Renée Rouleau Skin Care » Vitamin C

Rubbing or Pressing: What’s the Best Way to Apply Skin Care Products?

Renée Rouleau — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:00:32 +0000

Whenever I travel to France to study skin care, I find that French estheticians always promote that you should use a patting or pressing technique when applying moisturizer or serum. The idea that has been explained to me is that it is a better way to treat the skin gently (especially for sensitive skins) and some have said that by patting moisturizer or serum with gentle pressure onto the skin, you are essentially pushing it into the skin, and this may enhance absorption more effectively.

Read: Are You Using a Skin Serum? If Not, You Should Be

While I have not personally seen any studies proving that theory, I suppose it could make sense. The goal with skin care products is always to get them to penetrate deeper within the skin and I have seen data that applying a serum or moisturizer to damp skin can enhance absorption up to 10%. This is why I always suggest leaving an alcohol-free toner damp before applying your serum or moisturizer to allow for that effect.

See the collection of Renée Rouleau toners.

A circular rubbing motion when applying creams and serums, depending on how much pressure you apply to the skin, can help increase blood flow and help with lymphatic drainage, which for certain skin types (not overly red type skins or those with Rosacea) may benefit from this minor increase to blood flow.

Read: How Do I Get Rid of Broken Capillaries? …

So to answer which technique is better – rubbing or pressing? It truly depends on your skin type. If your skin is more tired and you’re looking for a glow, rubbing may work better for you. If your skin is more sensitive and already has a lot of redness, your skin may work better with a patting technique.

Eye creams work well with a patting motion but when it comes to applying sunscreen, I recommend that you rub it into the skin as I feel that you’ll get a more even application to properly protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision, and the choice is yours.

Which skin care products are right for you? See our nine skin types and get products recommended.

Read: 3 Mistakes People Make When Choosing Their Skin Type

For more expert skin advice, check out Skin Source–the A-Z guide on all things skin. Also sign up here for our skin tip e-newsletter, follow Renée Rouleau on Twitter and like our Facebook page. You’ll be your own skin care expert in no time!

What Age Should I Get Serious About Caring for My Skin?

Renée Rouleau — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:00:23 +0000

What I know to be true is that whatever skin concern you have (or don’t have) will greatly affect how much or how little attention you pay to your skin. For example, those who had acne during their teen years tend to be very diligent of caring for their skin simply because they had to, and those habits stuck in their adult life. On the other hand, many who never had any skin problems will be more likely to not wash their face at night or give it much attention. We tend to pay more attention to things that have problems.

But regardless of how you cared for your skin in your younger years, at some point, aging will settle in and seeing lines and wrinkles form is usually a motivator to get serious about caring for your skin.

But what age should you really start to focus on caring for your skin, both at home with good quality, high-performance skin care products formulated for your skin type, as well as getting professional treatments by a skin care professional?

Age 35. Collagen production starts to slow down and the quality of collagen is not as good as in your younger years. Which is why lines and wrinkles around the eyes will appear during this time – if not before.

So what should you do?…

Simply put, it’s time to make caring for your skin a priority. A basic skin care routine of a cleanser and moisturizer just aren’t enough anymore – especially if your goal is to achieve healthy, youthful-looking skin. Focus on increasing collagen by regenerating the skin with at-home skin peels like Triple Berry Smoothing Peel and professional chemical peels.

Read: Considering Having a Chemical Peel? Important Information You Need to Know

Read: How to Care for Your Skin After a Chemical Peel

Read: Chemical Peels are Best Performed from November to May

You also want to load your skin up topically with collagen-protecting antioxidants (like Vitamin C&E Complex) and eating foods high in vitamins A, C and E. And of course, your anti-aging efforts will be maximized by wearing a sunscreen moisturizer faithfully and SPF mineral powder dusted on the skin every few hours to ensure protection from damaging UV rays from daylight and the sun. (My favorites are Daily Protection SPF 30 and ColoreScience mineral powder.)

Read: Skin Care Tips for Those in Their 20′s, 30′s, 40′s, 50′s and 60′s.

Which products are right for you? See our nine skin types and get products recommended.

A Safer Alternative for Treating Brown Patches on the Skin

Renée Rouleau — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:00:14 +0000

Stubborn brown spots, sun spots, and brown patches on the skin are a concern for many, and while there are topical skin care products that can help to encourage their fading, one in particular is not without controversy. Hydroquinone is a commonly used skin bleaching agent that inhibits Tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in producing pigment. The controversy around Hydroquinone revolves around redness and skin irritation, but some reports have shown it as possibly causing liver cancer and leukemia in rats. Countries such as Europe, South Africa, and Japan have banned its use, but in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still considers it safe and it is commonly prescribed by dermatologists.

While I generally support the FDA, and have seen the positive impact it can make in reducing these stubborn brown spots for many of my clients, I do understand people’s concern in wanting to find a natural, less controversial solution. Adding to the controversy, the Texas Attorney General’s office has made one known Hydroquinone maker remove all their products using this ingredient from the shelves of spas and medical offices. So, for those who live in Texas, Hydroquinone may be harder to access. This also has happened in the state of Florida.

For a Hydroquinone-free alternative, look for products that contain high concentrations of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Kojic Acid, and Licorice Extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which can help inhibit melanin production…

My Vitamin C&E Complex has been hugely beneficial for our clients in fading stubborn brown spots, sun spots and even discoloration due to hormones and pregnancy and it’s hydroquinone-free! It’s suggested to use underneath a daytime sunscreen, 365 days a year to suppress melanin activity. (We call it a “glow in a bottle.”)

Read: How Deep Are Your Sun Spots?

Read: Seeing Brown Spots? You’ll be Surprised at One of the Causes

Have a skin concern? Check out Skin Source—the A-Z guide on everything from acne, exfoliation and large pores to brown spots, sun protection and so much more!

Slathering on Sunscreen but Still Seeing Brown Spots?

Renée Rouleau — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:00:28 +0000

We’re almost two months into summer now and you may be seeing the negative effects that the sun can have on the skin in the form of brown spots. You may be wondering why despite being really good about applying sunscreen often and generously, wearing a hat, and limiting your time outdoors, your brown spots are in full swing?

Well, here’s why:

Did you know that even if you’re really good about wearing a hat and sunscreen this summer, the HEAT from UV rays will still make brown spots/pigmentation show up? For years, it was thought that “sun spots” were just like it says, spots from the sun. But newer research indicates that not only direct UV rays, but the heat given off from the sun will stimulate melanin activity. So basically, no matter how diligent you are about re-applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and staying in the shade, you still cannot avoid pigment stimulation. And for those of us who live in the southern states where it really gets hot, it makes it very frustrating.

What can you do?

Use a skin lightener. There are many out on the market, some over-the-counter and some available by prescription. My favorite is Renée Rouleau Vitamin C & E Complex because the action ingredient, Magnesium Ascorbyl Palmitate, is a proven melanin suppressor to keep your pigment cells asleep as much as possible, so it’s great to use during the summer and it works to lighten them, too (especially in the fall when the temperature cools!)…

Read: How to Prevent Summer Sun Spots

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Have a skin concern? Check out Skin Source—the A-Z guide on everything from acne, exfoliation and large pores to brown spots, sun protection and so much more!

How to Prevent Summer Sun Spots

Renée Rouleau — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:00:29 +0000

For those prone to hyperpigmentation (commonly referred to as discoloration, brown spots, age spots or sun spots), you have probably noticed that during the summer, they can become more visible.

While hyperpigmentation can be a challenge, both to prevent and fade, these skin care tips can definitely help in your quest for more evenly-toned skin during the hot summer months.

Tip: Wear sunscreen–applied generously and often

The number one cause of premature skin aging is wrinkles, and certainly exposing your skin to the sun can bring out sun spots. But did you know that most people do not apply enough sunscreen to give the skin the protection it needs? The real truth to sunscreen is not about the SPF number (although an SPF 15 is the minimum you should ever wear) but it is how generously it is applied, and certainly how often it is reapplied when outdoors.

Especially for oily skin, it is key to find a sunscreen that won’t feel heavy and greasy on the skin, so you can apply it with a heavy hand without worrying about it causing clogged pores and breakouts.

Read: How to Apply Sunscreen to the Face and Neck

Tip: Limit exposure to both heat and sun…

For years, it was thought that “sun spots” were just like the name suggests – spots from the sun. But newer research indicates that not only direct UV rays, but the heat given off from the sun, that can stimulate melanin activity, resulting in brown spots. So unfortunately, no matter how diligent you are about re-applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and staying in the shade, you still may not be able to avoid pigment from forming. And for those of us who live in the southern states where it really gets hot, it makes it very frustrating. Knowing this, if brown spots are a concern for you, you’ll definitely want to limit your exposure to both heat and sun.

Tip: Keep skin as cool as possible.

Since overheated skin (from time spent outdoors or exercise) can increase melanin activity, it’s important to keep the temperature of the skin low. This can include keeping your skin care products, particularly an alcohol-free toner, in the refrigerator, so that when they are applied to the skin, they provide a cooling effect. In addition, I suggest keeping a gel-based mask (like Azulene Gel Mask) in the refrigerator, and applying a thin coat, leaving on for 15 minutes, not only to cool the skin, but also to help deliver water to hot and thirsty skin. Don’t have a gel mask handy? A bag of frozen peas applied to the skin for 15 minutes can also help to cool overheated skin.

Tip: Exfoliate gently

One of the keys to managing skin discoloration, particularly once it has appeared, is to use exfoliating products such as facial scrubs (using round beads, not harsh natural grains like apricot kernels that can be too irritating) and mild alcohol-free exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These exfoliants, when used regularly, can help break apart pigmented cells to lessen their appearance. But be sure not to overdo it with exfoliating products, because during the summer when melanin cells are active, too much exfoliation may actually trigger more melanin. So don’t go overboard. In addition, the use of exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity, which can make the skin vulnerable to the sun.

See our collection of glycolic acid serums and exfoliants.

Tip: Use a skin lightener

In addition to exfoliating, applying a skin lightener to the skin will help suppress melanin cells to fade and prevent brown spots. Many skin lighteners contain the ingredient Hydroquinone, which is a fairly controversial ingredient, so if you want to use something more natural, I suggest using Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a type of vitamin C that is a proven skin lightener. Our Vitamin C & E Complex contains this ingredient, and has worked extremely well for stubborn pigmentation.

Bonus: A Durham, N.C.-based Duke University Medical Center researchers determined that using a lotion or serum with Vitamins C and E under sunscreen actually provides four times the protection of sunscreen alone! To bump up your SPF, use our Vitamin C& E Complex under sunscreen, like our Daily Protection SPF 30 .

Tip: Consider wearing a hat – or not.

In theory, protecting your skin by wearing a hat when outdoors is always a smart idea, but maybe not in all cases. Let me explain. As I mentioned above, you want to limit your exposure to both heat and sun. A hat would certainly help provide shading for the face, therefore limiting direct sun exposure as well. But, when worn outside, hats can create increased heat on the forehead because of the tightness from the band of the hat, which may make discoloration worse on the forehead, if you’re prone to getting it there.

For example, like many people will experience, now that I’m in my 40s, hormones can stimulate melanin activity, causing brown patches on the skin. Last summer, my husband and I rode our Harley Davidson motorcycles up to North Dakota and it took us three hot days of traveling in 90 to 100 degree weather to get up there from Texas. I wore an open-faced helmet and plenty of sunscreen which protected my skin from getting a burn or a tan. My forehead did not see any daylight, for it was covered with my helmet. After three hot, exhausting days of riding, once we got to our destination, I noticed that my dark patches on my forehead were much worse than when I had left Texas. Yet, my forehead never saw sunlight. So my theory is that wearing hats, or in my case, a helmet, created excessive heat on the forehead, resulting in increased pigmentation. So while I still always think wearing a hat when outdoors is a good idea, it is something that you may want to be aware of if you’re prone to pigmentation on the forehead. This rule could apply if you run outdoors wearing a hat or visor.

Tip: Get monthly facials.

Because professional facials can give your skin increased results above and beyond your home care products, it is a great idea to load your skin up with powerful antioxidants in a facial. Many people tend to neglect their skin in the summer, and then come back in the fall, then wanting to focus on skin repair, but prevention is always crucial. This goes for facials only, though, go easy on chemical peels, as those are best reserved for cooler months. See the facial treatments offered at Renée Rouleau Skin Care Spas.

Tip: Eat a diet rich in antioxidants.

Did you know that certain fruits and vegetables can boost your skin’s defenses against sunburn and DNA damage? German researchers analyzed the results of seven large studies on beta-carotene – a vitamin rich in carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach – and found that consuming 24 to 180 milligrams a day for at least 10 weeks can increase internal SPF significantly. And in a small study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 10 subjects taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C and 1,000 IU of vitamin E each day for eight days could tolerate 20 percent more UV exposure before getting sunburned. Bottom line: Eat up, for good health and skin protection.

Have a skin concern? Check out Skin Source, expert advice on everything from acne, exfoliation and large pores to brown spots, sun protection and so much more!

Get products recommended for your skin type by choosing one of our nine skin types.

What Type of Facial Mask is Best for My Skin?

Renée Rouleau — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:00:01 +0000

While not considered an essential in a basic and simple skin care routine, I do consider masks to be an important part of achieving healthy, beautiful skin. Because everyone’s skin is unique, masks are not one-size fits all. It is important that you use the right mask for your skin type. Here’s the breakdown on the types of masks that are available.

Gel masks: These are usually oil-free and have a gel consistency. (See Azulene Gel Mask)They are best for hydrating the skin, so they are beneficial for oily, combination, acne-prone, dehydrated skin, where you want to add water to the skin, but not add any oil. Because of their naturally cold temperatures, they are also ideal for soothing redness in sensitive skin, as well as soothing sunburns. I personally love using a gel mask in the summertime because they feel so cooling on the skin and keep my skin plump and hydrated during the hot Texas summer…

Clay masks: Not all clay masks are equal, but generally clay masks use oil-absorbing clays that, as they dry, create a tightening effect that encourages a clearing of the pores. Clay-based masks are recommended for oily, acne-prone, combination, and normal skin that is in need of oil absorption. (See Vitamin C Mask and Detoxifying Mask)

Note: Regardless of how oily your skin is, I don’t suggest using a clay mask that when it dries and you smile, it cracks into a million pieces, as that is a sign of dehydration.

Cream-based masks: These contain moisturizing oils that help to deeply hydrate and plump up normal to dry skin types. Many cream masks do not need to be rinsed off after they have dried, like traditional gel or clay masks, but you can tissue off any residue and leave the excess to give your skin an added boost of moisture. (See Pure Radiance Mask)

A mask treatment, while not quite like getting a professional facial, still certainly offers additional skin benefits above and beyond your basic skin care routine.

Which mask is right for your skin? Choose your skin type.

Thanks to @DebbieDeb101 who asked me this question on Twitter!

Read: Do Masks Exfoliate the Skin?

Read: How to Give Your Skin an At-Home Facial

The One Product My Skin Can’t Live Without

Renée Rouleau — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:20 +0000

You’ve heard from time to time people being asked about what their “desert island” product would be – the one product that they just can’t live without. That’s an easy one for me as I do have a very favorite Renée Rouleau product, and that’s my Vitamin C&E Complex. Now of course, if I was truly on a desert island I would have to bring my Daily Protection SPF 30 (which is in my top five list), but the Vitamin C&E Complex has just been a miracle worker for my skin.

Fades brown spots:

For starters, I can get hyperpigmentation (brown spots) in the summertime when it’s hot since heat stimulates melanin activity, and as I’ve gotten older with increased hormones this can trigger melanin too. My Vitamin C&E Complex uses a powerful blend of antioxidants, such as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, which is a proven melanin suppressor to fade and control stubborn skin discoloration and brown spots. Read skin tips to reduce brown spots and hyperpigmenation.

Offers additional sun protection:

Because it contains Vitamin E along with Vitamin C, it can provide four times the protection of sunblock alone when worn underneath (according to N.C.-based Duke University Medical Center research). So since I slather in my Daily Protection SPF 30 every day of the year, from sun up to sun down, I appreciate the extra boost of protection it provides…

Give a glow to the skin:

Without a doubt, this formula helps to brighten the skin. Since it contains several types of Vitamin C, and Vitamin C gives the skin a brighter glow, this formula definitely does that for me. I’ve used it every day for years, so I don’t know what my skin would look like without it, but I can confidently say that our clients have told us over and over again that when they ran out and didn’t get around to purchasing a bottle again, they definitely have noticed how dull their skin started to look. Go for the glow! Read: Has Your Skin Lost its Glow?

Discourages the appearance of blackheads:

A blackhead is oil that has oxidized and turned black, so if you can prevent the oil from oxidizing, the oil will not turn black (or at least not as quickly). The antioxidants used in Vitamin C&E Complex helps to prevent oil from oxidizing and turning a dark color – a blackhead. Read: My 3-Step Plan for Reducing Blackheads

Gives an anti-aging boost:

Vitamin C&E Complex helps to encourage collagen production and firmer skin, while visually reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. My skin can use that!

And did I mention that it’s really good for sensitive skin? It uses a no-sting formula so my sensitive skin will never get irritated by it. Read: Vitamin C Should Never Sting or Turn Brown in the Bottle

I honestly just don’t know what my skin (or I) would do without it! See more information about Vitamin C&E Complex.

Read: How Does Renée Rouleau Care for Her Own Skin?

Read: Prone to Bruising and Broken Capillaries? Here’s Help

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Do You Have Brown Spots on Your Hairline?

Renée Rouleau — Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:52 +0000

Recently I was on the phone speaking to a beauty editor and she expressed frustration with having brown spots on her hairline. She explained that she had some very lightly on her forehead but they were far more prominent around the perimeter of her hairline – almost a 1″ border. I’ve seen this many times on clients before, so I definitely have insight on why this happens and what you can do to help fade their appearance.

What I know to be true, as I’ve seen it over and over through the years, is that when applying sunscreen to the face, people don’t apply all the way up to the hairline without even realizing it – perhaps so as not to get it into their hair. Because of this improper application, over the course of many years, one can accumulate excess sun damage, which will trigger sun spots for those prone to getting them.

For proper sun protection, sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 should be applied generously to the entire face, neck and exposed areas of the chest with a meticulous touch. Read: Which is Better: SPF 30 or SPF 100?

How can I get rid of the sun spots?

Hyperpigmentation requires both home care products such as exfoliators (Glycolic Serum 17%), at-home peels (Triple Berry Smoothing Peel) sunblock (Daily Protection SPF 30) and especially a product for lightening brown spots (Vitamin C&E Complex), in addition to professional treatments (such as laser and chemical peels) which focus on fading stubborn brown discoloration…

Did you know? Another area of the face that many people miss when applying sunscreen is the bridge of their nose. When people apply sunscreen, they use an outward sweeping motion that starts on either side of the nose and goes towards the cheeks, often missing the very top of the nose. I’ve seen many, many clients get sunburned there, so be sure to be very thorough in your application.

Read: Seeing Brown Spots? You’ll be Surprised at One of the Causes

Read: If You Have Brown Spots, You May Want to Avoid Hot Yoga

Get products recommended for your skin type by choosing one of our nine skin types.

Questions about your skin? Be sure to email us. We’re here to assist!

Having a Laser Skin Procedure? Important Information You Need to Know

Renée Rouleau — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:00:04 +0000

As technology evolves and more skin care advancements are made, some people are seeking professional treatments such as laser skin procedures in an effort to improve skin concerns such as lightening brown spots and broken capillaries. While we don’t offer this treatment at my skin care spas in Dallas, I certainly know they can be beneficial, so I refer our clients to various doctors in our area when I feel their skin would benefit from such a procedure.

Recently I was having a conversation with a friend of my mother’s, a woman in her early 60′s, and she was telling me that she had gone through a series of laser procedures to help lighten her brown spots and had been very happy with the results.

So immediately going into esthetician mode I said, “Great! Are you using a skin lightener?” She replied, “A what? No, I don’t think so.”

I can’t tell you how many times that I have had this conversation with people. They go in for a laser “fix” only to not be given proper instructions on how to maintain the results they have achieved. Why does this happen? Unlike estheticians, many dermatologists don’t spend as much of their time on daily skin care, but rather they can be more focused on treating skin diseases, prescribing medicine and giving aggressive treatments, such as mole removal and laser skin procedures. So I’m not surprised when I hear this, it’s simply the way it is. I see it like a personal trainer versus a nutritionist. They both have expertise in getting a person healthy and well, but just different areas of expertise – and there is a need for both…

Specifically, when it comes to brown spots, if your skin is prone to them, then the melanin cells will always trigger with heat, sun and exercise. So doing everything you can to keep melanin activity to a minimum is a must for the long term results of laser treatments. And you do that by using a skin lightening product like our Vitamin C&E Complex.

Read: Why January is the Best Month for Brown Spots

And as for redness and broken capillaries, it’s so important to use skin care products focused on being anti-inflammatory and anti-redness like our White Tea Soothing Complex to keep capillaries strong.

Read: Sensitive Skin? Tips to Keep Skin Calm

If you’ve had laser skin procedures, then no doubt you have spent a lot of money on getting them, so be sure to put in the effort into your home care routine to give you longer results!

And here’s the most important skin tip of all to maintain the results of any professional treatment: The best anti-aging creams and serums are useless if you’re not protecting your skin from daily UV exposure.

Wearing a good broad-spectrum sunblock 365 days a year, inside or out, rain or shine is a must!

Read: Plastic Surgeon, Cosmetic Dermatologist or Esthetician: What is the Best Approach for Your Skin?

Read my views on Plastic Surgery, Injectables and the Art of Altering the Face

Get products recommended for your skin type by choosing one of our nine skin types.

Questions about your skin? Be sure to email us. We’re here to assist!

Use a Laptop Computer? Beware of Toasted Skin Syndrome

Renée Rouleau — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:00:50 +0000

Along with technology’s innovative sides comes a new skin condition. They are calling it “toasted skin syndrome” which occurs when a person is continually resting their laptop on their upper thighs. The heat increases melanin production and stimulates a brown discoloration. If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ve heard me talk about how heat can bring out brown spots in the skin – now this same thing is occurring in the legs. I recently posted about this new syndrome on Facebook, and several people commented that they did in fact have this happen to them, so there must be many affected! Crazy, but true!

Read: Brown Spots are Made Worse from UV Heat, Not Just UV rays

The solution. While it is certainly obvious that you should discontinue keeping your laptop on your thighs, you can exfoliate the skin daily in the shower with our Exfoliating Body Cloth which helps to break down damaged pigmented cells, following with a thin coat of Vitamin C and E complex which acts as a natural skin lightener to expedite the fading process. These measures (along with time) will make for a quick recovery, helping to restore skin back to its natural even-toned state.
Read: Why January is the Best Month for Brown Spots

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