Life Changing Skincare & A Great Business Opportunity

As a Registered Nurse for over 19 years (working in Dermatology / Skincare) I have personally witnessed the difference Rodan + Fields clinically proven products have had on people’s skin.

My Story 

Personally I have dealt with skincare issues much of my own adult life. Predominantly hormonally triggered acne, but also sun damage, dry skin and a compromised skin barrier. I tried everything to remedy these persistent issues. What often worked for my breakouts made my dry skin worse and vice versa. A lot of time and money was spent on products that failed me.

Finally I discovered RF products which were not only clinically proved BUT also WORKED. The products completely changed the tone and texture of my skin.

Some R+F Background 

Rodan + Fields was founded by Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields – world renowned dermatologists. It’s a premium dermatological skincare brand backed by clinically tested results. It is the number #1 Skin Care (and anti-aging) brand in America and Canada. It’s overtaken Neutrogena, Clinique, Lancôme, Clarins & Estée Lauder etc. The Doctors vision was to provide a dermatological / cosmetic alternative to what was offered inside a medical dermatologists clinic. The products are only available online through consultants.

Join My Team In This Great Business

Have you ever thought about earning extra money, on your own time, from your computer or phone? I am looking for motivated, self starters to join my very supportive Rodan+Fields team. Becoming a consultant for the #1 skincare company in North America was one of the smartest things I have ever done. You do NOT have to purchase inventory, or have in home parties or events, or deliver product to your customers.  All products ship directly from corporate headquarters to your customers. Overall, pretty simple and absolutely no risk.

Since joining R&F (prior to the Australian Launch), business has boomed and I am thrilled that I can now spend more time with my family (and less time in the Skin Clinic). Being able to work from home has given me the life work balance that I have always hoped for and I haven’t looked back.

Change your skin and earn an income, with clinically proven skincare solutions that offer real results. Minimal start-up cost, products that are backed by a 100% guarantee, lucrative residual income and lots of support.

The Figures Speak for Themselves

One of my absolute favourite things about Rodan+Fields is their generous, risk free return policy. As a customer, if you are not 100% satisfied with your products, you can return for a full refund, no questions asked. This is another reason I joined the Doctors in business. They are so confident in their products, business model, and incredible success that they want YOU to feel confident in partnering with them, worry free. So, if you have even the slightest inkling about joining this business, please contact me. We have an amazing team with a positive culture and provide the support you will need to succeed online. The average millionaire has 7 streams of income …. How many do you have? Millionaire or not, adding additional sources of income is a wise thing to do. 

Many people are finding out the hard way that the jobs they have worked so hard for, aren’t able to cover all of their expenses. So many people already have multiple jobs and work long hours trying to make it all add up. Rodan+Fields just might be the perfect opportunity right here waiting for you. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you are at all curious 😌.  I am happy to answer any questions you may have.  Click here to learn more about joining my team and this great business opportunity.

OR Visit

https://www.rfglobalceo.com

Or to simply discover the products

https://visherwood.myrandf.com/au

Dry vs Dehydrated SKIN: Is there a difference? And what can we do to help?

DRY vs DEHYDRATED skin

‘Dry’ and ‘dehydrated’ seem like two words which describe the same thing. However there is a big difference between dry and dehydrated skin! To put it simply, dehydrated skin lacks water and dry skin lacks oil / lipids.

Dehydrated skin is caused by not having enough water content in your skin, however oil production may still be present. Meaning – you don’t need to have dry skin to have dehydrated skin!

Dehydrated skin is common among people who have acne-prone and oily skin. Especially if they use strong skincare products that strip water away from the skin.

DEHYDRATED SKIN

• Shows more fine superficial lines
• Looks dull
• Is thinner and more fragile
• Prevents skincare products from working as well as they could.
• Can be sensitive
• Feels rough
• Shows accelerated signs of ageing
• Has decreased elasticity
• Has a compromised lipid barrier, which means more moisture is lost and the skin is vulnerable to bacteria and irritants getting in. For some this can result in redness and irritation.

DRY SKIN

• Feels rough
• Appears dry and sometime flaky
• also has decreased elasticity
• Can have a pileup of dead skin cells which causes a loss of smoothness.
• Can be itchy
• The older we get, the less natural oils we produce.

 

How did my skin get so dehydrated?

Everyday life and the environment can negatively impact our skin. Sun, wind, harsh air conditioning, heaters and some harsh cleansers can leave the epidermis parched and fragile. In Winter, indoor heating removes humidity from the air which can cause are skin to become more dehydrated. Taking long hot showers in winter further exacerbates dry dehydrated skin.

Hydration

When you think of hydration it’s only natural to think of water. To hydrate something means to increase its water content. In relation to skin care, hydration means increasing the amount of water in your skin cells, which results in a healthy, smooth and plump complexion. When our skin doesn’t have enough moisture, it gets scaly, rough and dull—and can in fact look like the skin of someone far older. That means whether you’re in your 20’s OR 50’s or somewhere in between, you need to start making sure your skin is properly hydrated now!

When our skin starts to look and feel dehydrated our first instinct is to slather on heavy moisturiser . The tightness and dullness may go away for a few days or so, but then we find ourselves back at square one trying to solve the problem. Drinking plenty of water will help, HOWEVER since our skin is the last organ to absorb hydration, using topical ingredients that promote hydration are necessary as well.

Moisture and hydration skincare products may seem synonymous, however these products do different things. A moisturiser tends not to hydrate the skin. Instead it forms a barrier to prevent moisture from escaping. A hydration product on the other hand – actually brings water to the skin. So, if you want to show off a healthy glow at any age, make sure you give your skin the right combination of hydration and moisture.

What order should Hydration and Moisturising products be applied?

Since the purpose of hydrating is to bind water to our skin and moisturising is to prevent the water from leaving our skin, it’s important that hydration comes before moisturising. This is why serums are to be applied first (think thin to thick) . Then once you get that layer of hydration on, you need to seal it all in with a moisturiser. This combination creates the perfect balance.

 For those with particularly oily skin, you may not need to moisturise as often. So applying a hydrating product may sometimes be enough. However this only applies if your skin naturally produces enough oil to prevent water from leaving the skin.

A great way to keep your skin hydrated (and therefore looking younger) is with R+F Active Hydration Serum™. This hydrating, oil-free serum contains Hyaluronic Acid and 30% Glycerin to help defend against dehydrated skin. Why do we love this unique Hydration Serum? because it…..

• Is clinically tested for all skin types – even oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin.
• Immediately hydrates skin to its optimal level, maintains it throughout the day and continues to build over time with ongoing use.
• Incorporates 3D3P Molecular Matrix, which acts as your skin’s personal water reservoir, drawing and locking in moisture from the air as your skin needs it.
• Is OIL free
• Serves a totally different purpose than a moisturiser.
• Is clinically tested to boost Regimen performance for all skin types.

The Science

The secret is the patent-pending 3D3P Molecular Matrix. The key ingredients are cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin. These are powerful humectants (aka water magnets) and are the two best water binders on the market. Did you know Hyaluronic Acid can hold 1000 times its own weight in water! Together, these ingredients attract and lock in moisture which subsequently helps nourish and replenish dry skin. Active Hydration Serum is not like any other product on the market. It self adjusts to your skins needs and your environment to address hydration in a different way. Most moisterisers don’t add hydration to the skin. They just form a barrier that prevents moisture from escaping.

Incorporating Active Hydration Serum into your daily Regime?

Active Hydration Serum can be applied before moisteriser and makeup. Because hydrated skin responds more easily to products layered on top, using Active Hydration Serum will also help to boost the visible results of other products.

Click here to purchase. Please contact Victoria to find out how to receive a 10% discount + free shipping.

Other relevant and helpful information-

Skin Masks

Look after your skins protective lipid barrier 

Skin Supplements

What NOT to do

How to Nourish Sun Damaged Skin

Victoria Isherwood

(Registered Nurse / dermatology / Skincare)

Eczema

Exactly What Is Eczema?

Eczema (sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis) is a common condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. The severity can vary greatly.

Eczema is most common in children and will typically clear as they age. However, they will often continue to have sensitive skin AND eczema will often return again in later life.

As I’ve explained in previous articles, our skin should act as a protective barrier against external irritants and bacteria. However when the skin is affected by eczema (and the lipid barrier is compromised), external irritants and bacteria are able to penetrate into the skin and moisture is lost . This causes further irritation, inflammation and dryness, which can lead to cracks in the skin, itching, infection etc.

While the exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, we do know  that;-

Skin hypersensitivity and reactions are often the by-product of hypervigilant immune system skin cells (called Langerhans cells), thrown into overdrive by triggers such as environmental allergens, stress etc.

To put it simply, eczema is caused by inflammation of the skin.

TRIGGERS, which activate and exacerbate episodes of eczema include diet, hormonal, environmental, stress and lifestyle-related factors.

Common triggers include soap, perfume, detergents, stress and change in temperature or weather. Food allergies can also play a part, especially in young children. Individuals will react differently to different triggers.

Other Triggers

• Hormones: Women can experience increased eczema symptoms at times when their hormone levels are changing, for example during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.
• Stress: This is not a direct cause of eczema but can make symptoms worse. See mind-skin connection.

Mild cases of eczema can leave the skin irritated, dry, red, scaly and itchy, while the more severe cases can lead to weeping, bleeding and crusting of the skin.

Managing Eczema

For many people, the severity of flare-ups will lessen with maturity, and ‘some’ may completely outgrow it. However, as eczema can come and go throughout life, learning how to manage flare-ups and identifying triggers is the best course of action.

There are a number of things people with eczema can do to support skin health and alleviate symptoms, such as:

Avoiding external irritants and allergens

Common environmental irritants include:

• Harsh soaps, bubble baths, some shampoos
• Wool, nylon
• Grass and sometimes sand

Common allergens (substances that can aggravate eczema if you are allergic to them) include:

• pollens;
• house dust mites;
• animal dander (small scales from the skin and hair of animals).
• certain foods.

Note:  an allergy assessment by an allergist will properly identify the allergic triggers.

• As Overheating can make eczema worse,  therefor try not to have heating too high in winter, bathe in lukewarm water (not too hot), don’t use an electric blanket.
• Prevent your skin becoming dehydrated and dry (which are two different conditions).
• Wear cotton and soft fabrics, and avoid rough, scratchy fibers and tight-fitting clothing.
• Use a mild soap when washing and a non-soap cleanser (such as Soothe gentle cream wash).
• Gently pat (with a towel) or air dry rather than rubbing the skin dry after bathing.
• Avoiding rapid changes of temperature and activities (like heated yoga) that make you sweat excessively.
• learn and avoiding individual eczema triggers
• Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
• keep childrens fingernails short to prevent breaking the skin when itching.
• Use an emollient daily to keep the skin moisturised.
• Wear cool breathable natural fibres.
• Eczema can get worse when stressed or anxious, so consider relaxation techniques such as meditation. See Mind-Skin-Axis.
• Check ingredients of skincare products before use.
• See common skin conditions

Nutrition and skin health

As certain food allergy’s intolerance’s can aggravating eczema, keeping a food diary can help pin point the particular foods that may be causing flare-ups. Speaking to a nutritional professional will point you in the right direction here.

It is important to remember that eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder. Therefore avoiding inflammatory foods can greatly help manage eczema. See gut-skin connection article.

When it comes to healthy eating, certain Vitamins and Nutrients can have a very positive effect on skin health. Some of the key nutrients believed to be essential in maintaining good skin health include; essential fatty acids (EFAs such as salmon, wallnuts or Sea Buckthorn), Zinc, Probiotics, Selenium, Vitamin E (avocados), Vitamin D, Beta-carotene etc. See here for more info.

Everyone is individual and what your body needs, may be different to someone else’s. A nutrition professional can help you understand what foods may be causing your skin issues and guide you in the right direction.

Moisterisers / Emollients

Moisturising is one of the easiest (and most important) measures in protecting the skin barrier. It can also prevent itching and scratching, as well as reduce eczema flare-ups.

As eczema is a chronic condition, it is important to incorporate regular moisturising into your daily skincare routine.  – normally a cream or ointment that softens and soothes the skin. For very dry skin, this should be done twice per day.

• Avoid moisturisers that contain perfumes which can irritate the skin.
• Moisturisers should also be applied within 3 minutes of bathing to ‘lock in the moisture’

Rodan + Fields offers dermatologically tested and proven products that are gentle and safe enough to use on childrens delicate skin. Steps 2 & 3 from the Soothe Regimen are two of the products that I recommend. If you are looking for relief and just don’t know where to turn, please feel free to contact me to see if these products are right for you and your family.

Note: emollient is just another word for a moisturiser

Steroid creams and ointments?

Creams or ointments containing corticosteroid are commonly used for flare-ups of eczema. Steroid preparations can relieve itching by reducing inflammation. However it is important to discuss this with a dermatologist as using high-strength steroid ointments or creams over long periods can be associated with  side effects. Short term use intermitted (when required) is a better option.

Anti-itch preparations for eczema

Cold compresses, oatmeal baths, coal tar and pine tar preparations may help to relieve itchy skin.

Antihistamines are occasionally recommended to relieve itching that is disrupting sleep. Their benefit is partially due to the sedating effect – they do not completely suppress the itch. Sedating antihistamines (such as Phenergan) are therefore best taken at night.

The mind-skin connection

Some skin conditions, including eczema, have a psychological component. This is a dynamic is referred to as psychodermatology.  See more information here…

Also see

Light Therapy benefits

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse)

Typical Skin Changes In Our 40’s + what we can do to help….

Life happens and somehow the years fly by. Then before we know it we are in our fourth decade.

The changes….

Around our late 30’s / early 40s women typically go through a transitional period (which can last several years) caused by hormonal fluctuations. This period is often referred to as ‘perimenopause’.

Due to the shifts in hormone production (mainly progesterone and estrogen), perimenopause can bring about many changes. Unlike full-fledged (or early menopause), you DO continue to ovulate and you ARE still producing estrogen. In fact, your hormones will often test in the “normal” range.

Some of the typical changes that occur during this period of estrogen and progesterone fluctuations (and then decline) include:-

• Skin Changes – eg …dryer, thinning, adult acne, rosacea, pigmentation, increased sensitivity, less elastic, itchy, lines and wrinkles & volume loss.
• Hot Flushes
• Trouble sleeping
• Poorer concentration & also memory
• Anxiety 
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Increased PMS symptoms
• Fatigue
• Irregular periods – often short cycles + heavier bleeding.
• Weight changes
• Decrease in breast volume
• Change in sex drive
• Etc

Specific SKIN Changes

Changes in our skin predominantly occur due to:-

• the multiple effects of hormonal fluctuations
• a shrinking skeleton
• decreased collagen production
• accumulated sun damage over the years
• Repetitive facial expressions over the years (causing lines and wrinkles to become etched in). See more info here.

Adult Acne:

Beginning in our 30’s, our levels of androgens increase. Testosterone stimulates sebaceous glands to secrete thicker sebum. This can cause clogged pores and an increase the likeliness of adult Acne.

……see ‘Adult Acne’ Article for more information 

Facial Hair:

Due to the unstable progesterone / estrogen levels + increased testosterone, some women may develop the odd sprout (or two or three) of facial hair, particularly in the chin area.

Sagging Skin and Wrinkles:

When progesterone levels drop (causing estrogen to become unstable), fat deposits tend to become redistributed. Fat pads in our face (which provide support and structure) diminish. Instead our adipose cells can become more concentrated around the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Leading Dermatologist Dr Kathy Fields describes this as “fat redistribution from our face to our Fanny” 😳. The result of this loss of volume in our face, can be the formation of wrinkles and skin that appears less taut.

Continuous muscle contraction over the years, is another major contributor of facial wrinkles. Continuous muscle movement causes ‘dynamic wrinkles’ which only appear when the muscle is used, however, over time, if untreated, these wrinkles can become ‘static wrinkles’ which means they become permanently etched in our skin.

Thiner less elastic Skin:

Collagen is the supportive protein structure of our skin. It helps give skin it’s youthful plumpness. Skin stays more supple when there is enough progesterone …..which helps stimulate the production of collagen.

Sun Damage:

The maintenance of Melanocytes (cells that manufacture the pigment Melanin) is under the control of estrogens. As we move closer to menopause, the number of melanocytes in the skin is reduced. With less melanocytes, we produce less of the protective melanin and skin appears lighter. Our skin is therefore more prone to sun damage.

Pigmentation:

As estrogen helps regulate the production of melanin (pigment), melanin synthesis can increase (when estrogen decreases). This can then lead to brown “age spots”. These can appear on the face, hands, neck, arms and chest of many women. This is particularly evident in areas of our skin that have been exposed to the sun over the years. See here for more info on pigmentation and melasma.

Dry and sometimes itchy skin

Estrogen stimulates the production of oils in our skin and also our skins ability to hold moisture. So when estrogen production diminishes  – dry and sometimes itchy skin becomes common.

However it’s not all bad news, there it’s lots we can do which helps dramatically. If you haven’t yet whipped your anti-aging routine into shape, now’s the time—because it only gets harder from here.

What can help?

• A healthier diet – a healthy outside starts on the inside.
• Skip long hot showers which drys our Skin out.
• Supplements – such as Zinc (can do wonders for Skin), probiotics (as gut health is linked to Skin health), Omega 3’s which help with inflammation and dryness, Vitex, Sage, black cohosh etc. Speak to a naturopath.
• Sun protection +++
• read previous Gut Article!!
• See previous Adult Acne Article!!
• Retinol (Vitamin A) based night serums – is anti-aging as it helps with collagen building and the rate at which skin cells generate. Amp up your results even further by using a dermal-roller prior.
• Going to bed earlier – as lack of sleep can add to hormonal imbalance, inflammatory skin conditions and adult acne.  Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
• Manage stress – as cortisol can trigger skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and acne. Stress also robs us of progesterone.
• Exercise – helps with circulation (blood flow to your skin) and also stress management. See previous article.
• Quit smoking as it has been linked to early menopause.
• Some people choose to get mustcle relaxant injections – these work to prevent the formation of static wrinkles by stopping the signal between the nerve and muscle. The decreased movement in the muscle places less stress on the skin helping to give a fresh and youthful appearance. Anti-wrinkle injections are made from a purified protein that temporarily causes facial muscles to relax, instantly softening lines and wrinkles and reducing the severity of visible wrinkles. Please contact Victoria for more information on Laser Clinics Australia bookings. Or visit the  LCA website
• Hyaluronic dermal filler injections – once again, this is a personal choice made by some people. A dermal filler helps re-volumise and hydrate the face. Made from hyaluronic gel – a natural sugar already present in the human body. Hyaluronic can help restore fullness and volume in numerous facial areas. Visit here for more details.
• See the Beauty Booster Treatment
• Upgrade your Skincare Regime / Products – to suit your changing skin conditions. Visit the Solution Tool for further advice regarding which skincare products will best suit your individual skin concerns. 
• Skin Treatments….eg Skin Needling
• See ‘5 Of The Worst Things You Can do For Your Skin’
• Progesterone Cream helps a lot of women with Perimenopausal symptoms in general. I highly recommend Ona’s Natural Progesterone Cream
• To receive a discount on Ona’s natural progesterone cream use code : Vskin10
• Vitex – has been traditionally used in Western herbal medicine for menstrual cycle irregularities and to help relieve symptoms associated with PMS. It can also provide symptomatic relief of hormone-induced acne. Visit your local health food shop or nutritionist for more information.

 

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse / Dermatology) ☺️

 

 

Are Your Skincare Products Eco Friendly?

Enspired by recent Earth Day! 🌏 

Unfortunately not all Skincare products are kind to the environment!

Testing on animals?

Many people are surprised to learn that so many of the big name skincare and cosmetic companies test on animals. The good news is that there are some great great companies out there such as Rodan + Fields that are 100% cruelty free.

To find out more about which companies DO test on animals please visit:-

https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/companies-that-test-on-animals/

The bad list includes….

Microbeads and our Marine Life

In bays and estuaries all around the world (including Sydney), there are billions of particles of toxic plastic called microbeads. Sadly these microbeads are killing our fragile marine life!

Unfortunately microbeads are a common ingredient in cosmetic and household products. This includes some facial exfoliators, scrubs and polishes.

These microbeads are incredibly small. So small, in fact, that most wastewater treatment facilities can’t filter them out. The only way to stop microbeads from poisoning our rivers, lakes and oceans is to stop them entering delicate marine ecosystems in the first place.

Microbeads = toxic sponges

Microbeads function like miniature sponges, absorbing things like pesticide and other chemical runoff. In fact they are often a million times more toxic than the water they’re floating in 😫

Marine worms in our oceans ingest these toxic microbeads. The worms are then eaten by fish and other predators. Then if people then eat those poisoned fish, well… you guessed it, they’re at serious risk of falling ill from the toxic residue too.

To find out more about the devastating effect microbeads have on our marine life please visit:-

http://animalsaustralia.org/features/plastic-microbeads-poisoning-marine-life.php

🐠 Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion Paste does NOT have these non-biodegradable beads in them. Their product uses sugar and salt to polish and exfoliate the skin (helping to get rid of dead skin cells).

Other positive facts about R+F skincare company 

🌏 The vegetable gel capsules from the Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum and the Redefine Lip Renewing Serum all start to disintegrate when they come in contact with water.

🌏 All the products come in recyclable containers and clearly state on them, “Please recycle.”

🌏 The company aims to empower all women…. even   Mother Nature

🏅 They just received the award (for the 2nd year in a row) of #1 skincare line in ALL of North America!! The  numbers and awards speak for themselves 🥇

If you’re at all curious send me a message, happy to share some info 😊

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse / Dermatology)

The Anti-Aging Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Ever wondered why when it comes to anti-aging ‘Hyaluronic Acid’ is at the top of the list??

Hyaluronic acid (HA) -is a molecule that is naturally found in our SKIN and connective tissue. This naturally occurring polysaccharide, acts as a hydrating and lubrication agent for our joints, hair, SKIN, nerves and eyes. The reason HA is so unique (and loved by the beauty industry) is because of its amazing ability to retain moisture. In fact one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water.

A decrease in our skins moisture is one of the main culprits of aging skin. This is why this ingredient (which attracts moisture)—is a must-have when it comes to repairing your skin’s moisture barrier, or restoring volume loss.

Below is a summary of a great article written by the wonderful Dr Axe.

Hyaluronic Acid

So what is hyaluronic acid exactly, and how does it work?

Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating, clear substance that’s produced by the body naturally. In the human body, hyaluronic acid is found in the greatest concentrations in the skin, inside joints, within the eye sockets and in other tissues where it helps retain collagen, increase moisture, and provide elasticity and flexibility.

Today, HA is incorporated into different anti-aging beauty and health care products — you can now find hyaluronic acid lotions, creams, serums and supplements. There’s a good chance your dermatologist or cosmetic physician even offers HA in injection form (dermal fillers). Read on to learn why.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

Hydrates Dry, Aged Skin
Many people report that their skin feels “dewier,” the bags under their eyes become lighter and their skin texture is smoother after applying serums containing hyaluronic acid. The primary way in which HA helps improve appearance of “chronoaged skin” (skin aged due to sun exposure) is by reducing water loss. In fact, one reason that hormone replacement treatments sometimes cause the skin to look more youthful and less sun-damaged is because they increase the skin’s HA concentration.

Dryness, dandruff, thin lined lips, and fine lines are associated with aging skin because as we get older molecules in our skin lose some of their ability to bind and retain water. This not only causes dryness, but also decreases skin’s volume. Skin aging is triggered by both intrinsic and extrinsic aging, meaning daily environmental exposure to pollutants and UV light, along with the “the normal process of aging.” Studies show there are multiple sites in the skin involved in the control of HA synthesis, deposition, cell and protein association and degradation.

Researchers have found that stratum corneum dryness caused from prolonged sun exposure plays an important role in wrinkle formation. It’s now been shown that wrinkles and fine lines are usually also more visible in low humidity compared to high humidity environments because they further reduce the water-holding capacity and elasticity of the skin. HA can naturally help reduce the signs of aging by decreasing “epidermis water loss” associated with sun exposure, skin dryness or flakiness.

Wrinkle Reduction
Although most research shows that HA might take six weeks or more to improve skin’s appearance, some studies have found that anti-wrinkle HA serums can sometimes start to work within just two to four weeks of use. For more substantial anti-aging results, dermatologists now use prescription injections or formulas containing hyaluronic acids (including the dermal filler Juvéderm) to replenish lost facial volume and hydrate the lips etc.

Results from a 2014 double-blind, randomized clinical trial that appeared in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that products containing hyaluronic acid effectively decreased the appearance of wrinkles within 30 days of consistent use.

Treats Sores, Sunburns and Wounds    

Aside from lowering the appearance of wrinkles and dryness, HA is beneficial for treating mouth sores, ulcers, wounds, bites and burns due to how it keeps damaged tissue moist. It also provides sunburn relief. Many cold sore treatments for the lips and mouth contain hyaluronic acid gel to speed up the healing process and prevent cracking or bleeding.

HA is part of the structural component of the mouth and the lips, which are made up of connective tissues made partly from collagen and water. Collagen and HA help give lips their structure and shape. Because HA binds to water, it hydrates the skin and tissues within the mouth/lips and keeps skin junctions tight, helps bring nutrients to damaged tissues, controls inflammation and helps fluids carry out waste.

Lubricates Joints    

Hyaluronic acid is found in all bones, connecting tissue, joints, tendons and cartilage structures throughout the body — especially a type called hyaline cartilage, which covers the ends of bones and provides cushioning. Because it helps buffer bones and provides resistance to wear and tear, HA is useful for lowering pains and tenderness associated with degenerative joint diseases.

It’s also found in another important part of our joints called the synovial membrane, which forms a coating over two articulating bones and produces synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a “viscous fluid” that helps joints absorb shock, remain elastic and carry nutrients to cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid is now a popular substance used in supplements for treating osteoarthritis pain and injuries. It’s also been approved by the FDA for treatment of osteoarthritis when administered in relatively high doses through injections given by a health care provider. (3) Some research shows that lower doses can also be effective for reducing joint stiffness and chronic pain, although results seem to vary. The types of joint pains most commonly treated with HA include those of the elbows and knees.

Hyaluronic Acid Facts

The biggest advantage that hyaluronic acid has to offer is that it has a very high capacity for retaining water, whether on the skin, in the eyes or within soft tissue. HA is considered a glycosaminoglycan, which gives it its capacity to hold a large volume of water along with its high viscosity. Throughout the body, HA is distributed in many different tissues, especially in the skin, where it provides moisture and structure. The skin accounts for about half of all the HA found in the entire body.

Other body parts where HA is concentrated include tendons and joints, the membranes of the eyes, the umbilical cord, synovial fluid, skeletal tissues, heart valves, lungs, aorta, and prostate. HA is basically a very long link of carbohydrate molecules bound together that hold water and therefore allow for fluid movement and pressure absorption.

Over the past two decades, emerging research has shown that beneficial functions of hyaluronic acid include hydration, lubrication of joints, a space-filling capacity within tissue and between cells, building the framework through which cells migrate, repairing tissue and wounds, regulating activation of inflammatory cells (inflammation), enhancing immune responses, repairing injury of fibroblasts, and maintaining skin’s epithelial cells.

How Hyaluronic Acid Works:

HA has been referred to as “the key molecule involved in skin moisture.” In recent years, new skincare products have hit the market that contain hyaluronic acid, promising to make skin smoother, plumper, more even-toned and generally more “refreshed” looking. HA is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water — however, because the size of its molecules are relatively big compared to other acids, it’s never been easy for skin care manufacturers to produce a hyaluronic acid product that actually penetrates and stays on the skin.

Only in the past decade have scientists been able to create technology-advanced HA formulas that are capable of really seeping below the skin’s surface. Recent studies show that topical application of advanced (low molecular weight) HA serums can improve skin moisture and lead to significant reductions in wrinkle depth within just several weeks. HA is beneficial for reducing oxidative damage to the skin caused from both internal and external factors, especially ultraviolet irradiation (also referred to as photoaging).
• In addition to UV damage, researchers now believe that skin aging is also influenced by hormonal changes, including decreased production of sex hormones like estrogen. Decreased estrogen can result in collagen degradation, which leads to dryness, loss of elasticity and wrinkling of the skin (along with other aging problems, such as joint achiness and dry eyes).
Because HA is involved in slowing down collagen loss in addition to reducing fluid or water loss, it can also help improve joint lubrication, reduce pain, and treat various problems of the eyes and mouth.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid?

• Hyaluronic acid injections: These are administered by Doctors or Registered Nurses only, so talk a specialist about recommendations if you’re interested in having HA injections.
• Hyaluronic acid serums: Different brands contain varying concentrations and types of HA molecules. The most effective types have more than one size of hyaluronic acid molecules, since various sizes work in different ways. Studies have found that daily topical application of serums containing around 0.1 percent HA can lead to significant improvement in skin hydration, wrinkle appearance and elasticity.

Final Thoughts on Hyaluronic Acid

• Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating fluid that’s naturally found in the skin, eyes, joints, fluid and connective tissue.
• Because HA has a very high capacity for holding water, it’s used in supplement, lotions & serums and eye drops to give structure and moisture to damaged tissue.
• Certain types of HA also have anti-inflammatory properties and help reverse collagen/cartilage loss.
• Benefits of using hyaluronic acid including firming aging skin, reducing achy joints, moisturizing wounds and rewetting dry eyes.

This is a summarised version of Dr Axe’s article. The full article an be found at  https://draxe.com/hyaluronic-acid/

Note:- Hyaluronic Acid is one of the secret ingredients in R+F’s Active Hydration Serum. Click here to order.

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse) 🙂

The Importance of a Strong Skin Barrier

The below is a great extract from ‘Mind Body Green’ written by Amy Chang (2018). It really highlights the importance of a strong skin barrier. For years I personally suffered from hormonal adult acne. Having dry skin meant that the products I was using to treat breakouts were making my dry skin worse …and the products to (supposedly) nourish my dry skin were increasing my breakouts. I was suffering from product overload and a severely compromised skin barrier.

The breakthrough for me came after I switched skincare products. I was then able to fortify my skins natural moisture barrier. This meant my skin became more resilient,  less prone to irritation, and had fewer breakouts.

Extract below from Mind Body Green 2018

Note: The author Amy Chang is a Los Angeles-based influencer and founder of BOND EN AVANT, a beauty and wellness blog dedicated to sharing her journey exploring nontoxic skin care and makeup etc

The Skin Care Routine That Helped Clear My Adult Acne

If you get a pimple or two, is your first reaction to reach for something drying? It was always mine. But somehow, every time I approached treating my adult acne this way, all it did was make things worse. Much worse. I couldn’t understand why these prescriptions and products marketed as “acne treatments” weren’t working and were actually exacerbating the situation. I figured maybe I hadn’t found the right one. So, one after the other, I tried them all, desperately hoping one would work. Finally, after almost a decade of riding the acne roller coaster, I discovered how to clear up my adult acne. The first and most important step was realizing my acne was not a result of excess oil but rather dry skin, inflammation, and a disrupted skin barrier.

The Importance of a Strong Skin Barrier

‘The Acne Answer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Clear, Healthy Skin’, written by organic skin care founder and chemist Marie Veronique, was actually instrumental in bringing this understanding to light. In her book, Marie breaks down the importance of strengthening the skin’s barrier and rebalancing its microbiome, which many acne sufferers have severely—and unknowingly—disrupted due to prescription topicals, preservatives (i.e., parabens, phthalates) that can have microbiome and endocrine-disrupting capabilities, and overcleansing or overexfoliating the skin.
“With the skin microbiome,” she explained to me in our interview, “if you use a topical antibiotic for instance, clindamycin, it will kill all of the bacteria on your skin, disrupting the balance. It may work for a while, but once you stop, the bacteria can come back with a vengeance and can be very difficult to treat. We have been taught that when you start getting a breakout, you must use oil-free products, that you want to cleanse to get rid of the bacteria, but all you’re doing is drying out the skin, stripping it of the oils that are actually going to help keep your skin microbiome in balance and creating dry skin, which may invite more pathogenic bacteria to overcolonize. What started out as a little problem can quickly become a large problem.”

What finally worked to heal my cystic acne

Upon learning this from Marie, I decided to make an effort to avoid harmful synthetic preservatives and began employing a skin care routine aimed at strengthening my skin’s barrier and rebalancing its microbiome. Within weeks, my skin drastically improved.

Key tips to take away:-

Focus on reducing inflammation.

Even (adult) breakouts are commonly ‘inflammation’ in need of soothing, not something to overstrip and dry out. Re think your skincare products as you may be doing more harm than good!

Gentle Cleansing

Cleansing needs to be about removing impurities, without the use of harsh surfactants -which strip our skins natural (and beneficial) moisture. Two great options are R+F Soothe Gentle Cream Wash or Redefine Daily Cleansing Mask (with Koalin Clay). Click here to find out more or purchase.

Gentle physical exfoliation 

Exfoliation is absolutely essential in every skincare regime because it sloughs off a whole layer of dry, dead skin cells (causing dullness). This allows other products to then work more effectively. HOWEVER there’s a catch;- Most of the granulated exfoliants on the market are very harsh. In fact it is not uncommon for them to have apricot seeds (pits) as an ingredient.  The small sharp edges can easily create micro-tears in the delicate lipid barrier, allowing distress. This is not something we want to experience.

One of my favourite products is the R+F Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. This dermatologically developed product features Vitamins C & E + ‘sugar granules’ that melt away leaving the skin silky-smooth.

Ideally, an exfoliant should only be used 1-2 times per week instead of cleanser. To purchase click here.

For information on certain problematic skin issues please visit:-

Common Skin Conditions

Rosacea

Perimenopause & your skin

Adult Acne

Melasma & Pigmentation

😌 Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse – Skincare)

 

 

 

What Causes Wrinkles? …& what can we do to help

There are many factors that contribute to the lines and wrinkles that we developed over the years. Some contributors are out of are control, while others are from our own lifestyle circumstances and choices.

As we age our skin gets thinner, less elastic and drier. It also becomes less able to protect itself from damage.

When we are young, our skin springs back. HOWEVER -as we get older our skin looses collagen and it’s flexibility. Springing back becomes harder, resulting in permanent  (at rest) lines and wrinkles.

Types of Wrinkles

FINE SUPERFICAL LINES

These finer lines increase when our skin is dehydrated, sun damaged, or if your a smoker. They can also occur due to our sleep position.

DEEP WRINKLES

Every time our facial muscles move (when we speak or make facial expressions such as frowning) our skin moves too. This is called ‘dynamic movement’ – producing dynamic wrinkles. Overtime, dynamic wrinkles will turn into ‘static lines’. This means they are permanently etched in our skin.

In addition, the loss of volume (mainly fat cells) under our skin means there is less ‘support’. This is a natural part of aging and leads to increased wrinkling and sagging.

A number of avoidable lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute to the development of lines and wrinkles.

Smoking
Tobacco contains loads of toxins including;- carbon monoxide, nicotine, formaldehyde, mercury, lead and tar. These chemicals damage collagen and elastin within the skin. They also cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Skin is then less able to rejuvenate and repair itself. In addition to this, constantly squinting to avoid getting cigaret smoke in the eyes, and puckering the lips = lines around the eyes and mouth. See 5 of the worst things you can do for your skin.

The sun
Sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially for fair-skinned people.

Our sleep position
Sleep creases result from the way the head is positioned on the pillow and may become more visible after our skin starts losing its elasticity. Lying predominantly ‘face-down’ is typically the culprit. So trying to change sleep position can improve these sleep creases, or at least prevent them from becoming worse.

Dehydrated skin
As we age, it becomes harder for our skin to maintain its moisture levels. It also becomes increasingly common for our skins ‘lipid barrier’ to become impaired. This then leads to moisture loss / dehydration. The Skin also becomes more susceptible to bacteria and pollutants penetrating the impaired barrier.  Several factors can lead to dehydrated skin such as:-

What can help slow down the aging process

1) Protect your skin from the sun
– slip slop slap and include SPF in your day Cream

2) Don’t smoke
3) Choose skincare formulas rich in active anti-aging  ingredients eg retinol

3) Avoid dry dehydrated skin
Avoid long hot showers which draws moisture out of your skin. Avoid harsh cleansers. Change your skincare products to suit your aging skin, see multi-med therapy and  Active Hydration Serum

4) Smarten up your diet
Increase your fatty acid intake. Omega 3’s and Omega 6 help boost the skins barrier -which keeps moisture in and irritants out. Good sources include salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts, Sea buckthorn. Take Supplements if your diet is not up to scratch (Omega 3’s & Zinc is a good start). See Anti-Aging Superfoods.

5) Skin Treatments
– See Rolling back the years & LED
– Muscle relaxants (aka anti-wrinkle injections).

Anti-wrinkle injections work to prevent the formation of static wrinkles by stopping the signal between the nerve and muscle (temporarily causing the muscle to relax). The decreased movement in the muscle places less stress on the skin helping you maintain a fresh and youthful appearance. This treatment is most effective when used as a preventative measure. Anti-wrinkle injections are made from a purified protein.
Deep wrinkles can be treated with dermal fillers which replace the volume that has been lost under the skin.

Other
See 7 proven ways to nourish sun-damaged Skin.            See 5 of the WORST things you can do for your SKIN

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse)

Retinol

 The answer is: YES

Retinol (Vitamin A) is clinically proven to make a huge impact on how skin ages. Dermatologists have been prescribing it for decades as the gold standard for promoting skin cell turnover and collagen production. It can help with:-

• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Scarring
• Uneven skin tone
• Controlling breakouts
• Keratosis pilaris
• Preventing clogged pores
• Sun damaged skin

SO …..when it comes to delivering long-term benefits and creating a more youthful appearance, it certainly gets an A+.

However, there’s a hitch: Prescription Vitamin A causes irritation and can be very drying, which makes daily use very difficult.

So how can you reap the benefits of Vitamin A without the irritation or the need for a Doctors script??

One way is to use products that contain a very low percentage of Retinol – this would be less irritating to the skin, but also less potent and effective (compared to prescription Vitamin A). The innovative way is to use Rodan + Fields Intensive Renewing Serum, which is the closest thing you will find to prescription strength WITHOUT drying your skin out.

This is because Intensive Renewing Serum contains a proprietary blend of powerful peptides and Retinal-MD (which is 20 times the strength of regular retinol). This will allow for visibly improved skin WITHOUT the side effects. The time-release technology keeps this anti-ageing serum working all night long to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores for firmer, younger-looking skin. SO …..you can revitalise the appearance of your skin while you sleep. It is designed to be tough on the signs of aging and not on your skin.

What about oral Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a super important antioxidant / fat-soluble vitamin. It is crucial for maintaining overall health and keeping our SKIN healthy and clear. See here for the multiple skin benefits of oral vitamin A (including the best dietary sources).

Q&A:

Why should topical Retinol only be applied at NIGHT time?

Its important to keep your skin away from direct sunlight when using retinol. This is because retinol makes skin super-sensitive to UV rays and more likely to burn. In addition, the sunlight makes the product less effective. SO ALWAYS apply retinol serums in the evening before bed and remember to use sunscreen every morning.

Why does R&F Intensive renewing Serum (Retinol) come in small capsules?

The patented capsules eliminate the product’s exposure to oxygen. Oxygen decreases the efficacy of retinol dramatically – hence the creation of these little blue capsules! This intensive serum is as close as you can get to prescription Vitamin A without a visit to a doctor.

Pregnant woman and Vitamin A?

If pregnant please speak to your Doctor or Midwife before considering topical or oral Vitamin A. This is because high levels of vitamin A early in a pregnancy increases the risk for birth defects.

 

Click here to purchase or to find out which other products may suit your Skin type. Please message Victoria to find out how to get an instant discount and free shipping.

Want to amp up your Retinol Serum even further? Visit here

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse)

 

5 of the WORST things you can do for your SKIN.

1) smoking

Nicotine reduces blood flow to your skin, which means it doesn’t get an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. The chemicals in tobacco also damage collagen and elastin proteins (which give our skin its structure).

In addition, years of puckering the lips to hold a cigarette, or squinting your eyes to keep out smoke – deepens lines and wrinkles in those areas.

2) Going to bed without washing your face.

It can be tempting to skip the evening Skincare Regime after a long day of work (or a night out). However -not cleansing your face before bed (especially if you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen) leads to clogged pores, breakouts, dullness, rough skin texture, bacterial buildup and sometimes irritation.

In the evenings, it is very important to start your skincare regime with the removal of makeup or sunscreen. Otherwise your facial mask, scrub, or cleanser will purely be removing makeup rather than doing its job of removing impurities from your pores etc.

SO for healthy and vibrant looking skin, cleanse morning AND night.

3) Taking long, hot showers

Steamy showers may be comforting on cold winter days, however they also tend to dry our skin out. Hot water can strip skin of essential moisture and natural oils. For some this can result in dry, scaley, and itchy skin. This is especially bad news for those who already suffer from skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. SO for the sake of your skin, turn the temp down to moderately warm, try and avoid letting the stream of water directly hit your face AND exit before your skin starts to prune. Then after your shower, always apply hydration/ moisterising products as soon as you have dried yourself.

 

4) Not getting enough z’s

Studies have shown that while we sleep, our skin repairs and regenerates. New Skin cells are also created and old or damaged ones are shed. Our skin also makes the most of any night serums and creams that are applied.

A lack of sleep also causes an increase in our stress hormones (cortisol etc) which as previously discussed (see here), can lead to many Skin issues such as acne, rosacea and psoriasis. Cortisol can also cause disruption to our collagen cycle, and also a lowered immune system in general.

The average person should aim to snooze for approximately eight hours a night. Establishing a good nighttime routine will help you get a better night’s sleep. This includes avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, avoiding blue light (from devices) an hour before bed time, sleep in a dark & quiet room, and try to go to bed at a similar time each night (well at least midweek).

Lastly ….sleep deprivation also leads to dark swollen under-eye areas.

5) Not using sunscreen – all year         round.

UVB rays—the ones responsible for burning—are much stronger during the summer, but UVA rays tend to remain pretty constant all year long. SO don’t just reserve your SPF for summer days at the beach. It should be included in your skincare regimen pretty much every day.

A daily moisturizer with SPF built in is the easiest solution for a lot of people.

Visit here for more information on sundamaged skin.

Other

Need help with your skincare regimen? Please feel free to contact me OR visit the Solutin Tool.

☺️ Victoria