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. (Coming soon: Glow Enhancing Cream!)

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 our philosophies.

-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.

-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.

Read: Is the Clarisonic Brush Harmful or Helpful to the 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!

Today, I’m featuring skin type #9.

Do you have?

-Skin that feels tight and dry year round

-Skin that needs hydration and nourishment

-Enlarged pores mostly in t-zone (optional)

-Hyperpigmentation/discoloration and brown spots (optional)…

-Skin that becomes red easily and gets irritated by harsh products

-Consistent redness or have been diagnosed with rosacea

-Concerns of skin aging

-Skin that needs smoothing

If you are someone who wants to calm redness and keep the skin hydrated with a focus on anti-aging and have ALL of these symptoms, then you are a skin type #9. 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 for soothing red, dry and sensitive skin. A unique blend of soothing antioxidants, moisture-repairing lipids and gentle exfoliating acids all work to smooth the surface of the skin, fight daily skin aging and bring comforting nourishment to the skin. 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 #9.

Read: How Do I Get Rid of Broken Capillaries?

Read: Using New Products and Have Sensitive Skin? Take it One Day at a Time

Read: My Cure for Red, Sensitive, Extremely Dry, Flaky 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!

Redness can also be caused from a hot shower or steam room, drinking wine, eating spicy food, or due to stimulated nerves from stress or participating in exercise.  These are all considered normal as these cause increased blood flow in the skin creating a red, flush to the skin – albeit temporarily, for most people.

Redness can also be caused from blemishes. Infection can cause a blemish to be red and inflamed, and certainly picking at the skin can leave a red post-breakout mark long after the infection disappears. Read: How Can I Fade My Acne Scars?

But the kind of redness that requires using products specifically made for decreasing redness is the type where there is a consistent red tone to the skin when perhaps any of the above hasn’t occurred. For example, someone who looks like they just exercised or took a hot shower when they haven’t. This is common for those who suffer from a skin condition called rosacea. Read more about rosacea.

Most commonly, you’ll find this in fair complexions such as those with Irish, Scottish or Scandinavian descent…

Here’s a list of some of my favorite soothing, products to control redness and keep the skin feeling calm and comfortable.

White Tea Soothing Complex For soothing general redness, this serum contains potent antioxidant and cooling anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Anti-Redness Treatment Specifically formulated for controlling the signs of rosacea, this serum can give dramatic improvement to the skin.

Calming Chamomile Cleanser For those with redness, washing with a gentle, calming cleanser is a must. This one is excellent for sensitive skin.

Purifying Face Wash For oily, combination and sensitive skins prone to redness, this deep pore cleansing gel will effective clean the skin without leaving the skin irritated.

Vitamin C&E Complex This stable, no-sting formula is excellent for reducing redness while giving a powerful dose of antioxidants to the skin.

Azulene Gel Mask This mask will instantly reduce redness and provide relief to overheated skin.

Phytolipid Comfort Cream Skins with redness can be the result of a weak or damaged moisture barrier within the skin. This cream works to repair the skin making it less red and sensitive.

Read: How Do I Get Rid of Broken Capillaries?

Read: My Cure for Red, Sensitive Extremely Dry, Flaky Skin

Get products recommended for your skin by choosing your skin type.

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!

Everyone has a different definition of sensitive skin so here’s solutions to the most common types of sensitivity that people can experience.

My skin gets easily irritated to products–especially harsh ones.

Without a doubt, many companies still make products with ingredients that will dry, irritate and be much too strong for your sensitive skin. Read: Does Your Skin Irritated Easily? The problem is your products, not your skin.

My skin breaks out really easily… 

For starters, it’s so very important to use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin, that’s why I have created my nine skin types–so you’re sure to get products that give great results without causing unnecessary problems.

It’s really important to avoid pore clogging, heavy oils in your products–especially for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Read: Are Your Skin Care Products Causing Blackheads and Clogged Pores? Also Read: 11 Causes of Acne Breakouts

My skin gets red and flushed easily.

For skin prone to redness, this is genetic but can be significantly less when gentle products using anti-redness, anti-inflammatory ingredients are used. Read: Sensitive Skin? Tips to Keep Skin Calm

I have rosacea.

This can be genetic but using the right products that address the needs of rosacea can really keep flare ups under control. See skin type #5 and skin type #9 as well as our Anti-Redness Treatment.

I’ve never had sensitive skin up until recently.

Just like the body is constantly changing, so is your skin. So products that normally worked well in the past may no longer be addressing your skins needs now. It’s time for a change. Read: If Your Skin is Changing, it’s Time to Change Your Skin Routine.

I breakout in rashes from products.

Most commonly found in fair, thin skins, a damaged skin barrier can allow irritants into the skin more easily resulting in skin rashes, such as eczema flare ups. See our Phytolipid Comfort Cream.

I truly know that if you are using products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin type, then some of these sensitive skin concerns should be greatly reduced–if not completely eliminated.

That’s why I created my line based on nine skin types. I strongly advise anyone with sensitive skin to avoid products that say they are  “suitable for all skin types” as sensitive skin types have special needs. But even products labeled “for sensitive skin” may still not be the solution since most products for sensitive skin have simply removed the synthetic fragrance and dye, which for most of the above concerns stated, may not be enough.

Read: Using New Products and Have Sensitive Skin? Take it One Day at a Time

Read: Five Skin Care Ingredient Myths You Need to Know

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

Rosacea is a vascular disorder triggered by episodes of blushing and flushing. According to the National Rosacea Society (NRS) in Barrington, Illinois, rosacea now affects an estimated 14 million Americans, ranking it among the top five most-diagnosed disorders by U.S. dermatologists.

Rosacea presents as sensitive, red or inflamed skin that shows telangiectasia (small visible blood vessels) near the skin’s surface and can become pustular, often causing it to be mistaken for adult acne. It is common for Irish, Scottish, English and Scandinavian heritage.

While the traditional approach to treating rosacea is with prescription creams and antibiotics, such as Tetracylcine, I am a believer that if you can control symptoms without involving prescription medication, it is easier and less invasive.

Read: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Treating Acne?

One ingredient that I have seen tremendous results in controlling the signs of rosacea for my clients is Lichochalcone. Many skin care companies now use it and it’s in our Anti-Redness Treatment. It is a yellow to reddish brown extract of the Chinese Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra), that’s been standardized with 15% Lichochalcone (active substance)…

Studies show that Lichochalcone eliminates almost 100% enzyme Lipase from the surface of the skin (an enzyme produced by P. acnes, S. aureus and Demodex mite, all of whom have been implicated in worsening skin conditions such as pustular rosacea). The study compares the activity of Lichochalcone and oral Tetracycline and shows Lichochalcone to be more effective in lipase reduction and elimination. This study shows that this natural substance is more effective than the prescription medication in preventing future flare-ups and limiting the growth of undesirable flora (this is done directly through the elimination of lipase – an enzyme known to trigger redness).

Bottom line: This ingredient has been shown to give better results than taking prescription antibiotics – and I know this to be true with seeing my own client’s skin. It works extremely well at getting the visible redness and irritation caused from rosacea under control.

Read: Common Rosacea Triggers

Read: Sensitive Skin? Tips To Keep Skin Calm

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 Cleanser: Purifying Face Wash protect skin’s delicate protective barrier with its sulfate-free formulation of plant-derived cleansing agents.  These cleansing agents leave skin feeling beautifully clean and comfortable through the cleansing process without dryness or irritation.

Who it’s for: Skin Type #4 and those with sensitive, combination/normal, red, easily-irritated skin. (See our nine skin types)

What’s in it:

Green Tea (Camellia Oleifera) – soothing plant antioxidants that calm skin during cleansing process…

Sea Whip – has the strongest soothing action of all sea plants

Allantoin – soothing agent

Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids – mild cleansing agent from oats

This cleansing gel does not contain Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, parabens, dyes or artificial fragrances and is safe for very sensitive skin.

Why you should use it: If have a hard time finding a cleanser for your sensitive skin that doesn’t leave it feeling tight and irritated, then you’ll love Renée Rouleau Purifying Face Wash!

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

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!

Ingredient Spotlight: White Tea Extract

Discovered in China more than 5000 years ago, the tea family has been the focus of much scientific research. Scientists at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University have proven that ingredients in white tea are effective in boosting the immune function of skin cells and protecting them against the damaging effects of the sun. The discovery that white tea extract (a powerful antioxidant) protects the skin from oxidative stress and immune cell damage adds another important element in the battle against skin cancer. In addition, white tea has been found to neutralize 75% of lipid peroxide—an inflammatory free radical that attacks the skin’s barrier and cell membranes. Read more about the free radical theory of aging.

The serum: One of the primary elements in keeping sensitive skin healthy and calm is making sure the structure of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) is intact. This structure is defined and created by skin cells that are held together by the intercellular matrix. This serum creates a silky, water-binding film over the skin, giving prolonged comfort to sensitive and irritated skin…

Who it’s for: Renée Rouleau White Tea Soothing Complex is recommended for skin types #5 and #9—red, sensitive, aging skin.

What’s in it:

-White Tea – the most potent antioxidant of all teas.  Keeps skin calm by inhibiting reactive stress brought on by environmental exposure

-Algae Extract – improves hydration levels deep within the skin to improve skin’s barrier

-Sea Whip – strongest soothing action of all sea ingredients; soothes redness and irritation on contact

-Glycerin – plant-derived hydrator

-Kola extract – reduces redness and sensitivity

Skin Tip for sensitive skin: Don’t use regular washcloths to wash your face. They are too rough. Instead, wash with baby washcloths or Renée Rouleau Facial Sponges.

Read: Using new products and have sensitive skin? Take it one day at a time.

Read: How can I lessen the amount of chemicals I use on my sensitive skin?

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

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

While there are many topical skin care products that contain vaso-constricting ingredients (like lemon bioflavonoids, white tea, chamomile and vitamin C) to help keep capillaries strong to prevent dilation or breakage, it’s also important to treat these conditions from within the body.

One helpful tip is to orally take Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids daily as this helps protect against bruising, dilated or broken capillaries by strengthening capillary walls. This is also important for those with rosacea.

For those who get red easily, it’s important to use products exclusively your skin.  Check out our nine skin types…

For those prone to redness, read why microdermabrasion may be harming your skin.

Renée Rouleau Phytolipid Comfort Cream works to increase your skins protective barrier to make skin less irritated over time. This luxurious cream uses Beta Glucans to strengthen skin’s defenses from inside out while moisturizing lipids provide essential hydration to dry skin cells. Sensitive skin feels calm and comfortable within minutes. Skin stays soft and moist and redness is reduced…

Key Ingredients

• Merespheres (liposome encapsulated rosemarinus officinalis) – Inspires up to 450% increase in barrier lipid production
• Algae & Mugwort – Unique anti-sting complex helps reduce discomfort in sensitive skin
• Soluble Beta Glucans – Biological Response Modifier, challenges skin to correct itself
• Sea Whip – Strongest soothing action of all sea plants
• Lipid-rich oils – Provide essential lipids for smoother skin; help reduce sensitivity over time

If your skin is dry, red, irritated and uncomfortable, this is sure to get the skin healthy, calm and beautiful—in no time!

Read Are laser treatments and chemical peels damaging your skin?

Read Is the Clarisonic brush harmful or helpful?

Get products recommended for your skin by choosing your skin type.