25 Beauty Lessons In 25 Years—What I’ve Learned From My Time In the Skincare Industry

Beauty and skincare have been a formative part of my life since I was a little girl. I used to spend hours watching my grandma Irene pamper her clients at her salon, the Powder Puff Beauty Shoppe. The way I saw her clients’ faces light up when they left a treatment feeling good about themselves really stuck with me and ultimately led me down the path I’m still on today.

I could’ve never imagined all those years ago that I’d end up where I am now—an entrepreneur following in my grandmother’s footsteps, celebrating the 25th anniversary of my very own skincare company! Without her support (she gave me my first dollar along with her first dollar for good luck) and the support from all of you, this never would have been possible. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

In the spirit of the 25th anniversary of Renée Rouleau Skincare, here are the 25 beauty lessons that have shaped how I care for myself and have stuck with me throughout the years. Enjoy!

1. Hang Your Head Upside Down for 2 Minutes Every Night

Since circulation naturally slows down with age, on most nights, I hang my head upside down off the side of my bed to bring blood flow to my face. This helps to increase oxygen and bring fresh blood and new nutrients to the skin cells. It gives an instant boost for an inner glow so my skin appears “lit from within.” Here are 10 more of my tips for bringing a glow to dull-looking skin.

2. Your Clothing Choices Matter

I spend a lot of time in workout clothes since I exercise daily, but I’ll often stay in those clothes throughout the day before I’m able to get a shower in. To avoid having to mess with sunscreen application on the chest area, I avoid wearing tank tops. Instead, I opt for crew neck t-shirts (often long-sleeved) so the clothing material can provide protection from cumulative sun damage. It may seem like a small thing, but every skin decision you make adds up over a lifetime and this will help prevent permanent sun damage on the chest. Remember, preventing daily skin damage is so much easier and less expensive than trying to get rid of it later.

Another thing I pay attention to is the colors of the clothing I buy. When I’m shopping for regular clothes, I’ll often avoid yellow-based colors like mustard, olive green, khaki, bronze, and burnt orange shades. This is because warm, yellow-based colors aren’t compatible with my natural complexion and can leave me looking dull, or sallow. Instead, I’ve noticed that cool-toned colors like pink, light blue, and silver generally enhance my skin’s natural glow and brightness. Of course, different colors work well with different complexions, but I’d suggest taking note of which colors make your skin “pop” and which ones tend to wash it out.

3. Try to Book a Window Seat on an Airplane So You Can Block Out Skin-Damaging UV Rays

On a plane, you’re 30,000 feet closer to the sun than usual and this puts your skin at risk for damage. Remember that harmful UV rays (especially UVA rays) can still penetrate through windows. These UVA rays are the ones that are responsible for damage to your cells’ DNA, so I always choose a window seat when I can. This way, I can close the shade and protect my skin.

4. There Are More Skin Types Than Just Dry, Normal, and Oily

When I was in school training to become an esthetician, we studied the standard dry, normal and oily skin types. Once I got my license and started working hands-on with clients in my practice, I quickly realized each person had very unique concerns and that these skin types were far too limiting. Occasional adult acne with the signs of aging showing up—what skin type is this? What about people dealing with sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation? It was soon after that I determined there were 9 types of skin and that each must have a curated routine exclusively for their unique skin needs. This philosophy would become one of the building blocks of my brands, and I’m proud to say it’s served me (and my customers!) well for 25 years.

5. Wear Foundation Makeup Every Single Day

I started my esthetics career in Boston where women don’t wear much makeup, and when I relocated to Texas where many wear it daily I came upon a great discovery: Southern women overall have fewer visible wrinkles and a smoother texture. I believe it’s because the foundation makeup they’ve worn daily for years has provided additional protection from the sun’s damaging rays. Because of this, I wear foundation makeup or mineral powder every day of the year and encourage my clients to do the same.

Learn more about how makeup can give your skin additional sun protection.

6. Makeup Can Do Wonders—Especially to Give Skin a Glow

Clients always come to me wanting to achieve glowing skin and a smooth texture. Skincare products and treatments are definitely an important building block of healthy-looking skin, but I always tell clients not to discount the magic effects of makeup when it comes to getting that “glow.” This includes pore-minimizing makeup primers, “blurring” foundations, and shimmery powders that allow the skin to reflect light. Read more about the makeup products I use for glowing skin.

7. For Treating Under-Eye Dryness, Don’t Rely Solely on an Eye Cream

To help manage dryness and soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, moisturizing with an eye cream alone won’t cut it. You must gently exfoliate the eye area (this is best done by using a gentle, acid-based serum made for the delicate eye area) to dissolve and remove dry skin cells. When you add in a product like this on a regular basis, your eye cream can work more efficiently to provide better effects. 

Not using an under-eye exfoliator is only one of the reasons your eye cream may not be working.

8. To Make a Blemish Go Away Fast, You Must Treat It in Sync With Its Life Cycle

When it comes to blemishes, the goal is to make them go away as fast as possible with the least amount of post-breakout discoloration. The biggest mistake I see people make when treating a blemish is immediately applying a harsh, drying spot treatment the moment it appears. The problem with this strategy is that it creates a barrier of dry skin over the blemish, which can keep the infection trapped under the skin longer than your body intended. This prevents the whitehead from easily being released through the skin’s surface. The longer the infection stays within the skin, the more it stretches out the surrounding tissue and creates melanin activity, leading to a longer-lasting discolored mark. I know it feels like you need to do everything you can to get rid of a blemish fast, but the less you do to it and the more you let it naturally correct itself, the faster the recovery. (This includes no picking!)

9. Don’t Neglect Your Neck

When it comes to applying sunscreen to the face and neck, many people make the mistake of applying it to the face and then using whatever is leftover on their fingers and running it down their neck. I can assure you, the neck will not be adequately protected if you do this because sunscreen must be applied generously in order to be effective. I always apply one generous layer to my face and then squeeze more out of the tube and do another full application to the neck, the sides of the neck, and the ears. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been able to tell someone took great care of the skin on their face but neglected their neck—it can definitely give away your age if the two don’t match!

10. Avoid Using Straws or Drinking Out of Narrow Bottles

Just like squinting, repeated facial expressions and movements will break down collagen and elastin fibers over time. When drinking a beverage, I always avoid using straws or drinking out of a narrow bottle to avoid having to purse my lips because this can cause unnecessary lines and wrinkles around the mouth (similar to smoker’s lines). Little lifestyle changes like these can add up and make a difference over the course of a lifetime.

11. Don’t Leave Your Skin Bare for Longer Than 60 Seconds After Cleansing

Skin cells are like fish and need water to live. Without it, your skin’s health is compromised and this is never ideal in the quest for plump, dewy, and bouncy-looking skin. Since we wash our faces twice every day, that’s 730 times a year that you risk the chance of dehydrating your skin during the cleansing process. After washing your face and patting it dry with a towel, your bare skin is at its most vulnerable to dehydration through a process called osmosis. You have a 60-second window before moisture evaporation will occur—I call this window the Golden Minute. By applying your products within this 1-minute window, you can prevent dehydration and lock in moisture for healthy, happy skin. Start by immediately applying an alcohol-free toner after cleansing, then follow it with a serum and moisturizer. Doing so ensures the skin never gets an opportunity to have that tight, dry feeling, which means unnecessary dehydration didn’t occur.

12. Heat (Not Just From the Sun) Can be a Trigger for Hyperpigmentation

For years, it was thought that sunspots were just like the name suggests—spots caused by the sun. We now know that heat also makes pigmentation worse by increasing the activity of melanocytes when the skin’s internal temperature is raised. Aside from being outside on a hot summer day, this could be from a hot stove if you are a cook or chef working in a kitchen, saunas, steam rooms, and exercise (particularly hot yoga). If pigmentation is a concern, try to minimize heat activation in your skin (along with these other tips to prevent summer sunspots).

13. Layering and Mixing Serums Won’t Get You Very Far

Layering and mixing (or “cocktailing”) products, especially serums, has become a popular skincare trend in the last few years, but it’s not an effective strategy. When it comes to layering, the truth is the skin can only absorb so much. At a certain point, you’re just wasting money by dousing your skin thinking you’re getting benefits from each layer. Think of your skin as a sponge in that, at some point, a sponge has absorbed all it can and water starts just pouring over the top. This eventually happens with your skin as well.

As for mixing serums together, you’ll get half the results from each serum because of dilution. In addition, mixing ingredients in your bathroom isn’t the same as mixing them in a lab, and you never know if the ingredients will play well together. Instead, I prefer a rotation strategy when it comes to serums: use one serum at full strength each night so they can give you the full spectrum of intended benefits.

14. Never Interfere With Your Sunscreen

When sunscreen comes out of the tube, you’re getting the exact formula that’s been clinically tested to determine the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). One common mistake I see is that people will mix their sunscreen with another product, such as a skin oil, to give the skin a dewy glow. While this may look nice, you’re altering a carefully crafted formula and can no longer guarantee you’re getting the full protection indicated on the label. Some people will apply an oil over their sunscreen instead of mixing the two together, but the oil could degrade your sunscreen faster throughout the day leaving your skin more vulnerable to damaging UV rays.

Of all the skincare products you want to work well, sunscreen is number one on the list. Apply it generously, and don’t interfere with the formula. Here are 5 ways you may be unintentionally making your sunscreen less effective.

15. Drinking Water is the Least Efficient Way to Hydrate Your Skin

While drinking water is obviously important for your overall health, this is actually the least efficient way to hydrate the skin. Water runs through the intestines, is absorbed into your bloodstream, and is then filtered out by the kidneys. At this point, it will hydrate the cells inside the body and isn’t very likely to make it all the way to the outer layers of your skin. Instead, hydration levels within the skin have more to do with what you apply topically. To maintain proper hydration levels in the skin, use well-formulated moisturizers, serums, and alcohol-free toners.

16. Making DIY Skincare Products From Foods Found in Your Kitchen Won’t Give Your Skin Much Benefit

An ongoing trend in skincare is using items found in your refrigerator and pantry to make your own skincare products. This has been fueled, in part, by the “green beauty” movement (learn more about my thoughts on green beauty and the safety of products.) The thought of using something in its natural, unadulterated form seems like the healthiest, most non-toxic way to go—right? Unfortunately, achieving clearer, healthier, younger-looking skin isn’t as easy as using ingredients found in your kitchen. Here’s the real truth. 

When you eat something, your saliva starts to break it down. It then passes through the digestive tract, and nutrients from the food are distributed throughout the body where they are needed. The skin doesn’t have the same processes as the digestive system; therefore, it isn’t really possible to put food on your face and expect the nutrients to easily enter the skin. This is where cosmetic chemists come in—a huge part of their job is figuring out how to make ingredients bioavailable to your skin so that it can actually reap the benefits.

17. Never Exfoliate Your Skin daily

If you’re exfoliating your skin every single day, you’re probably damaging your skin’s protective barrier. Since I started out as an esthetician, I’ve noticed a sharp rise in damaged skin barriers and this is definitely due, in part, to the increased popularity of exfoliating products. I know the glow they give can be addictive, but overdoing it on exfoliation will lead to inflammation that leaves your skin looking and feeling strained. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good at-home peel, facial scrub, or exfoliating serum, but be sure to give your skin a break so you don’t stress it out. Here’s your guide to the different types of exfoliants and how often to use them.

18. Change Up Your Look With New Makeup, Hairstyles, and Clothing

An image consultant once said it to me best: “There is nothing more aging for a woman than never changing her look.” Shortly after receiving that advice, I changed my blonde hair to pastel pink. I really try to stay fun and open-minded when it comes to my appearance instead of getting into a rut. 

Fear of change could be what is holding you back from being your best, most vibrant-looking self. Spice it up!

19. Be Sure to Use a Vitamin A Product—Like Retinol or a Prescription Retinoid—for the Rest of Your Life

At the start of my esthetics career, I got the opportunity to meet Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, a renowned dermatologist who created the “Fitzpatrick Skin Type” system. I’ll never forget the time he showed me his hands and said, “Renée, can you see the difference in my hands?” I looked down and couldn’t believe my eyes. One hand looked so much younger than the other; it had less wrinkling, fewer brown spots, and a more even texture. How did he get one hand to look so much younger than the other? The answer is a prescription retinoid.

For many years, Retin-A was a topical cream used exclusively to treat acne. Since it had harsh side effects, such as dryness, redness, and peeling, a doctor would need to give very specific instructions to their acne patients about how much to use to minimize these negative effects. Dr. Fitzpatrick would always demonstrate by taking a pea-size amount (which was his recommended amount for the entire face) and rubbing it on ONE of his hands. He would do this, day in and day out. To his surprise, he began to notice that one hand looked much younger than the other! This realization was what led Dr. Fitzpatrick to become one of the doctors instrumental in getting the FDA to recognize Retin-A as a cream that could help reduce wrinkles.

I saw with my own eyes the amazing effects in reversing the visible signs of aging when used long-term and so it’s something I shout from the rooftops. Experiment with over-the-counter retinol before you upgrade to prescription strength, and follow this guide to avoid negative side effects when starting retinol.

20. Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin Are Not the Same and Need Different Things

The difference between dry and dehydrated skin is something a lot of people don’t understand, but it’s so important to know which you’re dealing with so you can treat it appropriately. 

Dry skin is a genetic skin type that lacks oil and requires richer, oil-based products to keep it moist and flake-free. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is more of a skin condition than a skin type. If your skin is dehydrated, it means you’re lacking water content and need to hydrate with lighter-weight, humectant-rich ingredients. It’s so important to understand this difference when choosing the right products for your skin. If you’re not sure which one you’re dealing with, consult with a skincare professional for guidance instead of going it alone.

21. The Food You Eat Doesn’t Affect the Skin as Much as You’re Led to Believe

“You are what you eat.” “Eat clean and your skin will glow.” Ever heard these sayings? We all have, but there’s a lot less truth to them than you might think. I know plenty of people who eat a poor diet yet their skin is perfection whereas so many people who have challenges with blemishes will eat perfectly clean, yet still find themselves dealing with acne.

The connection between food and skin is far from black and white, and it’s important to remember that we’re all unique. Every person’s skin will respond differently based on what it’s exposed to so it can definitely be worth experimenting with what you eat. But in general, I’ve found that while certain foods may exacerbate or improve skin conditions to an extent, diet is more peripheral than many other factors when it comes to the state of your skin. Long story short: eating a certain way can support overall skin health, but it probably isn’t going to “cure” anything outright. These are some of the ways in which I’ve personally seen food affect people’s skin.

22. Not All Blemishes Are Equal

Pustules, whiteheads, papules, closed comedones, cysts, and nodules are all various names for blemishes and clogged pores. Since they are so uniquely different in how they appear and therefore how they are best treated, it’s important to get educated in your quest for clearer skin. The biggest mistake I see people make is using a blemish spot treatment on all of these and then wonder why their skin isn’t responding.

23. Don’t Wait Til Bedtime to Perform Your Nighttime Routine

What I mean by this is that, ideally, you should perform your nighttime skincare routine earlier in the evening rather than right before your head hits the pillow.

There are two benefits to performing your routine earlier in the evening:

  1. You’re less likely to be lazy if you do it earlier. Meaning, you might skip out on doing a post-cleanse mask or applying eye cream if you’re exhausted. This way you’re more likely to pamper your skin!
  2. Your skin will be in the best possible place to benefit from your nighttime products. It was always thought that the skin’s repair processes kick in during sleep, but it’s now believed to start as soon as the day goes from light to dark.

24. Your Skin Doesn’t “Get Used” to Products and They Don’t Stop Working

Let’s set the record straight on this: your skin doesn’t build up an immunity to skincare products over time. They don’t just stop working one day. This is because there is no direct mechanism for your skin to become immune to the effects of products. When you apply a product, your skin’s receptors will take it in, and, assuming it’s a well-formulated product, it will go to work immediately to perform its functions. However, since your skin is a living organ that does evolve over time, changes can occur in your skin that may require you to make some tweaks to your routine as needed.

25. Practice Self-Acceptance

At age 52, I’m definitely noticing changes in my skin (and ones that I don’t particularly like). Since I’m the face of my company and the spokesperson for my brand, people will inevitably judge my product line based on how my own skin looks. Sometimes, this makes me feel pressure to have perfect-looking skin. This can get overwhelming, though, so I insist that I keep a good, healthy balance. On the one hand, I do pursue treatments that can improve my skin, but I don’t want to go so far as to do things that make me look unnatural. I don’t put all of my focus on my looks and I won’t book a derm appointment every time a wrinkle shows up. Instead, I do things for myself that bring me pure joy and confidence. Whether it’s riding my Triumph motorcycle, setting a fitness goal, or challenging myself to new experiences like moving to Austin six years ago just to change things up, I try to embrace all that life has to offer. The fuel this gives me on the inside is what brings me confidence on the outside.

Next, read 11 ways I’ve learned to live a happier, more balanced life.

And don’t forget to #obeyrenée!

The post 25 Beauty Lessons In 25 Years—What I’ve Learned From My Time In the Skincare Industry appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream appeared first on FutureDerm.

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Searches for Fungal Acne Are Up 500%—Here’s What You Need to Know

Social media can be an incredible resource for information related to skincare, as long as you’re consuming content from a trusted source (on that note, make sure you follow Renée Rouleau Skin Care on Tik Tok! I’ll be sharing some of my best skin tips, product recommendations, and more). However, as is typical of social media, trends come and go and certain products, ingredients, and skin concerns shift in and out of focus.

Take fungal acne for example. What was once a little-known skin condition has recently exploded in popularity (searches related to this topic are up 500%, according to Google Trends!). People are wondering what it is and whether it’s to blame for their bumps and breakouts. In this post, I’ll discuss the causes and characteristics of fungal acne as well as what to do if you think you have it. I’ll also share expert advice from Dr. Joshua Zeichner, an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

What Is Fungal Acne, and What Causes It?

Before we talk about what fungal acne is, we have to talk about what it isn’t. Believe it or not, fungal acne isn’t really acne at all—surprised?. That’s because acne is caused, in part, by P. acnes bacteria (read more about the science behind breakouts). This particular skin condition, on the other hand, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, which is a fungus. Bacteria and fungi are two totally different things and they affect the skin in different ways.

“The term fungal acne is a misnomer because it’s not actually acne at all,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “Instead, this is a condition where yeast on the skin infects the hair follicles, leading to red bumps and pus pimples.” So, what’s referred to as fungal acne is actually a form of folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) caused by yeast. That explains why it’s commonly referred to as Pityrosporum folliculitis or Malassezia folliculitis. That also explains why it’s commonly found on areas like the chest, back, underarms, and scalp, since yeast require warm, moist environments to survive.

How Does Fungal Acne Differ from “Normal” Acne?

Aside from the fact that one is caused by a fungus, and the other is caused by bacteria, there are a few other distinctions between the two skin conditions. The first is that so-called “normal” acne is a chronic skin condition. Fungal acne, while often recurrent, isn’t chronic. The second is that fungal acne results in small, itchy, red bumps, unlike “normal” acne, which can result in papules, pustules, and nodules. (Learn how to clear the different types of clogged pores once and for all).

How Can I Tell If I’m Experiencing Fungal Acne?

Despite what social media might lead you to believe, fungal acne isn’t actually all that common. “While extremely popular on the internet, in reality, it is quite rare,” Dr. Zeichner says. “In the past decade, I can say that I’ve only seen it a handful of times. It is much more common in parts of the world where the weather is more humid, like in the Philippines.”

Since it’s relatively uncommon and it can be tricky to diagnose, it’s critical that you visit a dermatologist if you think you’re dealing with fungal acne. If your dermatologist finds that it’s indeed fungal acne, he or she will likely provide you with an antifungal medication. Using traditional acne products, which commonly contain antibacterial ingredients, won’t do much of anything. In some cases, it could actually make the situation worse by negatively affecting your microbiome and encouraging more yeast growth. So, if you have any suspicion at all that what you’re dealing with is fungal in nature, head to your dermatologist’s office. As Dr. Zeichner puts it, “knowing what you have means you can treat it the right way.”

Since the yeast that cause fungal acne are mostly lipid-dependent, meaning they require fatty molecules to survive, many people avoid using lipids in skincare. They avoid ingredients like linoleic and linolenic acids, oleic acid, castor oil, and polysorbates. They think doing this will prevent fungal acne by preventing the overgrowth of yeast in the first place. This simply isn’t accurate. The reality is that you need what I’ll call the perfect storm—just the right imbalance in your skin’s microbiome to allow for yeast overgrowth. Only then will you develop fungal acne. Plus, lipids can be really beneficial to the skin, helping to support your moisture barrier!

Why Is Fungal Acne Trending Right Now?

I believe this is such a hot topic right now because people who are prone to breakouts and blemishes aren’t happy with the results they’re getting from their current skincare routine, and they’re looking for a cure. The reality is that acne is a skin condition with no known cure, and just because your current routine isn’t working, doesn’t automatically mean you’re dealing with something that’s fungal vs. bacterial. Acne is stubborn, and it can be difficult to address, but it’s not impossible. Your best bet when dealing with acne is to use products that are formulated for your specific skin type. It’s also helpful to consult a skin expert, such as an esthetician or dermatologist, to develop a personalized approach.

There you have it. I hope this post has shed some light on fungal acne and why it’s trending on social media. I hope it also gave you insight as to why it’s probably not the missing piece to your acne puzzle.

Next, read all about skin acceptance and get tips from a therapist and top skin experts.

The post Searches for Fungal Acne Are Up 500%—Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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Skincare Ingredients You Should Use To Prevent Blue-Light Aging

An emerging trend in skincare is products that protect the skin against “digital aging” from blue light. Blue light is a type of high-energy visible light that has been proven to negatively affect skin when it comes to hyperpigmentation and visible signs of aging. 

But how worried should you be about digital aging, and what can you do about it? In this post, I’ll share which skincare products and ingredients are proven to protect against blue-light damage. I also spoke with Dr. Kavita Mariwalla of Mariwalla Dermatology to learn more about exactly what blue light is and how we’re being exposed to it (the answer might surprise you). 

What is Blue Light, and How Much is It Damaging Our Skin?

According to Dr. Mariwalla, blue light is considered a type of high-energy visible light. “The sun produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is invisible, and that’s what we use sunscreen for,” she says. “Actual sunshine, on the other hand, is considered visible light. It’s made up of a spectrum of all the colors of the rainbow (remember Roy G. Biv?). Blue light is one of the wavelengths in this spectrum. Your screens emit some of that blue light as well.”

Probably the most important thing to take away from this is that blue light is emitted by the sun—it’s not something brand new we were suddenly exposed to after technology became part of our daily lives. There’s been so much emphasis on concerns about how blue light emitted by screens is affecting our skin, but studies have shown we get significantly more blue light exposure from sunlight than we ever could from our devices. Blue light penetrates much deeper into the skin than UV rays, so it’s definitely worth having on your radar.

How Does Blue Light Impact the Skin?

So the good news is your screens are emitting far less damaging blue light than you probably thought, but the bad news is you’re still getting a healthy dose of blue-light exposure from the sun every day. But why is this important? How is blue light actually affecting our skin?

“The kicker with blue light is, if you have any trouble with hyperpigmentation, you’re in trouble,” Dr. Mariwalla says. “Blue light from screens and the sun can increase melasma, freckling, and other pigmentation, which can lead to blotchy-looking skin over time.”

Dr. Mariwalla notes this isn’t the only way blue light can negatively impact our skin as studies have shown it can affect the skin in the following ways:

  • Increase hyperpigmentation, leading to uneven skin tone
  • Make under-eye darkness worse
  • Cause sallow-looking skin
  • Promote more fine lines and wrinkles
  • Induce oxidative stress via both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS)

To make matters worse, blue light from screens is also known to disrupt sleep cycles and cause premature aging of the eyes. No one looks their best without a good beauty rest, and damaged or strained eyesight can cause squinting, which can accelerate the formation of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 

At the end of the day, the scientific community is split on the extent to which blue light from screens is actually affecting our skin. Some say it can make a real impact, while others don’t believe it can. That said, no one doubts the amount of blue-light exposure we’re getting from the sun or the effects it can have on our skin. I believe it’s worth erring on the side of caution and taking steps to protect your skin against possible blue-light damage, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen for work and/or have hyperpigmentation concerns. 

What Are the Best Skincare Products and Ingredients to Prevent Blue-Light Damage?

Luckily, some of the products and ingredients you can use to protect your skin against blue light are probably already part of your daily routine. Here’s exactly what to use to protect yourself against blue light.

1. Wear a Tinted, Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

You already know it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen each and every day to protect your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. Mineral sunscreens, which use either titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or a mix of the two, offer some protection against blue light as well.

That said, a visible light study published last year in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology found that iron oxides commonly used in foundation makeup offered significantly more protection against pigmentation caused by blue light than mineral sunscreen.

Translation: wearing a tinted sunscreen is probably one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from the effects of blue light.

2. Use Complexion Makeup

Yes, you read that right! Makeup can be an important tool for protecting your skin against visible light. The same visible light study showed that any products (not just sunscreen) containing iron oxides offered significant protection against blue-light-induced hyperpigmentation. The majority of complexion makeup, be it tinted moisturizer, liquid foundation, powder foundation, or concealer, uses iron oxides to get its pigment. This is one of the reasons I suggest people wear some kind of foundation makeup every day as a form of skincare.

If your skin is prone to clogged pores, see my list of the best liquid foundations.

3. Use Skincare Products With Antioxidants

One of the ways blue light has been shown to damage skin is through oxidative stress. This is caused by free radicals, and the best way to combat it is by applying a variety of antioxidants to the skin in the morning and, if you can, at night. 

All antioxidants will help mitigate blue-light damage, but there are a few that have been tested by suppliers specifically to determine how well they defend against blue light in particular. Some examples include Hedychium Coronarium (Butterfly Ginger) Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, and certain algae extracts. If a company is selling a product that makes blue-light claims, it’s likely they’re using an extract that’s been specifically tested against blue light.

These are five of my favorite antioxidant ingredients to look for in skincare.

What Else Can I Do to Protect My Skin From Blue Light? 

While topical skincare products are by far the best way to make sure you’re protected against the effects of blue light, there are a few non-skincare options that can be helpful as well.

  1. Shield your skin from blue light with a screen protector (I have one on my phone)
  2. Get a blue-light resistant coating on your eyeglasses
  3. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants

While blue light is definitely something that can lead to issues like hyperpigmentation and premature signs of aging, less of it is coming from your screens than you may think. The biggest source of blue light we encounter in our daily lives is the sun, but thankfully there are steps we can take and products we can use to mitigate its damaging effects. I know there are a lot of companies out there making claims about blue light and that it can be confusing, so I hope this post clears things up and helps you understand what to invest in so your skin stays protected!

Next, learn how using technology leads to “tech neck” and what you can do to treat and prevent it.

The post Skincare Ingredients You Should Use To Prevent Blue-Light Aging appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

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COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream

I am a total makeup geek. I am willing (and honestly, wishing) to try every eyeshadow, blush, cream, you name it, regardless of how many products I already have in my collection. I am that girl. So when the chance to try the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream came about, I was geeking out. Here’s what I thought:

Let’s Take a Look at the Product

According to the JUNO & Co. website, the Moonshine Miracle Cream is “a luxurious, super hydrating, creamy makeup primer that nourishes skin and diminishes imperfections for the perfect canvas before makeup.” I’ve heard this kind of claim from tons of products, so I needed more convincing that this product was worth the $35 price tag (ya girl has bills to pay).

The company also claims that this product is special because of the ingredients used in the formulation. It is “infused with JUNO’s patented sodium hyaluronate and avocado extract which provides 12-hours of moisture for a dewier complexion. It helps to maintain moisture levels to help visibly smooth and plump skin with ultimate hydration. Evens surface so foundation effortlessly glides on and stays put for longer-lasting makeup wear.”

Sodium Hyaluronate

Since I’ve started working at FutureDerm and one of my jobs is to literally read the FD blog, I have been way more interested in the ingredients and products I put on my face and body. I’m not necessarily skeptical or wary enough to turn a product away, (as I’ve said before, I will try all the makeup) but just more interested. So, in true FutureDerm fashion, I wanted to take a closer look at the patented ingredient used that makes this product special.

So, we know that as people, we’re mostly water. This is also true for our skin, and as we age, our skin begins to lose its moisture, causing loss of flexibility and resilience. Sodium hyaluronate is the key molecule involved with skin moisture, and according to the Derm Review, “the most dramatic histochemical change observed in aging skin is the marked disappearance of sodium hyaluronate in the epidermis (the top layer of skin).” By adding this ingredient to skincare it will help to attract moisture to the skin, resulting in a smoother, softer complexion. Pretty cool, but does it work in the Moonshine Miracle Cream?

Personal Use & Opinion

The very first thing I noticed was that the packaging was gorgeous, and I am a sucker for packaging. The jar itself looks like it’s speckled with stars on a dark purple background, and it’s a little heavier, making it feel expensive. The cream itself is thick and luxurious feeling. It’s lightly scented and feels like a really nice moisturizer when you put it on; it reminded me of a mix between E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer and cold cream texture-wise.

When I received this product, I was just getting ready to head out to my vacation at the Grand Canyon, and it was a lifesaver! My poor Pittsburgh skin was not happy about the change from rainy/snowy and cold to dry and cold. I used this alone without makeup the first few times just because my skin was drinking it up in the desert. With makeup, I did feel a difference in how my foundation wore — it went on smoother and didn’t settle in my fine lines as much compared to other primers I’ve tried before. Overall, I was really happy with the product and ecstatic it saved my skin from drying out on my vacation. Timing is everything.

Bottom Line

I love the JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream! It’s a luxurious feeling cream that can be used alone as a beautiful moisturizer, or as a primer under any foundation for a smoother look. And it includes proven ingredients like sodium hyaluronate working to retain your skin’s natural moisture to reduce the signs of aging. If you’re in the market for a new primer, this one is definitely worth a try.

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