Deep Dive: The Biology of Collagen

Deep Dive: The Biology of Collagen

From targeted Instagram ads for supplement powders to add to your morning coffee, to the many methods of stimulating it in your own skin, you’ve likely heard talk of collagen. Collagen has recently skyrocketed in popularity. It’s found not only in skincare products but in shampoos, the aforementioned nutrition powders and body creams. So, what is it all about and what role does it play with regard to your skin? In this post, we’ll tackle what exactly collagen is, the relationship it has with your skin as you age and what ingredients you should be looking for in your skincare to boost your skin’s collagen. Find out which products to choose and when you can expect results. Here, your guide to everything you always wanted to know about collagen and more.

What Is Collagen?

Let’s begin with the basics. What is collagen? Collagen is a protein that provides structure to your bones, skin, tendons and ligaments —essentially, much of your body. Collagen’s role with regard to skincare is vital from both a functional and cosmetic perspective. The reality is that everyone’s normal aging process causes a decrease in the skin’s natural collagen production and this leads to a number of common aesthetic skin concerns. These include everything from lines and wrinkles to a loss of firmness to uneven texture in the skin. In other words, these are the visible signs of a lack or decreased levels of collagen on your skin.

When Should You Focus on Boosting Collagen?

When is the right time to stimulate your own collagen production? According to dermatologist Dr. Vivian Bucay, everyone aged 20 and up should be using some type of treatment that speeds up cell renewal. “By the time you are 50 years old, you have half as much of your collagen and half as much of your hyaluronic acid as you would in your 20s,” Dr. Bucay explains. Here’s another fun fact: She notes that every year, you lose 3% of your collagen, which is what gives the skin support. She uses a mattress as an analogy. “Collagen is like the mattress covering,” Dr. Bucay explains. “It holds everything together.” To further the analogy, in this scenario, Hyaluronic Acid is the coils, she says. “They resist compressive forces, and the less we are able to resist these forces, the harder it is for the skin to bounce back,” she says. For example, you know how sometimes you wake up in the morning and have that line from the pillow? The older you get, the longer it takes for that line to disappear. After your mid-30s, it can take at least an hour plus for that line to go away. Note to self: It’s good to invest in a silk pillowcase.

What You Eat Makes A Difference

A healthy diet is also integral to supporting the natural process of collagen production. Eat protein-rich foods from plant or animal sources to get amino acids. More nutrients that assist in the process of producing collagen are zinc, Vitamin C and copper. You’ll find these in fruits and vegetables. You’ll find zinc in dairy, red meat and poultry, along with beans, nuts, crab, lobster and whole grains. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, green and red peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and winter squash. Copper is in dark chocolate (yes!), leafy greens, shiitake mushrooms, nuts and seeds.

What You Don’t Eat Also Makes A Difference

You also want to avoid things that accelerate collagen damage, of course. Some things that are associated with creating a decline in collagen production are probably not a surprise to you. Smoking and UV rays are high on the list of things you should avoid. And what you don’t eat is important as well. Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar or reaching for a lot of refined carbohydrates. These can also have a negative effect on increasing collagen production.

Incorporate Retinol and Vitamin C Into Your Skincare Routine

1: Try A Complex

Dermatologist Dr. Tomi Lee Wall points out that retinol is one of the best-known boosters of collagen. The third step of the REVERSE Brightening Regimen is the Dual Active Brightening Complex, which combines Vitamin C and Retinol. The power pair works together to enhance radiance and reveal brighter skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Both retinoids and Vitamin C help improve the appearance the visible signs of aging on skin, often caused by decreased collagen levels.

2: Try A Serum

If a serum’s more your thing, try REDEFINE Intensive Renewing Serum. This skincare product is formulated with Retinal-MD Technology, a form of Vitamin A that’s more potent than Retinol, but gentle enough for daily use. This nighttime serum jump starts your skin’s natural renewing process to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while revealing younger-looking skin. When adding any retinol product into your routine, it’s good to use it 2-3 nights a week and gradually amp up use up to every other evening. Always layer a nighttime moisturizer on top to minimize flaking.

The Case For Derma-Rollers

Dr. Wall says that a Derma-Roller is also an incredible tool for stimulating collagen. “Within your skin you have cells called fibroblasts, which are the makers of collagen,” Dr. Wall explains. “As you are derma-rolling, you create tiny areas of ‘trauma’ in the skin, which ‘tricks’ your fibroblasts to thinking they need to create more collagen,” she says. The micro-exfoliating, handheld Derma-Roller is part of the REDEFINE AMP MD System. The Derma-Roller uses micro-exfoliating tips to condition the uppermost layer of skin and boosts the performance of other products. This improves absorption and amplifies the results of Intensive Renewing Serum layered on top for smoother, firmer-looking skin.

As Always, Consistency Is Key

How long do you need to use a proper skincare regimen to see the results? It typically takes about a month for skin cells to turn over. So, a good rule of thumb is to follow your skincare Regimen consistently to see the visible results on your skin. Keep up with those morning and evening skincare routines and you’ll see youthful-looking, glowing skin before you know it.  

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

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

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

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from The Skincare Source.

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7 SKINCARE PRODUCTS YOUR GUY WISHES YOU’D GIVE HIM

7 SKINCARE PRODUCTS YOUR GUY WISHES YOU’D GIVE HIM

The man in your life may never ask directly. But if these Rodan + Fields products were to appear in his medicine cabinet, they wouldn’t go to waste.
How do we know? Because we asked the experts. The men at the Rodan + Fields Home Office enjoy free R+F products as a perk. (All employees do, and it’s awesome.) With access to all of the company’s skincare, we wondered, what do men choose for themselves?
With Father’s Day coming up on June 21, we thought we’d put this list of dude-approved R+F products out there. Just saying.
REGI-MEN
There’s never a dull moment at the Home Office, judging from the number of men who use the 1) REVERSE Brightening Regimen for dullness, discoloration, and uneven skin tone. “I use REVERSE almost every day,” says Rodan + Fields Chairman Amnon Rodan. “I love how it feels, smells, and that it’s not oily, sticky, or greasy. I love that it makes me look young – or, if not that, I love that it makes me glow.”
The 2) REDEFINE Regimen for lines, wrinkles, and visible signs of aging is also popular. Customer Care Instructional Designer Nicolas Dionisio is solidly on Team REDEFINE and recommends it “to anyone who wants to look as young as I do ?.”
Even if they’re not using a full Regimen, the men of the Home Office take their SPF seriously. Compliance Analyst Cody Wilbur uses 3) REDEFINE Triple Defense Treatment Broad Spectrum SPF 30 as his go-to sunscreen, while Justin Ramsay, Social Media Manager, faithfully applies 4) SOOTHE Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 on his face. He appreciates the product’s matte finish and that it “protects him from the sun.”
DUDES BEING SMOOTH
5) Micro-Dermabrasion Paste, our exfoliating face-and-body scrub, is also a fan favorite. Order Management Specialist Dustin Robinson appreciates that he can use it in the shower. (The men in our office definitely demand convenience in their skincare.) Convention Program Manager Josh Goodman says MD Paste is at the top of his current want-to-try list. Facilities Coordinator Randall Vaughan envisions combining the scrub and a classic outdoor water slide for an innovation he would call “Slip and Exfoliate.” Note to Randall: Please do not actually try this.
GUY-DRATION NATION
6) Active Hydration Body Replenish is another fave. Elite Support Coordinator Enrique Garcia, who works on cars and does outdoor activities in his spare time, uses this award-winning cream on his elbows, knees, and knuckles — “pain points when it comes to dry skin because these are the areas that come in most contact with rough surfaces,” he says.
As for the product universally beloved by the men of the Rodan + Fields Home Office? Well, it turns out there’s a reason why they’re all so radiant.
“I suffer from dry skin,” says David Horton, Senior Director of Architecture, Methods, and Tools. But with daily use of 7) Active Hydration Serum, “I’ve noticed much more comfort during the day — less cracking, flaking of my skin, and definitely less tightness.” His skin is less red and irritated, too. “Overall, my complexion has smoothed out,” he says.
Do you know who couldn’t agree more? The inventor of this ultra-hydrating moisture magnet himself. Active Hydration Serum “instantly hydrates after skiing, being in the sun or simply being,” says Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Tim Falla, who uses it frequently. “My rougher, drier skin needs all the help it can get.”
see more at website: debi.myrandf.com

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

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

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

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

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Learn How Stress Can Affect Your Skin + Skincare Solutions

Learn How Stress Can Affect Your Skin + Skincare Solutions

It’s been stressful lately! And that stress can show up in unexpected ways, including on your skin. Anxiety and fear, which have become pretty regular feelings for a lot of us given the current situation, trigger a fight or flight response in your body. This fight or flight response releases cortisone, a stress hormone, that increases oil production. This means clogged pores, dull complexion and maybe even breakouts.

No need to stress even more. We’ve got some easy solutions to help you out. Once a day, swap your regular cleanser for UNBLEMISH or SPOTLESS to deep clean and help reduce oil. Add in our RECHARGE Detox Mask 2-3 times a week to take care of clogged pores and blackheads. Or, if you have blemishes, try UNBLEMISH Clarifying Mask.

Stress can also affect your immune system. This makes skin more vulnerable to blotchiness, redness and irritation. If you’re experiencing any of those issues, try our SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment 1-2 times a day. It hydrates and helps reduce visible redness as it protects and calms dry, chapped skin.

Another easy way to help keep your immune system strong is Vitamin D3. It’s recognized by healthcare professionals as good for the overall health of bones, muscles and the immune system. Which is more important than ever right now. Our Maximum D3 is a once a week supplement with 10,000 international units of Vitamin D3. To find the right dose for you, ask your doctor to make a personalized recommendation.

If you’re looking for instant payoff or just want to put your best face forward while facing hard times, check out Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid. It evens tone, boosts radiance and helps protect skin so it looks healthier over time. Find your shade match through the Rodan + Fields Solution Tool Shade Finder or check-in with an R+F Independent Consultant for samples.

SIMPLE (+ WALLET FRIENDLY) TIPS

1) ESSENTIALS GAUZE PADS have a soft textured weave to allow the Regimen Toners + ESSENTIALS Complete Eye Makeup Remover to catch dirt and debris.  The cotton weave evenly distributes the formulas and their benefits onto your skin so you see the best results.

2) REMOVE MAKEUP before cleansing get the full benefits of your Regimen cleanser’s targeted ingredients. This also reduces how many dirty towels you have to wash and prevents using excess amounts of cleanser. Our Instant Makeup Remover Wipes have good-for-skin ingredients like conditioners to help soften.

3) USE FINGERTIPS to apply products to avoid wasting any on your palms. Bonus: your fingertips send sensorial feedback that helps you apply products properly. The formulas to do the heavy lifting when applied with light-medium pressure.

4) ADD AN EXFOLIATOR if your Regimen has a bead-free cleanser. Use ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste 1-3 times a week in place of your regular cleanser. Exfoliation helps remove dead cells so formulas can reach skin and pores more easily. If you have sensitive skin, lightly massage exfoliator onto damp instead of dry skin as tolerated.

5) WEAR SUNSCREEN every day! Apply your Regimen SPF in the morning to get the full benefits of our unique combinations of sunscreen and targeted ingredients for your skin concern. UV rays can penetrate windows so don’t skip the SPF even though you’re WFH.

6) GET SAFE SUNKISSED SKIN when you use Foaming Sunless Tan 1-2 times a week. Canceled vacations and being stuck inside doesn’t have to mean living without a golden glow! Amp up your bronze even more with the right shade of Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid.

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

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

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

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

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ACNE HACK: WASH YOUR PILLOWCASE

ACNE HACK: WASH YOUR PILLOWCASE

ACNE HACK: WASH YOUR PILLOWCASE

High-quality skincare can make a world of difference in the way you look and feel. But if you’ve been consistently following a Rodan + Fields Regimen and still have some acne, redness or irritation, you may need to make a change — namely, your pillowcase.

The general consensus is that you should wash your pillowcases once a week. But if you have sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin, washing it 2 or 3 times a week can make a difference.

Think about it: Your hair collects more dirt and oil than any other part of your body — and where does it all collect at night? On your pillowcase! Putting your clean, fresh face against all this grime for eight hours a night can clog your pores and cause irritation. Then there are dust mites, the little critters that like to inhabit pillows. They can lay eggs on your pillowcase and, if you’re allergic to them, they can cause itchy skin and rashes.

Here are some other tips when it comes to your pillowcase:

MAKE SURE DUST MITES BITE THE DUST. Wash your pillowcase — and the rest of your bedding — in hot water at least once a week.

USE A GENTLE DETERGENT. Look for detergents that are allergy-free, made for sensitive skin and free of harsh chemicals.

AN OILY FACE OR AN OILY PILLOWCASE? The oil left behind by fabric softeners and dryer sheets can also seep into your skin. Use a dryer ball instead.

So, if you haven’t changed your pillowcase recently, maybe it’s time. It just might be a skin-saver!.

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 boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

Send Me a Message