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.

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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.

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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

Glycerin vs. Hyaluronic Acid – Which Should You Use?

Glycerin vs. Hyaluronic Acid – Which Should You Use?

by | Aug 25, 2021

Dark Spot Corrector

WHEN IT COMES TO GLYCERIN AND HYALURONIC ACID, WHICH SHOULD YOU BE USING? YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED AT THE ANSWER!

When choosing the best skincare routine for you, it’s easy to get tripped up about the right ingredients. There are so many formulations available on the market that are targeted to different skin concerns — from anti-aging to acne to hydration to addressing fine lines and wrinkles. Things get especially confusing when it comes to hydrating versus moisturizing. To that end, in this post, we’ll talk about two common moisturizing and hydration ingredients, Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, respectively. You’ve likely heard about both of these, as each is a common skincare ingredient see on product ingredient lists.

How do these two skincare component powerhouses measure up in terms of efficacy?

What are the differences between the two of them?

Can these two ingredients be used individually or in combination?

Read on and find out more.

Glycerin & hyaluronic acid in skincare 

To put it simply, Glycerin is a humectant. That means that it is a type of moisturizing agent. Glycerin works by drawing water from the air and making it available to the outer layer of your skin. If you look on skincare ingredient lists, Glycerin comes up a lot.  It can be used with more occlusive ingredients too, to help the skin retain moisture by preventing water loss.

So what is hyaluronic acid?

When considering glycerin vs hyaluronic acid, it’s important to know the similarities and differences to choose what’s best for your skin at any given time.

Benefits of glycerin 

Moisture-attracting Glycerin is a star ingredient for soothing and moisturizing creating smoother, more comfortable skin. Glycerin is used to hydrate the outer layer of the skin and by its nature of being semi-occlusive may improve the skin’s ability to retain water. In this way, it may also help provide protection against various skin irritants, in addition to helping speed up the wound-healing process. It replenishes and restores skin so that the natural moisture barrier is strengthened and revitalized. Glycerin also has benefits of softening the skin to improve overall texture. Scaly skin and even psoriasis have been known to be soothed by glycerin.

Hyaluronic acid benefits 

Hyaluronic acid is an absolute hero for hydration! It is a naturally occurring humectant that draws moisture from its surroundings. Applying HA is like letting your skin have a restorative, super hydrating drink of water. Hyaluronic acid has immediate benefits for the skin and also supports skincare products to be layered more effectively. It essentially preps skin to better receive the ingredients that follow. Hyaluronic acid helps skin achieve its self-repairing potential, too.

Glycerin vs hyaluronic acid – do you really need to choose? 

There are benefits of both ingredients individually, and you may find you have a preference for one over the other sometimes. Examine your usual skin type and needs, and note how using glycerin and hyaluronic acid together or apart will have unique qualities. There’s no need to choose one over the other if both serve your skin well, and it’s often recommended to use both together. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture on the surface of the skin, while glycerin has the ability to pull moisture deep from the skin.

Common questions about glycerin & hyaluronic acid 

There are a lot of questions and conversations buzzing around in regards to the difference between glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and how to know when to use each one. Here are some of the top questions we receive.

What is better – glycerin or hyaluronic acid? 

Go for glycerin if you are looking to add moisture, bounce, and balance. To lock in the hydration you have, hyaluronic acid is the best go-to. HA is more likely to stop dry skin from getting worse, making it a great dry skin treatment, while glycerin adds moisture.

Can I use glycerin instead of hyaluronic acid?  

It’s always up to your skin to see how to build up your moisturizing routine. It depends on the results you want and finding the moisturizing formulas that suit lifestyle and texture preferences. Both glycerin and hyaluronic acid are humectants

Does Glycerin contain Hyaluronic Acid? 

No, Glycerin does not contain Hyaluronic Acid. Glycerin is actually an alcohol, and can be derived from animal products, plants, or petroleum. Vegetable glycerin is a variant that is made from plant oils.

Is glycerin a good moisturizer? 

Yes, glycerin is known to be a moisturizing agent due to its ability to drawing out moisture from the deep layers of the skin and also from the air. It’s a common ingredient listed in many moisturizing skincare products.

Should I use glycerin or hyaluronic acid first? 

Hyaluronic acid can be found in hydrating serums and moisturizers and can be used in the form of a topical treatment (applied directly on the skin), a supplement, or through injections. Topical applications, like through a serum, are less invasive and deliver immediate visible results. It can take much longer to see visible results from supplements.

Glycerin is found in moisturizers, masks, cleansers, facial sprays, essences, and serums.

Think of Hyaluronic acid as a base that locks in any moisturizing ingredient that follows. Apply your HA, then always follow with moisturizers (like glycerin) that you want to sink into your skin.

Can I mix the two ingredients? 

Yes, glycerin and hyaluronic acid serum are commonly used together! Here’s why. The science is important here. Glycerin is a small molecule that is capable of absorbing at the skin’s surface. Conversely, Hyaluronic Acid is a very large molecule that sits on top of the skin when applied, creating a hydrating cushion. Combining both Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid provides a superior capacity for binding water and boosting your skin’s hydration.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are amazing skincare ingredients that bind water and boost hydration levels in your skin. Embrace that dewy, hydrated, moisturized effect that these two ingredients provide.

                              xxx

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

5 Must-Have Hydration Hacks

5 Must-Have Hydration Hacks

by | May 19, 2021

Active Hydration Serum

Let’s hear it for hydration! Besides your daily water intake, our Active Hydration Serum is the ticket to that coveted radiant glow. It boosts hydration levels by 200%, promotes dewy skin, and creates a smooth foundation for skincare products and makeup. Our Rodan + Fields Employees have shared their top 5 skincare hacks using our must-have serum—check them out below!

1. “Add Active Hydration Serum to your Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid for that perfect dewy look.”  – Molly, PR

This hack is a must-have for those busy days and weeks full of “grab and glow” moments! Lock in moisture while protecting your skin’s delicate barriers by combining Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30 with Active Hydration Serum. Lightweight, tinted moisturizer Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid, helps achieve complexion perfection while defending against environmental aggressors. It also repairs skin’s moisture barrier and protects from UV rays as it visibly evens + perfects skin tone. Mixed with super-hydrator Active Hydration Serum, you’ll keep skin nourished and hydrated with key ingredients Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid! 

Pro tip: Mix products together on the back of your hand before applying to your face to ensure the best consistency and even distribution of ingredients.

2. “Active Hydration Serum is amazing to use before your other moisturizers to boost results.” -Franny, Communications

Balanced skin naturally acts and looks younger, ideally behaving like a sponge that absorbs key ingredients in your skincare products. Active Hydration Serum assures a head start on hydration with R+F’s proprietary 3D3P Molecular Matrix (including Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid), instantly surging the skin with moisture, creating visible results while prepping it for the products that follow. Apply serum directly on the skin to get that bouncy, youthful effect – no makeup necessary! 

Pro tip: Don’t forget to apply a generous amount of serum to your neck and décolletage!

3. “Apply Active Hydration Serum to your beard! It instantly tames and moisturizes those hard-to-reach areas. Seriously – it works, and it’s now part of my daily routine.” -Brad, Learning and Development

No matter your age, gender, skin type, or climate – moisturizing is essential for skin health, self-care and comfort. When applied to the base of a beard, brows, or other hair follicles, Active Hydration Serum can help address dryness on impact. The result? Healthy-looking skin and hair. 

Pro tip: Massage serum in a circular motion into your skin – not directly onto hair – to promote extra hydration and target key areas of concern.

4. “Apply Active Hydration Serum to your hands + cuticles! I no longer need to buy different hydrating products for different areas of my skin. I’ve found my hydration Holy Grail!” -Amanda, Brand Marketing

We’ll shake on it – your dry skin and hands will have met their match with Active Hydration Serum. Not only does the serum infuse your hands with the moisture it needs for comfort, but it sinks in without leaving a sticky or oily residue, making it an ideal on-the-go manicure. 

Pro tip: Don’t let your serum go to waste after applying it to your face! Simply rub any remaining product onto the back of your hands and up your arms for an effortless hydration hack.

5. “Always start with Active Hydration Serum when giving yourself a facial. It preps and awakens the skin, basically drinking up the ingredients of your favorite facial products that follow!”  -Randi, Field Communications

At-home facials have never been more popular. Prep skin by applying Active Hydration Serum first, to give the skin an opportunity to reboot and refuel, opening up glowing possibilities. 

Pro tip: Let your serum sink in for 3-5 minutes before the next step to let it “bake” into the skin for easier layering.

Are you feeling inspired to try out any of these hydration hacks? Get our must-have Active Hydration Serum now!

Learn more about Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid 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