Do You Keep a Journal for Your Skin?

Do you Bullet Journal your skin? If not, maybe you should! Tracking your skincare products and routine with a bullet journal can keep you focused, inspired and on-Regimen. It can help your skin look better and feel healthier. Plus, it’s fun. 

If you have no idea what a bullet journal is, it’s basically a handwritten calendar, diary, sketchbook and scrapbook all in one. (Some people go hard with detailed drawings and beautiful lettering, but you don’t have to be that artistic.) The bullet journal method was popularized by New York designer Ryder Carroll, who says it’s “designed to help you organize your what while you remain aware of your why.”

You can use a bullet journal as a productivity tool to Get Stuff Done (GSD), as a self-care exercise to process your emotions, as visual motivation to achieve a goal — or any other way you’d like. The choice is yours.  

Here are a few ways to use a BuJo to get better skin:

See Real Results

If you’re using Rodan + Fields skincare, you’re doing it for the results. Right? A BuJo can help get you there. Try starting a bullet journal the same day you begin using a new Rodan + Fields product or Regimen. Include a “before” photo, drawing or description of your skin, and describe the results you’re hoping for. Then make a plan to get you there: Commit to using the products as directed for the time it will take to achieve full results. Check in regularly with updates on your progress, and finish up with an “after” photo.

Fine-Tune Your Lifestyle

A bullet journal can help you identify how your behavior and circumstances affect your complexion. If your skin is suddenly extra-dry, check your BuJo: Maybe it’s because you were on a plane last week. (May we suggest some Active Hydration Serum?) If your skin is red or itchy, have you changed your diet? Is that new breakout related to your menstrual cycle?

Manage Your Emotions

Your feelings — especially stress — can show up on your face as acne, hives or even visible signs of aging. If you’re especially stressed, a BuJo can help you identify the source and encourage you to get some sleep, exercise or just take time for you. In fact, the meditative act of bullet-journaling itself can help you destress. 

Regroup and Recommit

Hey, life happens and we’re all human. If you’ve gotten out of the twice-daily Regimen habit, slacked off on applying sunscreen, started sleeping with your makeup on…your BuJo is here for you. Sketch out a plan to get yourself back on track and keep it handy for inspiration. You’ll be in the clear in no time!

Sneak Peak of New Products!

Along with all the great things I was able to learn and participate in while at our Annual Convention, I also got ALL the scoop on our latest product innovations from the Doctors and I have them in my hands and I am blown away with the results I have seen first hand from our new products!! They are available NOW for Consultants and on October 1st for Preferred Customers! More info to come from me!! Here are a few sneak peak videos! 

I will be hosting an in person Open House in a couple of weeks for those in the Kansas City area who want to check out the new products (as well as all our other best selling skincare solutions) I will also be hosting a Virtual Event soon to introduce the new products! Let me know if you'd like to be on my VIP list for an invite!!

I'm Back!

My team and I returned home last night from a packed week in Nashville with the Doctors who created products that bring dermatological skincare results to your doorstep! I have to tell you, it is such a career dream to lock arms with those who thrive when challenged, those resilient people who choose success outside their typical comfort zone. My heart is full. My skin is glowing (work perk) and I have a sparkle in my eye because I got a sneak peak into the future of this company!!  If you have ever wondered "what if" or wanted something more - or even just wanted to be a part of something bigger - the answer is YES and the time is NOW!! I am growing my team this fall and I have some great perks to share with my new team members so message me! 

Out of Office: In Nashville

Skincare Terms Defined

Do you ever feel like skincare is its own language? It’s not lingo, it truly is a vocabulary of medical terms, ingredient names and skin conditions. Want to speak skincare? Here are a few of the more common and interesting terms defined.

Acnegenic — A way to describe a product that has been tested and found to clog pores and promote acne. On the other hand, non-acnegenic is what you want to look for, it means it won’t cause acne, like Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid, that’s one of the many great things about this skin perfector.

Age spots — These brown spots are actually hyperpigmentation, which is increased abnormal melanin pigmentation (color) in the skin. Sun exposure is a major culprit in creating age spots, which is why we always suggest wearing sunscreen. REVERSE Brightening Regimen and REVERSE Lightening Regimen are designed to tackle a full range of discolorations from uneven skin tone to age spots and melasma.

Benzoyl Peroxide — A treatment that kills the acne bacteria on the skin and in the pores. It’s our preferred anti-acne agent for long-term control of acne. Both our UNBLEMISH Regimen and SPOTLESS Regimen contain Benzoyl Peroxide. In fact, SPOTLESS contains more Benzoyl Peroxide and oxygen that starts killing acne bacteria on Day 1. 

Blackhead — A clogged pore that is open to the air and the oil becomes oxidized, causing it to turn gray to black, or darker in appearance. Oxidation also causes rust on iron. Just saying.

Comedogenic — Similar to acnegenic, this means products that have been tested and found to clog pores and promote acne. And yes, Radiant Defense is also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

Cystic acne — Large, red, painful bumps that are very deep under the surface of the skin and often spread. This form of acne is caused by closed, clogged pores where bacteria proliferates and inflammation forms. Unfortunately this type of acne needs the attention of a dermatologist to get it under control and prevent scarring.

Folliculitis — This is a condition showing up as pesky little red bumps at the base of the hair, or hair follicle. It’s most often caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicles, or by a virus, fungi or inflammation from ingrown hairs. Shaving can cause ingrown hairs, commonly found on the legs and groin. But sweaty exercise clothes can also contribute to folliculitis if you wear them too long. 

Melasma — This refers to patches of discoloration, often around the outer face or upper lip. It happens when there’s an increase in estrogen-type hormones, so birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy or pregnancy can cause it (which is why it’s often called “the mask of pregnancy”). Sun exposure makes it worse. Try REVERSE Lightening Regimen if this is your concern, it’s designed to help gradually fade dark marks, patches and age spots while reversing sun damage and discoloration.

Moisture barrier — It’s true, there’s a naturally protective barrier on your skin’s surface. It’s made up of the outermost layers of the skin and natural lipids and fluids, and it helps keep out irritants. Too much scrubbing or harsh ingredients in products can disrupt the barrier. If that has happened, we recommend the SOOTHE Regimen to help replenish your moisture barrier.

Oxidative stress – The act of free radicals (oxygen-containing molecules) seeking out healthy cells and damaging them. This activity breaks down collagen and increases other aging effects and health of entire body. Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E help reduce oxidative stress by preventing oxidation, which produces the free radicals in the first place.

Peptides — These are amino acids that make up proteins, such as collagen, on the skin. When used in products, Peptides are powerful conditioners (and very expensive). Our REDEFINE Regimen incorporates them in our formulas as a way to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles and firm the appearance of skin. 

Retinal — Retinal is an ingredient in our proprietary Retinal-MD Technology found in our REDEFINE Intensive Renewing Serum; it’s a form of Vitamin A, more powerful than Retinol. They are both retinoids, which have been proven to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Retinoic Acid or Tretinoin, which people know by the brand names Retin-A or Renova, are prescription forms of Vitamin A and are regulated drugs. 

Spider veins – Spider veins or telangiectasias are tiny purplish streaks that are most commonly seen on the outer thighs, ankles, and behind the knees as well as on the face, neck, upper chest and arms. Often, they appear during pregnancy when blood vessels stretch to compensate for the extra blood flow that is going to the baby. 

Stratum Corneum – The outer layer of dead skin that acts as a physical barrier, like shingles on a roof, to keep environmental aggressors and toxins out. It can be compromised by dehydration or sun damage.

Whitehead – A clogged pore that is closed with skin cells covering it. Our anti-acne Regimens UNBLEMISH and SPOTLESS include exfoliation so a buildup of dead skin cells is avoided.  

Next Week, in Nashville!

Next week I'll be in Nashville for the BIG REVEAL!

Next week Rodan + Fields is launching something NEW and INNOVATIVE. A handful of our leaders got the new product early and their reactions have me SO excited to see what's coming!! (Make sure to follow me on Instagram next week as I will be doing live videos from Nashville on the latest insights and products from these highly respected Dermatologists who know skin!)

• #1 Premium Skincare Brand - and the world hasn't seen ANYTHING yet!
• I'm not a major hype girl . . . but it's the most excited I've been about a new product launch ever!
• Biggest product release to date.
• If you thought R+F has reached its peak, you're about to join the mind-blown club.
• What I've seen and heard is unlike anything to date.

Also being announced next week? The announcement of our new country!! So far, we are only in the United States, Canada and Australia! I can hardly wait to grow my business in more countries helping everyone get the best clinical based skincare from the comfort of their home!

Forbes says the best time to join a business is during a product launch or global expansion. We're about to do BOTH. So for real ya'll - now is the time. If you are looking for a little something extra, something on the side or your next big thing - this business is whatever you make of it. It has certainly been a blessing for me and my family!

Make sure to follow me on Instagram stories next week for the latest news and live video straight from Nashville - My account name is mcginnis_jenny. I'm shining my cowboy boots for Nashville!!

Dr. Katie Rodan + Dr. Kathy Fields Debunk 7 Skincare Myths

Skincare advice is everywhere, but not everything you hear or read is true. Rodan + Fields Founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields are here to put skincare myths to rest once and for all. Here are a few of the Doctors’ favorites — or should we say least favorites, since they’re not true!

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Skincare Myth: Drink eight glasses of water a day to prevent dry skin. 

The Doctors say: 

Only severe dehydration will cause your skin to dry out. In general, the outside humidity, not the amount of water you consume, determines how dry your skin is. And drinking excessive amounts of water can flush essential vitamins and electrolytes out of your bloodstream. How do you know if you need water? Trust your body’s natural signal: thirst. 

Skincare Myth: Facial exercises “lift” your skin and prevent wrinkles 

The Doctors say: 

Repetitive face exercises are more likely to accentuate wrinkles than erase them. There are 44 muscles in your face, and when these muscles contract and relax, your skin moves with them. So the more you make the same facial movements, the deeper your lines will become.   

Skincare Myth: Cleansing skin in hot water opens pores. 

The Doctors say: 

Hot water will not open your pores. (In fact, nothing will — pores don’t open and close like little mouths!) Hot water will dilate blood vessels, though, making your face redder. Lukewarm water is just the right temperature for washing your face.  

Skincare and the Sun

Skincare Myth: Some people are born with freckles.

The Doctors say: 

No one is born with freckles. All freckles are the result of sun damage. Just compare the inside and outside of your forearm, or check out the underside of your chin or your derriere. Since these areas are rarely exposed to the sun, they are the best examples of the undamaged skin you were born with. (A black light will also show you your sun damage — we mean freckles.) Our Reverse Brightening Regimen can help with the dullness that sun damage causes.

Skincare Myth: Sun exposure clears up acne. 

The Doctors say: 

 A tan may mask the redness of a breakout temporarily and may, in fact, dry out a pimple a bit faster. But remember, there is no such thing as a “healthy tan.” Over time, sun exposure causes breakouts, it doesn’t clear them. With every tan, cell turnover increases, building up more dead skin cells, which block pores, causing acne. Acne-prone skin needs to be managed by a consistent Regimen, such as SPOTLESS for teens and young adults or UNBLEMISH for adults. 

Game. Changers.

Get ready world! Our Doctors have been labeled "game changers", and we are just a few weeks out from NEW product innovation that I get to market and build residual income with for years to come!

It's in production, it's clinically proven and it is ready to change the world of at-home dermatology. 

Trust me when I say, this is going to be BIG! 

What are you waiting for? Join my fun team to be part of the future of skincare!

Exfoliate + Radiate

Happy September!! If your skin is feeling a little "overdone" from summer fun - exoliate and radiate with our best selling Microdermabrasion Paste and new Reverse Radiance Mask! Two of my all time FAVORITES and your skin will be glowing again in no time! 

My September newsletter is out NOW with lots of tips and helpful hints to help you get back into a good skincare routine for fall -written by me!  

LISTEN to Your Skin - It May be Telling You Something

You can see when something not-so-great is happening on your skin, but are you “listening”? Your skin may be trying to tell you something about your lifestyle and your general health. Here are some common cries for help and how to handle them.

Your skin’s cry for help: Chin acne 

What it’s saying: Your hormones may be changing.

Has your acne relocated south of the (lip) border? Adult acne is typically tied to hormonal cycles that cause tender breakouts along the U-zone — your jawline, mouth and chin.

What to do: It’s time to get serious about controlling that breakout cycle with our UNBLEMISH Regimen for Adult Acne and Visible Signs of Aging.  

When to see a doctor: If your acne is cystic and stubborn, see a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment to avoid scarring.

Your skin’s cry for help: Dry, cracked lips 

What it’s saying: You may be dehydrated. 

Did you know that your lips have very thin skin and no sweat or oil glands? This makes them vulnerable to dryness and dehydration. Parched lips are a sign that you need hydration and moisture internally and externally.  

What to do: Increase your water consumption and consider adding healthy fats, like olive oil and avocado, to your diet. Give lips some topical relief and protection, too. REDEFINE Lip Renewing Serum helps lips retain their natural moisture, and ESSENTIALS Lip Shield SPF 25 moisturizes, conditions and protects lips from the sun.

When to see a doctor: If your lips are blistered, irritated, itchy or crusting; if you see reddening of the skin; or if you have body chills and aches with coughing.

Your skin’s cry for help: Dark spots 

What it’s saying: You need sun protection. 

Are you prone to freckles, sun spots or age spots? Have you noticed patches of darker color? These are all signs of past or current sun damage. 

What to do: Prevent future damage by wearing the sunscreen in your Rodan + Fields Regimen every single day and also protective clothing, a big floppy hat and sunglasses. (Don’t rely on your moisturizer or makeup for complete sun protection even if they contain SPF.) Keep sunscreen in your bathroom, your purse and near your front door so you’re always reminded and prepared. Remember, aging UVA rays pass through clouds, rain, snow and even glass. 

To counteract existing dark spots and discoloration, try our REVERSE Brightening Regimen to brighten and visibly even skin tone or our REVERSE Lightening Regimen to diminish dark marks, patches and age spots. It even works on melasma.

When to see a doctor: Consult a dermatologist right away if you notice a new spot on your skin, or if an existing spot — especially if it’s a mole — changes in size, shape, or color, or appears different from other spots.

Your skin’s cry for help: Under-eye circles or puffiness

What it’s saying: You’re overdoing it! 

We’ve all been there. Lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies and stress can show up as dark circles under the eyes. An unhealthy diet (salty foods, alcohol, caffeine) can contribute to under-eye puffiness and more pronounced dark circles.

What to do: Conclusion? Go to bed early, sleep in, increase your water intake and eat healthy foods, and pull out your yoga mat to destress! And try Active Hydration Bright Eye Complex, which instantly illuminates and soothes the eye area, and improves the appearance of under-eye puffiness over time for a more rested look. 

When to see a doctor: there is swelling and discoloration under one eye and it appears to worsen.