Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

Vitamin E and Skin Care: Benefits and Products

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.

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

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

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.

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How to Build the Best Skincare Routine for Your Skin Needs

How to Build the Best Skincare Routine for Your Skin Needs

Skincare Done Right

Imagine a world where you don’t need to help your skin prevent wrinkles or acne. Wouldn’t it be great if your skin took care of itself? Well, unfortunately, that’s not the case, and it’s up to us to look after our skin by ensuring we take proper steps to improve skin health and address any skincare concerns head-on.

Skin is complex and its unique needs are complicated. Whatever results you aim to achieve, it’s essential to first know the facts before implementing a proper skincare Regimen.

5 Things To Consider Before Selecting and Starting a Skincare Routine

1 – Know What Your Unique Skin Concerns and Needs Are

You may have specific skin concerns like acne or discoloration. Or, you may be looking to take a preventative approach and more focused on maintaining healthy-looking skin. These concerns might differ from your friend who discovers a trending new product to use. You shouldn’t always use products recommended by your friends, social media, a magazine, etc. because not all products work for every skincare concern.

Having a routine can provide benefits for not only your skin but also for your mental health. Some people find that sticking to a skincare routine gives them a sense of control. Others like how it carves out a few minutes each morning and evening for some dedicated self-care.

Whether you are starting your skincare routine to address a skincare concern or to maintain your skin’s health, it’s important to implement a Regimen to follow consistently. Just like exercise, it’s important to be consistent to see results.

2 – Know Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type is essential, as it will help you select your Regimen accordingly. If you don’t know your skin type, don’t worry. Here are some top tips on how to figure it out. One of the easiest ways to learn your skin type is to observe your skin after a few hours after taking a shower.

 Oily Skin: If you feel a little greasiness or shininess after a shower, you likely have oily skin.

 Dry Skin: If you experience flakiness or feel dry, you likely have dry skin.

 Combination Skin: If you have dry skin in some places and oily skin in others, like on the T-Zone, you likely have combination skin.

 Normal Skin: If you don’t sway into any of these categories, don’t worry. You likely fall under the “normal” skin category.

Knowing your skin type is important, as it helps you implement products that help keep dryness and oiliness under control, while still targeting any other skin concerns you may have.

3 – Stick to the Routine

No matter the reasons behind your skincare routine, compliance is the number one priority.

Make sure to be consistent with your Regimen, even if you are exhausted after a long day. This is the only way to achieve the best possible visible results on your skin.

4 – Address Your Main Skincare Concern

Like skin types, there are a variety of skin concerns that we experience. Here are some examples of common types:

  • Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: We all age and with that, we start to see the visible signs of aging on the skin, like with fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and texture. If this is your main concern, look into implementing a Regimen that takes an anti-aging approach.
  • Sensitive Skin: Have visible redness or dryness? You may have sensitive skin that requires a little extra TLC. Implement a routine that calms and nurtures to protect skin instantly and overtime.
  • Acne: With triggers such as genetics, stress and hormones, acne is the most frequently diagnosed condition by dermatologists, affecting approximately 30-40% of adults. It’s important to implement a consistent routine that takes a full-face approach to acne. This is vital in breaking the acne cycle to eliminate current acne and prevent future blemishes from forming
  • Skin Discoloration: Spent too much time in the sun? Skin discoloration can appear, causing the surface to look dull and uneven. Use a Regimen that focuses on skin brightening to visibly reduce skin discoloration concerns for a more even-toned, radiant look.

5 – Follow the Directions

Let’s say you start to use a night cream that directs usage after facial cleansing and toning. It’s important to follow those directions because before the product launched, it was meticulously tested and perfected to work in a specific way. The instructions exist to help you achieve the best visible results possible on your skin.

It is almost important to follow the directions on the best time of day to apply a specific product. For example, it is not recommended to use products with anti-aging ingredient, Retinol, for your morning routine, as it can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Instead, Retinol is more likely included in nighttime products.

When selecting a multi-step skincare system, the products have been clinically-tested to work in conjunction with one another. Specific ingredients and technologies that work cohesively are selected for the formulas, which are then layered in a specific order to help deliver the best visible results possible. Designed to target adult acne, Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Regimen uses this multi-step approach. In fact, each of the products has a number listed on the front to make it easy to follow.

Step-1: The process starts with clearing. Cleanser utilizes chemical exfoliation ingredient, Salicylic Acid, to refine skin to help prevent clogged pores, clear blemishes and nourish skin. Colloidal Sulfur works to balance the over-production of sebum that can congest pores and cause breakouts. Minerals nourish skin for a healthy-looking, more radiant complexion. (AM + PM)

Step-2: Next, it’s time to clarify. Refreshing toner exfoliates away dead skin cells with mild Alpha-hydroxy Acids to help clear pores and brighten skin tone. Hyaluronic Acid helps visibly firm skin while Green Tea Extract, Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera help calm and soothe. (AM + PM)

Step-3: Next, it’s time to keep everything under control. Unique dual-chamber system delivers acne-fighting 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide to help clear and prevent blemishes and calming skin-nourishing ingredients to moisturize and visibly plump skin. (AM + PM)

Step-4: In the morning, it’s time for prevention. This mattifying, shine-free SPF helps reduce the appearance of shine and absorbs excess oil, so skin looks shine free, leaving a velvety smooth, dry touch, matte finish. Non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic formula feels weightless on skin and works to defend against UVA and UVB rays. (AM only)

Top Tip on How to Remember the Right Order

Having trouble remembering the order of your routine? Here’s a quick tip. If you forget whether to use moisturizer or serum first, take a look at the consistency of the product. Products are typically applied from thinnest to thickness in consistency. For a typical skincare routine, always apply a cleanser first, then toner, serum, and moisturizer as the last step.

4 – Visible Results Take Time

Although there have been great advancements in the skincare science world, there is no such thing as an instant fix.

Your skin needs time to reap the benefits from consistent use of your skincare Regimen. Most products don’t tend to deliver visible results for at least four weeks. In many cases, you may need to wait eight weeks to see results.

5 – Skincare = Self-care

Skin is your largest organ. Just like any other part of your body, it needs to be taken care of. Whether you seek a Regimen designed to target anti-aging, acne, or another skincare concern, skincare should be a vital component of your life. It might take some time to find the right Regimen that best suits your skincare needs and concerns, when you do, you must remember the critical importance of compliance.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields Skincare 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.

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Be a Regimen Mixologist: Best Practice Tips!

Be a Regimen Mixologist: Best Practice Tips!

 

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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Rodan + Fields New Masks, and Yes They Do Feel Good on Your Face

Rodan + Fields New Masks, and Yes They Do Feel Good on Your Face

For years, Rodan and Fields has been addressing your skin concerns with the Regimens within its collections — Soothe, for calming sensitive skin; Unblemish, for treating adult acne; Redefine, for diminishing the appearance of fine lines and pores; and Reverse, for brightening and evening tone. Now each of these lines is getting its very own gel, clay, or cream face mask.

Rodan + Fields’s newest launches are as much about how you feel while you mask as they are about the products’ effects on your skin. “We wanted to ensure these masks delivered a fun and efficacious experience with a trifecta of benefits — amazing sensorial cues upon application, instant and visible skin benefits within 10 minutes, and clinically demonstrated dermatological skin benefits,” -Vice President of Product Development Sumita Butani. Some of these sensorial cues include color-changing and bubbling effects on the skin. Butani also explained that it took the brand years to develop these masks, saying that they did rigorous testing to perfect each formula.

Read on to learn more about each mask. They will be available for purchase on May 23.

 

Rodan + Fields Soothe Rescue Mask

The Soothe Rescue Mask ($60) does exactly that. The cooling mask, which contains a swirl of calamine lotion, will soothe and quell red, irritated skin. Yes, it is a clay mask, but with glycerin in its formula, it never leaves skin feeling stripped of moisture.

Rodan + Fields Redefine Rejuvenation Mask

The most fun of the four masks is the Redefine Rejuvenating Mask ($60). In just five minutes, you’ll see the gel mask bubble up and get frothy on your skin. As you add water and massage it in, you’ll feel the biodegradable particles (made from jojoba) suspended in it gently exfoliate. You’ll be left with a softer complexion that is plump with moisture.

Rodan and Fields Unblemish Clarifying Mask

The Unblemish Clarifying Mask ($60) was designed for acne-prone skin, but also does the trick for the mornings when you realize you’ve fallen asleep with your makeup on. This mask brings down pimples, whiteheads, and blemishes, and zaps excess oils with a potent dose of concentrated sulfur (it contains 10 percent of the ingredient). Just smear the cream on, massage until activated (you’ll know that it is once you’ve burst all the beads suspended in it and the mask turns purple), and leave it on for 10 minutes.

 

Rodan and Fields Reverse Radiance Mask

The Reverse Radiance Mask ($60) is literally the gold standard of masking. The thick, gold goo smells clean with hints of citrus, and glides onto skin easily. With its blend of gentle exfoliators, you’ll have glowing, more even skin in just 10 minutes.

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