1) Tugging at the delicate eye area.

The eye area is the thinnest skin of any area on the face, and it’s the first to show the signs of aging, so when people pull on the skin when they put in their contacts, apply eyeliner, or rub aggressively on the area when removing stubborn eye makeup, this can unnecessarily create wear and tear on the collagen and elasticity fibers within the skin. These habits may cause visible lines and wrinkles prematurely, so be sure to treat this delicate area with care.

Read: How to Properly Remove Eye Make Up

2) Misting, not wiping, your skin when using toner.

While I understand a lot of people have gotten in the habit of misting toner on the skin because of the convenience, it is really important to use a wiping action while using toner. The reason is because toners are designed to remove cleanser residue and (most importantly) salts, chlorines, and chemicals from tap water that may dehydrate the skin. So when you mist the toner, you are simply diluting these chemicals, not removing them. Always use an alcohol-free toner, wipe it over the skin with our popular Toning Cloths, and if you so choose, mist afterwards. See our collection of alcohol-free toners.

Read: Cotton Balls vs. Toning Cloths. Which are Better?

3) Rubbing your skin too aggressively with a wash cloth…

It is important to treat the skin gently, and rubbing the skin too aggressively with a wash cloth may encourage irritation, stimulate melanin cells (for those prone to brown spots), and create extra wear and tear on your skin’s elasticity. The fibers in a wash cloth can tend to be a little aggressive, so a baby wash cloth with softer fibers or our Facial Sponges are better choices. You will still get your skin just as clean with a gentle touch.

Read: Use Low-Foaming Cleansing Gels to Wash Your Skin

4) Not washing your skin in the morning.

Many people have gotten in the habit of not washing the skin in the morning, because the skin is already clean from washing the night before and no makeup was worn. The reason it is important to wash your face in the morning is because while you are sleeping, the skin is in repair mode and will secrete toxins and sebum, which can prevent your daytime products from working effectively. When you wash your skin in the morning, you are removing not only the toxins and sebum, but your nighttime products as well – this allows your daytime products (particularly our Daily Protection SPF 30) to absorb into the skin better since they will have a clean slate. Be sure to wash with a mild, sulfate-free cleansing gel in the morning. (And of course, washing your skin every night is a must!)

Read: Cleanser Do’s and Don’ts

5) Using the same products year-round.

Without a doubt, your skin has different needs in summer and winter, but even in fall and spring. In summer, the focus should be on protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen and antioxidants, which have powerful protective qualities. Products should be lighter-weight in the summer, since there is more humidity in air. A summer skin care routine should have less exfoliation since more time is spent outdoors. During the fall, you can increase your exfoliation to repair the skin from the summer sun.(Read: My 7-Day Post-Summer Skin Repair Plan) With the dry air in winter, it is about increasing moisturization with more hydrating products. In spring, it is time to do a spring cleaning with deep pore cleansing products. So getting in the habit of using the same products year-round is an absolute no-no. Be sure to email us and we can help make sure your skin is getting what it needs for the time of year.

Read: Five Winter Skin Care Tips

6) Picking at your skin.

Many are guilty of this one, but they are in the habit of automatically picking at a blemish the minute it appears. Whether it is out of nerves or simply trying to make a blemish go away faster, you really do end up making it worse. The truth of the matter is, a blemish only lasts 5-7 days, but the redder, dark scar can linger for months. Did your blemish leave you with a dark or red scar? Use Post-Breakout Fading Gel. To keep your hands busy and off of your face, see our No Picking! Twisty Toy.

Read: Got a Blemish? To Pick or Not to Pick — That Is the Question

So if you are stuck in any of these habits, follow these skin care tips to break free and be well on your way to healthy, glowing and beautiful skin.

Which skin products are right for your skin? Check out my nine skin types to get products recommended.

For daily skin care tips, like us on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and sign up here to receive my skin tip e-newsletter!

Want to learn more about your skin? Check out Skin Source.

Today, I’m featuring skin type #8.

Do you have?

-Skin that feels tight and dry year round

-Skin that needs hydration and nourishment

-Enlarged pores mostly in t-zone

-Hyperpigmentation/discoloration and brown spots

-Has a history of excessive sun exposure

-Loss of tone and elasticity

-Concerns of aging

-Skin that needs smoothing

If you are someone who wants to repair past sun damage to reveal smoother and firmer skin and have ALL of these symptoms, then you are a skin type #8. If you have only some of these, but not all then you may be another skin type. Look at our nine skin types to find the perfect match for you…

The routine:

Extensive research brings you results-oriented anti-aging formulas. A unique blend of powerful AHAs boost cell turnover to smooth the surface of the skin, while stabilized skin-firming antioxidants fight daily skin aging. Your skin will be healthy, smoother and more youthful-looking. *With any new skin care routine, it is advised to introduce one new product a day.

See all the skin care products suggested for skin type #8.

Read: What Do Your Bottom Teeth Have To Do with Aging?

Read: Tips for Dark Under Eye Circles

Read: What Are These Bumps on My Skin?

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!

In my line, I now have 72 skin care products, but did you know that our #1 best-selling product is our Toning Cloths? More than any other product we sell, it’s these amazing little cloths designed to use with toner and quite honestly, anything that you would normally use with a cotton ball.

So I thought I would do a visual comparison so you can see for yourself why these Toning Cloths are such a sought-after product.

Here’s how they are different from cotton balls and cotton pads (rounds or squares).

-Ultra thin for less product waste. As you can see from the photo, they are certainly much thinner than cotton balls, but even a lot thinner than a cotton pad. So why does this benefit you? Well, this means that you have less product waste so you save money. You’ll use about 75% less product than a cotton ball and about 40% less from a cotton pad…

-Less bulky for easier use. Particularly with cotton balls, they are hard to glide against the skin because they fall apart when they are wet. Toning Cloths stay put in your fingers and are easy to manage.

-No fuzz or shredding cotton fibers. Since a Toning Cloth is not 100% cotton, they don’t leave fuzz everywhere when applied to the face. This makes Toning Cloths ideal for contact lens wearers who can’t get any anything in their eyes and for men with facial hair that don’t want to leave any white cotton behind on their skin. Toning Cloths use a blend of rayon, cotton (just a little) and polyester.

-Extremely gentle on the skin. Cotton fibers can feel scratchy and irritating on thin, sensitive skins, but not our Toning Cloths. They feel very soft and gentle when they glide across the skin.

Simply put, you’ll never go back to cotton again. You can use them for anything you would normally use with a cotton ball — from nail polish remover to eye makeup remover. (Sensitive eyes? See our popular Soothing Eye Makeup Remover for very sensitive eyes.)

Even Marie Claire magazine said “Toning Cloths are a life changing product.” I highly suggest you give them a try!

You can find Toning Cloths here.

Bonus: They come in a box made of 100% recycled paperboard!

For expert skin tips and tricks, 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!

The toner:

Who it’s for: It’s suggested for skin type #1 and skin type #3 or anyone with oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin. Balancing Skin Tonic is best applied after cleansing using a Toning Cloth. (Read: Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Cotton Balls on Your Skin)

What’s in it: Witch Hazel –  Astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant and antioxidant benefits. During the early to mid 19^th century, Witch Hazel became a staple in most medicine cabinets because of its healing and soothing properties. Women used it to tone their complexion, men used it as an aftershave, and families used it to soothe sunburns, disinfect cuts, and dry out poison ivy. Today, Witch Hazel is excellent for its use in toners to degrease oily skin, hydrate dehydrated skin, soothe redness in sensitive skins and disinfect problem complexions. 

Important! The Witch Hazel astringent found in drugstores DOES contain alcohol and is not recommended as it’s very harsh and dehydrating to the skin. Renée Rouleau alcohol-free toners are a vital part of a proper skin care routine and should be used every morning and evening after cleansing to remove impure tap water and cleanser residue and to provide essential hydration to the skin. See the collection of Renée Rouleau alcohol-free toners…

Is using a toner really necessary? YES! Read: 5 Reasons to Use Alcohol-Free Toner

Read: What’s the Difference Between a Toner and an Astringent?

For daily skin care tips, read our Beautiful Skin Blog, follow Renée on Twitter and join our Facebook page.

Sign up here to receive daily blog posts via email!

Today, I’m featuring our skin type #5.

Do you have:

-Red, flushed, easily irritated skin (Read this!! Does your skin get irritated easily? It might be your products)

-Rosacea or consistent redness

-Skin that produces oil in the summer, mostly in t-zone

-Skin that can feel dry during the winter

-Skin that needs hydration without heavy oil or pore clogging ingredients

-Large pores, mostly in t-zone as well as blackheads (Read: My 3-Step Plan for Reducing Blackheads)

-Concerns about aging and want to keep your skin smooth and healthy…

If you are someone who wants clearer, calmer, smoother skin and have ALL of these symptoms, then you have a skin type #5. If you have only some of these, but not all then you may want to look at another skin type. See our nine skin types to find the perfect match for you. And of course, you can always email us for assistance!

The routine:

Sensitive skin can be due to many factors: environment, genetics, hormones, emotional stress, and harsh skin care products. These products use ingredients to help you soothe, strengthen, and comfort your sensitive skin, making it less sensitive over time. Read about our very own esthetician, Lydia who has skin type #5.

*With any new skin care routine, it is advised to introduce one new product a day. Read: Using New Products and Have Sensitive Skin? Take it One Day at a Time

WATCH VIDEO: What’s Your Skin Type?

See our Basics Skin Care Kit —a starter kit for those new to the Renée Rouleau line. See our Works Skin Care Kit—for those who want to get serious about their skin and commit to a full regimen.

For daily skin care tips, read our Beautiful Skin Blog, follow Renée on Twitter and join our Facebook page.

Sign up here to receive our monthly skin tip e-newsletter delivered directly into your email box!

Did you know that moist skin is actually TEN TIMES more permeable than dry skin?

If you’re a regular reader of my skin care blog and follow my skin care tips, you’ve probably heard me share how important it is to leave your alcohol-free toner damp on the skin before applying serum or moisturizer. Recent research confirms that moist skin is actually TEN TIMES more permeable than dry skin. So this means that leaving your skin damp with toner and applying your serum or moisturizer immediately after will allow the active ingredients in those products to penetrate deeper within the skin giving you even better results.

So if you’re wanting to maximize the effectiveness of your serum or moisturizer, be sure to use toner! See the collection of Renée Rouleau alcohol-free toners applied on to our Toning Cloths.

Read: Five Reasons to Use Alcohol-Free Toner

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

Sign up here to receive our monthly skin tip e-newsletter delivered directly into your email box!

Watch our skin care tip videos!

Do you use an alcohol-free toner? Why or why not?

If you look at the ingredient list and you see the word, “alcohol,” most people would assume that the product is drying to the skin. But the truth is that all alcohols affect the skin differently, and many are not harmful. So the answer is FALSE. Do not avoid using all skin care products that contain alcohol.

Did you know that Vitamins A and E are actually alcohols even though they don’t mention the word alcohol in their name? Alcohols can be humectants, solvents, emulsifiers, surfactants, and antioxidants.

Beneficial alcohols commonly used in skin care products include:…

Retinol (Vitamin A molecule to discourage wrinkles) Read: Are you Using Retinol-Based Products?

Tocopherol (Vitamin E, a free radical fighting antioxidant)

Cetyl Alcohol (product thickener)

Stearyl Alcohol (emollient)

Propylene Glycol (a humectant that binds moisture into the skin)

“Bad,” or drying, alcohols commonly used in skin care products include:

*SD Alcohol 40 (evaporative, solvent alcohol)

Denatured Alcohol

Ethanol

Isopropyl Alcohol

These are extremely drying to the skin and should be avoided.

*Note: In blemish products, solvent alcohols can be useful for drying out breakouts.

Bottom line: You should not avoid ALL alcohols in skin care products because not all alcohols are the same.

Did you find this interesting?

Read: How Can I Lessen the Amount of Chemicals I Use On My Sensitive Skin?

Read: Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid Using on Your Skin

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

For daily skin care tips, read our Beautiful Skin Blog, follow Renée on Twitter and join our Facebook page.

The Toner: Revitalizing Ginseng Toner is an alcohol-free toner that increases circulation, allowing fresh nutrients to penetrate the skin within the intercellular matrix, while delivering water-based hydration to thirsty cells. Dull and tired skin will instantly look healthier and more radiant.

Who it’s for: Skin Type #6 and #7 and those with dull, tired skin in need of a glow. (See our nine skin types)

What’s in it:

Hydrolyzed Mucopolysaccharides - Bio-active extract effective in hydrating the skin.  Helps reinforce skin’s intercellular matrix

Sodium PCA – Sodium Pyrollidone Carboxylic acid, a water-binding agent to help attract and retain moisture to the skin

Ginseng – Beneficial for oxygenating, revitalizing and stimulating aging skin. For thousands of years, Ginseng has been highly treasured as a healthy and vitality herb for the enhancement of longevity and quality of life…

Revitalizing Ginseng Toner does not contain parabens, dyes or artificial fragrances.

Why you should use it: If you’re skin is in need of a boost of moisture AND a glow, this one’s for you!

Read: How to Get Your Skin Glowing—Fast!

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!

Fact: Everything in nature is made of chemicals, according to scientific definition.

Fact: The opposite of ‘natural‘ is not ‘chemical-free.‘

Fact: There is no legal definition by the FDA of ‘natural‘ as it applies to cosmetics.

Fact: Consumers are concerned about what they put in their bodies and what they put on their skin.

Fact: Every skin care company has both their own beliefs of what ‘chemical‘ and ‘natural‘ means to them and their choice in which skin care ingredients they choose to use.

It is my belief that: …

-It’s important to minimize the use of irritants that are used in skin care products.

-It’s important to tap into the best benefits that nature AND science offer. There are benefits to using both naturally derived ingredients and ingredients formulated scientifically.

- Nature offers us a slow and steady course that works gently with the skin (with proven results), while science offers the more advanced (and sometimes intensive ingredients) that can be required as we age.

-Choosing skin care products to use on your skin should fit in with your own personal belief system of how you want to care for yourself. You need to use what is right for you.

-Most people would prefer to avoid taking prescription medication for their skin if they could achieve the same—or better— results with skin care products and professional skin treatments. (We have had many clients that chose to take themselves off of acne or rosacea prescription medication because of the results they were getting by using skin care products exclusively for the needs of their skin type. See our nine skin types.)

- Many people think they have sensitive skin because they get irritated to harsh products. But read why it’s the harsh products that are the problem, not their skin.

What we use in the Renée Rouleau skin care products

-Lightweight, non-pore clogging formulas
-Cold-pressed, herbal plant extracts & essential oils
-Pure, cold processed, plant based carrier oils
-Performance ingredients at effective levels (To ensure the formula remains potent)
-Special delivery vehicles (To enhance penetration and absorption)
-Cruelty-free ingredients (Products tested on humans, not animals)
-Simple packaging (You pay for what’s inside the bottle, not fancy packaging!)

Pay attention to the ingredients that are being used in your skin care products. If any of the below ingredients are listed, I highly suggest you avoid them.

What we avoid in the Renée Rouleau skin care products

-Mineral Oil & Petrolatum (Pore-clogging and suffocating to the skin)
-SD Alcohol 40 and Denatured Alcohol (The “bad” alcohols commonly found in toners. They are extremely drying)
-Isopropyl Myristate & Isopropyl Palmitate (Can cause blackheads. Read the best way to remove blackheads)
-Synthetic dyes (Can be a skin irritant)
-Synthetic fragrances in our skin care products (The #1 cause of allergic reactions to products. Avoid products containing the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient listing)
-Known sensitizers (Ingredients that can cause irritation)
-Heavy oils (Suffocates the skin and leave it feeling greasy)
-Sodium or Ammonium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate (Extremely drying and irritating to the skin)
-Apricot kernels, or seed/shell powders (Natural particles found in facial scrubs that can scratch and irritate the skin causing bacteria to spread)

Note: -Parabens (This is a preservative. Not all of the Renée Rouleau products are paraben-free but many are. Those that are paraben-free will be indicated in the product description on our website. However, parabens have not been shown to be harmful. For more information about parabens, Read: Five Ingredient Myths You Need to Know)

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

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!

Toner are often an over-looked crucial step in a skin care regime and almost are always misunderstood.  Many people don’t use toners because they don’t understand why they are necessary, or if they have used them before, they most likely contained Alcohol leaving the skin feeling tight and dry. When a toner dries out the skin, adding a moisturizer only puts back the very thing that was taken out— moisture!

Renée Rouleau toners are a vital part of a proper skin care routine and should be used every morning and evening after cleansing to remove impure tap water and cleanser residue and to provide essential hydration to the skin.

Our Elderberry Toner is ideal for sensitive skin in need of nourishment.  One of the primary elements in keeping skin healthy is making sure the structure of the epidermis is intact. This structure is defined and created by skin cells that are held together by the intercellular matrix. This gentle, vitamin-enriched, alcohol-free toner works to provide hydration within the intercellular matrix to improve skin tone of sensitive skin while providing instant antioxidant nourishment to reverse the effects of UV and environmental damage…

Steam distillation is used to create this natural skin tonic rich in Anthocyanins (the compound that gives the Elderberry its color) known for its therapeutic anti-aging effects both inside and out. This formula does not contain artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, parabens or SD Alcohol 40, and is recommended for sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients

-Elderberry Fruit Extract- Has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

-Sodium PCA- Sodium Pyrollidone Carboxylic acid, a water-binding agent to help attract and retain moisture to the skin

Which toner is right for you? 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!

Read five reasons why you shouldn’t use cotton balls on your skin.