How Stress Affects Skin and What to Do About It

How Stress Affects Skin and What to Do About It

by | Apr 26, 2024

Skin Exfoliation is important
Stress Skin

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month, and there is no better time to consider the impact of stress on skin concerns and overall skin health.

There is more and more research about the correlation between stress and skin health —now, more than ever. To that end, Rodan + Fields’ founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields published an eight-week study on the impact of skincare on cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.

Can stress cause you to break out?

The study: “Improvements in acne-prone skin quality correlate with a reduction in saliva cortisol levels after use of an 8-week 3-step topical regimen”

The study uncovered the mental health ramifications of adult acne and found that following a three-step skincare routine can dramatically reduce stress levels. A team of experts, including Rodan + Fields brand founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, studied 30 acne-prone women in the 18- to 45-year-old range who used a skincare regimen including antioxidants, prebiotics, electrolytes, and SPF twice a day.

Rodan + Fields developed the Multi-Med Therapy approach, the right ingredients in the right formulations used in the right order, to deliver visible results you can see and feel. Over many years of testing and assessing consumer input, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields found that having a three- or four-step routine is optimal in terms of treating skin concerns and improving skin health. For this study, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields didn’t provide any additional guidelines beyond their standard recommendation they have with all of Rodan + Fields Regimens. The participants used a three-step Regimen. 

The Results of the Study

The results found that participants’ cortisol decreased by about 83%. In addition, the participants felt 76% more confident taking a selfie compared to 53% at the beginning of the study. Many reported being able to wear less makeup, as their skin looked better, and said their “skin looks as good as it feels.” 

We know that stress can leave its mark, literally and figuratively, on your skin. Here are some of the key ways that stress can affect skin and what you can do to alleviate it.

If your skin isn’t looking its best and you’re stressed, ask yourself the following questions. Are you:

1. Not sleeping enough?

When you’re not sleeping at least eight hours per night, the restorative function of your skin can’t be completed. Having a consistent nighttime skincare routine is essential when it comes to having healthy, youthful-looking skin. However, your skincare routine is most effective with proper sleep. Lifestyle changes can also help with better skin regeneration. Checking in with yourself and assessing whether you’re getting enough sleep can make that difference. Another sleep-inhibiting factor is blue light exposure. Switch off your computers and TV an hour or so before bed, or better yet, avoid having these electronics in your bedroom if you can. Alcohol consumption can lead to a less-than-glowing complexion the next morning. Drinking in moderation will have an impact on how your skin looks.

2. Eating sugar?

Eating sugar can impact your cortisol levels, which can lead to an overproduction of sebum or oil in your skin glands, which can cause acne breakouts. What foods should we opt for, and which should we avoid? “I recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, which means low-carb and no sugar as they directly cause skin inflammation,” Dr. Kathy Fields says. “It is so important to get to a target healthy weight and maintain it by implementing a reasonable diet that fits your lifestyle and one that you can practice long-term,” she adds. Exercise is another critical component. The best foods to eat to protect your skin from aging are antioxidants (think berries), carotenoids (think apricots and carrots), and greens (think spinach and broccoli).  Learn more about the best foods to achieve clear and healthy skin.

3. Dealing with bags under your eyes? 

It’s hard to get that glow when you’re not getting the right amount of sleep. Bags under your eyes is a direct result of sleep deprivation. Your skin has its own circadian rhythm, which is a 24-hour cycle that’s part of the body’s internal clock. Think of it as an operating system: it runs in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. At night, your skin absorbs products better, as it’s thinner at that time and undergoes the cell renewal and skin regeneration process. During your nightly eight hours, you give your skin a chance to replace old skin cells and make room for the new ones. So, don’t skimp on that time for the sake of your skin! It’s important to consistently apply your skincare routine every morning and night—including face serum (like one with Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, or Vitamin C) to avoid acne in addition to fine lines, wrinkles and aging in general. Consider a high-quality anti-aging eye cream to visibly reduce key signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and crow’s feet.

4. Lips sore?

You may be surprised by this stress-related result. But it happens: people tend to bite their lips when they’re stressed out—no matter the weather conditions. Stress, fear and anxiety are some of the reasons those who are prone to lip biting may give in to the urge. Dry lips can also be uncomfortable. Make sure to keep lips hydrated by using a balm or serum daily.

5. Dealing with skin irritations?

Stress can lead to skin irritations resulting from picking at acne or scratching at your skin. If you’re stressed, you might also skimp on your skincare routine, which can also aggravate skin issues.

Things to Remember When You’re Feeling Stressed

Think of your skincare Regimen as your daily ritual – a few moments each day where you can practice self-care. Carve out time each morning and night to treat yourself (and your skin!) to some much-needed TLC and ideally, some stress relief.

*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.

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts – What’s the Difference?

Skin Purging vs. Breakouts – What’s the Difference?

by | Jun 7, 2022

Purging or a break out?

What Is Skin Purging?

Knowing the difference between skin purging vs breakout can help save time, money, and peace of mind. In general, skin purging is when your pores are reacting to an active ingredient in skincare. Skin purging is basically your skin getting worse before it gets better.

Skin Purging vs a Breakout

Telling the difference between a skin purge vs a breakout can help ensure you are treating the issue correctly. This also helps you stay in the know about your health, how to handle skin issues, and when to involve a dermatologist.

Adding to or making changes in your daily routine can trigger a breakout as your body reacts to the change. Consider these factors first: Have you recently started medication or tried a new food? Is there an ingredient in your haircare, skincare, laundry detergent, or other products that you may have a sensitivity to? Are you menstruating, or going through another hormonal change? Do you usually suffer from acne and breakouts? Keeping a food journal or product log can help narrow down possible culprits of your reaction.

Skin purging, on the other hand, is usually caused by active ingredients being introduced to the skin in new skincare. Purging is basically a symptom as a result of your new treatment. Examples of ingredients that are known to cause skin purging include hydroxy acids and retinoids. Signs of skin purging generally clear or subside within a reasonable amount of time, which is good news for anyone looking for results that come with active ingredients in skincare.

What Does Skin Purging Look Like? – 5 signs

If you are noticing what appears to be a breakout, and are asking yourself “is my skin purging?”, make a list of any changes in your skincare routine or treatments. Yes, skin purging can look very similar to a breakout, but there are ways to differentiate the two. Here are some signs of what skin purging actually looks like.

Small Pimples

Also known as comedones, these are existing clogging pores that will enlarge and begin to make a head as a pimple. Sometimes, there is a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, cysts, pustules, and papules where the product has been applied.

Dryness

Signs of skin dryness, flaking, peeling or sensitivity can be your skin purging or adjusting to your new product or routine. 

Redness

Inflammation, signs of discoloration, or visible redness can be signs that your pores are purging or getting ready to purge.

Quick Lifecycle

Signs of skin purging can appear and then disappear faster than acne breakouts. Regular breakouts appear and then heal around 8 to 10 days, while skin purging can disappear much quicker.

Breakouts

Confusingly, breakouts can be signs of your pores purging, but the underlying cause wouldn’t be that of a breakout. Skin breakouts that indicate purging should not be treated with an acne product the same way a simple breakout would be because you are already using your active ingredient.

Is Skin Purging Good?

While it can feel uncomfortable and look like a breakout, skin purging is usually not “bad”. It may be tempting to stop using your new skincare, but sticking with it often allows you to reach your desired results.

Skin Purging Process – How Long Does It Last?

So how long does skin purging last exactly? It depends on your skin type, and how quickly your skin is usually purging pimples. Expect approximately 4 to 6 weeks of these symptoms, and if they last longer, be sure to reach out to your doctor or dermatologist.

Can Skin Purging Be Avoided?

Sure, skin purging can be avoided, but if it means clearer, better skin in the future, why would you want to? Skin purging can be tamed or avoided by not switching up your skincare routine or products, not using drying products, wearing sunscreen every single day, and keeping your skin as hydrated as possible. Our real advice, though? Stick with your new product, especially if your dermatologist is recommending it because the results will be highly worth it.

When It’s Just a Breakout

Sometimes, it’s nothing but a breakout! Likely not something you haven’t already experienced before. If you’ve tried a new product or food that is actually clogging your pores, your skin may be reacting through a breakout. Consider non-comedogenic skincare if you are prone to acne and breakouts, or keep a food journal to identify the culprit of your breakouts. Dairy is a common food group that exacerbates breakouts. Knowing the difference between purging and breaking out is helpful from the start. Always be kind to your skin when there’s a breakout present, applying a gentle skincare face mask or serum and taking a break from abrasive products. Do not punish your skin with an overload of products, which can cause a damaged skin barrier.

Now you are aware of the key differences between skin breakouts vs purging, and the action plan when each one occurs. Remember to always keep skin clean, protected with SPF, and hydrated by drinking plenty of water as the foundation of any skincare routine. Now you can put your best face forward with your ongoing journey in skincare.

Sources

  1. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Are Your Haircare Products Causing Breakouts?

*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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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.

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What Is Acne?

What Is Acne?

by | Mar 11, 2019

ALL ABOUT ACNE — AND HOW TO STOP IT

What is acne? Most people know acne as the annoying blemishes almost everyone has experienced at one time or another. What you may not know is that the pimple that appears on your face is actually the final step of a multiple-step process that Rodan + Fields founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields call the acne cycle. To break the cycle, it’s good to know what’s lurking beneath — and on top of — the surface.

It starts with your individual genetics and hormones, which control how much oil your skin produces. When oil production is excessive it mixes with dead skin cells to form a plug that clumps together in a pore. Trapped underneath this plug of debris, a type of bacteria found on skin called Propionibacterium acnes — P. acnes for short — begins to get busy. P. acnes thrives in environments that lack oxygen, like a clogged pore.

Happy inside its oxygen-free environment, the bacteria feeds on the oil and multiplies. Eventually, our skin reacts to the overgrowth of bacteria and its byproducts with inflammation or swelling, and voila: A pimple.

Many people think it’s the bacteria that is the main culprit, but without oil, oxygen would be able to get into the pore to kill the bacteria. And our hormones trigger the oil production. So all the steps are connected.

Since blemishes start forming days or even weeks before reaching the surface of the skin, the secret to controlling them is to keep them from forming in the first place. That means interrupting the acne cycle so the blemishes never get to the surface.

ACNE IS COMPLICATED, BUT TREATMENT ISN’T

Early in their dermatology careers, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields realized that though the acne cycle is complicated, the treatment didn’t have to be. Now, the Doctors have created two Rodan + Fields Regimens to break the acne cycle by unclogging pores, removing acne-causing bacteria and oil and preventing future breakouts. Both SPOTLESS, for teen and young adult acne, and UNBLEMISH, for adult acne and visible signs of aging, combine over-the-counter and cosmetic ingredients meant to be used twice a day over the entire face.

Both Regimens clear existing acne and prevent new blemishes from forming. The big news is the Doctors are bringing their effective acne solutions to even more people, perhaps you or someone you love.

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.

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Prepare Now For Holiday Party Skin

Prepare Now For Holiday Party Skin

by | Nov 6, 2018

The holiday social whirl is fast approaching. Is your skin ready for all of those party selfies? If the answer is no, not to worry. This is the perfect time to commit — or recommit — to your skincare routine. Start now and follow this advice, and you’ll see results in time to P-A-R-T-Y this holiday season.

P is for Protect and Perfect. Defend your complexion against the elements with our groundbreaking Glow Guard: NEW Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid offers protection against the effects of environmental aggressors, dryness and UV rays. Start using it now for lasting results over time — and instant perfection. Available in six flexible shades, this tinted multitasker immediately gives your skin a polished look, blurring imperfections and camouflaging redness.

A is for Add a few enhancements. These products add a few minutes to your routine, but the results are totally next-level. Try our AMP MD Derma-Roller with your REDEFINE or REVERSE Brightening Regimen; its micro-exfoliating tips help your skin absorb products more effectively. Treat your body to our ultra-hydrating moisturizer, Active Hydration Body Replenish, for visibly softer and smoother skin. Apply R+F Lash Boost nightly for the appearance of longer-looking lashes.

R is for Regimen dedication. The easiest way to ensure your skin is gorgeous for the holidays is to care for it all year. If you aren’t already using the Rodan + Fields Regimen that addresses your skin concerns, get started now! And don’t forget your lips and eye area. Use these products as directed and your skin will always be party-ready.

T is for Take care of yourself. Healthy eating, sleeping and hydration habits often go out the window during the holidays. Make a commitment to yourself now that you won’t let that happen this year! Nourish your skin from the inside out with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water. Next, promise yourself that you will get enough sleep over the coming weeks. When you’re fatigued, your skin looks tired — which is exactly what you don’t want.

Y is for “You time.” The holidays are fun, but they can also be stressful, which doesn’t do your skin any favors. Before life gets crazy — and especially when it does — squeeze in a yoga class, read a book or get a massage. When you’re calm and happy, your skin will look the same.

Before you get the party started, here are even more ways to prepare your skin for the holidays.

Share this with friends or family members. It could save their skin — and their lives.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

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