Erika Kussmann, R+F Senior Director of Marketing and Mother, Talks Anti-Aging

In honor of Mother’s Day, the RF Connection met with Erika Kussmann, Rodan + Fields Senior Director of Marketing and mother of two, to discuss which anti-aging products she won’t leave home without.

What role does beauty and skincare play in your busy life?

Taking care of my skin, morning, noon and night, is incredibly important to me. My go-to Regimen to defend against the appearance of fine lines is REDEFINE. I use it every morning when I’m getting ready, and again before bed. It gently exfoliates my skin so it’s smoother with less visible lines, plus it adds just the right amount of moisture and powerful peptides.

Since becoming a mother, have you noticed any changes in your skin?

Oh yes, ha ha. More laugh lines and more worry lines. And overall, I just get less sleep. As a consequence, I’ve noticed a new wrinkle (or two) and my skin has lost some of its elasticity. I have seen powerful results using REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum and REDEFINE Lip Renewing Serum. Since I started using them, my skin looks firmer and younger, and my lips feel softer and smoother. Also, to empower my skin overnight and boost the results, I use my AMP MD™ Micro-Exfoliating Roller with Night Renewing Serum—so that the little sleep I do get works as hard as it can.

What message do you want to teach your kids about skincare?  

The sun is a beautiful thing, so enjoy it but protect yourself. I have learned so much from Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields about the power of an ounce of prevention—that 80% of visible aging is under our control and that it’s never too late to do something about it. So I chase my kids with sunscreen every morning, every day of the year, and I moisturize their skin every night after bathtime. I myself grew up in the age when Coppertone 4 was good sunscreen, and in really strong sun on vacations to Hawaii we’d up that to SPF 6. I tell them how lucky they are to avoid the burns.

Are there any products that you can’t leave home without?

Since I have kids, ESSENTIALS Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Body Sunscreen is always in my handbag, work bag and diaper bag, along with ESSENTIALS Lip Shield for sun protection. That way, if we hit the park or have an afternoon softball practice, I can make sure we’re covered. REDEFINE Multi-Function Eye Cream is also one of my desert-island products I couldn’t do without. I not only use it morning and night, but I bring an extra jar with me to work to brighten, smooth and “wake-up” my eyes throughout the day.

How would you describe your ideal Mother’s Day?

This year I’ve asked to celebrate with a picnic and hike. We’ll be packing our sunscreen, sunhats and sunglasses, along with the cupcakes!