Why a Skincare Regimen is Worth Your Time and Money

Why a Skincare Regimen is Worth Your Time and Money

by | Apr 10, 2024

Skin Exfoliation is important
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN FROM HEAD TO TOE

Show me a person new to a multi-step routine — any routine — and I will show you a skeptic.

It makes sense. Disappointed in the past, they want to know if all those steps really matter or if it’s just marketing. What they’re really asking is: “Is it worth my time and money?” and “Will it work for me?” So, how can you know for sure if purchasing a full Rodan + Fields skincare regimen is worth it? Let’s dive in and see!

When using a skincare regimen, you should always do your due diligence to get familiar with all the steps and the potential results from following the regimen:

  1. Look over the clinical studies to see what results are possible
  2. Review the before and after pictures to see real examples
  3. Take your own before and after pictures to track your progress
  4. Follow the directions and be consistent

Rodan + Fields Skincare Advantage

Dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields set high standards by challenging their chemists to create cutting-edge, life-changing skincare solutions for common skin issues to give visible results. They evaluate every ingredient and formula down to the molecular level to make sure it delivers the transformative, visible results we’re known for.

The Regimen Advantage

R+F regimens use Multi-Med Therapy: the right ingredients, in the right formulas, applied in the right order. Let us deep-dive into the product types that make up a skincare regimen—an orchestra of strong and gentle instruments performing together in the perfect combination for a majestic masterpiece: healthier-looking skin.

-Cleansers: Does using a cleanser matter? You just rinse it off anyway. As the first step in the routine, cleansers are a very important step to prep the skin for what’s to come. R+F cleaners offer a range of benefits that include gentle exfoliation and purifying skin as they remove dirt, oil, makeup, to chemical exfoliation of the skin’s surface for a more even appearance in tone and texture, and lines and deep wrinkles. Your cleanser offers its own benefits while also affecting how your skin responds to the remaining products in the regimen.

-Toners: Often seen as a throw-away product, a toner clears the skin for optimal application and efficacy of the products that follow. Our toners are not drying or astringent in any way. So, this format allows us to layer ingredients effectively on the skin’s surface. The different toners in each regimen offer different benefits depending on the regimen you choose, like minimizing and unclogging pores or gently exfoliating and promoting natural cell turnover.

-Creams/Moisturizers (AM + PM): Is using a cream both morning and night necessary? The cleanser and toner have prepared the skin for these next steps to allow for maximum absorption and additional benefits from creams and moisturizers, like moisturizing and protecting from UVA and UVB rays during the day (make sure to re-apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2-2.5 hours when exposed to the sun), and replenishing or exfoliating the skin overnight.

Can’t I just make my own regimen?

Let’s explore this possibility. There is an immense amount of time and money dedicated to research, selecting the targeted ingredients to make a visible improvement on the skin, quality control, trial and error in stabilizing and developing effective formulations, and determining product compatibility and effectiveness. And sometimes, you might try a combination of products where some ingredients may not play well together, or you could get too much of a good thing like exfoliation, and this misjudgment may affect your skin negatively. Can’t I just buy the “hero” product from the regimen? You can but realize that we cannot guarantee the same results if you were to use the full regimen. Following a regimen is like baking a cake, it’s best to stick with a highly tested and studied regimen with all the right ingredients and to follow all the directions for the best results.

Can one regimen do it all?

R+F skin and hair regimens are designed to address common skin and hair concerns, but everyone’s skin is different. So sensitive skin may have occasional acne or discolored skin may have lax sagging skin. This is why our Consultants invite customers to use the Solution Tool to receive personalized recommendations to address a combination of concerns.

Putting together your own regimen can be overwhelming and isn’t clinically evaluated for specific results. Rodan + Fields has done the research and work for you so you can focus your time, energy and commitment to getting started right away on your skin improvement journey with proven results!

 

Written by Mary Radford, RNBA
Mary Radford, RNBA, has an extensive background in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Spas. She worked side by side with Dr. Katie Rodan as a Registered Nurse in her dermatology office before being recruited to Rodan + Fields in 2004, where she currently focuses on Field Education + Tools.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The R+F Source.

Apply Your Skincare Routine in the Best Order

Apply Your Skincare Routine in the Best Order

by | Jun 2, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important

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

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

The Right Order for a Skin Care Routine

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

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

How to Create a Skincare Routine

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

Step 1: Facial Cleanser

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

Step 2: Toner

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

Step 3: Eye Cream

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

Step 4: Face Serum

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

Step 5: Moisturizer, Lotion or Night Cream

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

Step 6: SPF

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

Incorporate as Needed: Face Masks

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

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

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

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

Why You Should Add a Facial Mask to Your Skincare Routine

Why You Should Add a Facial Mask to Your Skincare Routine

by | Oct 12, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

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

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

Do Facial Masks Actually Work?

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

Filling Skin Needs With Rodan + Fields Skincare Facial Masks

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

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

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

Which Facial Mask Should I Use?

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

Redefine Rejuvenation Mask: Boost Youthful-Looking Skin

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

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

Reverse Radiance Mask: Ready for Radiance

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

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

Unblemish Clarifying Mask: Blemishes Begone

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

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

Recharge Detox Mask: Best for Skin Detox

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

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

Soothe Rescue Mask: Save Irritable Skin

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

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

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

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

Can I Blend Two Facial Masks Together?

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

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

Guide to using multiple facial masks.

Tips for Your Best Results

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

Written by Mary Radford, RN

Mary Radford, RNBA, has an extensive background in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, and Aesthetic Spas. She worked side by side with Dr. Katie Rodan as a Registered Nurse in her dermatology office before being recruited to Rodan + Fields in 2004, where she currently focuses on Field Education + Tools.

 

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who knows how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

by | Aug 6, 2022

How to even your skin tone

If you suffer from uneven skin tone, rest assured that you’re not alone. “Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation is often characterized by skin discoloration and is a result of an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “This overproduction of melanin often occurs unevenly which results in dark spots and patches.”

While common—a form of hyperpigmentation called melasma impacts approximately five million people in the United States and has a prevalence rate of 40% in some populations—anyone who has ever dealt with this issue has probably wondered how to get even the skin tone on their face. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Causes An Uneven Skin Tone?

There are many factors that contribute to uneven skin tone, according to Dr. Green. These include:

Hormones

According to Dr. Green, hormonal fluctuations can cause an increased risk of hyperpigmentation, especially in the form of melasma. “Many individuals may experience this while taking oral contraceptives or during pregnancy,” she notes.

Genetics

For some people, an uneven skin tone is as simple as a genetic predisposition. “Individuals are more prone to uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation based on their family history,” Dr Green says. “For example, there is a strong hereditary component to the hyperpigmentation disorder melasma with half of the patients reporting a positive family history.”

Skin Tone

The tone of your skin might make you more likely to develop hyperpigmentation. “Individuals with darker brown skin are more likely to develop an uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation since they naturally have more melanin,” Dr. Green says.

Laser Damage

Sometimes, a dermatologist or other skin expert might use a laser treatment that isn’t suited to your skin, which can lead to uneven skin tone. “If laser treatment is used on a skin tone that it is not well suited for, it can result in skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “This is often because the energy or heat of the laser is too high for a particular skin tone and your body reacts by increasing melanin production.”

Steps to Even Your Facial Skin Tone

What can I do to brighten my face? How can I fix discoloration on my face? How can I prevent uneven skin tone? Dr. Green shares some answers to these questions and steps you can take to help even out skin tone:

Step 1: Start using sunscreen

Before thinking about the steps you should take to even out your facial tone, start by using sunscreen to prevent further damage. “Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above daily and to reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says.

Step 2: Use a vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, Dr. Green says. “This will help fade hyperpigmentation that may appear as sunspots, age spots, and melasma.”

Step 3: Try a retinol

Known for its anti-aging benefits, retinol can help even out skin tone, too. “Retinol inhibits the activity of tyrosinase which helps to lighten the skin while also improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which can help make skin look more even.”

Step 4: Consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss cosmetic procedures

If you’re not getting the results you want from your skincare products, consider consulting a professional. “Consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Several cosmetic procedures can help like the Cosmelan Peel, Fraxel Laser, AlexTrivantage Laser, Clear + Brilliant, Chemical Peels, and more,” Dr. Green says.

Other Facial Skin Tone Treatments

Here are other things you can do to achieve an even skin tone on your face:

Natural treatments

Vitamin C serum is a great natural treatment option for uneven skin tone. “As a strong antioxidant ingredient, Vitamin C can combat the negative effects of harmful free radicals in the environment that contribute to the development of the signs of premature skin aging, including hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “Vitamin C also helps to inhibit melanin production in the skin, thus brightening overall skin complexion. Additionally, Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis of collagen in the skin. By promoting skin cell regeneration and inducing the production of collagen, vitamin C improves both the texture and tone of the skin.”

Lifestyle Measures

The most important lifestyle measure you can take to even the skin tone on your face, Dr. Green says, is sun protection.

“Everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above regularly because it is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation and prevent hyperpigmentation,” she says. “Pregnant women, in particular, should be diligent in applying sunscreen regularly. During pregnancy, it is common for patients to suffer from a skin condition known as melasma. Melasma often results due to hormonal fluctuations and presents itself as patches of skin that are darker than the patient’s natural skin tone. Sun exposure can worsen melasma and any hyperpigmentation so wearing sunscreen is especially important”

Medical Procedures

While you should always talk to your dermatologist about which procedures might be right for you, Dr. Green says chemical peels, laser treatments, and other procedures can be helpful when it comes to evening out skin tone. But as mentioned above, the wrong treatment can actually worsen hyperpigmentation—so make sure to have a thorough conversation beforehand.

How Can You Prevent an Uneven Skin Tone?

The very best thing you can do to prevent uneven skin tone? It probably won’t come as a surprise at this point, but you should apply sunscreen.

“The best thing you can do for your skin to prevent uneven skin tone from occurring or worsening is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above daily and reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says. “Sunscreen is great for protecting against hyperpigmentation that is a result of sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure will result in an increase in melanin production in the skin which ultimately manifests as hyperpigmentation.”

Key Takeaways

Long story short: Hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as uneven skin tone, is common—but there’s a lot you can do to make it less visible and protect your skin from further damage.

Reference Pages

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2019/10/31/how-to-get-an-even-skin-tone-according-to-dermatologists/

https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-advice/how-to-even-skin-tone.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-even-skin

https://usa.renskincare.com/blogs/clean-thoughts/5-natural-ways-to-achieve-an-even-skin-tone

https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-even-skin-tone

*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

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.

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*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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