How to Get Meghan Markle's Glowing Skin

According to her facialist. First appeared in Elle Magazine- April, 2019.

People always talk about the pregnancy "glow," but the fact of the matter is that Meghan Markle has always had incredible skin - even before the royal baby. Who can forget her wedding day, when minimalist makeup let her freckles and dewiness shine through? Everyone had the sudden urge to purge their beauty bags.

Clearly, Markle knows the value of a solid skincare regimen. And, she has Sarah Chapman, London-based facialist to thank. Chapman reportedly gave Markle a facial the night before the royal wedding and has been her confirmed go-to for facials since moving to the UK. Chapman also works with stars like Victoria Beckham, Naomi Watts, Jourdan Dunn, and Gigi Hadid.

We recently sat down with the skincare expert at a Net-a-Porter beauty event in NYC to learn all there is to know about her techniques, which some people wait 6 months (!) to experience at her clinic.

SKINCARE SHOULD INCLUDE YOUR NECK . .  . AND EARS.

"If everything that we're doing with skincare is about stimulating collagen, renewing skin, supporting the skin from within, then we should do that on the back of our neck as well, so that it stops the accelerated slackening at the front. We put moisturizer on our chins, on our legs, on areas of the body, but so often forget the ears. If you think about it, it's an extension of your face. I always say you want to take your skincare from your jaw down to your chest. I do see in a lot of my work where I'm looking close up at the face, earlobes that have stretched a lot - because they lose their collagen - deep crinkles, and lines. It becomes quite crepey. I think the more that we do to prevent that, the better."


FACIAL MASSAGE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

"Some of our massage is really unusual - so much so that lots of people say, 'What machine is that you're using?' when it's just our hands. We're working really deep into the muscle. It's releasing all the tension by getting down into the muscle, but also really working the skin on so many sorts of levels, whether it's lymphatic drainage or for circulation. A lot of the movements are really pinching, rolling, tapping - very fast - and a lot of lifting. Even if we just did a cleanse and did the massage, you would see a kind of lifting and plumpness."

THE ONLY TOOLS YOU NEED ARE YOUR HANDS

"If you're doing a facial massage at home, when you're cleansing or putting on an oil, or cream, put your hands into a loose fist, then face your knuckles towards you, and just roll and knead into the skin. Start from the center of the face and work out towards the ears. The other thing you can do that's really easy is just pinch with your index finger and your thumb. Sometimes just pinching and a bit of slapping and tapping - and your face kind of comes to life."

BUT IF YOU WANT TO GET FANCEY, INVEST IN SOME FACIAL DEVICES.

"The facial lift massager was essentially, 'How do we mimic what we're trying to do with our hands?' We use the knuckles quite a lot in cleansing, so we're literally kneading into the skin, like baking bread. The massager enables you to do some of those movements at home. A steamer is great and in terms of other machines, I love LED. I use a lot of LED in the clinic. If you've got a good LED product at home - I know that people have talked very highly of the Dr. Gennis Gross one - doing that at home a couple of times a week is brilliant. If you've got acne, and you've got an LED mask with blue light in it, I would do it even every day."

IF YOU WANT A JAWLINE, IT'S ALL ABOUT LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

"We're always looking down at our devices. Try drainage, because a lot of that puffiness is fluid. Some of it is obviously slackening in the skin, but you can just drain out all the lymph nodes with the massaging. Just stroking to pull it out. Always, when you're applying product, do it towards the jawline so you're lifting all the time."

GET A FACIAL ONCE A MONTH

"For maintenance, go once a month. If somebody comes and they've got a specific skin issue, like acne or pigmentation, we might see them once a week for a while, until we get skin into much more of a balance. If you're someone with no particular issues, but you want to maintain it, you want that glow to the skin, then once a month is enough."

DURING PREGNANCY, YOU DON'T NEED TO CHANGE YOUR SKINCARE TOO MUCH

"I don't think you should change too much during it. It depends what happens with the skin. Some people get hormonal imbalance with it, and so they get a lot of breakouts. Then you've got to deal with that, but I think, always in a gentle way. Some people don't get any breakouts, they just get an amazing pregnancy glow, which just stays through the whole pregnancy. So then it's really about hydration. Using things like Vitamin C is great to control pigmentation and to keep the skin really radiant.

I think it depends on the person, and what is going on during their pregnancy, because people respond so differently. But I think if you're one of the lucky ones that just looks great throughout, it's about good facials, massage, using good skincare, and not changing things too much."

BEFORE A BIG EVENT, LIKE A WEDDING, PLAN YOUR SKIN REGIMEN FOR 6 MONTHS AHEAD - NOT JUST THE WEEK OF

"If you have a plan for a wedding and you've got 6 months to do that, we can deal with things in stages rather than thinking, 'Oh my God, we've got to do everything in one, and you've got to look fabulous.' It gives you a chance to actually strengthen up the skin, then we get into some more stronger peels, to really resurface, smooth and tighten.

We'll work on strengthening the skin with oils, particular ingredients and products and supplementation. I work a lot with omega oils, topically and internally. I'll have them take fish oil, flax oil, or omega oil. If their skin is quite prone to breakouts, we'll maybe introduce zinc and B vitamins. Then we start to work on what's happening on the surface of the skin. We use lactic, mandelic, and some combined peels with azelaic acid as well. We also have a liquid facial resurfacer, which is a daily at-home micro-peeling.

A couple of months before the wedding, we start to really focus on plumping, brightening and getting the skin really glowly. It's good to have the facial a week before or 10 days before the wedding, and then not the day before.

How Often Do You 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!

Prom Season! Prepare Now for Perfect Skin

By Mary Radford, RN + Product expert at Rodan + Fields

Let the countdown begin! Prom season is coming up fast, and you are probably excited and a little nervous. As the product-expert-in-residence at Rodan + Fields, I can share one thing you can focus on for the ultimate confidence boost: your skin! Whether you have a couple of months or a couple of hours before the big night, take these steps to feel and look your best. 

Two Months Before Prom 

You’ve got plenty of time for an incredible transformation! 

If you suffer from breakouts, start using Rodan + Fields SPOTLESS for Teen and Young Adult Acne. This 2-step Regimen starts working on Day 1. But it’s most effective when you use it consistently over time. Commit to SPOTLESS twice a day, every day, and in two months you’ll see full results.

It’s always the right time to eat right, drink lots of water and get enough beauty sleep. These healthy habits make a huge difference in your skin all year round, and it’s never too late to start. 

Two Weeks Before Prom 

Get quick, noticeable results with these skincare products.

You can still see benefits even if you start the Rodan + Fields SPOTLESS Regimen now. It’s totally worth it. 

If you haven’t been great about taking off your makeup every single night, ESSENTIALS Instant Makeup Remover Wipes and ESSENTIALS Complete Eye Makeup Remover are your skin’s new BFFs. They’re a quick way to remove makeup along with the everyday pollution, oil and dirt that gets trapped on the surface of your skin. All these things make your skin a breeding ground for bacteria.

For softer, smoother skin on your body, now’s the time for  Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. If you’re new to exfoliation, apply this gentle salt-and-sugar scrub once a week to slough off dead skin cells. (You can also use it on your face.) Then apply  Active Hydration Body Replenish and your skin will feel positively silky! 

Two Days Before Prom

Try a fast, game-changing “glow-to”.

Tan On Demand, anyone? Light, oil-free ESSENTIALS Foaming Sunless Tan  will give you sun-kissed color — without damaging UV rays — in two to four hours. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly and you’ll have time for a touch-up on the day  of. 

Two Hours Before Prom

Get gorgeous with these finishing touches.

Let the excitement begin! After you wash your face, apply  Active Hydration Serumto keep your skin dewy — but not oily — all night long. 

Then instantly even your skin tone with  Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid. It comes in six shades that you can use alone or mix together. Don’t forget about contouring — a little goes a long way. And set your finish with ENHANCEMENTS Mineral Peptides Powder so your look survives all that dancing!  

Have a magical evening!

Do You Have "Tech Neck"? Tips for Sagging Skin

IF YOU’RE LIKE MOST OF US, YOU’RE SPENDING MORE AND MORE TIME EACH DAY — ABOUT FOUR HOURS, ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY — HUNCHED OVER YOUR SMARTPHONE, TABLET OR COMPUTER. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE THE TELLTALE SIGNS OF TECH NECK: PAIN, DISCOMFORT AND POOR POSTURE. (YOU KNOW THE LOOK: ROUNDED BACK, SHOULDERS CAVING INWARD, HEAD PITCHED FORWARD AT AN UNNATURAL ANGLE.) BUT YOU MAY NOT REALIZE THAT YOUR EXTENSIVE SCREEN TIME IS ALSO HAVING A SERIOUSLY AGING EFFECT ON YOUR NECK.

NECK SKIN IS THINNER THAN THE SKIN ON YOUR FACE, WITH FEWER SEBACEOUS GLANDS AND LESS COLLAGEN, SO IT’S NATURALLY MORE PRONE TO WRINKLES AND SAGGING. THOUGH SUN EXPOSURE IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF AGING NECK SKIN, REPEATEDLY TILTING YOUR HEAD DOWN TO STARE AT A SCREEN CAN SPEED UP THE PROCESS BY EXACERBATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HORIZONTAL LINES, SAYS RODAN + FIELDS PRODUCT-EXPERT-IN-RESIDENCE MARY RADFORD, RN.  

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT THIS EXTRA-UNFORTUNATE SIDE EFFECT OF TECH USE? HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

PREVENTION

PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE 

GIVING IT UP COMPLETELY IS UNLIKELY, BUT TRY DIALING IT BACK A BIT. MANY DEVICES NOW TRACK YOUR USAGE SO YOU CAN TELL EXACTLY HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME YOU’RE RACKING UP AND CAN ADJUST ACCORDINGLY. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS FROM YOUR SCREEN(S), AND EXERCISE REGULARLY. GENTLE STRETCHES FOR YOUR BACK, NECK AND SHOULDERS WILL HELP, TOO. 

PAY ATTENTION TO POSTURE   

INSTEAD OF GAZING DOWN AT YOUR PHONE OR TABLET, BRING IT UP TO YOUR FACE. INVEST IN A STAND THAT ELEVATES YOUR COMPUTER TO A HEIGHT THAT KEEPS YOUR HEAD ABOVE YOUR SHOULDERS AND YOUR CHIN PARALLEL TO THE GROUND. YOU CAN ALSO PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE AT YOUR DESK BY PLACING A TENNIS BALL BETWEEN YOUR SHOULDER BLADES AND SITTING BACK INTO YOUR CHAIR. IF THE BALL ROLLS DOWN, YOU’RE SLUMPING, WHICH SUGGESTS YOUR HEAD IS DROPPING AND YOUR NECK IS WRINKLING, TOO. 

TREATMENT

DON’T NEGLECT YOUR NECK 

PEOPLE TEND TO PAMPER THEIR FACE BUT STOP AT THE CHIN. MARY RECOMMENDS USING THE RODAN + FIELDS REDEFINE REGIMEN TO MINIMIZE THE APPEARANCE OF FINE LINES, VISIBLE PORES AND LOSS OF FIRMNESS ON YOUR NECK (AS WELL AS YOUR FACE), AND LAYERING IN RODAN + FIELDS  ENHANCEMENTS ACTIVE HYDRATION SERUM FOR EXTRA HYDRATION. SHE’D COMBINE THAT WITH THE RODAN + FIELDS AMP MD DERMA-ROLLER; ITS MICRO-EXFOLIATING TIPS HELP ENHANCE THE PENETRATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF YOUR SKINCARE REGIMEN AND WILL LEAVE THE SKIN ON YOUR NECK VISIBLY FIRMER OVER TIME. “START SLOWLY,” SHE CAUTIONS. “ONE OR TWO ROLLS, ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK — SINCE THE NECK AREA CAN BE EXTRA-SENSITIVE.”   

SLATHER ON THE SPF 

YOU’VE HEARD IT BEFORE: SUNSCREEN IS A CRITICAL STEP IN ANY SKINCARE ROUTINE, AND THAT GOES FOR THE SKIN ON YOUR NECK, TOO. MARY RECOMMENDS APPLYING SUNSCREEN EVERY MORNING BEFORE LEAVING HOME AND RE-APPLYING IT EVERY TWO HOURS IF YOU’RE OUTDOORS, SWIMMING OR SWEATING.  

Customer Quotes of the Month!

"The new Spotless is amazing! 

I can see a huge difference in just the little he's used it so far." 

"My son said he loves the new acne regimen. 

He said he could tell a difference just after the first use!"

These are just a couple of examples of all the positive feedback I've gotten so far from the Dermatologists' latest innovation for teen acne. After 1 week, 100% of participants saw a reduction in blemish size and visible redness.  

Just 2 steps - 2x a day!!! Spotless features the next generation of benzoyl peroxide. Called BPO2 technology and exclusive to Rodan + Fields, it's a stablized, liquid form that travels past the microbiome, deep into the pores, causing less irritation and dryness while being a LOT more effective. At the same time, oxygen - another antimicrobial is whooshed into pores to stop the P. acnes from shifting into Hulk desctructive mode. "This 2-step approach accomplishes more than just traditional benzoyl peroxide along, " says Dr. Fields. "Getting oxygen down into the pores normalizes the microbiome there, which in turn, stops the inflammatory response that leads to pimples." Your teen can have clear skin and their confidence back before Easter! 

Exfoliate for Spring

As we age, our skin's own natural ability to generate and shed skin cells slows down. You can overcome this challenge by using our best-selling Micro Dermabrasion Paste to exfoliate your face and neck 2 or 3 times a week! Your moisturizers will penetrate the skin more plus it can help with dry skin, clogged pores, pigmentation, ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris! I use it before shaving too in the shower on my legs and feet and my whole body! Bonus: Your skin feels baby soft after - best exfoliant scrub ever! 

Product Spotlight: Redefine Regimen

I use our Redefine Regimen every single night and I LOVE it! It minimizes the appearance of fine lines, visible pores and loss of firmness. It also defends the visible signs of aging for noticeably firmer, smoother, and healthier skin! Plus, it just feels go good!

Potent Ingredients:

• Daily Cleansing Mask: Kaolin Clay in our mask draws out impurities and gently exfoliates for smoother skin.
• Pore Minimizing Toner: Polyhydroxy Acids in our face toner exfoliate the skin to reduce the appearance of pores.
• Triple Defense Treatment SPF 30: Our daytime moisturizer features potent Peptides that smooth lines while providing broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.
• Overnight Restorative Cream: (My favorite) Our best selling night cream replenishes the skin while you sleep with Vitamin A, C, and E, and helps repair the skin's moisture barrier with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin.

Kaolin Clay is sometimes called china clay or white clay. The word "Kaolin" actually comes from the name of where it originated, on the Kaoling Hill in China. It is one of the oldest cosmetic ingredients around and has stood the test of time, still producing excellent results! It has lots of beauty benefits while being gentle, so it won't strip your skin of natural oils.Using it as a mask for 1-2 minutes and letting it dry increases blood circulation. It also purifies, eliminating toxins, white heads or black heads; while also boosting your cell renewal. Another benefit of kaolin clay is that it's rich in phytonutrients that help nourish and soften your skin too! A pix of me using my mask last night, below - 

Did You Know?

Happy April!

The days are getting longer and it is officially Spring! Many of you are planning summer beach trips or recently returned from Spring Break to warmer climates. While you are reversing the sun damage on your face and erasing lines and wrinkles with these amazing products - the LAST thing you want to do is let your face be in the sun. I know this is a hard concept as it "feels so good" to get "just a little color" on your face. But believe me, you will thank me later if you start the practice this year of wearing sunscreen EVERY day. That dullness over time from the sun shows more damage than lines and wrinkles. There are so many great facial bronzers and tanners on the market that are very light and look natural. I have one I use when I want that sun-kissed tan on my face and I just mix a drop of it with my Rodan + Fields Reverse Broad Spectrum #50 Sunscreen in the morning - so I can still have that sun-kissed glow, but without further damaging my skin. 

Skin Misbehaving? How to Tell if It's Purging or Reacting to Products

As your largest and most visible organ, your skin's pretty regularly sending you signals. Sometimes they're clear, like: "I'm soft and hydrated!" or "SOS, I'm so dry!" and so you know how to listen to the needs. Other times, the message is more . . .complicated.

One of the major instances of this is skin purging, which is essentially when you start using a new skin-care product (or even acne medication) and your complexion suddenly goes haywire. Despite the flare-ups of inflammation or acne or what-have-you, facialists and dermatologists often say that this is NORMAL and you simply have to get through this phase (of getting the gunk out) in order to reap the benefits on the other side.

Of course, as it happens to you, it likely also brings up the question: What if my skin isn't purging, but simply reacting in a bad way? Meaning: You should put.the.products.down. It's a thin line between the two secarious of skin purging and reacting, so you'd be right in assuming I was very excited when I stumbled across this chart, courtesy of Beautypedia, pointing out the differences while browsing Reddit's skin-care subthreads. The biggest piece of intel is that if you develop a spot that not in a place you'd usually find a pimple, it could be a recation to a given product.

I asked a Dermatologist if the tips check out, and she said it's generally correct. "Many topicals have a period of adjustment, like 'retinization,' where the skin may have more redness and irritation before it adjusts," says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "It's important to note that these medications or products are not GIVING you acne or break-outs, and if you are continuing to break out or experience some inflammation, it's because the medication has not 'reset' the skin yet." So despite the not-so-ideal reaction, it's normal and you just have to get through it. Her advice? "Increase your gentle moisturizing habits and stay committed to your regimen," she says.

On another note, there are certain indicators that your' skin's not purging, but allergic or simply reacting in a not-so-great way. "Occasional topical regimens will unmask an underlying skin sensitivity, such as rosacea, or will have ingredients that you're allergic to," explains Dr. Nazarian. "These products cause a new type of rash or even itchiness. Despite continued use, the reaction will not get better - generally it'll get worse." And that's when you should stop using the product for happier skin on the horizon.