THE TWO LUCKY WINNERS OF TODAY’S SCAVENGER HUNT ARE COLBY VALENTINE AND JOLYN JANEKO. CONGRATULATIONS! THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

What is Skin Source? It’s my 600+ blog posts that I’ve written throughout the years all compiled on one easy-to-navigate page, and listed by area of concern. From wrinkles to adult acne and chemical peels to skin care myths, I’ve truly covered it all. I’ve heard it called “The WebMD of skin care” by many top beauty editors who refer to it regularly as the go-to source for all things skin.

Where can I find it? You can click here and it can be found on the Tips & Videos page on the top of my website.

If you have already been browsing the many different skin care categories on Skin Source, then good for you! You’ve already got a head start because we’re holding a scavenger hunt contest giving away our most popular skin care products!

Get ready for the Renée Rouleau Skin Source Scavenger Hunt!…

Here is how to play:

Today is the last day that you are eligible to be entered in a drawing. To qualify for this drawing, you must answer the questions listed below correctly by submitting your answers via email to Contest@ReneeRouleau.com by 4:00 PM CST. The daily winner and correct answers will be posted at the bottom of this blog post at 5:00 PM CST. The winner will not only be announced in the bottom of the blog post but we will also contact the winner via email to get your address to send the product.

TWO lucky winners will receive a bottle of our popular Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel valued at $35.50! Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel is a sulfate-free, non-drying gel cleanser that deep cleans while giving dull, tired skin and instant glow!  See the full collection of our sulfate-free gel cleansers and cleansing lotions.

Today’s Questions: (all answers can be found on Skin Source.)

Question #1 Name three skin care ingredients Renee suggests you avoid.

Question #2 What food should you avoid if you are trying to reduce your chance of getting acne cysts?

Question #3 Other than the sun, what is the second cause of wrinkles?

Email Contest@ReneeRouleau with the following information. (Only one entry per person)

Full Name:

Your Email Address:

Your Phone Number:

Answer to Question 1:

Answer to Question 2:

Answer to Question 3:

Again, if you have answered the three questions above correctly and have emailed us with your answers and contact information, you will be entered into a drawing. If you are chosen, you will be contacted via email.

*Contest open to U.S. residents only.

Thanks for playing our Scavenger Hunt contest this week!

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!

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

How can I shrink my pores?

Pores aren’t like doors, they don’t open and close, but using exfoliating products can help make them less visible. Read more tips on how to shrink large pores.

How can I stop my skin from breaking out?

All breakouts are not equal, and it’s important to use products that are suited for the types of breakouts you get. Read about how to treat whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, milia and cysts.  Also read tips to reduce acne, cysts and blemishes…

How can I get rid of blackheads?

Almost everyone has blackheads, and they certainly are frustrating. While there is no miracle product that removes them from the skin, there are definitely things you can do to discourage their formation. Read my 3-step plan for reducing blackheads.

My skin is really sensitive and products easily irritate my skin. What can I use?

I would have to say that probably 85% of the time I am asked this question, I determine that it’s the person’s use of harsh, irritating products that is the culprit. Simply put, avoid using irritating products and your skin will be less irritated. Pretty simple, huh? Read tips on choosing the right products for sensitive skin.

I have a busy life and need to keep my routine simple. What are the necessities?

A skin care routine doesn’t need to be complicated or take very long to perform. Here’s my recommendatioon for an easy, fast and effective 3-step routine that is sure to deliver beautiful results. Read more about the simplest skin care routine–ever!

How can I reduce the oil production in my skin?

As someone who has had oily skin, I certainly can relate to this one. The way to reduce oily skin is not by using harsh products, but rather by keeping proper hydration levels in the skin. Read five ways to reduce oil production in skin.

How can I get rid of brown sun spots?

Of all the skin conditions that one has, brown spots rank near the top in terms of most challenging. Exfoliating the skin, using a skin lightener, limiting exposure to heat and sun, and protecting the skin with sunscreen are all essential in the reduction of brown spots and skin discoloration. Read tips to reduce brown sun spots.

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Well, not exactly. While these are all essential in the quest for smoother, younger looking skin, you must realize that the best anti-aging products and treatments are useless if you’re not protecting your skin from daily UV exposure. Without protecting your skin from sunlight’s damaging rays, all the benefits of your treatments and products you are using can be canceled out. Find a good moisturizer that contains a minimum of SPF 15 (I love our Daily Protection SPF 30) and apply it generously and wear it faithfully every day. So now your anti-aging products and treatments can work their magic.

Do you wear sun protection every day? Leave your comments below.

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

Read: A-Z Guide to Anti-Aging…

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

Have a skin care concern? See our Skin Care Tips and Videos for solutions.

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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!

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

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

FACT: SPF 30 offers only 4% more sun protection than an SPF 15. And an SPF 45 offers only 2% more than an SPF 30. The higher up you go, that percentage lessens. The real secret to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is to reapply often and generously—it’s really not the SPF number that matters.

FACT: Your skin needs both UVA and UVB protection. The SPF number only applies to UVB—the sunburn causing rays. The other rays—UVA rays— are the aging rays which breakdown collagen and elastin that cause wrinkles. Zinc Oxide is an excellent UVA and UVB sunscreen.  It’s also an anti-inflammatory so it’s excellent for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Our Daily Protection SPF 30 contains 7% Zinc Oxide and is a Renée Rouleau best-seller…

FACT: SPF 30 is plenty. High SPF numbers like SPF 100 can give a false sense of protection and consumers may not apply it generously enough. Plus, if you’re someone with sensitive skin, the higher SPF number may contain more chemical additives, resulting in skin reactions and irritations. There’s a reason why you don’t find higher than an SPF 50 in most baby sunscreen products!

FACT: Most sun protection products for babies don’t go over SPF 50 and there’s a reason—more irritating chemicals!

Bottom line: An SPF 30 with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protecting Zinc Oxide will keep your skin safe and protected.

By the way, the FDA is proposing to limit the maximum SPF on labels to 50. Read: The FDA Issues New Sunscreen Rules for 2012

See the ColoreScience line of SPF-infused mineral powders here.

Read: Does Wearing Sunscreen Cause Vitamin D Deficiencies?

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.

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

What are a few of the skin conditions where Glycolic Acid can benefit?

• Brown spots (Read more about skin discoloration)
• Post breakout red or dark scars (Read more about fading acne scars)
• Acne scars, blemishes, clogged pores
• Chicken Pox scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles

In each of these cases, the exfoliating action removes top layers of skin, forcing new collagen growth and improved elastin.   This creates more youthful, glowing skin.  Acne and fine wrinkles are essentially indents in the skin, and pigmentation is uneven color.  The refined surface after use of Glycolic Acid creates smoother, even skin tones because there is less of a visible indent and discoloration…

• Dry skin
• Keratosis Pilaris (the bumps that appear on the side of the face, backs of legs and arms)

Skin can’t effectively be moisturized until the dry skin buildup is removed, allowing product to penetrate.  Keratosis Pilaris is made less visible through exfoliation.  This is done easily with Glycolic Acid.

• Blackheads
• Oily Skin (Read tips to reduce oil production)

You will need to consult an esthetician for removal of blackheads, but Glycolic Acid is effective for prevention afterward.  The treatment lessens surface oils, and keeps the newly exfoliated pores cleaner, longer.

Try Renée Rouleau Glycolic Acid in three different strengths.

Glycolic Serum 10% (smoothes sensitive skin)

Glycolic Serum 17% (for smoother, clearer skin)

Glycolic Serum 20% (professional-strength exfoliation)

Note: It’s normal to experience a tingling sensation after applying Glycolic Acid.

Which strength of Glycolic Acid is right for you? See our nine skin types.

See other magazines we have been featured in on our press page!

Having recently visited Wisconsin and spent a day canoeing down a river for the day, I thought I’d share with you how I personally protected my own skin while having some summer fun.

As you can see in the picture, I’m wearing a visor to provide shading to my face, large framed UV protecting sunglasses and a UV protecting long-sleeved jacket. I get the jacket from a company called Sun Precautions. They make clothing that protects more than 97% of UVA and UVB rays and gives all-day UV protection so you never have to apply sunscreen. The fabrics used in most summer shirts don’t provide adequate sun protection so I know this is a safer and smarter choice. I also wear this jacket during my daily morning walks and often wear it when riding my Harley Davidson. It’s very lightweight, ventilated and available in several colors…

The exposed areas were my face (although shaded a bit under a hat and sunglasses,) my hands and my legs. I applied an SPF 30 lotion every 90 minutes.

Here’s a few important tips:

• Sunscreen: It’s not the SPF number that is as important, it is how often and generously you apply.  When it comes to SPF, I prefer a minimum of SPF 30 reapplied as often as every hour.
• Be aware of oily skinned areas: The areas of your face where you have larger pores will always produce more oils.  These natural oils can breakdown sunscreens more quickly, so pay attention and reapply more often.  For example, the nose area acts as a natural reflectant.  Pay attention to your nose, or any area, that is getting shiny.
• Apply sunscreen in forgotten areas: hairline, ears, tops of feet, toes, eyelids.
• Wear SPF-infused mineral makeup: For extra protection, most mineral powders have an SPF rating of 20 and will give you a finished look without looking heavy. They are easy to dust on and keep your skin safe. I personally use and recommend ColoreScience SPF 50 available for purchase here.

What if you applied sunscreen but still got a sunburn? It is a case of misapplication.  The most common problems are:

• Too little sunscreen applied
• Not applied every hour

Sunscreens wear off, sweat off and wash off.  Applying liberally and often makes all the difference.  If you want to look young, avoid the sun. A little sun means a little damage; a lot of sun means a lot of damage.  The choice is yours.

Summer means fun at the outdoors – relax and enjoy but be safe with your skin!

For those living in areas with summer mosquito’s, read how to get rid of mosquito bite scars.

For 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!

There are two types of rays that you need to be concerned about: UVB and UVA rays.

• UVB rays cause sunburn and play a major role in skin cancer and skin aging. Fortunately, UVB rays are unable to penetrate through most types of glass…
• UVA rays also play a major role in skin cancer and skin aging, and they can penetrate through glass, causing unnecessary skin damage. A simple tip – get your car windows tinted professionally. There are different types of UVA-filtering film available and they all are designed to protect your skin by lessening your exposure to skin damaging rays.

ColoreScience SPF-infused mineral powders are great to keep in the car and dust your skin throughout the day.

Read: Renée Rouleau Shares Her Must-Have Summer Skin Care Products

Read: Going to the Beach? Tips to Save Your Skin

Read: The Best Summer Fruits to Eat for Healthy, Glowing Skin

For 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!

I was recently interviewed by a skin care trade magazine, and since I’ve been in the skin care industry for over 20 years, I was asked about my thoughts on the past, present and future of skin care. Here’s what I had to say:

How have facials changed through the years?

Early on, a facial was a jar of cream and mask, a steam machine and the hands—that’s it. The relaxing benefits of a facial were apparent (many people fall asleep), but there weren’t as many visible effects in the early years.  They were still beneficial to health of the skin.
Today, the advancements in facials are significant and a facial can really produce impressive results. We now have access to technology such as Bio Visage (for toning), IPL light (for collagen growth), oxygen (for healthier cell growth) ultrasound (for exfoliation and product penetration) and more. It’s not just about the hands working the magic anymore…
 
As a society, we’re more stressed and getting more and more away from human touch with each other as we communicate electronically. The role of care providers like estheticians are critical for our future, since a facial offers not only skin benefits in a stress-free and relaxing environment, but also a physical connection and the healing powers of touch. As long as there is stress combined with men and women concerned about their skins appearance, facials will always be a mainstay.
 
What have we learned about skin care products/ingredients/technology that we didn’t know 20 years ago?
In the last twenty years, we’ve learned more about the skin and ingredient technologies than we learned since the age of Cleopatra. Here are a few highlights:

Skin care has become more science-oriented. There have been many more clinical studies to prove efficacy of a product. For example, stabilized vitamins in skin care products now have been proven to be very effective anti-aging antioxidants. (Read about stabilized Vitamin C)

With products, we can now greatly enhance skin penetration, control delivery and target key sites within the skin. We also know a lot about how to stabilize ingredient systems to provide longer activity and shelf life without compromising the effectiveness of the ingredients.
Remember when a tan was a sign of good health? UV damage and its aging affects on the skin have been confirmed. We now have stronger broad-spectrum sunscreens that offer better protection and are more user-friendly (less greasy and less likely to clog pores than formulas from ten years ago). Paba, an ingredient used in sunscreen for years that caused a lot of allergic reactions for many people, is rarely used now as it has been taken over by chemical-free sunscreens like micronized Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. (Read why Zinc Oxide is suggested for sensitive, acne-prone skin.)

What has been the most significant breakthrough?
The free radical theory of aging that shows that inflammation is the bottom line of aging. From overuse of harsh skin care products, wear and tear on the body from smoking, stress and exercise, overexposure to environmental factors like the sun and more creates inflammation that sets off a response to create free radicals in the body which is the underlying cause of aging. (Damaged cells = aging of the skin and body). So with the introduction of antioxidants in skin care products, it triggers the skin’s own defense against oxidative stress.

Biotechnology is having and will continue to have a strong impact on skin care. We have seen this initially with the introduction of peptides for aging. (See our Intensive Firming Serum)

DNA repair, mitochondrial protection and energy expression have also gotten a lot of attention.

Looking forward, where are we headed in advancements in skin care?
For skin care products, we will soon be able to target cells by type, giving us more control over how products affect the skin. Currently, the ingredients we send into the skin have the option of affecting any cell in their path, inducing a positive and/or negative effect. In the next five years, we will most likely be able to identify and target specific cells rather than just cell types. So the end result is ultra customization that gives more specific results.
 
Consumers are demanding personalization and since no two skins are alike, you can’t put everyone in generic skin types. In order to get the best results you need to treat each skin as an individual, and that’s why my nine type skin philosophy has attracted so many people. I still don’t understand how companies can say their products are suited for all skin types when all skins have different needs! (See my nine skin types.)
 
We will continue to see anti aging advancements, but also we’ll be seeing more products that address aggravated, stressed and irritated skin (like Rosacea) that, ironically, are being caused because people will overuse some of the aggressive anti-aging products that cause them this irritation in the first place. Read: Is the Clarisonic brush helpful or harmful? Read: Are laser treatments and chemical peels damaging your skin?
 
Do you see products staying “medical” or are we returning back to “nature”?
There are benefits to both so companies will continue to embrace both. I believe it’s important to combine the best that science and nature have to offer. 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 stronger ingredients) that are required as we age. Advances in medicine will continue to expand in the field of skin care, so it’s a very exciting time. As for the natural side of skin care, you must be wary of scare tactics from the organic skin care companies. The whole Paraben debate has proven to be false simply because parabens do not act as estrogen disupters. Once they are applied to the skin, they become a metabolite which is non-estrogenic. The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society have now both come forward publicly to state there is no proof of a linkage between Parabens and cancer. But many organic companies continue to push information out there to use it to their advantage to sell their products. As a skin care expert, I have access to the behind the scenes information, and it’s shocking what some companies (whether promoting natural products or not) will do or say just to get your money. Companies have to sell truths and that’s what I’ve always done and will continue to do.
 
Will there ever be a “fountain of youth” or a “face lift in a jar?”
No, because aging is caused by many different things and is different for everyone. Aging is basically a genetic response to our environment. Since everyone’s genetic inheritance is different, how we age is also unique to the individual. I believe that instead of seeking ways to reverse the signs of aging or deliver a fountain of youth, we will find ways to accept our age and the changes it brings. We will continue to see a strong trend towards “healthy aging” and preventative anti-aging. Wearing sunscreen faithfully, using antioxidants in your skin care products, avoiding products and peels that are too harsh (having your skin constantly peeling, being red and irritated will age your skin more), regular gentle exfoliation with weak acids and smart enzymes, using nutrition-based skin builders like peptides in your products, focus on stress reduction in your life, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet and moderate exercise. This will make a world of difference. Beware of the “no pain, no gain” philosophy that many skin care practitioners are offering. Your skin does need boosts of aggressive ingredients from time to time, but it needs to be balanced out with good nourishing ingredients, too. Read which skin care ingredients to use on your skin during the day and night.
 
Any other thoughts on where the industry has been, or where it’s headed?
The baby boomers look in the mirror and they don’t like what they see. They are so vibrant and full of life on the inside, but the mirror shows them something different.  There is a lot of competition right now with people offering the fountain of youth. Consumers really need to know what they are getting into when they visit any kind of facility for their skin care needs. Many people will tell you whatever you want to hear, just to get your business. There is no magic wand for erasing every wrinkle. Ask a lot of questions because some people aren’t always up front and honest.
 
Where are your future plans?
Right now, I’m focusing on increasing our on-line presence. My E-commerce website www.reneerouleau.com began in 1998 and has grown very organically. The opportunities are endless on the web and it’s such a great way to expand my brand.
 
My future is looking bright, but I’ve learned long ago that in this ever-changing industry if you close your eyes for even a minute, you’ll be behind. My continuous quest and hunger for up-to-date skin care education (I recently returned from an advanced cosmetic chemistry course at UCLA) will allow my brand to stay in the forefront of the industry. I absolutely love what I do. From running all of the aspects of a business for 20 years, to giving facials for 23 years, to developing products and services and writing skin care articles for my blog, it is all very exciting. And after more than twenty years, I truly feel like I’m just getting warmed up.

Read: Renée Rouleau shares the pros and cons of being an esthetician

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.

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