Here are several points of differentiation compared to many of the skin care lines to help you decide if the Renée Rouleau products would be a good choice for you and your skin.

The Renée Rouleau line is based on nine skin types.

Hands down, this is the one area where my line is especially unique. In this day and age where everything is about ultra customization, it amazes me how many companies can still say their line is “suitable for all skin types” when all skins have different needs. How is it possible that the needs of a 60 year old woman with dry, flaky, rosacea-prone skin could possibly use the same products as a 25 year old who has oily, acne-prone skin? If you’re truly looking for results, it’s imperative that you use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin, and it all begins with my nine skin types…

When you read each of the nine skin types, you’ll notice that each type has 6-8 characteristics listed that describe that skin type.

For example, skin type #2 is for Oily/Combination/Occasional Breakouts/Anti-Aging.

The characteristics include:

-enlarged pores and produces oil mostly in t-zone

-skin feels tight or irritated when harsh products are used

-needs hydration, but without heavy oils or pore clogging ingredients

-may get occasional breakouts and cysts (weekly or monthly)

-may get clogged pores and blackheads

-post-blemish red or dark (discoloration) marks that linger

-wants to keep skin healthy and smooth

-concerned about aging

For many skin care lines, they might simply call this type of skin “combination.” But as you can see, this type of skin has many different needs and so each and every product in this routine has its own unique purpose and uses ingredients exclusively for treating that condition. When you use the recommended products, you get the synergistic effects, and therefore the best results for your skin to achieve healthy, glowing, beautiful skin. Makes sense, right? I sure think so.

The Renée Rouleau line has 65 skin care products…and growing.

Of course, having nine skin types must require each of the types to have a routine catered to the needs of that skin, and having an extensive line of products allows for this. But even my line of 65 skin care products is still not always enough, which is why I continue to come out with new formulas, as well as updating older formulas to take advantage of the latest technology. Our newest products include Post-Breakout Fading Gel, and our Mint Buffing Beads, Firming Eye Therapy, and Soothing Eye Makeup Remover were all recently launched and/or updated to new and improved formulas.

Read: What is a Serum and Do I Really Need One?

As your skin changes, the Renée Rouleau line can change with you.

Another benefit of having such an extensive array of products to choose from is that as your skin changes (which it always does) there’s room to grow within the line. It’s not uncommon that someone used to be a skin type #2 and now their skin is a type #6. The skin is always changing from season to season, moving to a different city, and with hormones that come from age, so our line is very flexible that way. And truthfully, even if you’re bored and want to try something new, you can! Our clients stay with us for years and years because we’re always able to give their skin what it needs at any time in their life.

Read: Is It Helpful to Change Up My Products Occasionally?

Read: My Six-Step Plan for Evaluating Your Current Skin Care Products

Every product is unique in its ingredients and benefits for the skin.

Many skin care lines have a theme or a story. For example, there is a company whose entire line is based on seaweed (algae) and the healing effects that it can bring to the skin. While I think seaweed can definitely be beneficial for certain types of skin conditions, what happens if you’re allergic to seaweed? (As many people can be.) Or what if your skin has other needs than what seaweed can do? While I realize that other ingredients can be added along with the seaweed to allow the product to achieve other effects, I’m just personally not a believer that having a theme among all products can give the best results. In the Renée Rouleau line, every product is its own unique formula. Sure, you’ll see some of the same ingredients carried over into a few products – but not all. So even if your skin doesn’t agree with a certain product (perhaps because of an ingredient that your skin doesn’t agree with), we have so many other products to choose from that your skin will agree with.

Read: How to Avoid a Negative Reaction to New Skin Care Products

So those are the main points where I feel Renée Rouleau is different from other lines. Choose your skin type now!

Here is more information about Renée Rouleau.

-We combine the best of nature and the best of science to give you healthy, glowing skin without being harsh and irritating.

-We avoid harsh and irritating ingredients like sulfates, synthetic dyes and fragrances so your skin’s health and balance won’t be disrupted. See the list of ingredients we use and avoid.

-We know skin. We’re not just sales people, but licensed estheticians who work with the skin every day in our Dallas skin care spas and truly understand its function.

-We never, ever test our products on animals – and never will.

-We’re honest, smart, funny, hardworking people.

-We believe you are, too.

And lastly, we pride ourselves on giving amazing customer service! Many skin care companies return emails within 48 hours or longer on business days and we think that’s way too long. Our estheticians are standing by to answer your skin care questions and offer our expert advice–promptly. See our customer service page.

BONUS: Free shipping on all orders over $100 and if you live outside of Texas, you’ll never pay sales tax, so that’s anywhere from a 5-9% savings every time you order!

Read: Is the Clarisonic Brush Harmful or Helpful to the Skin?

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

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!

Mistake #1: Only focusing on one or two of your skin’s needs, instead of looking at the big picture.

People mistake their skin type, therefore choosing the wrong skin care products because they are usually hyper-focused on just one or two things going on with their skin, choosing products just for those issues, instead of focusing on ALL of their skin’s needs.

For example, a 40-year-old woman may start to get occasional hormonal cystic breakouts and because acne cysts are so painful and can linger for a few weeks, she may now start thinking her skin type is “acne-prone” (understandably so) and purchase products for “problem skin” and and completely ignore that her skin has anti-aging needs. Harsh products for acne-prone skin will only leave her skin dry, irritated and flaky. Her best bet is to use a spot treatment for acne cysts, because cystic acne rarely responds to regular blemish products anyway, so she may not even be helping the breakout after all. Renée Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment works best as a spot treatment for controlling stubborn hormonal acne cysts…

Read: Are You an Adult but Still Treating Your Skin Like a Teen?

Mistake #2: Not understanding the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin.

Dry skin means there is little to no oil being produced and the skin can appear rough and flaky. Therefore, oil-based products (albeit using non-pore clogging oils) are needed to keep the moisture barrier intact.

Dehydrated skin means there is little water in the skin (you can still be an oil producer) and the skin can feel tight. Water-based products using powerful humectants are needed to keep water content within the skin’s cells.  If you are someone who gets breakouts and uses harsh products to treat the acne, it’s normal for the skin to be left feeling tight, which people then associate as being dry. So they start using a moisturizer formulated for dry skin which may contain ingredients that further aggravate the acne problem. Oily skin tips would benefit from Reneé Rouleau Sheer Moisture or Matte Moisture.

Read: Are You Avoiding Moisturizer to Avoid Breakouts?

Mistake #3: Misunderstanding the true meaning of sensitive skin.

When people are asked if they have sensitive skin, most people will say “yes.” However, sensitive skin has different meanings to different people. There are those who get blemishes easily from using pore-clogging products and consider this to be a symptom of sensitive skin. (Use water-based, oil-free products to eliminate products contributing to breakouts.) Then there are those whose skin gets red and irritated easily from harsh products. (Avoid using harsh products so you don’t irritate your skin. Problem solved!) And then there are those whose skin gets red and flushed easily (like someone with rosacea) and to me, this is definitely considered sensitive skin.

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

What’s the solution for determining your skin type? Don’t go it alone, put your skin in the hands of a trusted skin care professional who can help you determine your true skin type and suggest a skin care program (both for at-home use and professional treatments), so you can get the best results for your skin’s needs. But the quickest place to start is by choosing your skin type here.

WATCH VIDEO: What’s Your Skin Type?

SENSITIVE SKIN

Use:

- Beta Glucans. This yeast extract helps to make skin less sensitive over time as well as providing antioxidant benefits. (Found in Renée Rouleau Skin Correcting Serum and Phytolipid Comfort Cream)

- Sea Whip. This ingredient is soothing and anti-inflammatory to help reduce redness in the skin. (Found in Purifying Face Wash)

- White Tea Extract. This is the most potent soothing antioxidant of all teas to reduce skin irritation and redness. (Found in White Tea Soothing Complex)…

- Glycerin. This is a plant-derived hydrator to offer moisturization and skin healing. (Found in Moisture Infusion Toner)

Read: How to Avoid a Negative Reaction to New Skin Care Products

Read: Does Your Skin Get Irritated Easily? It Might be Your Products

Read: How to Determine Your True Skin Type

Avoid:

- Synthetic dyes. This ingredient, listed as “FD&C #” on the ingredient listing, can be an irritant to the skin.

- Synthetic fragrance. This is the number one cause of allergic reactions to products. Avoid skin care products containing the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient listing.

- SD Alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol. These are commonly found in toners and should be avoided. (Exception: They can be beneficial when used in acne spot treatments.) All the Renée Rouleau toners are alcohol-free.

- Sodium or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. These are commonly found in cleansers and are extremely drying to the skin. All the Renée Rouleau gel cleansers are sulfate-free.

All the Renée Rouleau products do not contain the above ingredients.

Read: Five Skin Care Ingredient Myths You Need to Know

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

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!

If a product…

stings and burns…it’s not a fit for your skin and can make you think your skin is a sensitive skin type when maybe the product is an irritating one. The exception is using an acid serum where it specifically indicates that a stinging sensation is to be expected. SD Alcohol 40 (commonly used in toners and astringents) and synthetic fragrance added to skin care products are common causes of skin sensitivity. The Renée Rouleau products do not use these ingredients.

Read: When is it Okay for My Skin Care Products to Tingle?

leaves a greasy residue…it’s not a fit for your skin and now you might think you’re an oily skin type when a moisturizer is actually too rich and greasy for you. Your skin can only absorb so much and the rest sits on top leading to suffocated, clogged skin…

Read: Moisturizer Do’s and Don’ts

leaves your skin feeling tight and dry…it’s not a fit for your skin and can make you think you are dry or dehydrated when the problem is the product. Sulfate-based foaming cleansers and alcohol-based toners can severely strip the skin of needed moisture, but many people associate a tight feeling with their skin being clean. False. Choose sulfate-free cleansers and alcohol-free toners.

Read: Gel, Lotion or Cream: Which Cleanser is Best for Your Skin?

is exfoliating your skin but you’re still left dry and flaky…your skin care routine isn’t working and you might be over-exfoliating which may lead you to think you have dry skin. If you exfoliate TOO MUCH, can damage the skin’s moisture barrier, resulting in invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape, making skin drier and flakier. People then exfoliate more to get rid of the dryness, only to find that it makes it worse.

Read: Are You Ruining Your Skin with Exfoliating Products?

makes you excessively oily…something is drying your skin out. If you think you have oily skin, harsh products formulated for oily skin can dehydrate the skin causing your skin to produce more oil in an effort to balance itself. Skin hydration is truly the key to producing less oil, despite what you may think.

Read: Five Ways to Reduce Oil Production in Skin

gets easily irritated…something isn’t working. If a product irritates your skin, it’s clearly not a good fit. Inflammation is the underlying cause of aging, so inducing topical skin irritation unintentionally is a no-no.

Read: Does Your Skin Get Irritated Easily? It Might Be Your Products

Once you are using products that feel good on your skin, then you can truly determine your skin’s true characteristics. Until you find the right combination of products, it will always be a challenge to truly understand your skin type.

Oily skin - If you have large pores all over your face and your skin gets shiny throughout the day and visible oil appears, then you have oil within your skin, and therefore can be considered an oily skin type.

Combination skin – If your pores are larger primarily in the T-zone (across forehead, nose and chin) and visible oil appears in those areas throughout the day, but the skin produces only a little oil in other areas, then you can be considered a combination skin type.

Normal skin – If your skin produces just a little T-zone oil (mostly in the summer) but the skin doesn’t usually get flaky, though it my feel tight, then you can be considered a normal skin type.

Dry skin – Skin always feels tight, looks rough, has small, with possible barely visible pores and is tight and flaky, especially during the winter.

Other characteristics to consider…

Sensitive skin – Skin that gets red and flushed easily from products, being touched, hot showers, alcohol and spicy foods. This skin type will benefit from gentle ingredients such as white tea, the most potent antioxidant of all teas. Renée Rouleau White Tea Soothing Complex calms red, sensitive skin using a potent blend of anti-inflammatory antioxidants. If you have sensitive skin, avoid products with fragrances. It is the number one cause of allergic reactions to products.

Read: Tips to Keep Skin Calm

Under-circulated skin – This is a skin type that barely turns pink at all, from activities like getting a facial, using a facial scrub or taking a hot shower. This skin type will benefit from using ingredients like peppermint, ginseng extract and rosemary, which dilate the blood vessels, allowing the skin to accommodate more nutrient-rich blood resulting in bright, glowing skin. Renée Rouleau Mint Buffing Beads gives an instant glow to the skin!

Read: How is Your Skin’s Circulation? Take the Pinch Test!

Acne-prone skin – This type of skin is the most challenging of all when trying to determine your skin type because not all acne is equal, and it can occur at any age. Also, it can be very severe to just occasionally, but most anyone with any acne at all will always categorize themselves as acne-prone.

Read: 11 Causes of Acne and Blemishes

My advice? Do check out my nine skin types to get more information on the type of skin you may have. If you’re still confused with determining your skin type, be sure to consult a trusted skin care professional who can offer expert advice.

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

T-Zone Tip #1: Skip using a serum in the T-zone.

Because the T-zone produces oil, during the summer months when oil is excessive, avoiding using a serum (even if it’s oil-free) will keep that area feeling fresher and more lightweight. But in the winter time, when the T-zone requires more hydration due to the dry air, be sure to choose a water-based, oil-free serum like Skin Drink, and use under moisturizer. Read: What is a Serum and Do I Really Need One?

T-Zone Tip #2: Use a lighter-weight moisturizer in the T-zone at night.

For most of your skin care products, you can use the same product all over your face, assuming it is made for your combination skin type. The one exception is moisturizer. Since more hydration is needed on the cheeks, it is best to apply a more-hydrating moisturizer in those areas and use a lighter, oil-free moisturizer in the T-zone. The result is each area of the face getting the perfect amount of hydration. See the collection of Renée Rouleau moisturizers…

T-Zone Tip #3: Blot oil often.

It’s normal for those who produce oil in the T-zone to want to use a product to rid your skin of oil, but there’s nothing that you can use that will dramatically reduce oil simply because, for those who produce oil, this is the natural process of your skin. So the quickest, simplest, fastest way to create less shine on the skin and combat oil is to blot your skin with either oil-blotting papers or tissue. I know for me, in the summertime I have to blot at least every two hours in my T-zone. Read: Five Ways to Reduce Oil Production in Skin

T-Zone Tip #4: Skip liquid foundations in the T-zone.

Since you’re trying to create as matte of a look as possible, and certainly not to add any additional oil to the already oily area, I suggest using a liquid foundation on your cheeks when doing your makeup. Then dust an SPF-infused mineral powder all over the face, as this will set your liquid foundation, as well as provide coverage and the matte finish you’re looking for. See the Colorescience line of mineral powders here.

T-Zone Tip #5: Get regular professional facials to manage T-zone blackheads.

The T-zone area is the area of the face most prone to blackheads, simply because oil is produced in this area, enlarging the pores. The oil then gets oxidized by the air, resulting in blackheads. To keep blackheads at bay and keep the pores clean in the T-zone, scheduling regular monthly or bimonthly deep pore-cleansing facials that include professional extractions is beneficial to keep this area looking its best. Read: My 3-Step Plan for Reducing Blackheads

Note: Cleansers, toners, facial scrubs, acid serums, and exfoliating serums, as long as they are for your skin type, can be used all over the face, so these products you do not have to use separate products for each area. Choose your skin type.

So there you have it, by adjusting your routine a bit, you can keep your skin balanced and always looking its best.

Do you have any special tricks for caring for your t-zone?

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!

Step #1 Skin Smoothing Peel smoothes and clears the skin (not sold separately)
Having smooth and clear skin is so important at any social gathering.  This gentle exfoliating treatment uses mild breakout –fighting acids and fruit-derived enzymes to smooth away dullness, clear the pores, hydrate and ensure a youthful glow.  Skin will look calm and refreshed with no signs of redness or irritation.  This peel does not contain parabens, synthetic dyes or artificial fragrances and will not cause harsh side effects–just beautiful, smooth and glowing skin. It’s like getting a Renée Rouleau facial at home!…

Directions: To get skin smooth and clear for your girl’s night, apply a thin coat to clean skin and leave on 5-7 minutes (a tingling sensation is normal).  Rinse well with lukewarm water and wipe off any excess with Facial Sponge.  Prior to using on the face, it’s suggested to do a patch test to ensure compatibility with the skin. Take a small amount of product and apply to a small area on the forehead. Leave on 5-7 minutes and rinse. Proceed with regular moisturizer. Wait 48 hours to see if any abnormal redness occurs. If no problems, proceed with using the product over entire face.

Key Ingredients:

-Salicylic Acid- A keratolytic anti-bacterial beta hydroxy acid (BHA) famous for its ability to smooth the skin without causing irritation, reduce acne-causing bacteria and oil to prevent blemishes, all while penetrating the pores to help clear out impurities

-Carica Papaya Fruit-Antioxidant high in Vitamin C and also contains natural enzymes for exfoliation

-Papain-Enzyme derived from papayas to provide skin-smoothing exfoliation as well as Vitamin C and E antioxidants needed for the health of the skin

-Mango Seed Butter-High content of fatty acids to improve moisturization

Step #2 Skin Drink oil-free hydration for thirsty skin cells
Quench thirsty skin without actually taking a sip!  Skin Drink Serum helps prevent individual skin cells from losing water and creates a smooth, more youthful-looking appearance of healthy, intact skin. It’s like drinking 8 glasses of water a day!

Directions: To infuse water-based hydration deep within the skin, apply 2-3 pumps to entire face.

Key Ingredients:

-Hyaluronic Acid – An acid that helps to retain the skins natural moisture.  It can hold 1000 times its weight in water resulting in enhanced elasticity, lubrication, plumpness and moisture of skin.  Also has healing properties

-Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Gel – Soothing and hydrating gel.  Keeps skin cam, moist and supple

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

Step #3 Glow Enhancing Cream long lasting moisture (not sold separately)
Enriched with plant-derived ceramides and lipid-rich hydrators, this soothing cream delivers instant comfort and a surge of moisture to keep the skin hydrated for up to 20 hours.  Skin will be remarkably soft and smooth.  Hydrated skin = healthy, glowing and beautiful skin.

Directions: After rinsing off the Skin Smoothing Peel, apply a few drops of Skin Drink followed by a moderate amount of this cream to face and neck to keep skin glowing and looking fresh for up to 20 hours.  Let dry and proceed with makeup.  Also excellent to use after a night out to restore hydration levels in the skin.  Be sure to perform your night time routine…whatever time you get in!

Key Ingredients:

-Soy Phospholipids – Lipids rich oil to reprogram dry skin for immediate comfort

-Green Tea Extract – Soothing, natural antioxidant

-Dog Rose Hips Seed Oil – Lipid rich oil to smooth skin and reinforce skin’s natural protective barrier

-Sodium Hyaluronate – Bioactive moisturizer; holds up to 100 times its weight in water on skin

-Beta Carotene – Antioxidant to protect DNA from free radical damage

Shop now for the Girls Night Out Mini Facial Glow Kit

Read: Got a Special Event? Skin Care Tips to Look Your Best

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Here’s what I know for sure when it comes to the skin.

1. No two sides of the face are the same.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been told that one side of the body is different from the other, and I know this to be true with the face as well. With most people, one eyebrow or cheekbone is always higher.

2. Everyone has blackheads.

You’re not alone with your frustration about your blackheads. Truthfully, almost everyone has them. Granted, some are larger and more noticeable than others since some people have larger pores than others, but across the board it’s a common concern for all.

Read: My 3-Step Plan for Reducing Blackheads…

3. Smoke makes the skin smell.

I know this will come across as gross, but in the point during the facial where manual extractions are performed to clean out clogged pores and blackheads, for those who smoke, you can smell the smoke mixed in with their oil. Even if when a person walks in and you can’t smell smoke on them, it certainly comes out during this process. When you smoke, it encompasses every single part of your body and certainly leads to a dull, tired complexion because of the oxygen it depletes from the skin. Read: Are You a Smoker? Skin Tips to Save Your Skin

4. Sleeping on your side causes permanent creases in the skin.

Generally after the age of 40, I can look at someone’s skin and tell if they are a side sleeper. They will get a vertical crease (wrinkle) about an inch long on the cheek close to the nose. When you sleep on the side, you spend thousands of hours ironing in a crease to the skin. Now I realize that once you are asleep, it’s virtually impossible to control this, but you can use collagen-boosting products with ingredients like peptides (Intensive Firming Serum) and antioxidants (Vitamin C&E Complex), which help keep skin firm and plump, to minimize the damage done by side sleeping. And of course, daily sun protection is a must! (Daily Protection SPF 30)

5. Consider yourself lucky if you have a chubby face, a strong neckline or high cheekbones.

Without a doubt, there are certain characteristics that we are genetically given (or not given) that can predict if you’ll maintain a youthful appearance well into your later years. The first is a chubby face. If you are someone that the first place that shows weight gain is in your face (like myself), this means that you have an increased number of fat cells in your skin. While a chubby face may have been frustrating in your younger years, consider yourself lucky since it is essential for a youthful look. Consider the fact that many people pay thousands of dollars to have their own fat injected into their face to prevent a hollow, sunken in look that comes with age.

A strong, firm neckline is also key to young looking skin, since this is the first area to lose its tone and show signs of sagging.  A key component in a facelift and certainly a neck lift is to tighten that skin back up.

The third is high cheekbones. Of the three, if you’re blessed with nice, high prominent cheekbones, you definitely hit the jackpot. The skin in your face will not lose its tone as much since it gets “hung up” on the cheekbone and doesn’t drop as much. Again, people pay a lot of money to have cheek implants put in since this is known to be the key to a young looking face.

Read: Renée’s Thoughts on Plastic Surgery, Injectables and the Art of Altering the Face

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

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

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!

How do you go about doing this? Particularly when some skin care companies say their line is “suitable for all skin types?” It’s not easy, but before you jump at a skin care product, find out what type of skin it is suited for. Ask your skin care professional, e-mail the website of the skin care company; the key is you need to ask…

Here’s a helpful tip. When asking, don’t say “Is this product good for me?” because chances are a salesperson will more than likely tell you yes. Instead, say “What type of skin does this product work best for?” With a specific question like that, you’re sure to get a specific answer that will help you decide if the product is right for your skin needs. I learned long ago that the generic skin types of dry, normal, and oily are simply too limiting, which is why my line is based on 9 unique skin types.

When a skin care product is not a good fit, your skin will let you know. For healthy skin, never work against Mother Nature, always work with her.

Was this blog post helpful?

Read: What Does Renée Rouleau Think About OTHER Skin Care Lines?

Read: How Long Before I See Results With My New Skin Care Products?

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Read: Why I Love Being an Esthetician

So when my client, Tracey Schwartz first came to me complaining of dry, extremely sensitive skin, I ran through my list of questions. I share this because I know many of you will be able to relate. (Note: conditions such as excema will also have success with this program as excema is a condition related to a weakened barrier within the skin.)

During my consultation with Tracey, she expressed the following concerns…

“My skin is always red and every product that I use stings my skin, so I have to be really careful with what I use on it.”

“I have to keep my skin care routine really simple and use products for sensitive skin but my skin still aways feels irritated,

“My skin is constantly dry and flaky and always looks red.”

“I’ve always had sensitive skin but it started to get worse in my mid 40′s.”

“My doctor diagnosed me with rosacea and gave me a prescription which I used for awhile and it only made my skin more irritated.”

Looking at Tracey’s skin, there was no doubt in my mind that her skin was extremely fragile, so I knew I had to go easy.
My diagnosis of Tracey’s skin was pretty simple. Her skin’s protective lipid barrier was damaged and that was the underlying cause of all her redness, dryness and hypersensitivity. She’s a classic skin type #9. (See our nine skin types.)

What is a damaged lipid barrier?

Your skin has a moisture barrier made of natural lipids that keeps moisture in the skin and irritants out. When this barrier is damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape (causing dry, flaky skin) and irritants to enter more easily (making even sensitive skin products cause a stinging, irritating sensation.) All the moisturizer in the world wouldn’t help fix her dry, flaky, sensitive skin until we repaired her skin’s protective barrier.

How do you fix a damaged moisture barrier?

- For starters, avoid washing your skin with anything that leaves it feeling tight. Look at your cleansers and make sure to avoid the ingredient Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate as these only further damage the skins barrier. f you’re using the wrong cleanser, you’re instantly stripping the moisture out of the skin which is the worst thing you can do for sensitive skin. See our collection of sulfate-free cleansing gels and cleansing lotions.

- Always use a toner to give your skin extra hydration, but make sure it’s alcohol-free. (Read: Five Reasons to Use Alcohol-Free Toner)

- Use a vitamin C or antioxidant serum daily. They can have excellent anti-redness properties but make sure it’s a no-sting formula, like our Vitamin C&E Complex which is formulated for sensitive, red skins.

- Wearing a broad-spectrum sunblock every day is a must. Our Daily Protection SPF 30 is perfect! UV rays from daylight cause inflammation in the skin which only makes sensitive skin more sensitive.

- Use a moisturizer with lipid-rich oils to reinforce skin’s natural barrier. This one is really important as regular moisturizers will hydrate but not necessarily fix a damaged barrier if they don’t use these special repairing ingredients.  Look for moisturizers with Linoleic Acid, Soybean Sterols, Jojoba Oil, Phospholipids, Borage Oil, Merospheres (liposome encapsulated rosemarinus officinalis), Kukui Nut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Glycolipids, Squalane and Rose Hips Seed Oil. Many of these are found in our Phytolipid Comfort Cream which is formulated to repair the skin’s protective barrier down deep, where damage begins. Within weeks, visible redness and skin sensitivity will be greatly reduced – if not eliminated. Trust me, this cream works!

- Be sure to use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin. What’s your skin type?

So with that being said, I performed our moisture infusion facial, concentrating on barrier repair. I recommended Tracey purchase skin care products formulated for our #9 skin type. She was very nervous about purchasing the entire collection, as she had used various skin care products before, without results. With any sensitive skin, I recommend one new product at a time, and certainly understood her apprehension from the false promises of products she had previously used. To start with, I recommended she use our Phytolipid Comfort Cream for four weeks and then return for her next facial treatment.

When she returned, her skin looked so much better. The redness/dryness had improved, and she was thrilled with the results. Now, a year later, Tracey is a Renée Rouleau product junkie using all of the products for skin type #9, and she has never felt or looked better.

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

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!

What is under circulated skin?

As we age, everything tends to slow down in the body, including blood circulation. When the skin doesn’t have proper blood flow, it can result in sluggish, dull, and tired skin that lacks a glow. This is most commonly found in medium, olive skin tones including (but not limited to) Hispanic, Indian, and Mediterranean complexions. Our skin types #6 and #7 are formulated to address these issues.

Tips to give a boost to under-circulated skin:

Try incorporating products containing vasodilators, as this will bring fresh blood flowing through the skin so the cells have new nutrients. This includes ingredients such as peppermint, rosemary, and ginseng extract, which work to give the skin a pick-me-up! Try Renée Rouleau Revitalizing Ginseng Toner, Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel, Rosemary Mint Cleanser and Mint Buffing Beads. When applied topically to the skin, these ingredients work to dilate the blood vessels, therefore, allowing the skin to accommodate more nutrient-rich blood. With continued use, you can get skin that glows!…

Also, avoid cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol, which can impair circulation, and avoid wearing yellow-based colors for makeup and clothing (like mustard and khaki) as they can make the skin appear sallow. Mineral makeup is a great choice for making your skin look radiant!

Read: Five Clothing Colors to Give your Skin a Glow

What is over circulated skin?

With age, certain skin types, particularly fair skinned and those with Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian heritage are prone to having over-circulated skin, which appears as visible capillaries, redness, and a flushing to the skin. This excessive circulation can cause the skin to continually look rosy (note: most all skin types can get visible capillaries around the corners of the nose, this is not the type of skin I’m referring to). Add in a glass of wine, a hot shower, and a workout, and the skin can appear beet red. This overly red skin can be bothersome to some people. Our skin types #4, #5, and #9 are formulated to address the issue of over-circulation – which also includes rosacea.

Read: Rosacea Starts to Show Up in Your Early 30′s

Tips for over-circulated skin

The goal here is to calm and sedate circulation by using products containing vasoconstrictors, which help to keep capillaries strong so they aren’t flushing and dilating, causing so much redness. Ingredients such as white tea, chamomile, azulene, Vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) are all helpful in repairing dilated capillaries. With continued use, you can get calmer, less red skin. Try Renée Rouleau Azulene Gel Mask, Phytolipid Comfort Cream, White Tea Soothing Complex, Stress Recovery Lotion and Calming Chamomile Cleanser.

When cleansing the skin at night, be sure to cleanse with tepid, lukewarm water as overly hot water can add to redness. Also, keep your toner, serum, moisturizers, and masks (all products that are left on the skin when using) in the refrigerator, as this will increase their cooling benefits to skin.

When it comes to skin, people often focus on issues like blackheads, dark circles, breakouts, and oiliness – but one missing key in the quest for healthy skin is to ensure skin’s proper circulation. It’s so important that you don’t overlook the skin’s blood flow – using these tricks and tips, you too can have healthy, beautiful skin.

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

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