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.

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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

Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier & What to Do About It

Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier & What to Do About It

by | Jul 9, 2021

Skin Barrier

Wondering why your skin is lacking that beautiful, dewy glow?

A damaged skin barrier could be to blame! Today, we want to talk about how to know if your skin barrier is damaged, what exactly causes it, and tips about skin barrier damage repair using the right products (and ingredients). Read on to learn more about all things skin barriers.

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier is the outer most part of your epidermis (skin!) and acts as a wall to protect your skin from damage, bacteria, environmental aggressors and more. Think of it like “brick and mortar”, where your skin cells make up the bricks, and your skin barrier is the mortar.

What is a damaged skin barrier? 

If you’ve researched skin care, you’ve probably read a bit about wanting to avoid damaging your skin barrier. When your skin’s moisture barrier is damaged, the lipid matrix (fats and oils within your skin) isn’t as taut as it should be. This can lead to gaps in your skin barrier. What does that mean? It makes it harder to keep germs and irritants out of your skin—and it also does a bad job of preventing water loss from your skin.

3 Common Damaged Skin Barrier Symptoms 

So what exactly are the telltale signs of a damaged skin barrier? Here are some of the most common symptoms.

Acne

Believe it or not, blemishes can be a sign of a damaged skin barrier. The bacteria that leads to acne can penetrate the skin more easily.

Dry Skin

Your skin experiences trans epidermal water loss when your skin barrier is compromised. In other words, the moisture in your skin essentially exits stage left and evaporates. This leaves your skin with signs of dryness. These can include a rough texture, flakiness or tightness. Dullness is another sign of a compromised moisture barrier, related to dryness.

Skin Sensitivity

An imbalance of lipids in the skin barrier, causing a skin barrier disruption, could lead to sensitive skin.

What causes damage to the skin barrier?

You might be surprised to know that the main causes of damage to the skin barrier come from everyday life and habits. Here are some of the most common culprits.

Over-cleansing

Skincare mistakes like cleansing your skin too much or too often can have an effect on your skin barrier. If you cleanse your skin too often or with harsh ingredients, you can strip your skin of its natural oils. One way to figure out if you may be doing this is if your skin feels squeaky clean—or tight—after your face wash step. This could disrupt your skin barrier’s lipid matrix. You want to avoid washing your skin to the point where it feels tight after.

Skin Conditions

Skin concerns like atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) can be associated with a weak skin barrier. That keeps your skin barrier from functioning well. Eczema can be a genetic skin condition, and a severely damaged skin barrier can develop if the skin is not treated properly.

Age

Age is also a contributor to skin barrier damage, as your ability to produce oil decreases over time. It becomes more difficult to replenish the oils that are essential to your skin barrier’s integrity.

How to repair skin barrier damage

When you want to repair a damaged skin barrier, there are things you can stop doing and start doing to see and feel relief.

Simplify Your Skincare Routine

Invest in products and ingredients that help support the health of your skin barrier. Ingredients that are good to use for your skin’s moisture barrier include Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, and Ceramides. Hyaluronic Acid is a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It binds water to collagen to keep it in the skin. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which act as building blocks of proteins—like collagen, keratin, and elastin. Ceramides are lipids found naturally in the upper layers of skin and help form a protective layer that limits moisture loss.

Protect Your Skin

Besides nourishing your skin, you need to protect it every day. SPF protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, which directly damage your skin barrier and cause irritation. Choose a sunscreen of at least 30+ to ensure your skin is protected, and use sunscreen every day as the last step in your daily skincare routine. Whether you opt for a chemical or physical sunscreen, the most important thing is that you find one that you’ll use.

Hydrate

Never forget the power of H20! Water works wonders on the skin barrier from the inside out. By drinking your recommended daily water intake and utilizing hydrating formulas directly on the skin’s surface, you give skin a chance to reboot, replenish and regenerate.

Best Products for a Damaged Skin Barrier

You want to go easy on the exfoliation if you have a severely damaged skin barrier. Use serums and creams every morning and night for best results, especially when trying to repair a severely damaged barrier. Use products as directed, and remember to seek advice from your dermatologist when necessary.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Skin Barrier

A morning and evening skincare routine with products that include the proper ingredients will help repair skin barrier damage. Maintain your healthy skin barrier by sticking to your routine and adjusting products and ingredients as needed. Use the tips throughout this article to help guide you towards a healthy, strong skin barrier!

 

~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

BEAUTY SLEEP IS IN YOUR FUTURE: HOW TO PREP FOR BED

BEAUTY SLEEP IS IN YOUR FUTURE: HOW TO PREP FOR BED

by | Oct 22, 2019

Hey, sleepyhead! Yes, you — we see you’ve been dozing off on the couch, in your clothes, or someplace other than in your bed. Where’s your nightly routine?

What’s that? You don’t have one?

If you research it for even for a minute, you’ll see that a consistent bedtime pattern produces optimal sleep, which can affect pretty much every aspect of your life, including your health. All it takes is a bit of planning. Before you close your eyes, create a snooze-inducing sleep environment and you’ll wake feeling rested every morning, not to mention rested-looking. Take out your bullet journal to track your progress and let’s get cozy!

How to Create a Nighttime Ritual

First things first — avoid caffeine, heavy meals and intense exercise three hours before you go to sleep. While caffeine is obvious, a full tummy and sweat session also stimulate body functions, making it harder to wind down. Herbal tea can be part of any nighttime ritual and enjoying it at approximately the same time every night, your body and mind will start to recognize it as a signal to relax.

We’re all familiar with “endless-scroll syndrome” — that gripping desire to find the non-existent bottom of your Twitter feed or watch just one more episode on Netflix. Phones, laptops, TVs, and tablets all emit blue light that suppresses melatonin, an essential hormone for quality sleep.

Instead, turn off your devices at least an hour before bed, two is even better. All it takes is one provocative news article to rev up your mind. And try sleeping with your phone in another room, just try it! It’s also a reason to use black-out shades to create a dark sleeping environment.

Skincare at Night

Like your mind and body, skin rejuvenates itself during deep sleep. (It’s called beauty sleep for a reason.) If you care about your complexion, stick to your nightly Regimen. If you’re just starting, it looks like this:

  1. Take off your makeup! Sleeping with the day’s grime, including 18-hour old makeup, is just not good for your skin. Try ESSENTIALS Instant Makeup Remover Wipes and ESSENTIALS Complete Eye Makeup Remover to get the gunk off first.
  • Wash your face and follow the rest of your Regimen steps. Using products in the right order is a ritual in and of itself, one that gives skin exactly what it needs so you can see the results you want.
  • Try our bubbling REDEFINE Rejuvenation Mask after your cleanser. It refreshes tired skin while Jojoba beads exfoliate for a radiant, clean feeling. Use up to three nights a week.
  • Any skin type can benefit from Active Hydration Serum, which attracts moisture to hydrate skin. Use between Step 2 and Step 3 of your Regimen (SOOTHE users, apply between Steps 1 and 2). If you have oily or combination skin, try this at night. Those with dry skin can apply it both in the AM and PM.
  • Finally, apply R+F Lash Boost every night for obsession-worthy lashes! Simply glide over your upper lash lines. And remember, less is more!

We strive to make skincare simple. Following your Regimen steps gives structure to a nighttime routine, which can improve sleep. Benefits of deep, rejuvenating rest are substantial. Start sleeping like a pro tonight — and waking up to the best skin of your life every morning.

 

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 could save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

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Be a Regimen Mixologist: Best Practice Tips!

Be a Regimen Mixologist: Best Practice Tips!

by | Aug 6, 2019

 

Wherever I go, one of the most frequently asked questions I get is about combining products from different Regimens. The answer is complex, but here is a Regimen-by-Regimen approach to trying something new.

+ First, think about why you might want to add a product from another Regimen into your core Regimen. You can always gauge your skin’s needs by how it looks and feels. Maybe at the end of the summer, you’re noticing a few dark marks on your skin that weren’t there in the winter. Maybe your breakouts are managed but you still see post-acne marks? Have your few annoying blemishes become more frequent? Or maybe you got too much sun and your skin is blotchy or dull? Or perhaps it’s feeling more sensitive than usual with redness occurring more often?

Then consider lifestyle reasons for adding in a new product. Are you changing climates drastically? Skiing in the winter or vacationing in the dry desert? Do you want to look fresh and young for a class reunion or wedding?

+ Next, understand how your current Regimen works so that you can address what you want to do, but not undo your hard-earned results that come from consistency.

Here’s how:

If you are a SOOTHE Regimen user with sensitive skin, use SOOTHE consistently for at least 30 days before introducing anything new, and always try a patch test before you use it on your full face. For example, if you have a few lines and wrinkles, you can try a baby step with the REDEFINE Triple Defense Treatment SPF 30 and/or REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles. A slow transition to a new Regimen is best — start with just once every other day. If you switch to another Regimen and notice increased sensitivity or have any flare-ups from a single product, don’t worry. Return to SOOTHE for a week or two and try again. You can always go back to SOOTHE.

If you are using an anti-acne Regimen such as SPOTLESS (if you are under 25 years old) or UNBLEMISH (25+), wait till your skin is clear before trying something new. Once it is, you can add products for different skin concerns in the evening as directed, but make sure to use your acne Regimen at least once a day — because your acne is not cured and still needs to be managed. If your skin breaks out due to a hormonal cycle or stress, simply return to your acne Regimen twice a day for as long as needed.

REVERSE Brightening Regimen users will always see the fastest results in the shortest amount of time when using the Regimen twice a day. So, definitely wait until you reach brighter, more even-toned skin before introducing any other product. If you break out, try UNBLEMISH or SPOTLESS cleanser once a day. Or if you’re seeing fine lines and wrinkles, add in REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream over your REVERSE Regimen, but always continue with the REVERSE Regimen until you reach your goal. Use it once a day to keep discoloration at bay.

REDEFINE Regimen lovers (and there are lots of you out there!) can easily add in the REDEFINE AMP MD System for visible firmness and micro-exfoliation. For occasional breakouts, use the SPOTLESS or UNBLEMISH cleanser once a day. Use SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment if you have occasional sensitivity. And if you’re seeing a few dark marks, try the REVERSE Brightening Regimen once every other morning, and increase as directed. You can continue to layer REDEFINE creams morning and evening over REVERSE.

Keep in mind that our most satisfied Customers with amazing results (and participants in clinical studies) use their full Regimen consistently and benefit from Multi-Med Therapy (the right ingredients in the right formulations applied in the right order for visible results).

In my experience, cherry-picking the Rodan + Fields Regimens can deliver less than optimal results. It is like going to the gym and only doing bicep curls! Let your skin see all the benefits from a full Regimen. Adding something from another Regimen should do just that, add to it, not disrupt it. 

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 could save their skin — and and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

Send Me a Message