us to layer ingredients effectively on the skin’s surface. The different toners in each regimen offer different benefits depending on the regimen you choose, like minimizing and unclogging pores or gently exfoliating and promoting natural cell turnover.

-Creams/Moisturizers (AM + PM): Is using a cream both morning and night necessary? The cleanser and toner have prepared the skin for these next steps to allow for maximum absorption and additional benefits from creams and moisturizers, like moisturizing and protecting from UVA and UVB rays during the day (make sure to re-apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2-2.5 hours when exposed to the sun), and replenishing or exfoliating the skin overnight.

Can’t I just make my own regimen?

Let’s explore this possibility. There is an immense amount of time and money dedicated to research, selecting the targeted ingredients to make a visible improvement on the skin, quality control, trial and error in stabilizing and developing effective formulations, and determining product compatibility and effectiveness. And sometimes, you might try a combination of products where some ingredients may not play well together, or you could get too much of a good thing like exfoliation, and this misjudgment may affect your skin negatively. Can’t I just buy the “hero” product from the regimen? You can but realize that we cannot guarantee the same results if you were to use the full regimen. Following a regimen is like baking a cake, it’s best to stick with a highly tested and studied regimen with all the right ingredients and to follow all the directions for the best results.

Can one regimen do it all?

R+F skin and hair regimens are designed to address common skin and hair concerns, but everyone’s skin is different. So sensitive skin may have occasional acne or discolored skin may have lax sagging skin. This is why our Consultants invite customers to use the Solution Tool to receive personalized recommendations to address a combination of concerns.

Putting together your own regimen can be overwhelming and isn’t clinically evaluated for specific results. Rodan + Fields has done the research and work for you so you can focus your time, energy and commitment to getting started right away on your skin improvement journey with proven results!

 

Written by Mary Radford, RNBA
Mary Radford, RNBA, has an extensive background in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Spas. She worked side by side with Dr. Katie Rodan as a Registered Nurse in her dermatology office before being recruited to Rodan + Fields in 2004, where she currently focuses on Field Education + Tools.

*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 R+F Source.

R+F Skin and Hair Products to Bring You the Holiday Glow

R+F Skin and Hair Products to Bring You the Holiday Glow

by | Dec 1, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM HEAD TO TOE

Prepare for the holidays with seasonal must-haves to achieve your best gleaming and healthy-looking skin and hair. Rodan + Fields offers all the products you need to look + feel fantastic and spread joy to the people around you with gifts to make their skin and hair glow this season.

MARVELOUS IN MINUTES

You’re running late, and priorities change. What is essential to look and feel your best in minutes?

FOCUS: exfoliation + hydration + glow

Grab a shower cap, dampen the body in the shower, and exfoliate head to toe with ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste, rinse, and pat dry. Drench skin with Body Replenish Cream, then highlight arms, legs, and décolletage with Shimmer Body Oil.

Add Defrizz+ Oil Treatment to the palm of your hands and gently run your fingers through your strands from tips towards roots. This will add shine and control frizz. For wavy/curly hair, use Define+ Curl Cream on dry hair for beach waves. Or style your hair as usual and see softer, smoother, and sleeker results. Want some oomph? The Jumbo size Refresh + Dry Shampoo revitalizes hair volume at the roots and mid-hair shaft with a refreshing, clean scent.

For your face, apply Active Hydration Serum to boost hydration, add your moisturizer, then pat Bright Eye Complex over puffy or dark circles under the eyes to wake them up! (pssst—keep it in the refrigerator!)

For the finishing touch, layer Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid for instant coverage of imperfections, uneven skin tone, redness and an even, radiant glow.

Apply mascara, lipstick, and Brow Defining Boost for natural coverage, or go one shade darker for a more dramatic, bolder look!

You did it! You gave the right attention of exfoliation, hydration, and glow to all the right places…and you’re on time! Bring along a hostess gift such as the Shimmer Body Oil—just add a bow to the lovely packaging.

TIME FOR A CHANGE! 

The holiday season is the perfect time to up your skin and haircare game and try something new. Start with the following products two to four weeks early to look and feel more marvelous when you mingle!

FACE, NECK, DECOLLETAGE:

A Rodan + Fields Regimen will help you control your common skin concerns, and once you can count on achieving great skin, everything else is icing on the cake. Take our Solution Tool quiz to find the right skin and haircare regimen for you.

Lash Boost for visibly longer, stronger, and darker-looking lashes.

Total RF Serum addresses all signs of aging, such as visibly plumper, smoother, more supple, radiant, glowing skin with refined texture and smaller-looking pores. Overall complexion is more youthful-looking and contoured.

Multi-Acid Enzyme Peel is a leave-on, overnight exfoliation that polishes the skin for more smoothness and firmness—like glass. It’s so gentle you can sleep with it. Get ready for compliments on smoother, brighter, and firmer-looking skin.

Instant Targeted Firming Gel for instant firming, tightening, and smoothing to the areas of expression lines/wrinkles. Use under the eyes as well as smile and forehead lines. Over time, wake up looking more refreshed.

AMP MD SYSTEM utilizes a Derma Roller and Intensive Night Renewing Serum to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles and firm skin. Skin appears lifted and tightened.

Lip Renewing Serum reduces dryness and increases natural color and shape.

HAIRCARE:

Everyone’s hair needs moisture!

Use the haircare Regimen recommended to you by the Solution Tool and consider Moisture+ Conditioning Mask as a 5–10-minute leave-on intense, deep conditioning formula to renew brittle strands and soften dry tresses. You won’t believe your shiny and softer swinging hair!

Apply Defrizz+ Oil Treatment as directed for luxuriously smooth, shiny hair. Style as usual, and spray on the Jumbo Refresh+ Dry Shampoo to add volume and more shine.

BODY CARE:

Using ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste three or more times a week keeps skin clear of dulling, dead skin cells and ready to soak up Active Hydration Body Replenish to help prevent future moisture loss, resulting in less creping and younger-looking, younger-acting skin.

Before you slip on your shoes, use Ultra-Rich Foot Cream to comfort dry skin with a soothing, hydrating, quick-absorbing cream for hard-working feet.

Your final touch is the Volumizing Hand Cream for dry, tired hands. Your rings and bracelets look even better on youthful, soft, and plump-looking hands.

Guess what?! You’re holiday-ready.

GET, LOVE+ GIVE:

Now that you’re set for the holidays, it’s time to think about the perfect gifts for friends, family, or those hosting holiday parties.

My vote? Hydration! Maintaining proper hydration involves a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and skincare routines.

Rodan + Fields offers an exclusive, limited edition of three hydration-boosting body care products infused with skin-nourishing oils that work to keep skin looking and feeling healthy. And icing on the cake, they all come in their festive holiday-themed outer boxes, ready to gift as is!

Volumizing Hand Cream delivers TLC to hard-working hands with natural oils, Vitamin E, Glucosamine for anti-aging properties, and Hyaluronic Acid as a water magnet to soften, moisturize, and help protect the skin. This quick-absorbing, non-greasy, and nourishing formula includes the bonus of making skin appear plumper and more youthful.

Ultra-Rich Foot Cream soothes soles with natural oil, triple Hyaluronic Acid to draw and retain water, and Shea Butter for immediate relief and comfort. This quick-absorbing but non-greasy cream gives instant relief and comfort to dry feet and soles.

Shimmer Body Oil is a silky, luxurious body oil that helps seal in moisture and dresses the skin with a shimmering veil for a pearlescent, illuminated glow. Jojoba Oil and Squalane moisturizes, supports, and protects the barrier, creating a radiant glow.

Active Hydration Body Replenish instantly and continuously hydrates skin to smoothen and plumpen it and reduce that crepe look. Feels amazing!

Active Hydration Serum gives 200% increase in hydration, changing lackluster, dry skin into more plump, radiant, smoother-looking skin. Great for anyone making rounds on the holiday party circuit.

Moisture+ Regimen transforms dry and damaged tresses by deeply moisturizing, softening brittle strands, repairing damage, and mending split ends for silky, smooth, full, and youthful-looking hair. Anyone with curly, coily, dry, damaged, or over-processed hair will love you for it!

Now that you have the best skin and hair of your life and the best gifts, R+ F wishes you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday!

*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 R+F Source.

How To Achieve Glass Skin

How To Achieve Glass Skin

by | Sep 15, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM HEAD TO TOE

The “glass skin” trend has taken the beauty world by storm. This dewy, flawless look is attained by using special skin care techniques that can provide you with an ethereal complexion. While the results may appear effortless, there is an art to achieving luminous glass skin.

What is glass skin?

Glass skin is a term used to describe the look of an incandescent complexion. It’s characterized by a lit-from-within dewy finish, with few visible pores or blemishes. The aim is to have skin that appears almost glass-like — a smooth finish and an even tone.

The term “glass skin” was originally coined by Korean beauty influencers, but the trend has spread across the world. Many people use this look to create a more youthful appearance, while others simply revel in the beauty of a lustrous complexion.

Achieving glass skin

Achieving glass skin requires a multidimensional approach to skincare. It takes a combination of consistent habits and high-quality products to achieve the desired result.

1. Double cleansing

Double cleansing is the practice of using an oil-based cleanser followed by a cream or foam cleanser. The oil-based cleanser breaks down makeup and other cosmetic products, while the creamy formula removes dirt and oil. This ensures that your skin is thoroughly clean and ready to absorb other glass skin products.

2. Exfoliating

Exfoliating helps to remove any dead skin cells that can make the complexion look dull and lifeless. The best way to exfoliate is through at-home enzyme peels, which use natural enzymes and acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells.

3. Toning

Using a toner after cleansing helps to provide an even layer of hydration across the face. A toner also helps to restore your skin’s pH balance and can act as a protective barrier against harsh environmental factors.

4. Serum

Serums are more concentrated formulas with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Choose a serum that is tailored to your individual needs, such as one to reduce blemishes or brighten the skin’s tone.

5. Moisturizing

A lightweight moisturizer is essential to maintain the hydration achieved through other skincare steps. Apply a pea-sized amount to the face each morning and night to ensure that the skin is kept nourished throughout the day.

6. Eye cream

Glass skin requires an extra focus on the eye area. Apply an under-eye cream to reduce puffiness and diminish dark circles for a fresh, youthful look.

Using R+F Multi-Acid Enzyme Peel™ to achieve glass skin

One of the products that can help you reach glass skin perfection is the R+F Multi-Acid Enzyme Peel. This at-home enzyme peel is an excellent way to gently exfoliate the skin as part of your regular glass skin routine.

Benefits of applying an enzyme peel to your skin

The R+F Multi-Acid Enzyme Peel offers tone-evening, brilliance-boosting, and pore-minimizing benefits — all key elements of achieving the glass skin look. It helps to remove dead skin cells and fade the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. This diminishes the dullness that can get in the way of a radiant complexion.

Ingredients of our glass skin serum

Our enzyme peel acts as a glass skin serum due to its high-quality ingredients, which include our ProAcid Enzyme Complex, bakuchiol, niacinamide, and licorice root essence. The ProAcid Enzyme Complex™ accelerates exfoliation, while bakuchiol and niacinamide help to brighten the skin tone. Finally, licorice root essence helps to soothe the skin for a comfortable finish.

Diet and lifestyle tips for glass skin

Implementing a glass skincare routine is just one part of achieving the desired results. For lasting luminous skin, certain lifestyle changes are also recommended.

Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help to feed the skin from within. Regular exercise also helps, as it increases circulation and brings oxygen-rich blood to the face.

Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Also, try to reduce stress levels as much as possible to help keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, make sure to get plenty of rest and stay out of the sun to keep your skin looking its best.

Frequently asked questions about glass skin

Since there are so many questions surrounding glass skin, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked ones to help you start on your glass skin journey.

Can anyone achieve glass skin, regardless of skin type?

Yes! With a tailored routine that suits your skin type and the right lifestyle approach, anyone can achieve the glass skin look. However, no two people will have the same results, so try not to compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on achieving your own version of glass skin.

Is glass skin suitable for all age groups?

Of course, there are reasonable limits to what can be achieved with glass skin. For example, it cannot turn back the clock and erase wrinkles. However, creating a luminous complexion can help to create a more youthful appearance. So, while age is not a limiting factor for achieving glass skin, it’s worth keeping in mind that the results may vary depending on your age.

How long does it take to see results with a glass skin routine?

Generally, it takes at least four to six weeks to start seeing results from a glass skin routine. Because it takes time to build up the hydration, nourishment, and protection that your skin needs for a glassy complexion, patience is key.

How can I maintain my glass skin once I achieve it?

To maintain your glass skin once you’ve achieved it, continue with your regular routine, and maintain your positive lifestyle habits.

Achieving glass skin is a process that requires diligence, patience, and consistency. But by implementing the best glass skin products and lifestyle habits into your routine, you can achieve the dewy look you’ve always wanted soon enough.

*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 R+F Source.

6 Ingredients to AVOID when purchasing vitamins or supplements

6 Ingredients to AVOID when purchasing vitamins or supplements

by | Aug 4, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important
Skin Exfoliation is important

 

Today we are going to talk about 6 ingredients to avoid when shopping for vitamins or supplements. These ingredients can cause bloating, block nutrient uptake, harm the gut lining, and they are very unsustainable for our planet. Some examples include maltodextrin, citric acid, artificial dyes, colors, dyes, and flavors which are linked to a plethora of cognitive/digestive disorders. 

  • Maltodextrin is primarily derived from genetically modified corn and has been shown to cause bloating, alter the gut lining, and brain fog. [1] [3]
  • Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent mold growth in foods such as cheese, yogurt, wine, dried meat, pickles, apple cider, and many herbal dietary supplements. Potassium Sorbate may cause damage to the lymphocytes. [2]
  • Soy Lecithin has been shown to impact digestion and reduce the absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc and may equally cause stunted growth in children. [5][6][7]
  • Citric acid During the 1970s citric acid was derived from fruits such as lemons and limes. But around the 1970s citric acid became derived from GMO mold & GMO corn syrup. The mold (Aspergillosis) [12] can cause inflammation [13], bloating, nausea, and other allergic reactions [14]
  • Artificial colors Artificial colors such as yellow 5 have been linked to behavior disorders[9], damage the DNA and causes cell mutation [10] and cellular damage [11] [19]
  • Artificial or Natural flavors At the moment there are about 1,300 different chemicals approved for flavoring agents and due to the current regulations companies do not need to disclose the chemicals used in a flavoring agent. These flavoring agents can be made up of just about anything including pig bones, msg, and other chemicals which may lead to health issues and alterations in dopamine [14] [15] [16]

Always remember to check the label!

 *The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

*Information sourced from 🔆Cultivateelevate.com