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 Do I Know If I Have Sensitive Skin?

How Do I Know If I Have Sensitive Skin?

Dark Spot Corrector

Do I Have Sensitive Skin? 

Here’s the truth: Many people think that they have sensitive skin when in actuality, they do not. It can be confusing! Sensitive skin isn’t just about a little irritation from a product that doesn’t work well with our particular skin from time to time. Instead, sensitivity can manifest in several forms that include redness, dryness, and itchiness.

What are some advanced sensitive skin concerns? 

Sensitive skin can also skew more seriously. Sometimes people suffer from more advanced skin concerns—like eczema or atopic dermatitis—and yet, these issues fall within the wide range of what’s considered by dermatologists to be in the “sensitive skin” category.

Here, we’ll break down how to find out if you do, in fact, have sensitive skin, and if you do, what products work best to help you manage it while addressing your skincare goals and concerns. In other words, it’s all about finding the ideal sensitive skin routine for your skin.

What is sensitive skin and what are the symptoms of sensitive skin? 

Sensitive skin is not a skin disease, instead, it is a symptom of other concerns. “Condition of sensitive skin is complicated and caused by many factors, like barrier disruption and biome change. 20% of the population sees skin as being sensitive – anything from burning or stinging on application to scaling, redness, or rashes. Sensitive Skin has no limit,” says Dr. Kathy Fields. Some skin issues that you may deal with if you have sensitive skin:

  • Your skin easily gets irritated.
  • You have redness that doesn’t go away after several hours or even days.
  • You endure dryness and itchiness regularly.
  • Your skin easily gets sunburnt.
  • Your skin is prone to inflammation.

What Causes Sensitive Skin? 

There are many causes of sensitive skin. “For about 20%, it’s genetic, for others it results from a harsh environment or over-use of strong irritating products. Stress also plays a big role,” says Dr. Katie Rodan.

One is your external conditions. These include, for example, hot or cold temperatures, your exposure to sunlight, wind, chemicals or allergens.

Simply having dry skin can lead to your skin being more sensitive over time.

Contact dermatitis can cause skin sensitivity. Contact dermatitis is an itchy, red rash that can be caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. Contact dermatitis isn’t life-threatening, nor is it contagious but it can be uncomfortable. Things like soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, and plants can cause reactions like this.

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It’s a condition that makes skin red and itchy. Eczema is common in children, but it can also occur at any age. The condition is chronic and tends to flare periodically. Eczema may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

How do you find the best skincare routine for sensitive skin?

“Because skin conditions are so complicated, there isn’t a singular hero ingredient that will solve any problem, including sensitivity,” says Dr. Kathy Fields. Most importantly, when it comes to sensitive skin, less is more. You want to eliminate any possible irritants, so stick with a consistent regimen that works well for your skin and avoid any unnecessary steps. Protect your acid mantle and use products that support it.

Look for ingredients that are recommended by dermatologists that are used in over-the-counter products designed for dry skin treatment, skin redness treatment, and sensitive skin treatment. “SOOTHE is formulated with the correct ingredients to address the effects of skin sensitivity. With its hydrating, healing, and moisturizing ingredients, skin’s flexibility, adaptability, and natural repair mechanisms are improved, helping it to withstand the onslaught of aggressors,” says Dr. Katie Rodan. It contains skin protectants and skin soothers, like allantoin, colloidal oatmeal, bisabolol, and ceramides.

If your skin is sensitive, you want to opt for only fragrance-free, gentle formulas that won’t disrupt your skin barrier.

Last, you never want to skip SPF if you have sensitive skin. Sun protection is important for everyone. However, you want to ensure the least likelihood of irritation, so choose a mineral SPF to protect your skin daily.

Rodan + Fields SOOTHE Regimen

SOOTHE Regimen is ideal for those with sensitive skin. This 4-step routine calms dry, itchy skin so those with skin sensitivity can enjoy a night of better sleep. This regimen even works well for eczema and atopic dermatitis. Powered by our unique Multi-Med Therapy approach, SOOTHE uses the right ingredients that are formulated to work together, and be layered on the skin in the right order to soothe skin woes.

This routine helps to calm, rescue, and refresh skin from suffering from the effects caused by sensitivity round the clock. The regimen includes a Calming Gel Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Treatment, Moisturizing Rescue Cream, and Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

 Clinical Results:*

Results After 4 Weeks:

  • 76% had less visible blotchiness

Results After 8 Weeks: 

  • 100% had less visible dryness
  • 94% had smoother skin
  • Now calms dry, itchy skin for better sleep
  • Strengthens skin’s barrier
  • 78% of subjects with eczema agreed they had less bothersome itchiness
  • 82% noticed more even-looking skin texture
  • 79% noticed skin feels balanced and less sensitive
  • 71% agreed skin looks calmer and more relaxed
  • 30% better on visible redness

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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BEAUTY SLEEP IS IN YOUR FUTURE: HOW TO PREP FOR BED

BEAUTY SLEEP IS IN YOUR FUTURE: HOW TO PREP FOR BED

Hey, sleepyhead! Yes, you — we see you’ve been dozing off on the couch, in your clothes, or someplace other than in your bed. Where’s your nightly routine?

What’s that? You don’t have one?

If you research it for even for a minute, you’ll see that a consistent bedtime pattern produces optimal sleep, which can affect pretty much every aspect of your life, including your health. All it takes is a bit of planning. Before you close your eyes, create a snooze-inducing sleep environment and you’ll wake feeling rested every morning, not to mention rested-looking. Take out your bullet journal to track your progress and let’s get cozy!

How to Create a Nighttime Ritual

First things first — avoid caffeine, heavy meals and intense exercise three hours before you go to sleep. While caffeine is obvious, a full tummy and sweat session also stimulate body functions, making it harder to wind down. Herbal tea can be part of any nighttime ritual and enjoying it at approximately the same time every night, your body and mind will start to recognize it as a signal to relax.

We’re all familiar with “endless-scroll syndrome” — that gripping desire to find the non-existent bottom of your Twitter feed or watch just one more episode on Netflix. Phones, laptops, TVs, and tablets all emit blue light that suppresses melatonin, an essential hormone for quality sleep.

Instead, turn off your devices at least an hour before bed, two is even better. All it takes is one provocative news article to rev up your mind. And try sleeping with your phone in another room, just try it! It’s also a reason to use black-out shades to create a dark sleeping environment.

Skincare at Night

Like your mind and body, skin rejuvenates itself during deep sleep. (It’s called beauty sleep for a reason.) If you care about your complexion, stick to your nightly Regimen. If you’re just starting, it looks like this:

  1. Take off your makeup! Sleeping with the day’s grime, including 18-hour old makeup, is just not good for your skin. Try ESSENTIALS Instant Makeup Remover Wipes and ESSENTIALS Complete Eye Makeup Remover to get the gunk off first.
  • Wash your face and follow the rest of your Regimen steps. Using products in the right order is a ritual in and of itself, one that gives skin exactly what it needs so you can see the results you want.
  • Try our bubbling REDEFINE Rejuvenation Mask after your cleanser. It refreshes tired skin while Jojoba beads exfoliate for a radiant, clean feeling. Use up to three nights a week.
  • Any skin type can benefit from Active Hydration Serum, which attracts moisture to hydrate skin. Use between Step 2 and Step 3 of your Regimen (SOOTHE users, apply between Steps 1 and 2). If you have oily or combination skin, try this at night. Those with dry skin can apply it both in the AM and PM.
  • Finally, apply R+F Lash Boost every night for obsession-worthy lashes! Simply glide over your upper lash lines. And remember, less is more!

We strive to make skincare simple. Following your Regimen steps gives structure to a nighttime routine, which can improve sleep. Benefits of deep, rejuvenating rest are substantial. Start sleeping like a pro tonight — and waking up to the best skin of your life every morning.

 

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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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

No Makeup Is The New Makeup For Spring

No Makeup Is The New Makeup For Spring

There’s a lot of dramatic contouring and full-coverage foundation happening on social media these days, as people strive for a perfect, selfie-ready complexion. But at Rodan + Fields, we believe anyone can achieve clearer, more even-toned, flawless-looking skin with a lot less makeup. If you’re ready to use less base, concealer, lip color, and even mascara, we can help.

Instead of base, try a Regimen

Want to go foundation-free? You can, with a skincare routine that tackles the issue you’ve been trying to cover up. Whether it’s acne, dark spots, discoloration, redness or fine lines, your Rodan + Fields Consultant can help you find the Regimen that’s right for you. Commit to using your Regimen consistently, and the look of flawless skin is in your future!

If you’d still like a touch of cover, our oil-free, lightweight tinted Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid protects and perfects the radiant skin you’ve earned.

Instead of under-eye concealer, try REDEFINE Multi-Function Eye Cream

What if you had nothing to conceal? Our Multi-Function Eye Cream has optical diffusers that brighten the eye area, and it’s a workhorse when it comes to firming and improving the appearance of fine lines over time. You can also use it with Active Hydration Bright Eye Complex, an illuminating hydrating gel that diminishes the look of dark circles, puffiness and tired eyes. So instead of concealing, try revealing!

Instead of eye makeup and brow powder, try Lash Boost

Want the appearance of longer, fuller, darker lashes? Our bestselling lash serum is perfect for those wishing to use less mascara — or none.And, yes, you can use Lash Boost on your brows, too.

Instead of lipstick, try REDEFINE Lip Renewing Serum

For slightly glossy lips that get lovelier over time, try our antioxidant-packed serum. It visibly smooths lips and reduces the appearance of fine lines and lip wrinkles, leaving lips conditioned and revitalized.

Feeling confident without makeup is life changing. So, here’s to embracing the natural beauty that you are.

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 and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information taken from Derm RF.

Send Me a Message