How to Choose Between Tinted Moisturizer & Foundation

How to Choose Between Tinted Moisturizer & Foundation

by | Sep 2, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

A few decades ago, your only option for covering up uneven (and maybe breakout-prone) skin was a thick, cakey foundation. These days, there are a lot more options when it comes to coverage, from high-quality foundations to smooth, silky tinted moisturizers. But what are the pros and cons of each, and how can you decide which one is right for your skin? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Tinted Moisturizer?

A tinted moisturizer is a moisturizing makeup product used for light to medium coverage. “A tinted moisturizer is meant to enhance one’s complexion and is not designed to be used as a moisturizer in your regular skincare routine,” explains Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

In other words, while it offers moisturizing benefits on top of coverage, it shouldn’t replace your regular moisturizer.

Benefits of tinted moisturizer

One of the top benefits of a tinted moisturizer is that on top of providing light to medium coverage, it will also moisturize your skin. “Most formulas are packed with humectant moisturizing ingredients,” explains Dr. Green. “Humectants draw moisture from the atmosphere and encourage moisture retention within the skin, providing a hydrating effect and a radiant, healthy glow.

Cons of tinted moisturizer

The only real con to a tinted moisturizer is that it won’t offer heavy coverage. So if you’re looking for more coverage, you might want to opt for a foundation.

What type of skin is it suitable for?

According to Dr. Green, tinted moisturizers are suitable for all skin types. “Tinted moisturizers are available in varying finishes and formulas, meaning that no matter what skin type you have, there is a tinted moisturizer that will suit your skin,” she explains. “Individuals who have oily skin and are prone to acne breakouts should select a tinted moisturizer that is non-comedogenic. If a skincare product is labeled as non-comedogenic, it indicates that it won’t clog the pores, helping to prevent acne breakouts from occurring. Those who have dry skin should instead opt for a tinted moisturizer that contains hydrating skincare ingredients.”

Not sure what type of skin you have? “To determine your skin type, wash your skin with a gentle cleanser. Without applying any skincare products, your natural skin texture and tone will give you clues as to what skin type you have,” suggests Dr. Green. “Check the appearance of your skin several hours after washing. If you’re shiny, you have oily skin. If you’re flaky, red, or irritated, you have dry skin. Having patches of oily and dry skin means that you have combination skin. Normal skin won’t be dry or flaky but will look and feel hydrated and healthy.”

What is Foundation?

Foundation is a makeup product meant to provide a base, or foundation, for the rest of your makeup. “Foundation provides medium to full coverage and creates an even-toned complexion,” explains Dr. Green.

Stumped as to what the difference between tinted moisturizer and foundation is? Here’s everything you need to know.

Benefits of foundation

The main benefit of foundation, according to Dr. Green, is that “it will provide full coverage and help to camouflage the appearance of areas of facial hyperpigmentation such as age spots that a product like a tinted moisturizer won’t be able to conceal.”

Cons of foundation

If you’re prone to breakouts or acne, it’s important to be very careful when choosing a foundation, because the wrong foundation can worsen any existing issues related to breaking out.

“Individuals who are prone to acne may find that many foundations cause comedonal acne as a result of the pores becoming clogged,” explains Dr. Green. “Individuals with dry skin may notice that many foundations make their skin appear flaky and uneven. The key to preventing skin irritation and acne lesions from developing is to find a foundation or tinted moisturizer that caters to the unique needs of your skin type.”

What type of skin is it suitable for?

Foundation is suitable for all skin types, according to Dr. Green, but it’s important to carefully read ingredients to make sure the foundation you choose won’t irritate your skin, cause breakout, the list goes on.

Final Thoughts on Tinted Moisturizers vs Foundation

So, is tinted moisturizer better than foundation, or vice versa? Dr. Green says it’s not as simple as that — it all comes down to your preference around use of makeup, both from a coverage and skincare perspective.

“So long as the product is used correctly and the chosen foundation or tinted moisturizer is appropriate for the user’s skin type, either product is okay for use,” she says. “A makeup or skincare product can potentially cause skin irritation or acne breakouts if the formula of the product is not suited to the skin type of the user. In other words, neither a tinted moisturizer or a foundation is inherently bad for your skin health unless the product is not meant to be used with your skin type.”

*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

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

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.

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

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