How to Layer Your Skin Products?

Skincare can be confusing. From the toners, the serums, the a.m. moisturiser, the p.m. moisturiser etc ….your skincare regime can quickly turn into a nightmare!

Order Matters, Here’s Why

You might have the most amazing skincare products in the world, however if you’re applying them in the wrong order, you will NOT be getting the full benefits.  In fact not only will incorrect application diminish the overall effectiveness of your routine, it can leave your skin dehydrated, irritated or with break-outs!

Studies have found that matching a good skin care regimen with a healthy lifestyle is the best way to slow the signs of aging.

Think Thin-to-Thick

So which order should product be applied? An easy rule of thumb is to cleanse and then simply apply products with the thinnest consistency to the thickest.

This generally insures that:-

1) The products with the most important ingredients penetrate into the skin efficiently (eg antioxidants & active ingredients in serums).

2) You will finish with the products that help lock everything  in.

Step 1: Makeup Remover

If you wear makeup or sunscreen during the day, then a double cleanse in the evening is a must (you can skip this step in the mornings). SO either use makeup wipes, micellar water OR another gentle makeup-removing cleanser.

Step 2: Cleanser (or exfoliation)

Once your makeup is off, it’s time to actually clean your skin. You can start here in the mornings. In the evenings, this step will also ensure that you haven’t left any makeup remover residue on your skin (where it could lead to irritations or breakouts).

Starting the day with a gentle cleanser (or cleansing mask) will ensure the serums and moisturisers (that are layered on afterwards) will penetrate properly. It will also allow for a smoother make-up application (during the day).

An exfoliation product may replace a cleanser in this step once or twice per week.

Step 3: A Modern Day Toner

Back in the day, toners were harsh alcohol-based liquids that often irritated the skin. However today’s toners are filled with gentle ingredients to help clear pores and add nutrients to the skin.

Step 4: Serums

Remembering THINK to THICK!

Serums are usually super-concentrated and nutrient-dense, to address specific concerns (such as general aging, pigmentation or dehydration). SO it’s important that the skins pores efficiently absorb serums first.

See here for a good example of a hydrating day serum. OR here for more information on Retinol serum (for night).

Step 5: Lock it in!

A Moisturiser cream ‘locks in’ all of the active ingredients and hydration that you’ve just applied. Preferably use a am cream in the morning and a pm cream at night. 

The best time to apply a moisturiser is while the skin is still slightly damp, so theres no need to wait until your serum is completely dry before applying a moisturising cream. 

Step 6: Optional add-ons 

Eye cream , foundation, additional sun cream 

Remember thin-to-thick!!

Fortunately Rodan + Fields has made all of the above super easy

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.

Why Exfoliate?

One of the fastest and most effective ways to brighten up dull skin is to exfoliate — that is, to remove old skin cells, revealing newer skin underneath.

SO …. Out with the old; in with the new

Exfoliating helps with cell turnover, the natural shedding of dead cells that slows down as we age. If these cells accumulate, skin can feel rough and look dull. Exfoliation helps remove some of that debris, so skin is smoother and reflects light more evenly.

Some of the below extract taken from DermRF

There are two different ways to accomplish this instant New Year’s transformation: Mechanical exfoliators polish away dead cells using granules, such as sugar or salt crystals. Chemical exfoliators, which include glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid, dissolve the bond between old cells and the newer ones underneath.

So which exfoliation method is better? Rodan + Fields founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields recommend both. “We’re fans of both gentle chemical and mechanical exfoliation, with the key word being ‘gentle,” they explain in their book Write Your Skin a Prescription for Change. “In our experience, it takes the perfect combination of the two to dissolve the bonds between cells without irritating skin and to sweep away dead cells, leaving skin soft and smooth.”

The Doctors’ advice: “Don’t overdo it.” If you don’t exfoliate regularly and want to start, or if you’ve only used one kind of exfoliator and would like to add the chemical or mechanical product you’re missing, give your skin time to get used to it:

1. Start slow, and don’t overscrub. If your skin looks red or feels raw, take a break and give it a chance to recover.

2. Treat your face and body differently. The skin on elbows, knees and heels may respond well to daily exfoliation, while your face may prefer it every few days. And avoid the temptation to use a body scrub on your face; the exfoliating particles may be too aggressive. (If you’re looking for one scrub formulated for both face and body, try R+F Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste.).

3. For best results, moisturize after you exfoliate.

Why else do we love Enhancements Microdermabrasion Paste?? …because they’re eco-friendly (see here)

Looking for more great dermatological skin products? See here

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse / Dermatology)

Protection – A skincare step NOT to miss!

In a world where people are spending thousands of dollars on skincare products and treatments (for anti-ageing and pigment correction), it’s ironic that the most simple, yet neglected step is sun protection.

We know that the sun is a major contributor to aging skin. It causes sun spots, wrinkles, dullness, hyper pigmentation, broken blood vessels, enlarged pores, thickened skin and more.

Pigmentation is usually the result of too much sun, creating freckles, age spots or larger discoloured skin patches. Research has shown that it is one of the biggest contributors to looking older – equal to wrinkles.

Fast facts

The vast majority of visible signs of ageing or hyperpigmentation are a result of the sun …and its damaging UV rays. In fact, up to 80% of premature ageing is thought to be attributed to the sun.

Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world (due to our proximity to the equator and frequent blue skies). 

MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT SUMMER SUN PROTECTION

1. What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays emit the same amount of radiation from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are stronger in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2. Are UVA and UVB rays equally harmful to skin?

Yes, but they affect it in different ways. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and skin redness. (Think “B” for “burning.”) They cause inflammation, surface dryness and excess dry skin buildup.

UVA rays are weaker than UVB rays but pass further into your skin. They stimulate excess pigment, resulting in dark marks, age spots and dullness. UVAs also break down collagen and elastin, causing lines, wrinkles and sagging. UVA rays can penetrate glass, which means they harm your skin even while indoors.

3. What does SPF stand for, and how does it work?

SPF is short for “Sun Protection Factor.” The higher the SPF, the more protection. But exactly how long a sunscreen protects you depends on your skin color and its tolerance to UVB rays.

To get a sense of how long you can stay in the sun, multiply your sunscreen’s SPF number by the amount of time it takes your skin to burn in the sun.

If your skin turns red in 10 minutes without sun protection, your math would look like this:

• SPF 15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) without getting burned

• SPF 30 x 10 minutes = 300 minutes (5 hours) without getting burned

…but there’s a little more to it than this. First, no sunscreen can block out 100% of the sun’s rays. Since you can’t rely on sunscreen for complete protection, be sure to cover up your body and wear a big hat and sunglasses.

4. What’s the difference between physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?

The two types of sunscreens protect skin in different ways and have different properties. Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, reflect and scatter light and are gentle on skin — which is why Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH and SOOTHE sunscreens are physical sunscreens. Chemical screens, such as avobenzone, absorb light and blend well with more ingredients. Rodan + Fields REVERSE, REDEFINE and ESSENTIALS sunscreens are chemical sunscreens.

Whether physical or chemical, all broad-spectrum sunscreens should be formulated to protect against damage from both UVA and UVB rays.

5. How much sunscreen do I need?

More than you probably think! Apply one tablespoon of sunscreen to your face and one ounce — the amount that would fill a shot glass — to your body for adequate sun protection.

6. How frequently should I reapply sunscreen?

One application of sunscreen won’t protect your skin for the entire day. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours — more frequently if you’ve been in the water. This is true even if you’re using a sunscreen with a high SPF.

See here for another great product which contains SPF

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse / Skincare)

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Protect, Glow + GO – with Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid

DERMACOSMETICS Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid with SPF 25 – the last necessary step in your skincare regimen that protects and perfects!

Introducing the new, groundbreaking tinted Glow Guard, Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid Broad Spectrum SPF 25. Formulated with dermatology-inspired skincare ingredients to deliver a radiant, healthy-looking complexion in six flexible shades.

What is Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid?

Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid is a multi-tasking Glow Guard that perfects the look of skin and protects your natural glow, delivering a radiant, healthy looking complexion. Formulated with R+F’s proprietary RD3 Complex, it provides skin with three types of defense: environmental defense, barrier defense, and photo defense.

This innovative product not only provides powerhouse protection but also instantly perfects skin, blurring imperfections without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

Radiant Defense is available in six luminous shades. Coverage is buildable so you are in control of the perfecting process.

Why Do We Love this New Product?

• Environmental Defense: helps neutralize the harmful effects of environmental aggressors.
• Barrier Defense: helps repair skin’s natural moisture barrier to defend itself against dry, irritated skin and the visible signs of emotional stress.
• Photo Defense: Contains broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against sun damage caused by UVA and UVB rays and absorbs infrared light.
• Rodan + Fields’ proprietary RD3 Complex combines a powerhouse of ingredients including an exclusive peptide, which acts as a shield alongside antioxidants such as Blueberry Fruit Extract and Red Algae.

 

Who can use Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid?

This product is for all skin tones from fair to deep. It comes in 6 flexible, natural looking shades. It is also appropriate for all skin types, even for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Use as the last step of your skincare routine to protect and perfect the glowing skin you’ve earned. ****LAUNCHING 2 OCTOBER 2018*****

Click here to purchase

See recent press here

 

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 ☺️

Skin Masks

Skin masks are nothing new. Women have been using them since ancient times. So, exactly what are the benefits of masks?   …and what should the number one essential ingredient be?

• Masks can unclog pores without stripping all your essential natural oils.
• Masks can boost and nourish the skin.

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay is one of the oldest cosmetic ingredients around and has stood the test of time, still producing excellent results. It is the number one essential ingredient to look for in a mask.

Why Kaolin Clay?

• Draws impurities from your pores without robbing your skin of essential moisture.
• Eliminates toxins.
• It’s Gentle.
• Helps boost cell renewal.
• Can increases circulation.
• Is rich in phytonutrients that help nourish and soften your skin.

 

More on Phytonutrients…..

Phyto is the Greek word for plant, meaning that the word phytonutrient literally means a ‘nutrient from a plant’. The role of phytonutrients in plants is to protect the plant from disease, bacteria, fungi, drought, ultraviolet rays, and pollutants in the air. Studies are showing that many of these benefits can be applied to human health too. 

You will notice how much softer your skin feels once you introduce the REDEFINE® Daily Cleansing Mask to your skincare routine. PM me for more details or visit the Solution Tool to find out if you should be incorporating  a cleansing mask into your daily routine.

Victoria Isherwood 😌 (Registered Nurse, Dermatology)