Skin Toner – What You Need To Know

For many, the word “toner” brings to mind stinging astringents from the 1980’s. The original was an alcohol-based product that was used to dry up oily skin and remove any leftover dirt following cleansing. HOWEVER ‘some’ of today’s high quality formulas have completely evolved.

WHY has Toner Made a Major Comeback?

Pore Minimizing
Large facial pores allow more dirt, oil and toxins to enter the skin which can cause irritation and infections. Toners help minimises enlarged pores by exfoliating pore-clogging dead skin cells (look for the gentle ingredient poly-hydroxy acid & natural oligosaccharides). SO when our pores are reduced, it means fewer oils and toxins are able to settle into the skin. This creates a fresher, cleaner and less oily appearance, while also helping prevent outbreaks.

pH Balance
Our skins natural pH level is typically between five and seven (the scale being 0 to 14 and 7 being the most neutral level). HOWEVER our ideal pH balance can get out of whack due to various factors. When this happens, our skin try’s to work overtime to return to its normal level which can cause stress – and for some people an over production of sebum causing breakouts and blackheads. A good quality toner can help restore our skins vital PH balance.

Protection & Detoxification
As discussed, toners can help reduce pore size and also tighten cell gaps after cleansing. This helps reduce the risk of impurities and environmental toxins and contaminants penetrating into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.

Blemish Reduction
Acne can not only be a nuisance, it can also lead to facial scarring. By removing dead skin cells, oily buildup and residue from facial pores, it means less blemishes.

Hydration and Nourishment
Toners are a good way to add other specific ingredients and nutrients to your skin that you may not have in your other products. They can also add another layer of skin-replenishment and hydration to your skin. This is essential for maintaining suppleness and moisture, creating a more youthful appearance.

Skin Prep – in readiness for what follows
Balancing your skin allows other products (such as serums and moisturisers) in your regimen to absorb better.

Night Time Renewal
Toner helps remove any pore-clogging impurities that will saturate further into our skin (during our several hours of snooze time) over night. This helps our skin in its nightly renewal process. SO ….big tip ….always remove makeup before bed and don’t skip Toner.

What to look for

It’s important to look for clinical grade toners which are made with many of the same ingredients you might find in your other skin-care products. High quality ingredients are the key to the most effective Toners available. Every ingredient has an important job to do. Toners should always be alcohol-free!

SPOTLIGHT …..Rodan + Fields Pore Minimizing Toner

Rodan + Fields REDEFINE (alcohol-free) Toner has an exclusive combination of clarifying ingredients which minimises the appearance of enlarged pores quickly and efficiently. Gentle poly-hydroxy acids exfoliate pore-clogging dead skin cells while oligosaccharides help reduce the appearance of pores and prepares the skin for products which follow. Shop here

The bottom line: The next time you’re wondering whether or not you really need to add another step to your skin-care routine, remember not to tune out toner. It eliminates dirt, grease, and grime to help clear your complexion and make the rest of your products work better.

Shop here for dermatological skincare products

Please message me to find out how to save on R+F Clinical Grade products.

Victoria ☺️

Can There Be A Downside To Some “Natural” Skincare Products ?

Don’t be fooled by some products (or the company’s) name. Words like ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ don’t necessarily mean what you think.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not have strict guidelines for ‘cosmetic’ (grade) skincare labeling or marketing definitions  -such as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’. This basically means that anyone can create a synthetic-based beauty product with just one plant derivative (that may do nothing for your skin), and put a label on it that says ‘natural product’.

Also, if a dodgy batch is released on the market (containing a nasty bacteria etc), the FDA does not have to recall the products. In fact, the Cosmetic manufacturers are not even required to register their cosmetic products or report cosmetic-related injuries to FDA at all.

‘Clinical’ grade skin products on the other hand are subject to FDA approval. In order to be approved, these products undergo months and months of rigorous testing and clinical trials.

Something else to consider

Natural is not always good for the skin. Apricot seeds (pits) are a natural way to exfoliate, but small sharp edges can create micro-tears in the delicate lipid barrier, allowing distress. Mould, bacteria, and fungus are natural but you don’t want them growing in your skincare? Poison oak is natural, but you wouldn’t want to rub it on your face?  Although red irritated skin, stinging and swelling are natural reactions to some of these “natural products” —it is not something we want to experience.

SO …..Organic labels on your food means something, but when it comes to skincare products, it is better to embrace science and technology over hype and false promises. Remember, just because products are labeled “organic” or “natural”, there is no guarantee that they are safe.

Rodan + Fields (skincare company) follow all FDA guidelines and constantly review ingredient information and testing data. They are also members of the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) which initiated the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel as an independent, nonprofit, scientific body that assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics and skincare products. In addition, irritant testing is conducted on all products and all regimens undergo dermatologist-run third party clinical testing to ensure safety and efficacy. The products are all cruelty free, meaning they are NOT tested on animals.

Rodan + Fields skincare products do contain high botanicals and other natural ingredients such as licorice and chamomile. However 100% natural ingredients do not address skin concerns and change the skin. Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields have over 50 years of experience as dermatologists witnessing the power of prescriptions and OTC-Over the Counter medications. They know that it takes a combination of natural products and real medicines to change skin. These results can not be achieved with 100% natural products. Some natural and botanical products found in Rodan + Fields products include;-  Chamomile, Licorice Root Extract, Avocado oil, Jojoba, Tea Tree, Ginseng Root Extract, Olive Fruit Extract, Macadamia Seed Oil, Lavender Oil, Aloe, Kaolin Clay etc..

Unfortunately    ….100% natural products often rot in the container before they get to you!!

SO ……always check products are ‘clinically tested’ and make sure it refers to the entire product, not just single ingredients.

If you are looking to improve your skin this year, why not try the Solution Tool (below website) and get your very own personalised Regime of clinical grade products.

https://visherwood.myrandf.com/au

ALSO …See below link for a great read

Why I Switched from Natural Facial Products to Rodan + Fields

 

Multi-Med Therapy

Product Range Spotlight…..

Rodan + Fields skincare products are based on a ‘multi-med therapy’ philosophy. This means using the right ingredients, in the right formulations, in the right order. To see real changes in our skin, it is vital to use high quality ingredients in safe and effective amounts and formulations. Rodan + Fields takes safety and efficacy very seriously. In order to achieve desired results (without adverse effects), each formulation has undergone months of rigorous clinical testing and has a clinical grade 99.9% purity. Did you know that other ‘cosmetic grade’ products are only approximately 70% pure (with no audits) and often contain bacteria.
With Rodan + Fields Multi-Med Therapy, great skin and the confidence and self-esteem that come with it, are within your reach.  To find out which product line is best for you please visit the Solution Tool …..& Write Your Own Prescription for Change.
https://visherwood.myrandf.com/au
Please PM me to find out how to save 10% and get free shipping.

Rodan + Fields are so confident that their products work, that they offer a 60 day money back guarantee.

Remember your Skin and health is an investment not an expense.

 

Melasma v’s Hyper-pigmentation

….The Low Down

Hyperpigmentation

Is common and usually harmless. Patches of skin become darker in colour due to an excess of the brown pigment ‘melanin’. Usually occurs from:-

• Sun damage over the years
• Post acne or other skin trauma (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). An example is dark marks that appear after a pimple.

Note:- every time unprotected skin is exposed to UVA rays, a signal is sent to your pigment producing skin cells (melanocytes), to produce more melanin.

 

Melasma

Melasma is a very common skin complaint. The condition causes brown, discoloured patches on the face. Usually on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. It’s also called chloasma OR the ‘mask of pregnancy’ (when it occurs in pregnant women). Melasma is much more common in women than men.

It is primarily related to a rise in women’s estrogenic hormones (such as progesterone), combined with sun exposure. These increased hormones trigger an overproduction of melanin in the skin. It is commonly triggered by birth control pills, hormonal changes in pregnancy or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Some women can however have a genetic predisposition. Most women with melasma have a history of sun exposure.

Melasma is most common among pregnant women, especially those of Latin and Asian descents. People with olive or darker skin, like Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern individuals, have higher incidences of melasma

Frustratingly, Melasma does not always disappear straight away after giving birth. During pregnancy the best defense in preventing melasma is sun protection.

Treatment for Melasma / Hyperpigmentation

• Sun protection +++
• Exfoliation – Removes dead skin cells and accelerates skin cell turnover.
• Chemical Peels – eg glycolic
• Topical products containing Hydroquinone -helps lighten melasma by inhibiting tyrosinase, which is the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin. Hydroquinone is a naturally occurring substance that is present in blueberries, broccoli and meats.
• Topical Retinol (derived from Vitamin A) – which also great for aging Skin (wrinkles) and acne –not recommended whilst pregnant.
• Topical products containing Vitamin C – help with lightening and brightening.
• Professional Microdermabrasions
• laser pigmentation removal – using specialised medical-grade Lasers.
• Skin needling (Dermal rolling) – stimulates the production of collagen to create smoother, healthier skin. It reduces pigmentation, acne scarring, stretch marks, fine lines, enlarged pores, and scarring in general.
• See the Beauty Booster treatment
• REVERSE – line of products (from Rodan + Fields) – have been clinically tested to help visibly even skin tone, to reveal your most radiant and natural complexion. Please visit
  https://visherwood.myrandf.com/au and try the Solution Tool for a personalised recommendation.

Note- Unless you want to end up right back where you started, there’s no use trying to tackle pigmentation / melasma unless your prepared to keep your face out of the sun. Diligent sun protection is vital.

Other skincare ingredients to look for-

Alpha hydroxy acids, Kojic acid, antioxidants, salicylic acid, licorice, Vitamin E, green tea, mulberry.