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.

Spring Skincare Concerns

Everyone loves the spring, after all, winter is over. But there are all sorts of skin issues that can arise when grass starts to grow and flowers begin to bloom (attention allergy sufferers!). From sudden downpours to pollen clouds to the sun’s rays hitting skin that’s been covered up for months, spring carries the potential for turmoil. 

Here are some common spring skin concerns and how to handle them:

1. Sun Protection

Reconnect with your skin that’s been hiding under layers of puffers for months. We know you’ve been using sun protection on your face since that is a must year-round (ahem!), but protecting your arms, neck, chest area and hands is key if you want to avoid visible signs of aging down the road. “Sunscreen is hands-down the one thing we overlook in the spring,” says Mary Radford, RN and Director of Product Content at Rodan + Fields. She says the light silhouettes of sunglasses, tank tops and shorts are painful reminders of the sun’s strength. To protect, ESSENTIALS Body Sunscreen SPF 30 gives 40 minutes of water-resistant protection all over. REDEFINE Hand Treatment Regimen* includes Brightening Hand Treatment and Age Shield Hand Balm which contains Vitamin C to reduce the looks of dark spots and SPF 30 to help defend against sun’s rays. 

2. Wake Up Tired Eyes 

We’ve all heard of Spring Fever, Spring Fling(s) and Spring Break! There’s a certain enthusiasm that helps us break out of our winter cocoons. That can also lead to outdoor Happy Hours and late evenings, leaving us depleted. “Spring fever gets us all in a tizzy burning the candle at both ends to take advantage of our new fresh surroundings,” says Radford. “But being overzealous can lead to dehydration and dullness in the eye area and puffiness from allergies and overindulging.” So, she uses Active Hydration Bright Eye Complex twice a day to wake up her tired eyes and brighten the eye area. 

3. Dry Skin on Elbows, Knees and other Tough Spots

Your skin has been secretly giving away its moisture to the dry winter weather. It’s not uncommon to find that your elbows, knees and other body parts feel (and look) drier the second you ditch the long sleeves and pants. Active Hydration Body Replenishcontains our 3D3P Molecular Matrix to attract water from the atmosphere and lock it onto skin, hydrating and moisturizing instantly and over time. It’s a drink of water for thirsty, parched skin, which just so happens to be all over your body right now.

4. A Smooth and Even Skin Tone and Texture

We all need a little help smoothing out the appearance of our skin, especially after a season that is synonymous with “cold” and “windy” and “rainy”. “The last layer of my daily skin care routine is Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid to guard my skin against the environmental bloom-athon of spring, the sun’s UV rays and warmer weather’s potential for moisture loss,” says Radford. “But the best part is my skin tone looks even, the formulation does not settle into lines and it’s oil-free and won’t clog pores. I believe that I am doing something good for my skin with every application.” 

A Revolutionary Approach: The Doctors' Story

What’s the #1 skin disease in the world? Hint: It’s also the #1 skin condition that no one wants to live with. Acne. Not only is it an uncomfortable skin issue, acne can affect our self-esteem in as many ways as there are people.

THE DOCTORS’ STORY

The Doctors understand this firsthand. Dr. Katie Rodan grew up outside of Los Angeles. Dr. Kathy Fields was raised in a suburb of Chicago. And when they met during their residencies at Stanford Medical School, they realized they had something in common that shaped not only their self-esteem, but would ultimately shape their lives and destinies. As teens and young adults, they had both lived with acne, and they were both miserable when they had it. 

“I had been deeply affected psychologically by my acne,” says Dr. Katie Rodan — and she was determined to fix the problem. “When I was in my first year of medical school, I realized my calling was to be a dermatologist.” Then she met Kathy.

Kathy, too, had suffered from acne as a young adult and then as an adult — every single month.

THE DOCTORS’ FIRST PRACTICES

The Doctors became friends while studying for their medical board exams at Stanford. Later they both set up dermatology practices in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they bonded even more. They would often discuss their patients’ challenges. Katie recalls one woman with acne who told her the story of seeing a male doctor who had said, “What do you care? You’re married.” Clearly, the issue was not just acne, but how to deal with everything that went with it.

They also talked about the advice the chairman of their department at Stanford had given them: Find a hobby in dermatology. Out of all their colleagues in their dermatology practices at the time, they were the only women. Women patients flocked to us because we understood what they were going through.” It was then that they realized that their own lives and those of their patients had led them to this very moment. “Bingo. There was our hobby: acne.”

A NEW APPROACH TO ACNE

The Doctors understood the emotional and psychological scars that people could face the rest of their lives because of this skin condition. They also saw that the spot-treatment approach had never been successful — and had never changed. Instead, they decided to focus on acne prevention using a full-face system that tackles every step of the acne cycle. The Doctors have revolutionized acne treatment by doing just that — focusing on prevention with the right combination of highly effective ingredients. 

With Rodan + Fields, the Doctors develop innovations to bring effective treatments to acne sufferers. R+F “Before and After” photos show their stories in a real and unmistakable way. This year, Rodan + Fields introduces two new Regimens, SPOTLESS for Teen and Young Adult Acne and reformulated UNBLEMISH for Adult Acne and Visible Signs of Aging. Both Regimens use potent ingredients in formulations developed specifically for each group. 

The DOCTORS’ PASSION  “We are absolutely passionate about treating acne,” they say, and by doing so, restoring self-esteem. “Having clear skin is priceless, so take control,” the Doctors say. “You can change your life.”

Team "Grow Strong"- Top 12

We are Attorneys, Teachers, Business Executives, Moms, Dads, Speech Pathologists, Dance Instructors, Realtors, Federal Officers, Event Planners, Medical Sales Reps, Radiation Technicians, College Students, Retirees, and Business Owners.

We also know a great business opportunity when we see it. We are Consultants, representing two of the most respected Dermatologists in the world - selling their own personal skincare line, that can no longer be purchased in retail stores. We are only a 10-year old company that is part of a BILLION dollar world wide skincare boom. We LOVE what we do and we don't mind the big discount we get on the products either. Hooking people up with the best skincare products, watching peoples' confidence soar, is the best feeling ever. Naked skin is beautiful. No need to cover it up with make-up when it naturally glows. We help kids in their pre-teens feel more confident all the way to great-grandparents. Skincare needs change and we can help.

If you have ever thought about joining us, now is a great time. We are about to expand into MORE markets in the next year and the sky is the limit. Message me and I will personally help YOU succeed in this super fun and flexible business!

5 Easy Ways to Help Keep Acne Away

Is there a secret to avoiding acne? No and, well, yes.

As the Doctors say, there is no cure for acne. Genetics and hormones decide who gets it, and when. Teens and adults both deal with hormones that stimulate oil production, which is a part of the acne cycle. And if your genetics made you prone to acne — with a propensity for clogged pores, excess oil, dead skin cells that don’t slough off — then you may be in the 85% of teens and young adults or up to 40% of adults who experience acne.

But you can manage acne and even prevent blemishes from forming. A skincare Regimen that targets the acne cycle with over-the counter and cosmetic ingredients (such as SPOTLESS Regimen for teens and young adults, and UNBLEMISH Regimen for adult acne and visible signs of aging) used consistently is your best defense. 

There are other tips and tricks you can practice to keep your skin blemish-free, or as close to it as possible. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Clean your Makeup Brush!

Whether they are made from synthetic or the finest natural bristles, makeup brushes are a magnet for dead skin cells, oil, dirt and bacteria, which can all contribute to blemishes. If you have acne-prone skin, you should clean your brushes after every single use. Wash them with a cleanser or mild soap and rinse until the water is clear. Squeeze out excess water then dry them flat on a paper towel. Cleaner tools = clearer skin.

2. Put Down the Tweezers

Plucking a facial hair can hurt — that’s because it’s traumatizing the hair follicle it’s being plucked from! Always store your tweezers in a sanitary place (i.e. not the bottom of an old makeup bag) and sanitize them before use with germ-killing rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. You don’t want the kind of trouble that’s lurking on the tips of your tweezers to get into your pores.

3. Change your Pillowcases

Ever notice you are breaking out more on one side of your face than on the other? And then consider which side you sleep on. Your pillowcase may be trying to tell you something. A buildup of dirt and oil can contribute to clogged pores when your face is lying in it for eight hours. Or perhaps your laundry detergent is irritating your skin. Try a more lightly scented or unscented (or fragrance-free, they are different!) detergent and change pillowcases often, you’ll sleep better knowing they are not making your acne worse.

4. Beware of Your Cell Phone

Your phone can pick up lots of dirt and bacteria (from your hands, your bag, the kitchen counter) which can then get transferred to your face when you’re chatting. It’s known at “tech-ne” or acne brought on by a tech device. The good news is tech-ne has an easy fix. Clean your phone often with antibacterial wipes or rubbing alcohol and hold it away from the side of your face — or wear headphones.

5. Hands Off!

If your skin is pimple-prone, keep your hands as clean as possible and avoid touching your face! The flow of bacteria, viruses and allergens from your fingertips onto your face can prompt a breakout. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap. And remember, the care and handling of your acne-prone skin should not actually involve your hands, unless you’re washing your face or applying skincare.

Acne Myth Buster

There are some pretty hearty myths out there that seem to survive scientific evidence that proves them wrong. As dermatologists and acne experts, the Doctors believe in knowing the facts so you can address your skin concerns effectively. We’re here to put these myths to rest once and for all:

Myth #1: The Sun is Good for Your Acne

FALSE!! First of all — and we’re hoping this isn’t news to you — there is no such thing as a healthy tan! Sun exposure damages skin and what you see as a “tan” is the body’s reaction to this injury. Sometimes people with acne think the sun will dry out their blemishes. Unfortunately, sun exposure aggravates acne. Small amounts of sun exposure may appear to help your acne at first, as the blue band of visible light helps to sterilize acne bacteria. But sun exposure eventually leads to shedding dead skin cells which clogs pores, a crucial step in the acne cycle. And in some instances, sun exposure leads to post-acne dark marks. The UNBLEMISH Regimen includes a sunscreen as the final step to protect skin from sun’s rays.

Myth #2: Sunscreen Causes Acne

FALSE!! We recommend a noncomedogenic sunscreen, which won’t clog pores. In fact, it’s important to protect all skin, including acne-prone skin, from the sun. See Myth #1 above!

Myth #3: If You Have Acne, You Can’t Use Moisturizer

FALSE!! There are plenty of people who have both dry skin and acne, and moisturizer helps skin feel more comfortable. Just make sure you’re using a noncomedogenic moisturizer, or hydrating serum like Active Hydration Serum. In fact, both SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimen users can add in Active Hydration Serum to hydrate skin and prevent dryness. Moisturizing can actually help reduce shine, as oil production can be the result of too-dry skin overcompensating with oil.

Myth #4: Attacking Acne by Stripping Oil from Your Skin and Scrubbing it Senseless is a Good Idea

FALSE!! Drying the skin’s surface with ingredients like rubbing alcohol leaves the skin parched and irritated, with greater susceptibility to infection. And be wary of harsh scrubs containing things like apricot pits. They can tear your skin, in which case your acne may take longer to heal and leave behind scars.

Myth #5: Spot Treatments Are the Best Way to Treat Acne

FALSE!! Spot treatments may help dry up a new pimple, but that pimple started forming weeks before you were aware of its existence! That’s why we manage the entire acne cycle with a full-face approach. And our SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimens are based on the fact that acne is treated most effectively through prevention, not spot by spot.

Myth #6: Acne is Caused by Eating Greasy Foods, Chocolate or Caffeine

FALSE!! Medical studies have found that diet — including chocolate, pizza, potato chips and French fries — rarely affects acne. Of course, we’re not suggesting you rush out to binge on any of those foods, they’re bad for you for a host of reasons, acne just isn’t one of them. There is some research that links a high glycemic diet — processed foods and simple sugars like breads — to breakouts.

Myth #7: Acne Can Be Cured

FALSE!!  There is no cure for acne. But like other skin conditions, you can help prevent and control mild to moderate acne blemishes. Our SPOTLESS and UNBLEMISH Regimens work with each step of the acne cycle to deal with the specific cause of blemishes. You just have to use the Regimens consistently to keep acne in check. Eventually you may use these less frequently or switch to another Regimen such as REDEFINE.

Myth #8: Acne is Your Fault

FALSE!! This is perhaps the most damaging myth because it exacerbates the feelings of shame or embarrassment that often accompany acne. The Doctors always say that acne is not — and never will be — your fault. It’s caused by a combination of factors including genetics, hormones, bacteria, clogged pores, stress, medications, irritation, even traveling. Many of these factors you cannot control. What you can control is how you manage your skin condition on a day-to-day basis.

Myth #9: Glass Cleaner and Toothpaste Get Rid of Pimples

FALSE!! We’re not sure where this myth originated, but it really doesn’t matter because it’s not true! Household cleaners are harsh and toothpaste is, well, for your teeth. Neither should ever be used on your skin. In fact, both can irritate skin. We recommend using only clinically tested ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid to effectively address your acne, and they should be used with a full-face approach that prevents blemishes from forming in the first place, not spot treatments.