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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Lip Wrinkles: Causes and Treatment

Lip Wrinkles: Causes and Treatment

by | Jun 30, 2022

Reverse Regimen

When we think about areas of our face where wrinkles and fine lines show up, our lips aren’t usually the first spot we think of. But lip wrinkles, which are vertical lines that form on and around your lips as you age, can be a source of annoyance that can leave us feeling less confident than we deserve to be.

But what are lip wrinkles, exactly, and what can you do about them? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are Lip Wrinkles?

As noted above, lip wrinkles are vertical lines that form on and around your lips as you get older. They’re sometimes called “lip lines,” “lipstick lines,” or “smoker’s lines,” and they can be tough to hide or conceal, making them more bothersome than other wrinkles or fine lines.

What Causes Lip Wrinkles?

There are a handful of causes of lip wrinkles, but there are the most common ones:

Aging

Unfortunately, one of the top causes of lip wrinkles is pretty inevitable: Aging skin. “As we age, we gradually produce less and less collagen,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.  “This means our skin is less able to repair itself and retain moisture, resulting in drier, thinner, and less elastic skin. This also makes our lips and other areas of our face more prone to fine lines and wrinkles”.

Sun exposure

Sun exposure (and lack of protection) can be another culprit when it comes to lip wrinkles. “Repetitive unprotected sun exposure can make lip wrinkles worse since the ultraviolet rays can damage our collagen stores and cause premature aging,” explains Dr. Green.

Smoking

There’s a reason why lip wrinkles are often referred to as “smoker’s lines” — smoking is a big reason why lip wrinkles show up in the first place. “Smoking can cause premature aging since cigarettes contain free radicals that damage our bodies and prevent our skin cells from getting adequate nutrients.”

Treatments for Lip Wrinkles

As with most skin-related issues, the best treatment for lip wrinkles is to stop them from popping up in the first place — or at the very least, do your very best to stop them from getting worse. “You can change your diet to include foods that are high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and nuts,” Dr. Green suggests. “These foods can fight free radicals and other agents that cause premature aging. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can improve your blood flow and improve both your complexion as well as prevent any more free radicals from damaging your skin cells.”

Here are some other options worth trying:

Anti-aging lip serum and balm

There are tons of different lip serums and balms out there, so look out for a lip wrinkle serum that contains specific ingredients.

“Look for products containing either vitamin C or retinoids,” suggests Dr. Green. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is known to support healthy collagen production, making it optimal for preventing lip lines and keeping them from getting worse. Meanwhile, retinoids support natural cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production. This makes them a great option in reducing the appearance of fine lines and rejuvenating the skin.”

That being said, if you opt for a serum or balm that contains a retinoid, it’s extra important to remember to apply a lip balm with SPF afterward.

Exfoliate lips

Since exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, lip exfoliants can be a great way to keep the skin on your lips healthy. Just remember not to overdo it (once a week is fine), and make sure to apply a moisturizer and SPF afterward. “Many people fail to apply SPF to their lips when they go out,” Dr. Green says. “Always apply a lip balm with SPF and reapply every two hours to protect your lips from UV damage.”

Oil massages

Treat your lips to a luxurious oil massage, especially if you’re regularly exfoliating them. Lip oils are an excellent way to deeply moisturize the skin of the lips, helping to protect them from further damage.

Dermal fillers

Dr. Green notes that dermal fillers can be an excellent treatment option for lip wrinkles. “Dermal fillers that are made of hyaluronic acid like Belotero Balance, Restylane, and Juvederm can temporarily fill in lip lines and give the appearance of natural, supple, and beautiful lips,” she notes. “Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our bodies and when injected, can add volume, smooth out the surface of the skin, and immediately improve the skin’s overall appearance.”  It’s always important to discuss your options with your dermatologist to determine what is right for you.

While annoying, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the appearance of lip wrinkles and stop them from getting worse. So fill up your cart with antioxidant-rich foods, remember to exfoliate, and don’t forget the SPF!

Sources

Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green

*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.

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

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

Here’s What Sleep Wrinkles Are (and How to Prevent Them)

Here’s What Sleep Wrinkles Are (and How to Prevent Them)

by | May 25, 2022

Reverse Your Wrinkles

Picture this: You wake up late, quickly wash your face, and rush out the door. You get to work, take the first sip of coffee, and finally muster up the courage to look in the mirror. And there it is: Sleep wrinkles on your face and a few on your chest, too. And as the day goes on, they seem to just stick around.

Sleep wrinkles are common. When we’re younger, they disappear quickly — but as we age, they can become a more permanent fixture. But what are sleep wrinkles, exactly, what causes them, and how can you prevent them? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are sleep wrinkles?

According to Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, “sleep wrinkles are the fine lines and deep folds that result due to repeatedly sleeping in a position that compresses the skin, like sleeping on the side of the body or flat on the stomach as opposed to sleeping on the back.”

Sleeping on the side or on the stomach pulls the skin in different directions than it naturally would be, she explains, typically affecting areas of the body such as the face, and chest, or even causing eye wrinkles. “When we’re younger, we may wake up with visible sleep wrinkles that fade away on their own. As a natural part of the aging process, we lose collagen,” she says. “Collagen is a skin protein that provides the skin with firmness and suppleness as well as contributes to skin elasticity. As collagen is lost over time, skin laxity increases and this makes it more difficult for the skin to “bounce back” after repeated compression. For this reason, permanent sleep wrinkles tend to be correlated with aging.”

What causes sleep wrinkles?

As Dr. Green explains, wrinkles caused by sleeping (including chest wrinkles from sleeping) typically happen when sleeping on the side of the body as opposed to flat on the back, because the skin is being pulled in directions that are out of the ordinary throughout the day. “The friction and tugging that occurs through the night when we sleep on our side or on our stomach can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles on the face as well as on the chest,” she says.

How to prevent sleep wrinkles

If you want to avoid wrinkles while sleeping, there are a few easy action steps you can take ASAP.

Sleeping on the back to reduce sleep wrinkles

Sorry, side sleepers, but side sleeping causes wrinkles. So one of the first action steps you can take is to change your sleeping position.

“Sleeping on your back is the best way to prevent the formation of sleep wrinkles,” Dr. Green says. “Sleeping flat on the back eliminates any compression of the face and chest that would occur in other sleeping positions, alleviating pressure on these areas of the body that contributes to the development of sleep wrinkles.”

Sleep wrinkle pillow

If sleeping on your back feels impossible (or if you want to put some extra prevention measures in place), try sleeping with silk sheets and pillows.

“Silk is a hypoallergenic and tightly woven fabric that’s similar in pH to human skin, making it soothing, gentle, and protective for the skin during a night’s rest,” Dr. Green says. “The smooth properties of silk help to minimize friction against the skin, ultimately reducing friction and helping to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines that can be caused by fabric pulling on the skin when tossing and turning overnight. Using a silk pillowcase and eye mask can make a big difference in your beauty regimen!”

Skincare to use for sleep wrinkles

Proper skin care is crucial to preventing and treating sleep wrinkles, too. Topical treatments like retinoids (vitamin A) or night creams can be helpful, and Dr. Green recommends skin-resurfacing lasers, too.

“The laser is used to create controlled, precise micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the natural wound healing process of the skin,” she explains. “Through this process, new collagen and elastin are produced, ultimately resulting in a smoother skin texture and a reduction in the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Other more invasive options can include fillers or Botox, according to Dr. Green.

While sleep wrinkles are common as we age and our skin begins to lose collagen, there’s a lot you can do to minimize wrinkles. So work on becoming a back sleeper, invest in a silk pillowcase, and load up on the right skincare products. You’ve got this!

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

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

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

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

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

How To Prevent Visible Dark Spots

How To Prevent Visible Dark Spots

by | Feb 22, 2022

Reverse Regimen

How To Prevent Dark Spots

Skin discoloration, including dark spots, is one of the most common skin concerns women have today. Everyone wants that even, beautifully hydrated, glowing skin—but alas, sometimes dark spots happen. Instead of relying on makeup to cover up your dark spots, why not educate yourself on why they occur and learn how to address and prevent them? In this blog post, we’ll talk about why and where dark spots typically turn up and everything you need to know about dealing with this skin concern. Read on to learn more.

What are dark spots and where do they come from?

Dark spots are the result of an overproduction of melanin in the skin. Dark spots can occur after you spend a lot of time in the sun or indulge in tanning beds, especially without proper sun protection. Dark spots can also occur in conjunction with hormonal changes. These hormonal shifts include those causing acne, since post-acne spots are also considered dark spots, as well.

“Science shows the most attractive feature of a person is even, pore-free, shiny skin. It’s a sign of health and youth,” Dr. Kathy Fields says. The good news is that the right skin care regimen can help you visibly achieve that even color and elusive glow that we begin to lose in our 20s.

What areas of the body are typically affected by dark spots?

Dark spots usually crop up on the face, hands, arms, and chest – all of the places most exposed to the sun.

How to Prevent Dark Spots and What to Do About Existing Ones

  1. To prevent dark spots, proper sun protection is key. Always use sunscreen—don’t forget that every day is a Sun Day, as Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields say. Apply your sunscreen as the final step in your skincare regimen daily and in the morning year-round—not just when you plan on spending a lot of time outside. Remember to reapply every 2-3 hours when exposed to the sun and after towel drying, swimming, or sweating.
  1. Exfoliate regularly. You want to gently exfoliate your skin at least a few times per week with an exfoliant that works well for your skin type. The Rodan + Fields REVERSE Regimen addresses a major skin concern women have about dull, uneven skin tone. “By exfoliating away the pile-up of dead cells and helping visibly fade discolorations, REVERSE clears your skin’s canvas, restoring the luminosity and brightness your skin has naturally lost,” Dr. Katie Rodan says.
  1. Try a dark spot corrector, like  REVERSE Targeted Dark Spot Corrector, which can be used on the face, but also on the neck, chest and hands to target stubborn dark spots or visible skin discoloration. Add this product to any Rodan + Fields Regimen to minimize the appearance of brown spots, dark spots, patches, post-acne dark marks, and age spots. For best results, always apply sunscreen on the area of concern and try to avoid unprotected sun exposure.
  1. Consult with your doctor if you experience hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory acne spots. For best results, introduce skin brightening products to your skincare routine. Including a spot corrector for more stubborn dark spots can help even your skin tone and get it looking glowy.

Ingredients to Address Visible Dark Spots

“It’s a combination of ingredients in formulas that enhance their efficacy that creates a beautiful, visible change,” Dr. Katie Rodan says. “Some of the key ingredients packed into our formulas include tried and true favorites, like Vitamin C and Retinal MD Technology, developed in-house.”

Together with their scientists, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields created their own proprietary technology. “We blended 10% stabilized Vitamin C with our proprietary Retinal MD Technology, which is more effective than traditional retinol without the irritation that often comes with it,” Dr. Kathy Fields says.

Multi-Med Therapy is at the heart of all of Rodan + Fields’ Regimens. Multi-Med Therapy combines over-the-counter drug and cosmetic ingredients as the basis of elegantly formulated products that deliver powerful results. Seeing how well a “combination therapy” approach worked in acne, we knew that our holistic Multi-Med Therapy concept would also be effective for other common skin conditions, like hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, and skin aging. Based on their patient relationships, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields saw how each one of these issues takes a toll on a person’s confidence. This compelled Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields to get to work, creating specific skincare systems, which they refer to as Regimens, to give people everything they would need to achieve the best skin of their lives – and the confidence that comes with it. Here’s to coming out of the dark and to brighter skin days ahead.

*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