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.

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

Lymphatic Drainage—Could This Be a Game Changer for Your Skin?

Lymphatic drainage facial massage is a technique used by many estheticians to improve the look of their clients’ skin. I’ve certainly used it on my own clients, and I remember it making a HUGE difference for one client in particular. She was referred to me by a plastic surgeon after having had a full facelift six months prior. At this point, she was unfortunately still experiencing the type of very visible swelling you would expect to see in the first few weeks following surgery. I performed lymphatic drainage massage on her three times a week for two weeks and was truly amazed to see that nearly all of her swelling went away. For whatever reason, her body was still hanging onto fluid post-surgery and couldn’t properly flush it out. Thanks to lymphatic drainage facial massage, we were able to get those stagnant fluids circulating again. It was such a good feeling to be able to help her achieve the confidence she had been going for in the first place.

Now granted, not everyone will see results as dramatic as these, but I believe lymphatic massage can be a powerful tool when it comes to managing certain skin conditions and supporting the overall health of your skin. In this post, I talk more about the benefits of lymphatic drainage for the face and tap into a certified expert to bring you the best advice for performing lymphatic facial massage on yourself at home. Keep reading to get to the good stuff to keep your skin glowing and flowing!

Meet the Expert

For this post, I tapped into my good friend and fellow esthetician Joanna Vargas. Joanna is sought after by many high-profile clients for her magic hands and proficiency in lymphatic drainage massage. She’s actually one of the few estheticians I know who is officially certified in this type of massage.

“I am certified in Dr. Vodders Lymphatic Drainage for the Face and Neck,” Joanna said. “Becoming certified in lymphatic drainage massage for the face and neck was honestly pretty challenging—I am incredibly proud of that certificate. I do it on my clients regularly.

What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a technique that uses light pressure and specific motions to gently drain excess fluid.

According to Joanna, the lymphatic system mirrors the circulatory system and is made up of vessels, tissues, and organs to help the body manage fluid balance, defend it from infection, and deliver nutrients while carrying away toxins and waste.

Lymph, the fluid that travels via the lymphatic system, contains oxygen, glucose, amino acids, and other vital nutrients, giving life to every cell in our body. It also carries away toxins and impurities, making the lymphatic system vital to our immune system and overall health.

The lymphatic system relies on muscle contraction, diet, exercise, and physical manipulation to function normally. Unlike the circulatory system, your lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump. That’s where lymphatic massage comes in!

What Are the Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage for the Face and Skin?

In medical settings, lymphatic drainage is used to help patients with lymphedema (chronic swelling due to damage or removal of lymph nodes, usually as part of cancer treatment). It’s also been shown to reduce swelling and visible puffiness in those recovering from injuries. 

Research is still a little bit behind when it comes to the aesthetic effects of lymphatic drainage, but it’s starting to catch up! In fact, a 2015 study was the first to find a link between impaired lymphatic function and sagging of the skin. Needless to say, this could have exciting implications for preventative aging treatments.

According to Joanna, the benefits of lymphatic massage are extensive. “Because the lymphatic system plays a huge role in immunity and healing,” she said, “the benefits to lymphatic massage are endless. For the skin, conditions like puffiness, acne, dryness, dullness, and even skin sensitivity can be improved and even resolved by simple lymphatic stimulation because it helps the body do what it’s meant to do: heal. You have the highest concentration of lymph nodes in your face and neck, so this means lymphatic drainage massage can really produce results!”

“I love ending a facial session with thirty minutes of lymphatic drainage massage,” Joanna added. “Obviously de-puffing is important, but so many people just have skin that looks unhealthy to me. Stimulating the lymph ensures that healing and real rejuvenation will occur, and this way I know I have done everything possible to restore wellness to that person’s skin.”

How to Give Yourself a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

While it’s great if you can get in to see a professional like Joanna who knows how to perform lymphatic drainage massage, this isn’t always an accessible option (especially during a pandemic!). Luckily for my readers, Joanna was kind enough to share expert advice on how to do your own lymphatic facial massage at home.

How to Prep for a Lymphatic Facial Massage

Joanna recommends doing lymphatic facial massage a few times a week, if not nightly, during your regular nighttime routine. “I prefer doing it at night because this will help de-puff you for morning and encourage your skin to repair while you sleep,” she said. “I suggest performing facial massage after the serum step in your routine.”

What You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need either a facial oil or a nice, rich moisturizer. “The technique I’m certified in uses no cream or oil for slip,” Joanna said, “but when I teach clients for home, I definitely think having a bit of slip makes it easier.” Try Pro Remedy Oil

Should I Use a Massage Tool?

If you scroll through beauty or skincare accounts on Instagram, chances are you’ll catch a glimpse of massage tools such as jade rollers and gua sha stones. The popularity of these lymphatic drainage massage tools has definitely increased, but Joanna isn’t a fan of all of them.

“While I encourage everyone to learn how to do massage with their own two hands (my preferred method), some people find that daunting,” she said. “If I had to choose a tool, I would vote for a gua sha stone. It’s a fabulous way of massage, and it works.” 

“Jade rollers, on the other hand, just aren’t my jam. They’re a challenge for me because people drive it in a ‘back and forth’ method, which doesn’t really move the lymph along its proper pathways so it can drain. It is a form of facial massage, but it’s not lymphatic drainage at all.”

You can read more about my opinion of jade rollers and other at-home skin devices in this post.

Proper Technique

Now for the actual technique! Keep in mind that, when performing lymphatic massage on your face, you always want to use very light pressure. This is true whether you’re using your hands or a massage tool. The reason for this is that lymph vessels are very delicate and applying too much pressure can crush them, meaning fluid won’t be properly drained.

As for the actual massage technique, Joanna suggests starting at the neck and following this method:

You can repeat this process as many times as desired.

A word of warning from Joanna? Never massage inflamed acne! Applying pressure over active breakouts can increase inflammation or scarring and may spread bacteria, causing further breakouts.

Limitations

While lymphatic drainage massage for the face is generally considered safe, talk to your doctor first if you have any health concerns—especially conditions such as congestive heart failure, blood clots, kidney problems, infections, or circulation problems.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about lymphatic facial massage! When done correctly, it’s such a great way to support your overall skin health. Whether you’re looking to up your skincare game or simply indulge in some relaxing self-care, I highly recommend giving lymphatic facial massage a try.

Thanks so much to Joanna for her valuable input!

Want my thoughts on how food may or may not affect your skin? Read this post.

The post Lymphatic Drainage—Could This Be a Game Changer for Your Skin? appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

Lymphatic Drainage—Could This Be a Game Changer for Your Skin? Read More

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.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

5 Makeup Tips For Those With Sensitive Skin

If you are one of those with sensitive skin, we know how much trouble it is for you to take care of it. The tragedy is that you have to think twice before applying any product on your skin because,in absence of caution, you might end up with days of worries and annoyance.

One of the biggest issues for sensitive skin type is that make-up is generally avoided. Many feel deprived of an incredible confidence boosting and self-grooming activity, but, alas, the sensitivity. Fret not, we have a few tips in here which can help you deal with that damned sensitivity. With the help of these tips, you can do make-up without any worries.

5 Makeup Tips For Those With Sensitive Skin

Here are 5 such tips to keep in mind:

1. Trail Run Before Application

The fundamental rule is to test everything before you try. As you already know, most products which work on theordinary skin will not be kind to sensitive skin, and thus, it is highly advisable to first apply a small patch of the product on the face and leave it over there for 24 hours. If there is no reaction, it is a go-ahead.

2. Friends Of Sensitive Skin

Yes, we are talking about using those products and formulae which are proven friendly to sensitive skin. Concerning make-up, you should prefer hypo allergic, non-comedogenic and non-greasy formulae which are enriched with antioxidants and moisturizers.

You should go for light textures which do not plug pores and enable the skin to breathe. Also, you should consider using products which work against pollution and the sun.

3. Run Away From Allergens

One of the key ingredients of perfect skin care is being cautious about what you use. When purchasing makeup, you should exercise due caution regarding the ingredients used in the product and whether the products qualify the necessary tests.

While assessing the product, make sure you check whether it is “Nickel tested”—that is it has low nickel content and hence, would not cause allergic reactions.

4. Take Care Of Your Beauty Products

Just like your skin, your skincare products also need care and attention. To ensure that your products last longer and work as effectively as new, you must find them a cool, dry place. Do not leave them uncapped or in contact with theatmosphere. Make sure you clean up brushes after use.

5. Exfoliating

It is necessary to exfoliate once a week to open pores and remove dead cells. Exfoliating offers dual benefits: it makes your skin smoother and brightens up your complexion. By inculcating it in your personal care regime, your skin will absorb better the active ingredients of the beauty products you use for make-up.

The post 5 Makeup Tips For Those With Sensitive Skin appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

5 Makeup Tips For Those With Sensitive Skin Read More

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.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: JUNO & Co. Moonshine Miracle Cream Read More

5 Make-Up Tips For Women With Dark Skin

Every skin type has different requirements, and there is no type better than others. Thus, we need to give special attention to our skin type to reap maximum benefits from the treatment and ensure a glowing and healthy skin.

Make-up is a common way of embellishing one’s skin; however, one should not go overboard with it and must be reasonable about the same. This is especially necessary for women with dark skin. Women with dark skin tones must be extra careful about putting on makeup because it can cause a big difference in the appearance.

We have 5 makeup tips to offer to such ladies to ensure that they get the perfect makeup for their perfect skin tone.

5 Make-Up Tips For Women With Dark Skin

1. Moisturising The Skin

You cannot miss out on this activity before applying make-up. Women with dark skin tone usually go through dryness issues which cause their skin to appear ashy. Hence, moisturizing the skin regularly retains the moisture in the skin and prevents or fades away the ashy look.

Apply a good quality moisturizer after your everyday shower to have your face and body properly hydrated for the day.

2. Sunscreen

It is a common misconception that women with dark skin tones do not need to apply sunscreen—in fact, it is kind of racist. Just because your complexion is dark does not mean your skin is not vulnerable to the dangers posed by the UV rays.

Do some study on your skin type, hit the market and purchase a good sunscreen, and apply it on a regular basis to offer a much-needed protection to your skin.

3. Choosing The Right Foundation

We need to get the base of our makeup right, and hence, a good foundation is the need of the hour. Whenever you are shopping for a foundation, keep in mind that the foundation should match your skin tone. You might want to use two shades of the foundation for example, by using a lighter shade around the center of the face and the natural shade on the remaining area of the face.

The right foundation does not only sit well on your face but also does away with discolorations. Also, do not go for transparent power, as it causes a grey tinge on the skin.

4. Bronzer

If you are very much into makeup, then you know the value of a bronzer. It is a beauty treatment which makes our skin look shiny and fresh and works effectively even under high temperatures. However, you cannot blindly and without direction apply the same to your skin.

Go for a bronzer which is two shades darker than your tan colour., and while applying the bronzer, do not dust it all over. You need to come up with a neat look—so, apply the bronzer with the help of a sculpting brush and in a C formation.  You should begin with temples and then gradually apply it to the forehead, chin, nose and the sides of the face.

5. Eye Make-up

You have got to take eye makeup seriously—because ifit goes wrong, you can end up becoming a subject of gossip.

If you are attending a casual event during the day, go for subtle shades such as pinks, grey and brown; however, for an evening event, opt for shades such as greens, purple, blue, copper, browns, and burgundy.

The post 5 Make-Up Tips For Women With Dark Skin appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

5 Make-Up Tips For Women With Dark Skin Read More

At-Home Routine for Acne (and When It’s Time to Consider Professional Treatments)

If you’ve dealt with persistent acne, chances are you’ve spent countless hours (and dollars) looking for the holy grail product that will finally get rid of your blemishes for good.

Unfortunately, the reality is that acne is a disease of the skin for which there is no known cure. I’ve said this before, and I think it’s worth repeating. I notice so many companies claiming their products will totally clear your blemishes and you’ll never get a breakout again. I believe this sets people up with unrealistic expectations about their skincare journey. Trust me, if there was a true cure for acne, we would ALL know about it. Word would spread really fast. 

Now, that’s not to say that the right at-home routine can’t be incredibly effective against acne! As an acne specialist, I have witnessed thousands of clients have had life-changing results. With the right products, many people are able to significantly reduce and control their breakouts. In this post, you’ll meet Priscilla and learn how she got her acne under control using just an at-home routine I designed for her. I’ll also talk about the limitations of an at-home routine and how to know when it’s time to start thinking about professional treatments for acne. 

Meet Priscilla

“Hi! I’m Priscilla. I’m twenty-three years old and I’ve been struggling with acne for about seven years now. I first started experiencing breakouts after getting the Depo shot for birth control; that was what made it flare up, and I’ve been dealing with it ever since.”

Have You Found Anything in the Past Seven Years That Has Improved Your Acne?

“Retin-A (a prescription retinoid) is legit the only thing I have ever seen any results from,” Priscilla said, “but I was still getting a lot of breakouts even when using that. I’ve tried a lot of different products, it’s like when people say, ‘I’ve tried everything.’ I feel like I’m in that boat. I’ve never really been able to identify any specific triggers for my breakouts either. I eat super clean and work out, take care of my body, but I haven’t really found anything that works for me perfectly yet.” 

Priscilla is by no means the only client of mine who has experienced this. So many people feel like they should be able to control their breakouts by cutting out certain foods, taking certain supplements, or living a “clean” lifestyle. While taking care of your overall health is certainly beneficial for your skin, I’ve never liked this narrative because it makes people feel like they have acne because of something they’re doing wrong. The fact is, sometimes our skin is just wired a certain way! Having blemishes is not a shortcoming. Learn more about how the food we eat really affects our skin.

Going Into Our Consultation, What Were Your Top Three Skin Concerns?

“My top three goals were to lessen the number of my active breakouts, reduce redness (post-blemish scarring), and smooth out the texture of my skin,” Priscilla said.

Priscilla’s Routine for Acne

After having a consultation with Priscilla and examining her skin, I identified four main issues that I wanted her routine to address:

  • Current, active breakouts (most of which didn’t come to a head)
  • Redness leftover from recent breakouts
  • Vascular damage from older, nodular breakouts (Priscilla had a few V-beam laser treatments that had already helped improve this.)
  • Pitting/scarring from nodular acne when she was in her early twenties (Priscilla will likely have a lifetime of dealing with this. I suggested that once her active breakouts are under control, she gets on a retinoid to address pitting and improve skin texture.)

With these goals in mind, this is the routine I recommended for her from my line. 

AM Routine

PM Routine

*Anti Bump Solution can be used as a spot treatment for individual cysts, or it can be used as a preventative treatment against cysts. To use preventatively, apply a thin layer to the entire affected area two to three times a week.

Weekly Facial

I recommended Priscilla do her weekly facial on a Skin Correcting+Anti Bump Solution Night.

  • Double Cleanse: Soothing Aloe Cleansing Milk then AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser
  • Peel: Triple Berry Smoothing Peel (Leave on for 5-10 minutes. It may sting/tingle but that’s normal.)
  • Mask: Rapid Response Detox Masque (Leave on for 15-30 minutes. Put it in the fridge beforehand for extra cooling benefits!)
  • Toner: Elderberry Soothing Toner
  • Hydrating Serum: Skin Correcting Serum
  • Treatment Serum: Anti Bump Solution
  • Moisturizer: Skin Recovery Lotion

“It took me about two months to really start seeing a noticeable difference,” Priscilla said. “I was floored by this because I had spent so much time, literally years, on medications and harsh topical creams with no real, lasting results. So after getting results from my regimen after 2 short months of staying consistent and committed to the process, I was hooked and haven’t looked back since. That said, it is all about consistency. Stay the course!” 

Priscilla’s Gamechanger Products

These were the products Priscilla felt made the most noticeable difference in her skin.

  1. Vitamin C&E Treatment. “This makes me feel confident in my skin because it gives me a glowy, plumped feel. I can’t wait to use it every morning!”
  2. Skin Correcting Serum. “This serum is everything. I have noticeably fewer bumps and less redness.”
  3. AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser. “The gentle exfoliation that this product has is absolutely amazing. It’s not abrasive, it’s just the right amount of gentle scrub to get that good clean feel. It feels like I’m scrubbing the day off which it’s so refreshing after a long day.” 

Additional Tips

If you’re starting an entirely new routine like Priscilla was, I can’t stress enough the importance of introducing the products slowly. In the case your skin has a negative reaction to an ingredient in a product, this will make it easier to pinpoint what exactly your skin doesn’t like. I recommend adding one new product to your routine every two days. Learn how to patch-test for a negative reaction.

When Is It Time for Professional Treatments?

As you can see in the photo above, a tailored, consistent skincare routine was able to significantly improve Priscilla’s skin in just two months. That said, there were still issues she was looking to improve.

“My biggest concern now is reducing my acne scarring,” Priscilla said. “I still experience some breakouts, but only once in a while. Which is a huge win for me.” 

Because Priscilla has experienced mostly nodular and cystic breakouts (which occur deep within the skin as opposed to on the surface), she was left with deeper redness as well as some indented scarring. This is where professional treatments come in. While skincare products can make a huge difference, they work on the top layers of the skin and may not be enough to solve problems rooted within the deeper layers of the skin. 

When I was designing Priscilla’s at-home routine, my goal was to get her breakouts under control and calm her skin so it was less inflamed and irritated. This would allow her to then pursue more aggressive professional treatments to tackle redness and scarring.

The reason I wouldn’t recommend someone with active breakouts get strong professional treatments is that these treatments can actually make acne worse. Oftentimes, they are just too stimulating and can stir up or reactivate breakouts. Some treatments can also cause slight irritation, which isn’t your friend if you’re blemish-prone. Read about how this beauty editor got sudden breakouts after receiving an overly-stimulating professional treatment (and how she got rid of them). 

Bottom line, you want to get infected acne cleared up and calm the skin down before pursuing most professional treatments. Now that Priscilla’s breakouts are under control and we’ve corrected the irritation caused by harsh acne treatments, she’s free to pursue microneedling, laser treatment, or whatever else her dermatologist might recommend (in addition to continuing her at-home routine since the products will continue to keep her acne under control).

Once you find an effective routine for your acne, I suggest giving it at least four months before deciding whether it’s time to look into professional treatments to get you the rest of the way in achieving your skin goals.

Priscilla’s Advice for Anyone Dealing With Acne

“Don’t give up hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and for me, it was Renée Rouleau Skin Care. The investment in her products is worth it. Why spend X amount of money on crappy products that don’t give you results vs using quality, proven product that gives you results (and you only need a small amount of product – so it lasts). If you are on the fence, I say go for it!”

The post At-Home Routine for Acne (and When It’s Time to Consider Professional Treatments) appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

At-Home Routine for Acne (and When It’s Time to Consider Professional Treatments) Read More

7 Things To Include In Your Bath Water For Shiny Skin

Bath is one of the most relaxing activities of our lives, as it offers dual benefits of body cleansing and stress elimination. However, you can augment its benefits by adding a few natural ingredients about which we will talk in this article.

We have compiled 7 natural ingredients to be added to your bath water for getting a clean and shiny body skin and a relaxed mind.

7 Things To Include In Your Bath Water For Shiny Skin

1. Milk

Milk has been used for ages as an additive to bath water due to its multiple properties which contribute to body cleansing. It comprises of vitamins, fats,and proteins which keep the skin hydrated and help in the retention of moisture, making skin supple. Moreover, it contains lactic acid which is extremely beneficial for skin.

How to use milk for bathing? All you need to do is pour a few cups of milk to lukewarm water and soak your body in it for 15 minutes.

2. Salts

Bath salts work magic by softening and smoothing the skin. They de-stress the mind and lends a relaxed feel.

You can experience this magic by sprinkling bath salts in a bathtub and taking a dip. The advantages will include relaxed sore muscles and moisturizing of the skin, causing a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Ginger

Ginger contains several anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting congestion, flues,and colds. When you add ginger to your bath on a cold day, the bath will raise the body temperature and make you feel warm throughout the day. For skin, ginger will do the cleansing job and get rid of the toxins.

4. Tea

Tea is a great ingredient for the detoxification of the skin and improvement of hair growth. So, get good quality tea bags for your bathing regime.

You need about 3-4 tea bags or 1-3 cups of brewed herbal tea such as peppermint tea or green tea and let your body seep into the water for about 20 minutes.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils help to relax both the body and the mind. They help in keeping away stress, achy muscles, dull skin while promoting shiny skin and healthy hair growth. Just add a couple drops of the oils to your bath water and enjoy the aromatherapy bath.

6. Honey

Everyone knows that honey is superbly good for skin so you should consider adding honey to your bathwater. Add a couple of honey-filled cups to the bath water and relax in the tub for about 15 minutes.

The advantages of a honey bath include cleansing of pores, moisturizing of the skin and radiance of the skin.

7. Lemon

Lemon is a universally acknowledged remedy against thedull and blemished skin. Just get lemon juice (about ½ cup) and add it to your bath water. When you come out of the tub, you will easily notice the brightness in your skin.

If you did not know already, let us tell why you should definitely give lemon a try: it refreshes mind, shrinks pores, fades away blemishes and revives your skin.

The post 7 Things To Include In Your Bath Water For Shiny Skin appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

7 Things To Include In Your Bath Water For Shiny Skin Read More

Here’s How to Start Managing Teenage Acne at Every Stage

To some, experiencing acne and blemishes for the first time during the teenage years may seem like a rite of passage and something that just needs to be “gotten through.” But as an esthetician, I believe it’s best to start getting on top of acne and clogged pores as soon as they start (especially since 85 percent of teenagers will experience acne at some point). Even if acne is mild, learning to take care of your skin during puberty will set you up with healthy skincare habits to last a lifetime. If acne becomes more severe, treating it early on can prevent potentially permanent scarring as well as unnecessary emotional distress. 

Keep reading for my expert tips on managing teenage acne at any age.

Teenage Acne Vs. Adult Acne

While the breakouts that occur in your teens aren’t inherently different from breakouts you might experience as an adult, teens may need different factors to control their breakouts. Teenage acne is most often caused by an overproduction of oil brought on by hormones. Androgens, a group of sex hormones that can cause oil glands to become overactive, increase in both girls and boys during puberty. 

This means that keeping skin clear and managing acne in your teens should focus on proper cleansing and oil control.  

While teenage acne can be frustrating, the good news is that teen skin is more resilient than adult skin. It has a higher rate of skin cell turnover and heals more rapidly. The fact that teens produce more oil than adults helps keep their skin’s natural barrier protected, making them less prone to irritation. 

Learn more about the science behind breakouts and why they form. 

Best Products for Managing Teenage Acne

As I mentioned, managing teenage acne should focus on proper cleansing and oil reduction. That said, younger, pre-teen skin should be handled somewhat differently than teenage skin on the older end of the spectrum. I’ve broken down the best products and routines for managing teenage acne by age group. 

Note: Due to the nature of their hormones, boys often experience a more severe onset of teen acne than girls. That said, boys are also more likely to recover from their acne during their teens whereas girls are more likely to carry their acne into adulthood. (No fun, girls!)

Acne at Ages 11-14 

The first signs of acne often start to appear with the onset of puberty, which typically happens between the ages of eleven and fourteen (or even earlier for some). These first signs of acne usually manifest as congestion, meaning clogged pores (little bumps under the skin) and blackheads in the t-zone. Since acne is usually still mild at this stage, it’s a good time to get on top of it.

The challenge with this age group is that the skin is still very young and often resembles childhood skin more than adolescent skin. This means it needs to be treated gently without the use of overly harsh or active ingredients. My best advice for this age group is to establish a simple, consistent skincare routine and stick to it. Not only will this help keep acne under control, but it will also establish healthy skincare habits that will serve you for life.

Cleanser

The ideal cleanser for someone in this age group would be something gentle and free of SLS (a harsh sulfate that can dry out the skin), synthetic fragrance, or drying alcohols. I recommend either a gel or lotion cleanser. Be sure to cleanse both morning and evening as well as after sports or activities that make you sweat a lot. 

Toner

Using a hydrating, alcohol-free toner with soothing properties after cleansing is a great way to make sure any remnants of cleanser are removed to keep pores clean. 

Moisturizer

Get in the habit of using two moisturizers: one without sunscreen for nighttime and one with sunscreen for daytime. It’s thought that 80 percent of a person’s sun exposure occurs before the age of eighteen, so if you can lock this habit down early on, your skin will be thanking you for years to come! I recommend a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for nighttime and a moisturizing sunscreen for daytime. 

Spot Treatments

Spot treatments are a great option for someone experiencing blemishes at this age. The benefit is that you don’t use drying acne treatments all over the skin and risk causing irritation, you just get treatment where you need it. I recommend something like my Night Time Spot Lotion to help dry up surface whiteheads FAST.

Manual Scrub

If you’re seeing a lot of congestion, you can introduce gentle, physical exfoliation a few times a week using a well-formulated facial scrub. Just be sure the beads used in the scrub are round and non-abrasive. (Look for ones with jojoba beads which are round and they glide across the skin nicely without creating micro-tears to your infected breakouts.)

Acne at Ages 15-19 

Around age fifteen is when acne often starts to become more severe in teens. This is also when sebaceous glands are kicked into overdrive, so you really want to start focusing on products that help with oil reduction. This is also the age at which I typically start to recommend chemical exfoliation. 

Cleanser

I recommend using a cleanser with either exfoliating or oil-absorbing elements. AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser combines chemical exfoliation with a gentle physical exfoliant and is one I recommend to many people in this age range. Rapid Response Detox Cleanser is another good option that includes antibacterial properties as well as oil-minimizing ingredients. Be sure to cleanse both morning and evening as well as after sports or activities that make you sweat a lot.

Toner

Traditional astringent toners often include drying alcohol and can strip the skin doing more harm than good. Instead, I suggest a hydrating, oil-free toner with antibacterial properties to balance the skin. Mindful of skin’s natural biome as well as brighten, hydrate. 

Vitamin C Serum

Using a vitamin C serum under your sunscreen in the morning will provide great antioxidant benefits to protect from UV damage. In addition, a vitamin C serum can be very beneficial to teenagers experiencing acne because it will help inhibit the pigmentation that causes lingering acne scars. 

Night Time Serums 

Salicylic acid (BHA) is an acid (chemical) exfoliant and a key ingredient to look for. It’s oil-soluble, meaning it can get inside the pores to clear them out and curb oil production. A salicylic acid serum works well for clearing congestion and eliminating superficial acne such as whiteheads, pustules, and papules (as opposed to deep nodules and cysts that stay under the skin and never come to a head). Learn why I prefer exfoliating acids in serums instead of acid toners.  

To avoid over-exfoliating, I recommend alternating your salicylic acid serum with a hydrating serum to support the skin’s moisture barrier and immune function. 

Moisturizer

When someone produces a lot of oil, their instinct is often to use products that dry out the skin and skip using moisturizers. This can leave skin dehydrated and flaky, and your skin will become even oilier trying to compensate for the lack of hydration. Moisturizing is especially important for those treating their blemishes because it offsets the dryness caused by many acne-fighting ingredients. Use a light, oil-free lotion like Skin Recovery Lotion. If you’re extremely oily, you can also opt for a mattifying gel moisturizer

Be sure you use a moisturizer in the morning that contains an SPF of at least 30. This is crucial for preventing those red and dark post-breakouts marks that can linger for months. 

Masks

Masks can be a great skincare addition for teens and are a useful tool when it comes to managing your acne. A hydrating, antibacterial mask can be used any time breakouts are flaring up. For those with very oily skin and congested pores, try a gentle clay mask that includes hydrating ingredients beforehand. 

Additional Tips for Managing Teenage Acne

Establishing a consistent routine is the best thing you can do to manage acne, but these few other tips can also make a big difference.

Consider When to See a Dermatologist

If you’re experiencing severe acne, especially nodular or cystic acne (hard, painful lumps that don’t come to a head), it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. Because they occur so deep within the skin, cystic and nodular acne are most likely to leave permanent indents and scarring. A derm may prescribe products such as a retinoid to help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores or benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide can also be found over the counter and used as a treatment on areas where red, infected blemishes are present. 

Always Wash Your Face After Exercising

Because keeping the skin clean and free of oil and bacteria is key, cleanse your face any time you work out or sweat (in addition to morning and evening). Focus especially on cleansing areas where sweaty sports equipment rubs up against the skin. This will help prevent breakouts from forming in the first place. Learn more about how to care for your skin when working out.

Change Your Pillowcases

Change your pillowcases often to avoid reintroducing oil and bacteria to the skin. 

Treat Body Acne as Diligently as Acne on the Face

Many teenagers can develop acne on the body as well as the face. Learn how to manage body acne.

Don’t Use Bar Soap

When used to wash your face, the ingredients that help bind bar soap together lower the pH of your skin and can cause dryness or even irritation over time.

Don’t Pick!

As tempting as it may be, this is a habit you’ll want to kick early on. I’ve seen picking cause a lot more damage to people’s faces than acne ever could. If you have clogged pores or blackheads that need to be removed, it’s always best to schedule a facial and see a professional for extractions. Learn the benefits of a facial for teenagers.

I hope you found this post helpful! Navigating acne for the first time can be confusing for teenagers and parents alike. But trust me—spending a little time and effort upfront to establish a consistent skincare routine will benefit you so much later on. If you’re still struggling to find a routine that’s just right for you, you can book a virtual consultation with one of our in-house estheticians.

The post Here’s How to Start Managing Teenage Acne at Every Stage appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

Here’s How to Start Managing Teenage Acne at Every Stage Read More

Improve Your Skin With My 5-Day Post-Summer Skin Repair Plan

The summer months can cause significant damage to the skin due to the amount of time spent in the sun, heat, chlorinated pools, lakes, and saltwater oceans. Even if you were super diligent about protecting your skin from the elements by wearing sunscreen, reapplying it often, UV protective clothing, a big hat, and sunglasses, the reality is that spending all that time outside still puts your skin in a vulnerable position due to the increase in free radical activity.

Because of this, brown spots are increased (due to heat), the skin’s texture gets rough, and the skin can be left feeling tight and parched (looking less-than-radiant). I know this all too well as I do a ton of bicycling outside in Austin and my pigmentation is all fired up! Since the skin has incredible repairing mechanisms, I’ve created this effective at-home treatment plan to kickstart them and repair the skin from summer sun damage which I’ll start doing soon once the temperatures cool down a bit.

The results: This five-day treatment encourages new, healthy skin cell growth to reveal smoother, more even-toned skin just in time for fall. The #ReneeRouleauGLOW, for sure!

The Three Products You’ll Need (and One More You’ll Probably Want, Too)

These are the three products you’ll need for your five-day skin repair plan, plus one bonus product that makes a great add-on.

1. A Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub

First and foremost, it’s important to use a facial scrub with ROUND beads. This is one of the times where “natural” is definitely not better. Pits of apricots and walnut husks are ground up into tiny little pieces to be used in facial scrubs, but the edges can’t be rounded in the process. This means that when you use it on your skin, it causes scratches and makes lacerations that can cause irritation. Not good. I also don’t recommend using plastic beads because of the negative impact they have on the environment. Instead, I like to use round jojoba beads. They work beautifully on even the most sensitive skin (and are biodegradable).

As for facial scrubs, they can get a bad rap. Learn why I believe scrubs should definitely still be part of your routine.

Product Recommendation: Mint Buffing Beads

2. An Exfoliating Peel

Some people might not have ever used a product like this, but it’s crucial if you really want to get the full results from this treatment plan. Many companies make special exfoliating treatments that use ingredients like glycolic, malic, tartaric, salicylic, or lactic acids. The best product to look for in this case is one with a high concentration of acids. This will usually be a specialized mask or peel treatment that is left on for five to ten minutes and rinsed off. Generally, masks and peels are stronger (and therefore more effective for this treatment) than a lesser-strength leave-on acid serum or toner that is mild enough to stay on the skin while you sleep.

Product Recommendation: Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

3. A Soothing Gel Mask

Most masks come in the form of gels, creams, sheets or clays. While all have their benefits, for the purpose of this treatment I suggest using a gel mask due to its cooling, soothing, and deeply hydrating properties. This treatment is intense (in a good way), so a calming, anti-redness mask is best to round it out.

Product Recommendation: Rapid Response Detox Masque and Bio Calm Repair Masque

Bonus Product (Optional But Highly Recommended)

An antioxidant vitamin C serum is a great add-on treatment if you have it. Since this treatment works to reveal fresher, younger cells, it’s best to protect and nourish them by applying a potent dose of stable vitamin C under your moisturizer at the end of the treatment. In addition, vitamin C is excellent for suppressing melanin cells to help put pigment cells asleep. Basically, it’s good for visibly fading brown spots and discoloration. Many of you are probably already using one, so this makes a great addition.

Product Recommendation: Vitamin C&E Treatment

How to Perform the Five-Day Treatment

While this treatment plan can be done by anyone, there are special considerations I suggest taking if you have very sensitive skin. Because of this, I’ll provide two versions of my post-summer skin repair plan.

If Your Skin is: Sun-Damaged, Acne-Prone, Aging, Oily, Normal or Dry

This is the original version of the post-summer skin repair plan and the one that will be used by most skin types.

Night #1: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Step 1: Cleanse skin with your regular nighttime cleanser. Rinse well.

Step 2: Immediately apply a thin layer of the exfoliating peel to the entire face. Be sure to apply on the crow’s feet area near the eyes, but avoid getting onto the lashes or into the eyes. Leave the peel on for ten minutes. (A tingling sensation is normal while the peel is on the skin, although not all will feel this.) After ten minutes, rinse well with COOL water and gently pat off dripping water but DO leave skin still damp.

Step 3: On damp skin, apply a small amount of the facial scrub to the face and massage in gentle, circular motions for sixty seconds. DO NOT apply pressure. Just let the beads gently roll over the skin. Be sure to use on the crow’s feet area (gently) but avoid getting into the eye. Rinse well.

Step 4: Apply a thin layer of the gel mask to the entire face. Let dry for 10 minutes and rinse well with COOL water. Proceed with using an alcohol-free toner then apply a thin layer of a vitamin C serum for an antioxidant infusion/brightening and follow with your nighttime moisturizer. At this point, the skin should start to feel calm again, but reddening of the skin is considered perfectly normal.

Why this works:

The idea here is that first,  you’re chemically dissolving and loosening up damaged, pigmented cells. Then, you’re gently lifting them off the skin with a physical exfoliating scrub. Next, you’re treating those new baby cells to water-based hydration to ensure your skin’s barrier stays intact and healthy. Then, the vitamin C helps work deep within the skin to fade pigment. All in all, you’re visibly repairing summer sun damage.

Night #2: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, leave the peel on for eight minutes.

Night #3: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, leave the peel on for six minutes.

Night #4: Peel + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, you will NOT use the facial scrub. Leave the peel on for five minutes.

Night #5: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, leave the peel on for eight minutes.

This concludes the treatment! Say hello smoother, less-lined, more even-toned skin with a radiant glow. You will want to avoid using any exfoliants (chemical or physical) for at least four nights.

Things to Know

Keep these things in mind to get the best results from your treatment.

  • Perform this treatment prior to bedtime so the skin can rest, relax, and renew throughout the night.
  • It is normal to experience skin sensitivity during this treatment. This may include sensitivity to warm or cool water, dryness, peeling, tightness, and skin that appears flushed or feels warms to the touch. All of these are considered normal as this is part of the exfoliating and skin repair process, and should subside within a week after completing the program.
  • Discontinue the treatment if these side effects are not tolerable. Be sure to wear sunscreen (applied generously) during all daylight hours.
  • Certain skin types may experience some dryness throughout the process of this treatment, but this is considered a normal part of the cellular turnover process and should subside a few days after the five nights.
  • Many of my clients love it so much and notice a huge improvement and immediately ask me when they can perform it again. If your skin has a lot of discoloration and is not particularly sensitive, you can repeat the five-day treatment in two weeks.
  • For maintenance on all skin types, I recommend repeating this every change of season.

If Your Skin is: Sensitive or Easily Irritated

If your skin is sensitive, fragile, and easily-irritated, here’s how I recommend modifying the treatment. The same products listed above are recommended, but the main two tweaks are as follows:

  1. At least one hour prior to this treatment put the gel mask into the refrigerator. This provides extra soothing relief for sensitive skin.
  2. If after day one of the treatment, your skin is feeling particularly sensitive, then only leave the peel on the skin for four minutes for the remaining four nights.

Did you know there are actually four types of skin sensitivity? Find out which one you have.

Night #1: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Step 1: Cleanse skin with your regular nighttime cleanser. Rinse well.

Step 2: Immediately apply a thin layer of the exfoliating peel to the entire face. Be sure to apply on the crow’s feet area near the eyes, but avoid getting onto the lashes or into the eyes. Leave the peel on for eight minutes. (A tingling sensation is normal while the peel is on the skin, although not all will feel this.) After eight minutes, rinse well with COOL water and gently pat off dripping water but DO leave skin still damp.

Step 3: On damp skin, apply a small amount of the facial scrub to the face and massage in gentle, circular motions for sixty seconds. DO NOT apply pressure. Just let the beads gently roll over the skin. Be sure to use on the crow’s feet area (gently) but avoid getting into the eye. Rinse well.

Step 4: Apply a thin layer of the gel mask to the entire face. Let dry for 10 minutes and rinse well with COOL water. Proceed with using an alcohol-free toner then apply a thin layer of a vitamin C serum for an antioxidant infusion/brightening and follow with your nighttime moisturizer. At this point, the skin should start to feel calm again, but reddening of the skin is considered perfectly normal.

Night #2: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, leave the peel on for six minutes.

Night #3: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, leave the peel on for five minutes.

Night #4: Peel + facial scrub + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, you will NOT use the facial scrub. Leave the peel on for five minutes.

Night #5: Peel + mask

Follow the same instructions; however, on this night, you will NOT use the facial scrub. Leave the peel on for four minutes.

This concludes the treatment for sensitive skin. Say hello to smoother, less-lined, more even-toned skin with a radiant glow!

Things to Know

Keep these things in mind to get the best results from your treatment.

  • Perform this treatment prior to bedtime so the skin can rest, relax, and renew throughout the night.
  • It is normal to experience skin sensitivity during this treatment, which may include sensitivity to warm or cool water, dryness, peeling, tightness, and skin that appears flushed or is warm to the touch. All of these are considered normal as this is part of the exfoliating and skin repair process, and will subside within a week after completing the program.
  • Discontinue the treatment immediately if these side effects are not tolerable.
  • Be sure to wear sunscreen (applied generously) during all daylight hours.

So there you have it! A five-day treatment program to repair your skin from summer sun damage and go into fall with a certified #ReneeRouleauGLOW. I hope the results from this treatment give you confidence and make you feel great in your own skin. Looking for more treatments you can do at home? Consider this DIY chemical peel if you have a tube of prescription retinoid lying around.

The post Improve Your Skin With My 5-Day Post-Summer Skin Repair Plan appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

Improve Your Skin With My 5-Day Post-Summer Skin Repair Plan Read More