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.

Apply Your Skincare Routine in the Best Order

Apply Your Skincare Routine in the Best Order

by | Jun 2, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, though it’s easy to see how it can be confusing to someone just making her entrance into the world of its lotions and potions. Simply put, skincare is a routine you apply consistently, in the morning and at night.

The order of events, however, is important. We want to get the most out of our skincare products. Our regimen is much more effective when we apply products in the order they were designed to be used and follow some simple rules. Here’s why the order of application matters—and how it can impact your skincare goals.

The Right Order for a Skin Care Routine

There are so many approaches to skincare. From 10-step applications to the simplest, most essential 3 steps of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Your skincare routine can range from basic to broad. Our Multi-Med Therapy approach is at the core of all Rodan + Fields’ skincare Regimens and we love it because it takes the guesswork out of skincare. The fact is, no single ingredient can effectively address a complex skin concern.

Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields created the Multi-Med Therapy approach as a means to control a particular skin concern, like acne, by creating a system with a focus on prevention, as opposed to treating individual pimples. From Dr. Katie Rodan’s and Dr. Kathy Fields’ years of research, they saw that it takes the right ingredients, in the right product formulations, used in the right order, to visibly improve skin. Each Regimen is backed by this Multi-Med Therapy approach in order to effectively address an individual’s skin concerns.

How to Create a Skincare Routine

When it comes to customizing your own skincare routine, these are the steps—in the right order—to follow both morning and night to achieve your desired visible results.

Step 1: Facial Cleanser

A facial cleanser is important for you to use every morning and evening to remove makeup, dirt, excess sebum and oil. Your cleanser of choice can also gently exfoliate to help slough off dead skin cells. This step must come first because your skin needs to be clean and free from makeup and debris before applying products on top—so they can do their job to the fullest. In other words, cleansing your skin prepares it to absorb the ingredients coming next in your skincare routine. You wouldn’t mop your floor without sweeping it first, right? This step is similar to that.

Step 2: Toner

Toner helps with softening your skin and enabling better penetration for the ingredients that follow in the next step. Toners also serve to cleanse your pores and keep them free from debris. Toners are often formulated with acids that help promote natural cell turnover to achieve this. They also help minimize the look of pores and even out the appearance of your skin tone. If you apply toner to uncleansed skin, the toner will not be able to work as effectively.

Step 3: Eye Cream

Hydrating and moisturizing this area is key. You want to use an eye cream like Redefine Multi-Function Eye Cream, which is specifically designed for the under-eye area so as not to cause any irritation. Applying an eye cream before any serums or moisturizers also helps to protect the delicate skin around the eyes. 

Step 4: Face Serum

Serums contain the most valuable and desired ingredients, often with a higher concentration. It’s important to apply your serum before your moisturizer so that your skin can absorb these active ingredients. Whether your serum offers Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid/hydration or Retinol, you don’t want to skip this step.

Step 5: Moisturizer, Lotion or Night Cream

Your moisturizer, whether you choose a cream or lotion, helps provide anti-aging benefits, in addition to skin-restoring moisturization. Moisturizers and night creams also serve to maintain the health of your skin barrier. Some products, like Redefine Triple Defense Lotion Broad Spectrum 30, also contain SPF in addition to their skin-moisturizing benefits, making them perfect for your AM routine.

Step 6: SPF

This step is only for your morning routine; skip it at nighttime. Always apply sunscreens as the last layer to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. You’ll need to reapply your SPF throughout the day as necessary according to FDA guidelines.

Incorporate as Needed: Face Masks

Face masks are great for those times when you want to give your skin a little extra self-care. Whether you’re doing an at-home facial or indulging on a Sunday while you catch up on a show you’re bingeing, masks serve as extra care for your secondary skin concern.

For example, when you use anti-aging skincare but you occasionally suffer from acne, you will want to use an acne-targeting face mask each week.

How often should you apply your masks? Aim for 2-3 times per week, more often for hydrating ones if your skin is very dry or dehydrated. You can apply your masks in the morning or evening after you cleanse your skin. Don’t forget to continue with the rest of your routine after —toner, serum, moisturizer, etc. If you want to do a mid-day mask, apply your moisturizer after removing your face mask for best results. You don’t want to leave your skin bare post-treatment.

*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

Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging


Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging

by | Dec 5, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

We all know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ, but what’s the purpose of skin and how does our growing older change skin’s ability to perform this role?  We know this skin’s basic functions are to:

  1. Protects us from the outside world of germs and the environment
  2. Maintains our equilibrium – holding in water, controlling our temperature
  3. Is our outward, visible, indicator of health, age and well being

Why does your skin age?

As we age, the appearance and functioning of our skin changes.  Typically, skin becomes thinner, more wrinkled, rougher, less radiant, more lax, less firm, shows changes in pigment levels, and often dryer.  This aging of the skin is a result of two separate but interrelated factors: intrinsic or chronological aging, which is the biological process associated with your genetics and the passage of time, and extrinsic aging, changes caused primarily by external factors, the most important of which is UV exposure, but also includes exposure to pollution, weather, stress, and lifestyle habits.

What is Extrinsic Aging?

It’s generally thought that extrinsic factors have more influence on the visible signs of aging than intrinsic factors. In fact, 80% of skin aging is likely due to exposure to sunlight[1]. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding sun exposure and the use of a good quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 as the most important steps in maintaining skin health and preventing the signs of aging[2]. The good news, 80% of how your skin ages is in your hands.

What is Intrinsic Aging?

Intrinsic aging is the change in your skin related to your age and your genetics, and there are three main causes:

  1. Slower cell turnover
  2. Reduced cellular energy levels
  3. Reduced collagen production

Cell Turnover

We know that skin has the capacity to constantly renew itself.  Dry, dead skin cells slough off the surface to be replaced with new cells that have migrated up from deeper layers.  This replacement process is driven by something called turnover or proliferation.  Proliferation just means one cell dividing itself into two identical copies. Remarkably, cells can do this repeatedly, up to a maximum of about 50 times[3], but research tells us that as we age, this proliferation slows down considerably and eventually stops.  There is no foolproof way of reversing this decline.

Cellular Energy

As you can imagine, for cells to divide constantly, they need a lot of energy, but as we age, our energy levels drop too, sort of like how your phone battery slowly loses the ability to stay charged and runs down more quickly as it gets older.  The good news is that research has shown this decline can be addressed to an extent by providing very specific nutrients, ones that are important to a cell’s energy cycle[4].  Look for products that contain ingredients such as vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) and adenosine, both vital molecules in cell’s energy cycle.

What Can You Do To Address Intrinsic Aging?

Firstly, cleanse, tone, treat and protect your skin everyday[5] as this will enable your skin to be as resilient as possible to the signs of aging. Secondly, use products that contain ingredients that address the visible signs of aging caused by changes in cell turnover, energy, and collagen. Third, only use products that have been independently clinically tested to validate their efficacy.

R + F’s groundbreaking Total RF Serum is a powerful anti-aging serum that revitalizes skin to help achieve stronger, healthier, more resilient skin.

The serum does this through the use of carefully chosen ingredients proven to energize surface skin cells, including a propriety blend of ayurvedic sandalwood, Indian Kino extract + omega-6 fatty acids, combined with niacinamide and adenosine.  R+F’s patented antioxidant complex also fortifies the skin making it more resilient and defending against environmental aggressors.

A recent clinical trial published in Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, has shown how Total RF Serum can have a noticeable and positive impact on a broad range of anti-aging concerns and is capable of boosting the benefits of almost any skincare routine[6].

In Summary

Don’t assume all skincare is the same.  R+F is a dermatology inspired, problem solution skincare brand that sets out to identify key issues and provide demonstrable benefit. Do your research, identify your issues and do the best thing for your skin because what you do to your skin everyday has a huge impact on how it looks and feels.

Article by Simon Craw, PhD

Dr. Simon Craw holds a PhD in Chemistry from University of Manchester and held academic posts at the University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and University of Sydney (Australia). He has over 25 years’ industry experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and skin care research and development.  He began his career at Merck Research Laboratories before moving to a series of start-ups and early-stage biotechnology and skincare companies. At Lifeline Skincare, Dr. Craw helped develop and commercialize one of the first and most innovative stem cell extracts used in topical cosmetics.  At Rodan + Fields Dr. Craw has brought a number of skincare innovations to market including Retinal MD, one of the most powerful non-prescription retinoids and Total RF Serum a breakthrough anti-aging serum powered by a patent-pending new technology targeting cellular energy, RF TriEnergy Complex.

REFERENCES

[1] Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013 Sep 27;6:221-32. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S44686. PMID: 24101874; PMCID: PMC3790843.

[2] American Academy of Dermatology.  Skincare Tips Dermatologist’s Use. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use

[3] Watts G. Leonard Hayflick and the limits of ageing. Lancet. 2011 Jun 18;377(9783):2075. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60908-2. PMID: 21684371.

[4] Nicotinamide effects on the metabolism of human fibroblasts and keratinocyte assessed by quantitative, label-free fluorescence imaging. Liu Z, Chiang CY, Nip J, Feng L, Zhang Y, Rocha S, Georgakoudi I. Biomed Opt Express. 2021 Sep 20;12(10):6375-6390 https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.432561

[5] American Academy of Dermatology.  Should I Apply My Skincare Products in a Certain Order? https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/apply-skin-care-certain-order

[6] Craw JS, Falla T, Ong D and Butani S, Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Facial Serum.  Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, 2022,7(1) doi: 10.23880/cdoaj-16000259

*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

Why You Should Add a Facial Mask to Your Skincare Routine

Why You Should Add a Facial Mask to Your Skincare Routine

by | Oct 12, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

TIPS ON HOW TO USE FACIAL MASKS & FINDING THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR SKIN CONCERN

Skincare facial masks are a great addition to everyone’s Regimen routine because they can enhance results. Think of facial masks as a way to give your regular skincare some extra “oomph.” In fact, dermatologists often supplement their treatments or facial products with precise facial masks to visibly minimize the symptoms associated with the skin concern. For instance, those on acne protocols use masks to gently clear pores or calm the red, inflamed skin associated with active acne—let facial masks do the work for you!

Do Facial Masks Actually Work?

Facial masks are on the rise due to a new focus on self-care, but Rodan + Fields masks are here to make you look as good as you feel. Rodan + Fields developed specific formulations to address secondary skin concerns like clogged pores, the occasional breakout, dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, redness or dry skin. The great news is that you can mask match—choose a mask that boosts your regular Regimen results—or mix and mask—choose a facial mask to address a secondary skin concern!

Filling Skin Needs With Rodan + Fields Skincare Facial Masks

Dr. Katie Rodan, Dr. Kathy Fields and the team of scientists at Rodan + Fields developed facial masks for the top common skin concerns that bring people in to see a dermatologist. As the facial masks contain unique ingredients, they can also be paired with the corresponding Regimen (e.g., Redefine Regimen + Redefine Rejuvenation Mask) to boost results—without the visit to the doctor’s office!

Sometimes addressing skin concerns can feel like playing whack-a-mole: you get one under control, only to realize now you’re dealing with dryness, fine lines, and other issues. In this case, facial masks can also come to the rescue. Use them to address skin concerns outside of a primary Regimen (e.g. a Redefine Regimen user could use the Reverse Radiance Mask to address dullness and uneven skin tone).

On top of that, facial masks are so easy to use. Forget mixing, preparations, and cutting out paper masks that never fit right. Simply apply to clean, dry skin, set a 10-minute timer, rinse thoroughly and apply your remaining skincare routine—no painful removal!

Which Facial Mask Should I Use?

Here is a rundown of the available facial mask skincare to help you identify which is best for your skin. As usual, anyone with sensitive skin should patch test the mask on a small area of the jawline for 10 minutes prior to full face application.

Redefine Rejuvenation Mask: Boost Youthful-Looking Skin

Who? Struggling with signs of aging? As you age, your skin’s defenses weaken and skin loses elasticity and moisture. The Redefine Rejuvenation Mask is for someone who wants to visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles, improve the appearance of firmness, and moisturize skin over time.

Why? The bubbling gel-foam formulation includes Jojoba beads to buff off any dry, scaly spots to prepare skin for super hydrating 3D3P technology to draw in and lock hydration onto skin for immediately smoother, younger-looking skin.

Reverse Radiance Mask: Ready for Radiance

Who? Are you noticing skin dullness, uneven skin tone or excessive pigmentation due to unprotected exposure to the sun?

Why? This golden metallic mask uses turmeric to visibly even skin tone and glycolic acid for smoother and brighter-looking skin—plus you’ll feel like a golden goddess while you use the Reverse Radiance Mask. Our proprietary Retinal-MD Vitamin A technology—the highest potency available without a prescription—will visibly smooth and firm the skin.

Unblemish Clarifying Mask: Blemishes Begone

Who? Do you have excessive oil, clogged pores, breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, acne or blemishes? Banish those blemishes! See more balanced skin in just 10 minutes with the Unblemish Clarifying Mask.

Why? The active 10% sulfur dries down excess oil and acne blemishes, and tea tree helps purify and refresh skin. Oat bran extract smooths and reduces visible redness and blotchiness associated with breakouts. Be sure to stay away from eyes and keep towel by the sink as you rinse thoroughly.

Recharge Detox Mask: Best for Skin Detox

Who? Do you see clogged pores, dull skin and dryness, and you want to detoxify and degrease the skin without leaving it dry and parched?

Why? This unique mask combines charcoal to detoxify and draw out impurities, and volcanic sand to exfoliate, revealing a radiant complexion and smooth skin texture. The Recharge Detox Mask helps to nourish and balance skin by both breaking down excess oil and depositing antioxidant-rich conditioning coconut and avocado oils, and mango seed butter.

Soothe Rescue Mask: Save Irritable Skin

Who? Do you have skin that feels dry, tired, red, irritated, sensitive or taxed from the environment (wind, heat, sun, cold)? The Soothe Rescue Mask is for anyone that believes that their skin needs some TLC.

Why? This green facial mask contains hydration-attracting glycerin to help maintain the protective moisture barrier, plus calamine and other botanicals to neutralize or help visibly calm skin.

How Do I Use a Facial Mask With My Current Skincare Routine?

Your mask can fit easily into your skincare routine morning or night—plus you can use it while you brush your teeth or take care of other things—multi-masking at its finest! First, remove all your makeup, then cleanse with your Regimen’s face wash. Be sure to pat your face dry before applying the mask. Keep it on for 10 minutes then rinse and continue with your regular routine.

Can I Blend Two Facial Masks Together?

It might seem tempting to make your masks do double time by blending them together, but blending formulas reduces the effectiveness since now you have 50% of the formulation. Also, mask formulations are not created to be combined—each one is tested for safety, effectiveness, and stability by itself and not with additional ingredients.

But there is another way that you can mix and mask! Apply each mask on a separate area of your face. For instance, if you have occasional breakouts on the chin but dry skin with lines and wrinkles, we have your combo. Apply Unblemish Clarifying Mask on the chin and Redefine Rejuvenation Mask on the remainder of your face and neck. What if your skin looks dull and has discoloration, but your nose has clogged pores? Apply the Recharge Detox mask to the nose and Reverse Radiance Mask on the other areas. Get creative and have fun with it!

Guide to using multiple facial masks.

Tips for Your Best Results

  • Apply enough product so that you cannot see your skin through the product.
  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water, keep a towel nearby and your eyes closed, and be sure to clean the nasal folds.
  • Don’t overwork your skin. Skin might be more vulnerable with masking, so refrain from using the AMP MD micro-exfoliating derma roller or the Pore Cleansing MD System prior to or after masking.
  • Make a date with yourself! Mark your calendar so that you remember to find some relaxation time and better-looking skin once to twice a week.
  • A skincare facial mask cannot replace your skincare Regimen. For your best results, use the Regimen twice daily to get and keep great skin. A two to three-times-a-week mask application does not provide a multi-faceted solution for your primary skin concern but remember that it can boost results or address a secondary issue.
  • Your skin changes with time, through the seasons, and your lifestyle choices, so be open to expanding your mask choices. Soothe Rescue Mask should be a staple for any vacation since it addresses irritation and dryness from travel.
  • Exfoliating helps get rid of a layer of dead skin cells and allows the ingredients in your mask to get to the surface cells and pores easier. We recommend using Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste.
  • Take 10 for yourself—that’s all you need! Leaving a mask on for an extra-long time doesn’t ensure it will work better. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging and set your cell phone timer.
  • All in all, make the application your own and alternate masks through the seasons and as you age.     Unmask healthier-looking skin!

Written by Mary Radford, RN

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 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.

Send Me a Message

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.

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*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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