How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

by | Aug 6, 2022

How to even your skin tone

If you suffer from uneven skin tone, rest assured that you’re not alone. “Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation is often characterized by skin discoloration and is a result of an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “This overproduction of melanin often occurs unevenly which results in dark spots and patches.”

While common—a form of hyperpigmentation called melasma impacts approximately five million people in the United States and has a prevalence rate of 40% in some populations—anyone who has ever dealt with this issue has probably wondered how to get even the skin tone on their face. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Causes An Uneven Skin Tone?

There are many factors that contribute to uneven skin tone, according to Dr. Green. These include:

Hormones

According to Dr. Green, hormonal fluctuations can cause an increased risk of hyperpigmentation, especially in the form of melasma. “Many individuals may experience this while taking oral contraceptives or during pregnancy,” she notes.

Genetics

For some people, an uneven skin tone is as simple as a genetic predisposition. “Individuals are more prone to uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation based on their family history,” Dr Green says. “For example, there is a strong hereditary component to the hyperpigmentation disorder melasma with half of the patients reporting a positive family history.”

Skin Tone

The tone of your skin might make you more likely to develop hyperpigmentation. “Individuals with darker brown skin are more likely to develop an uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation since they naturally have more melanin,” Dr. Green says.

Laser Damage

Sometimes, a dermatologist or other skin expert might use a laser treatment that isn’t suited to your skin, which can lead to uneven skin tone. “If laser treatment is used on a skin tone that it is not well suited for, it can result in skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “This is often because the energy or heat of the laser is too high for a particular skin tone and your body reacts by increasing melanin production.”

Steps to Even Your Facial Skin Tone

What can I do to brighten my face? How can I fix discoloration on my face? How can I prevent uneven skin tone? Dr. Green shares some answers to these questions and steps you can take to help even out skin tone:

Step 1: Start using sunscreen

Before thinking about the steps you should take to even out your facial tone, start by using sunscreen to prevent further damage. “Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above daily and to reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says.

Step 2: Use a vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, Dr. Green says. “This will help fade hyperpigmentation that may appear as sunspots, age spots, and melasma.”

Step 3: Try a retinol

Known for its anti-aging benefits, retinol can help even out skin tone, too. “Retinol inhibits the activity of tyrosinase which helps to lighten the skin while also improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which can help make skin look more even.”

Step 4: Consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss cosmetic procedures

If you’re not getting the results you want from your skincare products, consider consulting a professional. “Consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Several cosmetic procedures can help like the Cosmelan Peel, Fraxel Laser, AlexTrivantage Laser, Clear + Brilliant, Chemical Peels, and more,” Dr. Green says.

Other Facial Skin Tone Treatments

Here are other things you can do to achieve an even skin tone on your face:

Natural treatments

Vitamin C serum is a great natural treatment option for uneven skin tone. “As a strong antioxidant ingredient, Vitamin C can combat the negative effects of harmful free radicals in the environment that contribute to the development of the signs of premature skin aging, including hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “Vitamin C also helps to inhibit melanin production in the skin, thus brightening overall skin complexion. Additionally, Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis of collagen in the skin. By promoting skin cell regeneration and inducing the production of collagen, vitamin C improves both the texture and tone of the skin.”

Lifestyle Measures

The most important lifestyle measure you can take to even the skin tone on your face, Dr. Green says, is sun protection.

“Everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above regularly because it is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation and prevent hyperpigmentation,” she says. “Pregnant women, in particular, should be diligent in applying sunscreen regularly. During pregnancy, it is common for patients to suffer from a skin condition known as melasma. Melasma often results due to hormonal fluctuations and presents itself as patches of skin that are darker than the patient’s natural skin tone. Sun exposure can worsen melasma and any hyperpigmentation so wearing sunscreen is especially important”

Medical Procedures

While you should always talk to your dermatologist about which procedures might be right for you, Dr. Green says chemical peels, laser treatments, and other procedures can be helpful when it comes to evening out skin tone. But as mentioned above, the wrong treatment can actually worsen hyperpigmentation—so make sure to have a thorough conversation beforehand.

How Can You Prevent an Uneven Skin Tone?

The very best thing you can do to prevent uneven skin tone? It probably won’t come as a surprise at this point, but you should apply sunscreen.

“The best thing you can do for your skin to prevent uneven skin tone from occurring or worsening is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above daily and reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says. “Sunscreen is great for protecting against hyperpigmentation that is a result of sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure will result in an increase in melanin production in the skin which ultimately manifests as hyperpigmentation.”

Key Takeaways

Long story short: Hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as uneven skin tone, is common—but there’s a lot you can do to make it less visible and protect your skin from further damage.

Reference Pages

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2019/10/31/how-to-get-an-even-skin-tone-according-to-dermatologists/

https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-advice/how-to-even-skin-tone.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-even-skin

https://usa.renskincare.com/blogs/clean-thoughts/5-natural-ways-to-achieve-an-even-skin-tone

https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-even-skin-tone

*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.

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Here’s What Sleep Wrinkles Are (and How to Prevent Them)

Here’s What Sleep Wrinkles Are (and How to Prevent Them)

by | May 25, 2022

Reverse Your Wrinkles

Picture this: You wake up late, quickly wash your face, and rush out the door. You get to work, take the first sip of coffee, and finally muster up the courage to look in the mirror. And there it is: Sleep wrinkles on your face and a few on your chest, too. And as the day goes on, they seem to just stick around.

Sleep wrinkles are common. When we’re younger, they disappear quickly — but as we age, they can become a more permanent fixture. But what are sleep wrinkles, exactly, what causes them, and how can you prevent them? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are sleep wrinkles?

According to Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, “sleep wrinkles are the fine lines and deep folds that result due to repeatedly sleeping in a position that compresses the skin, like sleeping on the side of the body or flat on the stomach as opposed to sleeping on the back.”

Sleeping on the side or on the stomach pulls the skin in different directions than it naturally would be, she explains, typically affecting areas of the body such as the face, and chest, or even causing eye wrinkles. “When we’re younger, we may wake up with visible sleep wrinkles that fade away on their own. As a natural part of the aging process, we lose collagen,” she says. “Collagen is a skin protein that provides the skin with firmness and suppleness as well as contributes to skin elasticity. As collagen is lost over time, skin laxity increases and this makes it more difficult for the skin to “bounce back” after repeated compression. For this reason, permanent sleep wrinkles tend to be correlated with aging.”

What causes sleep wrinkles?

As Dr. Green explains, wrinkles caused by sleeping (including chest wrinkles from sleeping) typically happen when sleeping on the side of the body as opposed to flat on the back, because the skin is being pulled in directions that are out of the ordinary throughout the day. “The friction and tugging that occurs through the night when we sleep on our side or on our stomach can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles on the face as well as on the chest,” she says.

How to prevent sleep wrinkles

If you want to avoid wrinkles while sleeping, there are a few easy action steps you can take ASAP.

Sleeping on the back to reduce sleep wrinkles

Sorry, side sleepers, but side sleeping causes wrinkles. So one of the first action steps you can take is to change your sleeping position.

“Sleeping on your back is the best way to prevent the formation of sleep wrinkles,” Dr. Green says. “Sleeping flat on the back eliminates any compression of the face and chest that would occur in other sleeping positions, alleviating pressure on these areas of the body that contributes to the development of sleep wrinkles.”

Sleep wrinkle pillow

If sleeping on your back feels impossible (or if you want to put some extra prevention measures in place), try sleeping with silk sheets and pillows.

“Silk is a hypoallergenic and tightly woven fabric that’s similar in pH to human skin, making it soothing, gentle, and protective for the skin during a night’s rest,” Dr. Green says. “The smooth properties of silk help to minimize friction against the skin, ultimately reducing friction and helping to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines that can be caused by fabric pulling on the skin when tossing and turning overnight. Using a silk pillowcase and eye mask can make a big difference in your beauty regimen!”

Skincare to use for sleep wrinkles

Proper skin care is crucial to preventing and treating sleep wrinkles, too. Topical treatments like retinoids (vitamin A) or night creams can be helpful, and Dr. Green recommends skin-resurfacing lasers, too.

“The laser is used to create controlled, precise micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the natural wound healing process of the skin,” she explains. “Through this process, new collagen and elastin are produced, ultimately resulting in a smoother skin texture and a reduction in the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Other more invasive options can include fillers or Botox, according to Dr. Green.

While sleep wrinkles are common as we age and our skin begins to lose collagen, there’s a lot you can do to minimize wrinkles. So work on becoming a back sleeper, invest in a silk pillowcase, and load up on the right skincare products. You’ve got this!

*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 knows 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.

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All About the Reverse Brightening Regimen

All About the Reverse Brightening Regimen

by | Nov 9, 2021

Reverse Regimen

As they say, it’s a privilege to get older. And there’s no question that certain aspects of the aging process are great, from improved confidence to having a better perspective on life. As for fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots … well, that’s the not-so-fun part of aging.

That’s where the Rodan + Fields Reverse Regimen comes in. Thanks to brightening (and acne-fighting) ingredients that can help reduce signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, regular use of the Reverse Regimen can give your skin a younger look while fighting the skin’s natural aging process.

In fact, in our clinical trials, 73% of people who used this regimen noticed instantly brighter skin. After two weeks, 84% noticed softer, smother-feeling skin, and after four weeks 70% of people thought their skin looked more luminous. After eight weeks of use, study participants notice effects like less visible dark spots, clearer skin, more moisturized skin, healthier-looking skin, and more.*

In other words, there’s no question that the R+F Reverse Regimen achieves the desired effect of reversing and preventing signs of aging and brightening the skin overall. But how does it work, exactly? We break down how different ingredients in this four-step regimen can help address signs of aging. Here’s everything you need to know.

Cleansing with glycolic acid, lactic acid, and jojoba esters to brighten the skin

The first step of the R+F Reverse Regimen is the Reverse Deep Exfoliating Cleanser, which buffs and micro-refinishes the skin’s surface for a more radiant appearance. But how does it do this, exactly? The physical and chemical exfoliants included in this cleanser help to remove dulling, pigmented surface cells to reveal a brighter complexion and younger-looking skin.

 The ingredients that make this happen include:

  • Glycolic acid, which softens the skin’s texture by gently exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface.
  • Lactic acid, which does the hard work of refining and smoothing out the skin
  • Jojoba esters polylactic acid, which physically lifts and clears skin impurities without the irritation that often comes with this step.

Niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and licorice extract minimize discoloration

The second step of the R+F Reverse Regimen is the Reverse Intensive Brightening Toner, which softens the skin while minimizing discoloration for a bright, luminous complexion. In other words, you can get ready to say goodbye to dull skin, age spots, and other discoloration.

The ingredients that make this happen include:

  • Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that helps to even out skin tone and minimize skin congestion.
  • Sodium hyaluronate, which is a powerful humectant that helps to hydrate and soothe the skin
  • Licorice extract, which calms skin and visibly reduces discoloration caused by environmental triggers

SPF helps protect and the skin

The third step is SPF, a crucial part of protecting your skin from signs of aging since sun damage is one of the leading causes of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and other discoloration. That’s why the third step of the R+F Reverse Regimen is the Reverse Brightening Defense Fluid Lotion with SPF 50.

This is a lightweight lotion that protects the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. The high level of SPF (50), will provide longer, better sun protection than other sunscreens out there with lower SPFs.

Another ingredient is this Fluid Lotion that helps brighten the skin include:

  • Patented RF3 Antioxidant Complex, which helps defend the skin against environmental triggers that lead to discoloration.
  • Licorice extract, which calms skin and visibly reduces discoloration caused by environmental triggers.

Vitamin C, retinal technology, and kojic acid work hard to brighten the skin overnight

The final step of the R+F Reverse Regimen is the Reverse Tone Correcting Treatment, which works to reduce the look of dark spots and brown spots and visibly even out your skin tone.

This formula works so well thanks to the following ingredients:

  • 10% stabilized vitamin C blend, which helps to brighten the skin.
  • Retinal MD technology, which revitalizes the skin and helps enhance natural cell turnover, which helps reduce signs of aging
  • Kojic acid, which visibly diminishes discoloration and helps even skin tone.

Fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots happen to the best of us, and they’re a natural part of the aging process. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to address the signs of aging – the brightening, age-defying ingredients in the R+F Reverse Brightening Treatment are a great place to start!

*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.

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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

Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

by | Sep 8, 2021

Dark Spot Corrector

There are a lot of vitamins out there to keep track of. There’s Vitamin C, which is known for being great for our immune systems and promoting collagen production in skin. There’s Vitamin A, which is famously great for eye health (remember always being told to eat your carrots as a kid?) and can help skin health and even prevent breakouts.

Then there’s Vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient available in some foods that are also used in quite a few skincare products. But what does vitamin E actually do? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in foods like vegetable oil, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. In the body, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting it from free radicals and helping to fire up the immune system.

But vitamin E is also an ingredient commonly listed in skincare products because when used correctly, topical vitamin E can be incredibly hydrating, healing, and protective for the skin.

Is vitamin E good for your skin?

Vitamin E has a handful of benefits for the skin. While you should always do your best to eat vitamin E-rich foods—not just for skincare benefits but for general health benefits, too — a lot of people use topical vitamin E, and dermatologists will often recommend it for skin because of its benefits.

Benefits of vitamin E for skin

So what does vitamin E do for your skin, exactly? “Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant skincare ingredient that is naturally healing, hydrating, protective, and soothing,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michelle Green, MD. “Vitamin E is most often associated with its ability to intensely hydrate and protect against environmental irritants and pollutants that can cause premature aging of the skin. It’s also commonly used for treatment and prevention of dark spots, fine lines, and dehydrated skin.” Vitamin E benefits for skin go far beyond a quick fix, which is why it is so trusted in the skincare industry.

Safety of vitamin E skincare products

We know that vitamin E can be a hydrating, beneficial part of a skincare routine. But are there any safety concerns we should be aware of? Dr. Green says that in general, vitamin E is considered a safe skincare ingredient. “Vitamin E may potentially cause skin irritation in some individuals, though,” she says. “Those who have oily skin or who are acne-prone may want to avoid products that contain vitamin E as well since there’s potential for clogging the pores and causing or exacerbating acne breakouts.”

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, Dr. Green suggests first starting with a moisturizer that contains vitamin E so you can figure out if you have any reaction to it. If you notice breakouts or another skin issue, back off of it and talk to your dermatologist about it. Consider products for sensitive skin if irritation is an ongoing issue.

Products with vitamin E for face and skin

There are tons of vitamin E-based skincare products on the market. “The best way to reap all the skincare benefits of vitamin E is by using a moisturizer or oil blend containing it since vitamin E is soluble in oil,” Dr. Green says.

In addition to moisturizers, because it is easily absorbed in the skin and is very hydrating, vitamin E is also often added to sunscreens, eye creams, anti-aging formulas, lip serum and even some makeup. You might be surprised by how often vitamin E is actually listed in skincare products – you may already be using a product that contains it without knowing it.  It comes in formulations of both cream or lotion to suit your product texture preferences.

Incorporating vitamin E into your skincare routine

Because vitamin E is generally non-irritating and is available in so many products, most people find they can seamlessly incorporate vitamin E into their skincare routine.

“Vitamin E is commonly used in skincare products, and it may already be a part of your regular skincare regimen simply because it’s added to so many products already,” says Dr. Green. “Incorporating the ingredient into your skincare routine can be as easy as adding a nighttime moisturizer with vitamin E in it.”

She adds that the benefits of vitamin E can be further enhanced by using it in tandem with vitamin C. “Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant ingredient. When combined, the skin will be left feeling and looking youthful, radiant, and beautiful,” Dr. Green says.

If you’re thinking about incorporating vitamin E into your skincare routine and have any questions, don’t be afraid to talk to your dermatologist. They can help you address any concerns you might have, and help you decide if it’s the right ingredient for you.

Sources

“What is vitamin E and what does it do?” National Institutes of Health. Accessed 7/27/2021.

Dr. Michelle Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and chief resident in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine

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