Healthy Skin Habits in the Office

YOU’VE TAKEN STEPS TO STAY WELL AT WORK — WASHING YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY, AVOIDING THE VENDING MACHINES, AND TAKING THE STAIRS INSTEAD OF THE ELEVATOR. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT OFFICE LIFE CAN BE BAD FOR YOUR SKIN, TOO?

BETWEEN RECYCLED DRY AIR, UNEXPECTED EXPOSURE TO SUN’S RAYS AND LIGHT FROM YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN, BIRTHDAY CAKES AND HAPPY HOURS, AND OF COURSE STRESS, THERE ARE HIDDEN AND NOT-SO-HIDDEN HAZARDS THAT CAN HAVE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON YOUR COMPLEXION. 

HERE ARE THREE EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO TO COMBAT THESE OFFICE OBSTACLES AND ACHIEVE GREAT SKIN.

STRESS AND SKIN

KEEP STRESS LOW FOR CLEARER SKIN.

THE DOCTORS OFTEN TALK ABOUT STRESS AND ITS EFFECTS ON SKIN. AND THE OFFICE CAN BE A BREEDING GROUND FOR STRESS. “STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT STRESS-INDUCED CORTISOL INHIBITS THE BODY’S REPAIR PROCESSES, DECREASES THE RATE OF WOUND HEALING, INCREASES THE RISK OF INFECTION AND TRIGGERS CONDITIONS SUCH AS ACNE, HIVES, ECZEMA, PSORIASIS, ROSACEA, WARTS AND HERPES,” THEY WRITE IN THEIR BOOK WRITE YOUR SKIN A PRESCRIPTION FOR CHANGE. SO, TAKING STEPS TO REDUCE STRESS WILL BENEFIT YOUR SKIN. HERE ARE FEW WAYS TO DO THIS.

BUY CUT FLOWERS OR BRING THEM FROM YOUR GARDEN. BEING CLOSE TO NATURE, EVEN IF THAT MEANS LOOKING AT THE BUSHES IN A PARK NEXT TO THE OFFICE, OR FLOWERS AT YOUR DESK, CAN HAVE EMOTIONAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS, INCLUDING STRESS REDUCTION.  

TAKE A MIDDAY WALK, OR A QUICK YOGA CLASS. EXERCISE IS A WELL-KNOWN WAY TO REDUCE CORTISOL LEVELS AND TO CLEAR YOUR HEAD. AND IF YOU CAN’T GET OUT, TRY BREATHING EXERCISES BY INHALING TO A SLOW COUNT OF TEN AND EXHALING TO A SLOW COUNT OF TEN. AT YOUR DESK, NO ONE WILL EVEN KNOW.

HYDRATION IS KEY

KEEP HYDRATED, INSIDE AND OUT. 

YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT HYDRATION IS FOR SKIN, HYDRATING FROM THE INSIDE HELPS YOUR WHOLE SYSTEM RUN SMOOTHLY AND THAT INCLUDES KEEPING SKIN CELLS PLUMP. TRY MAKING DRINKING WATER MORE INTERESTING BY TOSSING SOME BERRIES OR OTHER FRUIT SLICES INTO YOUR H20. GO EASY ON THE CAFFEINE WHICH CAN DEHYDRATE YOU, EXACERBATING THE LOOK OF FINE LINES AND WRINKLES. AND REMEMBER THAT SUGAR CAN INCREASE THE VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGING FROM GLYCATION (WHEN SUGAR REACTS WITH PROTEINS LIKE COLLAGEN), SO SKIP THE SUGARY DRINKS!

OF COURSE ACTIVE HYDRATION SERUM WILL RAISE SKIN’S HYDRATION LEVEL BY 200% AFTER JUST ONE USE. AND KEEP YOUR HANDS AND BODY MOISTURIZED WITH ESSENTIALS DAILY BODY MOISTURIZER, WHICH CAN GO RIGHT IN YOUR TOP DESK DRAWER.

LIGHT AND YOUR SKIN

BE AWARE OF PHOTO DAMAGE — FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES.

HOPEFULLY BY NOW YOU KNOW THAT SUNSCREEN IS NOT JUST FOR THE BEACH OR THE SUMMER MONTHS, AND THAT UV RAYS CAN AFFECT OUR SKIN’S AGING EVEN ON CLOUDY DAYS. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT EVEN INSIDE YOU ARE EXPOSED TO THESE HARMFUL RAYS THROUGH WINDOWS? (SAME GOES FOR AIRPLANE TRAVEL.) ALSO KNOW THAT COMPUTER SCREENS (AND SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS) EMIT “BLUE LIGHT” THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE DAMAGING JUST LIKE SUN EXPOSURE. PHOTO AGING IS REAL, STUDIES SHOW THAT VISIBLE LIGHT CAN AFFECT OUR PIGMENTATION. MAKE SURE YOU ARE WEARING SUNSCREEN FROM YOUR REGIMEN, ESSENTIALS DAILY BODY SUNSCREEN SPF 30 AND ALSO APPLYING PRODUCTS WITH ANTIOXIDANTS THAT CAN HELP FIGHT ANY REACTION YOU MAY HAVE.

HEALTHY HABITS CAN BE HARD TO KEEP UP BECAUSE OFTEN RESULTS MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY VISIBLE. BUT NOW IS THE TIME TO THINK AHEAD AND DO WHAT KEEPS YOU AND YOUR SKIN FEELING AND LOOKING ITS BEST IN THE (VERY NEAR) FUTURE.

How To Roll

Check out my short informational video (live from my bathroom!) on how and why to roll your face and why it is my FAVORITE skincare product/tool ever!!

Taking Your Skincare Results to the Next Level: AMP MD Roller

You know that feeling when your twice-weekly barre class + Saturday yoga is paying off? Or you’ve given up coffee and you’re finally sleeping more than six hours? Finding what works for you has rewards, especially when it comes to a consistent skincare routine. That’s what our Regimens are all about.

But if you want your quads to be even firmer, or to try for seven instead of six hours of uninterrupted sleep, you have to add in that little extra effort to make a very big difference. How do you get to the next level? You’ve got to step it up. Same goes for skincare. As good as they may be now, there is a way to put your R+F results in a whole different league.

What is the REDEFINE AMP MD System?

The REDEFINE AMP MD System consists of a serum (REDEFINE Intensive Renewing Serum) plus a tool (AMP MD Derma-Roller). You can use this set on its own or you can add it to your existing Regimen* to enhance and maximize results. This system uses micro-exfoliation and Retinal-MD Technology to improve the appearance of skin firmness and texture, for healthier, firmer, younger-looking skin. Inspired by the Doctors’ patients, R+F has created a handheld derma-roller so that everyone can safely and gently amp up skincare results at home.

How to use the AMP MD System

It takes just one minute three times a week, slowly increasing to nightly use as tolerated. After cleansing and toning skin, gently roll the AMP MD Derma-Roller over the face and/or neck 4 to 10 times, changing direction (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) with each pass. Focus on one area (forehead, left side, right side, chin, neck) before moving on to the next section. Total rolling time should not exceed one minute. The state-of-the-art Derma-Roller is ergonomically designed with high-precision tips that micro-exfoliate skin, prepping the skin for the serum. 

Now that your skin is ready, apply REDEFINE Intensive Renewing Serum before the rest of your Regimen steps. This serum is formulated with our proprietary Retinal-MD Technology that contains Retinal, which is more potent than Retinol and gentler on skin.

Make sure to rinse the derma-roller under warm water after each use. Twice a week, clean it thoroughly with an AMP MD Purification Tablet (they come with the system) dropped into water in the system’s Cleansing Vial. Use a new tablet each time and let the derma-roller rest in the vial for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

Next-Level Results

So, what exactly can you expect by adding this system to your Regimen? Your skin will look firmer as it revitalizes the uppermost layers of your skin. The appearances of fine lines and wrinkles will be reduced as it empowers skin’s renewing process and smooths skin. Tone and texture will be visibly evened out because the system refines and conditions skin. Plus, the system amplifies the absorption of the products and their ingredients you apply after derma-rolling, including Intensive Renewing Serum. That’s how your results get to the next level.

AMP Up Regimen Results by 3X

When the AMP MD System was added to the REDEFINE Regimen, 91% of study participants noticed firmer-looking skin, a visible improvement in lines and wrinkles, and more even-looking skin tone.** They also experienced three times better visible wrinkles results when using REDEFINE Regimen with the AMP MD System versus using the Regimen alone.

Isn’t that worth a roll? 

Hairline Acne? How to Make it Go Away

SO, YOU’RE BRUSHING YOUR HAIR AND NOTICE SOME BUMPS. WAIT, COULD THOSE BE PIMPLES? YUP. JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT ACNE HAD POPPED UP EVERY PLACE POSSIBLE ON YOUR BODY, HERE’S ONE MORE: YOUR HAIRLINE. 

HOW HAIRLINE BREAKOUTS HAPPEN

A PIMPLE BEGINS WHEN EXCESS OIL MIXES WITH DEAD SKIN CELLS, CLOGGING A PORE. ON YOUR SCALP, OIL CAN GET TRAPPED NOT ONLY BY DEAD SKIN CELLS, BUT ALSO BY HAIRSPRAY, MOUSSE, GEL — EVEN SHAMPOO, IF YOU DON’T RINSE WELL ENOUGH. HATS, BASEBALL CAPS, VISORS AND BANDANAS CAN TRAP EVEN MORE OIL AND SWEAT. 

MAKEUP CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO PORE-CLOG — ESPECIALLY IF IT’S NOT FULLY WASHED OFF, WHICH CAN HAPPEN AROUND THE HAIRLINE. YOUR FACIAL CLEANSER MAY EVEN BE A CULPRIT IF YOU DON’T RINSE ALL THE WAY UP TO YOUR HAIR. 

HOW TO CLEAR UP PIMPLES AT YOUR HAIRLINE

AS A BASIC PREVENTATIVE STEP, ALWAYS BEGIN YOUR NIGHTLY SKINCARE ROUTINE BY THOROUGHLY REMOVING ALL OF YOUR MAKEUP, UP TO AND INTO YOUR HAIRLINE. RODAN + FIELDS ESSENTIALS INSTANT MAKEUP REMOVER WIPES ARE FAST AND EASY TO USE. THEN WASH YOUR FACE, MAKING SURE TO RINSE INTO YOUR HAIRLINE. (AND DON’T GO TO SLEEP WITH MAKEUP ON, EVER.)

WASH YOUR HAIR FREQUENTLY, AND MAKE SURE TO RINSE THOROUGHLY. AVOID HEAVY, STICKY, WAXY STYLING PRODUCTS THAT CAN SEAL PORES, TRAPPING OIL AND BACTERIA INSIDE.

BUT PIMPLES AROUND THE HAIRLINE SHOULD BE TREATED AS PIMPLES, SO EXFOLIATION AND ACNE TREATMENT ARE IMPORTANT, TOO. IF YOUR HAIRLINE IS THE ONLY AREA WHERE YOU BREAK OUT, TRY OUR UNBLEMISH CLARIFYING MASK WITH SULFUR TO REDUCE EXCESS OIL, UNCLOG PORES AND REMOVE IMPURITIES FROM THE SURFACE OF THE SKIN IN JUST 10 MINUTES. IF THE PROBLEM IS PERSISTENT, OR IF YOU HAVE ACNE ELSEWHERE ON YOUR FACE, USE ONE OF OUR TWO ACNE REGIMENS. THE UNBLEMISH REGIMEN, FOR ADULT ACNE AND VISIBLE SIGNS OF AGING, INCLUDES GENTLE EXFOLIATING ACNE WASH AND CLARIFYING TONER TO HELP CLEAR PORES AND DUAL INTENSIVE ACNE TREATMENT TO PENETRATE PORES TO CLEAR ACNE. CHOOSE OUR SPOTLESS REGIMEN FOR TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT ACNE.

MAKEUP TIPS

BE MINDFUL OF HOW FAR INTO YOUR HAIRLINE YOU APPLY MAKEUP, AND CHECK YOUR FOUNDATION TO SEE HOW MUCH OIL IT CONTAINS. OR REPLACE YOUR BASE WITH RODAN + FIELDS RADIANT DEFENSE PERFECTING LIQUID. IT’S SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED TO BE NON-COMEDOGENIC AND NON-ACNEGENIC. FIND YOUR SHADE, OR CUSTOM-BLEND A COUPLE OF SHADES, TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITHOUT CONTRIBUTING TO BREAKOUTS AT YOUR HAIRLINE — OR ANYWHERE ELSE ON YOUR FACE. 

How to Tell If You Are Overworking Your Skin

By Mary Radford, RN

Here’s a concept for you: Too much of a great thing can really be not-so-great for your skin. Using too many skincare products too frequently and/or too enthusiastically can overwork your skin, leaving it looking and feeling worse instead of better.  

What Overworked Skin Looks and Feels Like

From my experience as a dermatology nurse, I can tell right away when someone has been overdoing it. Their face looks red, irritated, puffy, shiny and inflamed all over, or in symmetrical spots like the cheeks. If this is what you’re seeing, or if you feel a stinging or burning sensation, you may be overworking your skin. 

Typical ways people overdo it include the following.

Too much: Using multiple active ingredients at once; layering on competing products such as Retinal, Alpha-hydroxy Acids, scrubs and peels. 

Too often: Not following instructions to ramp up product usage; not testing a new product on your skin first to be sure you can tolerate it; using a derma-roller or exfoliator too frequently.  

Too hard: Scrubbing too enthusiastically, squeezing clogged pores or pimples. 

Why Overworked Skin Looks Older

So, what causes us to do this to our own precious skin? A lot of us live by the philosophy “more is better.” We’ll see dramatic Before-and-After photos and believe by doing more we can achieve better results faster.  

The truth is, skin has a delicate lipid barrier that holds moisture in and keeps irritants out. If this barrier is distressed, microscopic fissures can form and predispose skin to moisture loss, infection and irritation. Skin can become less tolerant to skincare products and look red, dry and blotchy, with increased lines.  

In their book, Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change, the Doctors explain that once the lipid barrier is compromised by “excessive cosmetic overuse or friction or rubbing,” skin goes into a “downward spiral.”  

Caring for Overworked Skin

First of all, immediately stop any abusive behavior like over-exfoliating, picking or squeezing. Avoid the sun, and take a break from any products that may have caused the irritation. You can soothe skin with crushed ice in a plastic bag wrapped with a soft cloth, applied for three to five minutes every 20 minutes.

If your skin doesn’t calm down after 24 hours, you might want to see your dermatologist for an evaluation. Bring a list of the products you’ve been using. (You can show your doctor the ingredients in your Rodan + Fields products; just find each product on our website and select the “ingredients” tab.)

Products to Help Overworked Skin

If you’ve compromised your skin’s moisture barrier, all is not lost. You can help strengthen it again with gentle products. That’s what the Rodan + Fields SOOTHE Regimen is all about. Use SOOTHE Gentle Cream Wash, then test a small amount of SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment on the area. If your skin tolerates it, apply full-face twice a day. Help protect skin from the sun with SOOTHE Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. 

SOOTHE Rescue Mask is a great way to calm skin, no matter which Rodan + Fields Regimen you use. This soothing calamine face mask reveals softer, smoother-looking skin in just 10 minutes and calms visible redness and dry, irritated skin over time.

Active Hydration Serum has Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid to deliver optimal hydration for all skin types. This is exactly what to use after cleansing when your skin feels tight, dry, rough and dehydrated. 

Most of all, be kind to your skin (and yourself), have patience, don’t overdo it, and you’ll see the results you’re hoping for.  

Back 2 School

It’s that time of year. It’s back-to-school, whether that means kids are off to high school or college or we’re vacuuming the sand out of the car, buckling down and putting our nose to the grindstone once again. There’s a certain anxiety that accompanies this time of year, as the days get a wee bit shorter, that feeling of getting serious can hit us hard — but there’s also excitement for a new season (TV shows! Pumpkin Spice Lattes! Holidays!).

Reconnecting with people we haven’t seen in months is part of that feeling. When someone says, “How was your summer?” we want to look our best. At Rodan + Fields we believe whole-heartedly in the skin/confidence connection. Getting our skin back in shape — or keeping it looking healthy — can help us feel good about ourselves so we can honestly answer, “Great!” and look radiant while saying so.

Skincare for Teens and Young Adults

If your teens are experiencing blemishes and breakouts, we have the Regimen for them. SPOTLESS is a simple 2-step acne treatment Regimen that eliminates acne bacteria, deep cleans pores and reduces oil. It’s easy to use consistently which is key for controlling existing acne and helping prevent blemishes from forming. It consists of a Daily Acne Wash that gently exfoliates and washes away oil, reducing the appearance of shine and leaving skin clean and refreshed. 5% Benzoyl Peroxide penetrates pores to kill acne bacteria starting the very first day. It’s followed by SPOTLESS Acne Clearing Treatment that delivers an additional 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide that stays on the skin to continue eliminating acne bacteria.

Back-to-school can also mean back to sports practice, so make sure your kids are covered when it comes to sun protection. Our ESSENTIALS Body Sunscreen SPF 30is a lightweight sunscreen that’s safe for the whole family, it’s water resistant for up to 40 minutes and is non-greasy and non-sticky. Pair it with ESSENTIALS Lip Shield SPF 25 for their lips which need protection too.

Taking Care of Skin in College

If you (or your babies) are going away for the first time, make sure skincare is not left behind. Taking care of your skin when you’re on your own is a healthy habit right up there with doing your own laundry! In addition to a skincare Regimen, there are convenient basics like ESSENTIALS Complete Eye Makeup Remover and ESSENTIALS Instant Makeup Remover Wipes that help keep skin clean, even in a college dorm.

Then, continue caring for skin with Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30, our tinted formula that protects while it instantly perfects. It’s the last step of any skincare routine before heading out to meet the friends who you will know the rest of your life, if all goes well.

Post-Summer Skincare

Finally, for your own skin, perhaps the summer brought out a few dark spots that weren’t there when you went on your first picnic. Check out our REVERSE Brightening Regimen and REVERSE Lightening Regimen that can tackle all sorts of discoloration issues. 

Back-to-school season also includes getting back into a routine, whether for you that means eating healthier, sleeping better or working harder. But at Rodan + Fields, it always involves taking care of your skin.

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 thing’s 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 moreepisode 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. 

Thank You.

Thank you to each and everyone of you who have supported me over the past 4 years! Whether you are a loyal customer, a friend, a referrer, or a business partner - I am grateful for ALL of you! This past Spring, while I was doing the class parties, the lemonade stands and breaking up "sister fights" - I also earned a fabulous trip for 2 with Rodan + Fields! 

I LOVE my job representing the #1 Skincare Brand in the U.S., developed by Dermatologists who know skin.  

What Does It Mean to be a "Preferred Customer"?

•    10% off products, forever 
• FREE Shipping (all orders over $80)
• 60-Day Money Back Guarantee, even empty bottles - no questions asked (Because the Doctors KNOW these products work but it sometimes takes a little time to truly change the skin)
• Inside Access to Dr. Rodan + Dr. Fields and their latest innovations and research
• Exclusive Promotions (Special Offers and Value Sets)
• NO Auto Ships
• Never REQUIRED to order again but you CAN order anytime - as much as you want!

In the News . . .

Jessica McDonald, FIFA World Cup Champion this past summer and rising star, was recently interviewed by Into the Gloss Magazine and she shared that she uses Rodan + Fields and how it has worked to clear up her acne when nothing else worked. 

See her quote below and the article here, World Cup Champion - Rodan + Fields Fan

Is Your Teen Ready for School to Start?

While you are shopping for school supplies don't forget your child's skincare needs too! Confident kids are happy kids. Our new Spotless Regimen for teens and young adults was recently named the Teen Vogue 2019 Acne Solution Winner because it WORKS! 

I have seen my customers (who range in age from 10 to 84!) LOVE their skin again with these products - and it is as simple as washing your face! Skincare is not about vanity. Skincare is about health and confidence. It's about feeling your best. Unblemish (for adults) and Spotless (for teens) breaks the entire acne cycle instead of treating it after the fact. Whatever you want to change or improve about your skin, Rodan + Fields has the products to truly change your skin from the inside out!  Healthy skin is beautiful and makes for confident kids (and adults)! Message me today and we can clear up their skin before the first bell rings!