“You don’t need to know what you want to be
because the what is an extension of the who.”
What do you want to be when you grow up? This is the question we are asked from the moment we can formulate sentences. Doctor, Policeman, Fireman, Chef, Teacher, and President are very common replies. It’s what we see on TV and in our everyday lives as a young kid. “You can do it!” We are told by eager adults. Followed by you can be “anything you want to be!”
But what happens if you don’t know what you want to be? The uncertainty of not knowing what you want to be when you grow up, or even when you are grown up is a natural and relatable experience that many encounter on their journey through life. It can be both thrilling and daunting, as the vast array of possibilities can overwhelm and leave you feeling unanchored. But within this ambiguity lies an opportunity. The opportunity to explore, learn, and discover your true passions, the who before the what!
Instead, ask yourself who do I want to be? Take the time to discover the who to the what, and allow that to lead you. More than likely, once you know who you want to be, the job will be an extension of you…exacerbating the passion fueled by internal efficacy.
While discovering who you want to be, embrace the unknown and open doors to new experiences, helping to shape perspectives and refine interests. It's okay, take your time, experiment with different career possibilities, and even make mistakes along the way. I strongly encourage mistakes. As you navigate the different choices, trust that the pieces of your future will come together, forming a unique experience of your own creation. Sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys are born from the uncertainties of not knowing! Through this journey you may find yourself at a destination that you never envisioned, but one that feels like home.
“It’s okay to be discovering what you want to be; remember, Vera Wang didn’t design her first dress until she was 40.”
The thing is if you chase what you want to be, without discovering the who, you risk the lack of passion and mission. Not knowing what you want to be when you grow up is not a sign of indecisiveness or inadequacy. It is a testament to the complexity and essence of living life. As you embrace the path of self-discovery, you will cultivate resilience and patience. You may even discover your true self. In due time, the clouds of uncertainty will part, revealing a path that feels authentic and fulfilling. So I ask you, who do you want to be?
As a physician who has studied the interactions of the skin and mind and treated many patients who experience a profound emotional burden from their skin conditions, I’m often asked how the skin and mind interact, why psychodermatology matters, and how we can use this knowledge to improve mental health and skin health. In explaining these questions, I find it helpful to start from the very beginning. Most people don’t realize that our skin and nervous system are actually formed from the same embryonic layers. During weeks 3-8 after conception (when sperm and egg come together), the ball of cells called the gastrula divides into three layers. One of these layers, the ectoderm, eventually gives rise to the skin, brain, and nerve cells. I find this helpful in setting the stage for a lifelong connection between these systems, many of which we are just beginning to appreciate. Continuing to think about this from a biological standpoint, it’s important to remember that the skin is not only the largest, but also the most visible, organ in the body. It therefore makes sense that skin conditions, partly due to their highly visible nature, take such a heavy psychological toll. The skin plays a central role in how we present ourselves to the world, how we perceive ourselves and how we are perceived, and is literally our sensing organ – the boundary between ourselves and the world.
The skin is an exquisite reactor to stress and emotion. The phenomenon of blushing is a great example of an emotional reaction that shows itself on the skin in an almost immediate timeframe. Many other skin conditions are known to be worsened by worry, anxiety, and low mood, including psoriasis, eczema, cold sores, and acne. In general, we know that increased psychological distress can result in a weakened skin barrier as well as delayed wound healing.
Importantly, our mental states affect both how we perceive our skin as well as how we treat it. When people are depressed or anxious, they often perceive their skin as being worse, leading to a vicious cycle of negative perception of their skin which leads to more stress which in turn worsens their skin. Additionally, I see patients who begin to either over treat their skin because of anxiety and worry or neglect their skin because of depression and low mood. In both cases, these habits worsen skin health.
Given the profound interconnection of the mind and skin, it is no surprise that optimism is a key tool in promoting mental and physical health. Optimism is, in fact, known to be a protective factor in patients who are medically ill. Holding a sense of hope, it turns out, is good medicine. Optimism is defined as the expectation of a positive outcome, is bolstered by strong social supports, and is a key to cultivating resilience. A sense of optimism leads to greater commitment to healthy behaviors as well as to a healthy focus on self-care.
Research tells us that the power of positive thoughts, like optimism and gratitude, have the ability to offset the effects of negative thoughts. We also know that because our brains are evolutionarily hardwired, and often socially trained, to put more weight on the negative than the positive, training our brains to focus on optimism takes extra effort and intentionality. As the neuroscientist, Dr. Rick Hanson explains in his theory of “negativity bias”, it takes more positive thoughts, emotions, and experiences to outweigh negative one (3:1 from the research) because our brains are Teflon for the positive and Velcro for the negative thanks to our biology’s survival mechanism. The good news is that our brains can be trained to selectively focus attention on the positive, thereby cultivating a sense of hope, and bolstering optimistic expectations for the future.
-- Intentionally incorporate expectations for positive outcomes into your self-care routine. Good times for this might be while brushing your teeth, applying skincare, or just after getting in bed at times. Make it the same time every day and link it to a specific activity that is already part of your routine. Use this opportunity to visualize positive outcomes in your day, week, and month. This opens a space for subtle but powerfully positive changes in how you interact with yourself and the world. Remember that the brain is “plastic” and you can influence it by choosing where to focus your attention. Focus on what you can control (i.e., wearing sunscreen, getting physical activity) and not what you cannot control (other people’s reactions, global warming).
-- Look for opportunities to openly express gratitude.
-- Focus on relationships as social support is a key factor in maintaining an optimistic lens.
-- Embrace opportunities to be in nature, to see beauty, and to gain perspective.
As we take time to remind ourselves of our mind’s powerful role in skin health and the beauty in capitalizing on optimism as a tool for a better life, it is important to remember that knowledge of the mind-skin connection does not mean that one can simply meditate ones way to perfect skin. Prioritizing habits that promote healthy mental, emotional, and physical health is another tool in the practice of building a meaningful life, a full present moment, and a hopeful future. Capitalize on this knowledge to prioritize practices that promote physical and mental wellbeing and make sure to expect the best.
[1] Carver CS, Scheier MF, Segerstrom SC. Optimism. Clin Psychol Rev. 2010 Nov;30(7):879-89. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.006. Epub 2010 Feb 1. PMID: 20170998; PMCID: PMC4161121.
[2] Coneo AMC, Thompson AR, Lavda A. The influence of optimism, social support and anxiety on aggression in a sample of dermatology patients: an analysis of cross-sectional data. Br J Dermatol. 2017 May;176(5):1187-1194. doi: 10.1111/bjd.15115. Epub 2017 Mar 14. PMID: 27726126.
[3] Erthal F, Bastos A, Vilete L, Oliveira L, Pereira M, Mendlowicz M, Volchan E, Figueira I. Unveiling the neural underpinnings of optimism: a systematic review. Cogn Affect Behav Neurosci. 2021 Oct;21(5):895-916. doi: 10.3758/s13415-021-00931-8. Epub 2021 Aug 2. PMID: 34341967.
[4] Rick Hanson, Shauna Shapiro, Emma Hutton-Thamm, Michael R. Hagerty & Kevin P. Sullivan (2023) Learning to learn from positive experiences, The Journal of Positive Psychology, 18:1, 142-153, DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2021.2006759
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“Effective skincare that promotes your skin health each day doesn’t have to be complicated. Easy to use products made with key actives like Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and, of course, sunscreen are all you need to maintain healthy skin.”
- Art Pellegrino, SVP, R&D, ROC SKINCARE
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If you’re like most people, you’ve got a limited amount of time to get ready before work in the morning. The last thing you need is a complicated skincare routine. You want to make the most of your time, with high-performance products that invigorate your complexion and set your skin up for success in the day ahead. What is the best morning skincare routine?
We’ve curated what we think is the perfect uncomplicated AM skincare routine with a few easy to use products that give your skin what it needs to face the day ahead.
Among the many reasons you should strive to get enough fruits and vegetables into your diet each day, is one which has a direct effect on your skin health: antioxidants. The vitamins your body absorbs from the fruits and vegetables you eat are essential sources of the antioxidants used by your body in a multitude of ways.
What are antioxidants and what do they do? Well, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), antioxidants are compounds that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced by normal body processes and environmental stresses like pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke. In the body, free radicals are involved in many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which can help prevent them from causing damage to cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids.
Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. In fact, while the human body doesn’t produce Vitamin C on its own, we cannot survive without sufficient levels of the substance. When used topically in a face serum with Vitamin C, its benefits are both immediate and long-term.
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"Vitamin C is a key component of skincare routines I recommend to most patients looking to age gracefully”
- Dr. Scott Walter, MD, FAAD
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The eyes are not only windows to the soul, but windows to your age. Have you ever wondered why your eye area was the first place to show signs of aging on your face? (It’s the thinnest skin on your face and highly exposed to sun damage.) And, if you’re like most people, dark circles and puffiness are common concerns in the mirror each morning.
One of the best ways to brighten the look of dark circles and depuff under-eye bags is an anti-aging eye cream with Vitamin C and peptides.
RoC's MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Eye Balm is designed with RoC's patent-pending complex of brightening Vitamin C and firming peptides to visibly reduce dark circles and puffiness.
This cooling eye stick with Vitamin C glides on invisibly with a touchless application for powerful results.
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WE PROVE OUR PROMISES:
In 1 week, 96% saw healthier-looking eyes, and in 4 weeks, eyes appeared brighter with dark circles and puffiness visibly reduced.
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RoC’s® MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Daily Serum is an all-over brightening face serum with Vitamin C plus peptides for instant luminosity.
One of the best Vitamin C serums, the clinically proven formula contains a patent pending 10% Vit C complex and visibly brightens and tightens. In fact, 94% had instant luminosity and, in just 4 weeks, 100% had visibly brighter and tighter skin.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Scott Walter, MD, FAAD, recommends that his patients incorporate a Vitamin C like RoC’s® Revive + Glow Daily Serum into their skincare routines.
“Vitamin C is a key component of skincare routines I recommend to most patients looking to age gracefully. It is simply an all-around powerhouse ingredient that can help fade dark spots, brighten skin complexion, and protect the skin from potentially harmful pollution (oxidative stress). The Multi Correxion Revive & Glow Daily Serum is packed full of Vitamin C and clinically proven to lead to brighter and even skin tone without any irritation!"
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WE PROVE OUR PROMISES:
100% had visibly brighter and tighter skin.
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Nothing is more important in your morning skincare routine than the last step: sunscreen. In fact, without adequate protection from photoaging that a sunscreen for face provides, none of the other products in your routine – even the best Retinol face cream or Vitamin C serum – can prevent or correct ongoing damage from unprotected UV exposure.
Effective skincare doesn’t need to be complicated if your products are designed to perform. Keep it simple, but keep at it and you’ll see a fresher, more invigorated and youthful complexion in the mirror at the start of your day.
]]>Read our guide to your fall skincare routine, including how to prepare your skin for fall and why it’s important to protect your skin during the colder months.
Our skin likes consistency, so a sudden change in seasons can be a shock to the system, leaving our skin cells working in overdrive to adjust to the new environment. Decreased humidity levels during colder weather can lead to tighter, drier skin, and skin cells will have to work harder to maintain adequate hydration.
During this time, the skin’s protective barrier becomes disrupted, leading to inflammation and irritation. As well as dryness, those with pre-existing conditions such as eczema and rosacea may see an increase in facial redness and breakouts due to a shift in weather.
Any diagnosed skin conditions are best treated with over the counter medication, so if you’re concerned or have any questions, your first port of call should be your dermatologist. However, dry skin can be alleviated simply by changing up your skincare regimen. Your products should be specifically targeted to looking after your face during the winter months, so you’ll want them to be more hydrating than the products you use over summer. Take a look at our fall skincare tips below:
Begin by removing any bacteria or dead skin cells from your face using a cleanser and some cotton pads. Harsher, stripping cleansers that are more appropriate for the summer months should be replaced with a more gentle, moisturizing cleanser to accommodate the colder weather. A cleanser will leave your skin revitalized and balanced, while prepping your face for the following products.
A serum containing hyaluronic acid is beneficial for transitioning to the colder months, since it helps skin achieve its optimum level of hydration. Try our During the night time, use our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Night Serum Capsules for visibly plumper skin, as well as a 2x boost in your skin’s hydration levels in just two weeks. You can trial these capsules by opting for our mini 10 count capsule product, or choose full size for 30 capsules.
As temperatures drop, so do humidity levels, and the dry air around us does nothing for our skin’s moisture levels. This lack of humidity means that even if you don’t use a moisturizer in the summer months, it’s likely that you will have to use one in the winter, or if you do use one, you’ll need to switch to a heavier one.
While different skin types require different levels of moisture, when the colder weather arrives, you should be switching to a moisturizer that provides you with some extra moisture. Our RETINOL CORREXION® Max Daily Hydration Fragrance-Free Cream is one of the best moisturizers for dehydrated skin. Designed to hydrate and smooth, dry, crepey skin, it gives the skin a more youthful appearance while providing you with that much-needed boost of moisture.
To protect your skin, you should be using an SPF all year round, even during the colder months. You can use an SPF by itself, or you can combine your SPF and moisturizer using a product like our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Moisturizer SPF 30, which moisturizes and protects your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
Your fall skincare regimen should be adapted to give your skin the extra moisture that it needs. For more hydrating products, take a look at our collection of products containing hyaluronic acid, or for more skincare tips and advice, take a look at our blog and read all about what serum does for your face.
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But did you know that how you react in the moment can have a long-term effect on your health? A positive, optimistic outlook goes a long way toward optimizing your health – mind, body, and spirit. Now, it’s being proven.
Through the RoC #LookForwardProject, we’re celebrating the power of optimism and its scientifically-backed impact on long-term health and wellbeing. We spoke with Sarah Jessica Parker, Actor, RoC user and long-time optimist.
Here’s what she has to say about how being an optimist has benefited her throughout her own life, her career – and how it guides her path forward.
SJP: “I’m fortunate that I am naturally optimistic – and that I am able to choose to confront each day with that mindset. I will say that, personally, I like being hopeful because I find it makes things bearable when they are at their worst. Optimism is almost like a vitamin, or some type of battery, or something I use when I need to resurface. When things are difficult or complicated, it gives me the resilience I need. And in the good times, it pushes me to be creative, outrageous, and truly enjoy the time I get to spend just living.”
SJP: “I’m much better equipped to problem solve, to appreciate, to be circumspect about all of it. To offer better advice, to hear things that aren’t necessarily pleasant or good, to hear them better. It’s like it makes sense that experience should add up. From my perspective, I think society puts a huge emphasis on youth when it comes to beauty standards, but it’s not productive. There should be no apologies. I am not trying to cover anything up with my approach to skincare, fashion, or beauty. Over the years, what I’ve gained is a recognition of being better at living and worrying less about stuff that’s not important.”
SJP: Honestly, I’m looking forward to what I don't know that I should be looking forward to. The surprises and mysteries and the things I'm not aware of yet. A new play, a new meal, a new person, new lines, a new character. What I don't know is coming.”
SJP: “When RoC approached me about joining them for The RoC Look Forward Project, the goals of this campaign excited me. They were not just refreshing, but they sounded like me. The idea of focusing on the ‘joy of living’ versus ‘fear of aging’ was especially aligned with the values I find important. I find it so interesting that RoC is bringing together research and scientific experts to show the actual impact the act of being optimistic can have on our lives and our experiences of getting older.”
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It’s helpful to first define optimism, which can be thought of as a psychological attribute that is often defined as a general expectation that good things will happen. Or, rather, believing that the future will likely be favorable because we are able to control important outcomes in our lives. Optimists tend to direct their attention to positive aspects and deprioritize negative ones. They believe that they own their decisions. Optimists tend to attribute their achievements to internal, stable factors. And most interestingly, optimism is shown to have a significant impact on health and well-being.
With each passing day, month, year, our bodies are aging. In fact, we are aging in the womb even before we are born! And while so much about aging feels outside of our control, there are several practical tools available to every person – regardless of age, race, gender, social class, or background -- that can improve your health and well-being and possibly even extend your life.
When the RoC team approached me in 2021 about partnering to investigate how optimism relates to health and aging, I began a meta-analysis of the literature covering optimism and how it relates to health, longevity, and well-being. The findings were astounding: across scores of studies, research has demonstrated that individuals with a positive outlook on life – or those who hold an optimistic outlook –
Similarly, optimism has been linked to better outcomes on multiple measures of physical and mental function<sup>[2]</sup>. It influences and is a significant predictor of health outcomes and markers relating to<sup>[3]</sup>
At the molecular level, optimism reduces stress, is linked to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol<sup>[12]</sup>, lower blood pressures, and promotes production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Optimistic women have lower levels of two key markers of inflammation<sup>[13]</sup>. And a 2006 study found that healthy volunteers were less likely to develop viral symptoms when given a respiratory virus if they held a positive outlook – a striking result particularly resonant in this pandemic era we are all living through.
What we know now is that optimism is a psychological asset, and one that promotes healthy and resilient aging<sup>[14][15][16]</sup>. In fact, just earlier this month (June 2022) a study was published out of Harvard University which found that higher levels of optimism were associated with longer lifespans and living past 90 in women across racial and ethnic groups<sup>[17]</sup>. Optimism has been linked to 11-15% longer lifespan<sup>[18]</sup>, suggesting that optimism is a powerful tool to improve health and well-being in humans. And, this effect is ‘dose dependent’ – meaning, the higher your optimism levels, the greater the positive impact tends to be on your health and lifespan<sup>[19]</sup>.
Perhaps most importantly, optimism is modifiable, learnable, and able to be developed via relatively simple techniques or therapies<sup>[20][21]</sup>.
These findings prompted RoC Skincare and me to embark on a study of over 600 women in the U.S. and France to better understand their attitudes about aging and whether we could improve these sentiments to make a positive impact on women’s experience of aging. Interestingly, women who feel optimistic about aging are less likely to report physical changes in their skin such as wrinkles, fine lines and dark under eyes. And, as we began sharing the evidence for the power of optimism with these women, we saw their motivation to engage with an optimism practice grow dramatically.
So how can you start? What if you don’t feel like an optimist? Luckily there are many straightforward ways to begin a practice that supports an optimistic outlook.
Thankfully, it’s never too late to begin. Using one (or several!) of the simple tools listed above, and consistent practice, you’ll be on your way to a brighter future, more healthful living, and perhaps a longer life as well. Here’s to #LookingForward together!
[1] Giltay EJ et al. Dispositional optimism and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a prospective cohort of elderly Dutch men and women. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2004.
[2] Maruta T. Optimism-Pessimism Assessed in the 1960s and Self-reported Health Status 30 Years Later. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2002.
[3] Rasmussen HN. Optimism and Physical Health: A Meta-analytic Review. Ann Behav Med 2009.
[4] Kim ES et al. Optimism and cause-specific mortality: A prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol, 2017.
[5] Giltay EJ et al. Dispositional optimism and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a prospective cohort of elderly Dutch men and women. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2004.
[6] Ikeda A et al. Optimism in relation to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in older men: The VA normative aging study. Psychosom Med, 2011.
[7] Roy et al. Association of optimism and pessimism with inflammation and hemostasis in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Psychosom Med, 2010.
[8] Kim ES et al. Optimism and cause-specific mortality: A prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol. 2017
[9] Rasmussen HN. Optimism and Physical Health: A Meta-analytic Review. Ann Behav Med 2009.
[10] Rasmussen HN. Optimism and Physical Health: A Meta-analytic Review. Ann Behav Med 2009.
[11] Rasmussen HN. Optimism and Physical Health: A Meta-analytic Review. Ann Behav Med 2009.
[12] Steptoe et al. Neuroendocrine and inflammatory factors associated with positive affect in healthy men and women: the Whitehall II study. Am J Epidemiol, 2008.
[13] Steptoe et al. Neuroendocrine and inflammatory factors associated with positive affect in healthy men and women: the Whitehall II study. Am J Epidemiol, 2008.
[14] James P et al. Optimism and healthy aging in women. Am J Prev Med, 2019.
[15] Lee et al. Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity in 2 epidemiologic cohorts of men and women. PNAS, 2019.
[16] O’Connor KJ et al. Longer, more optimistic, lives: Historic optimism and life expectancy in the United States. Jol Econ Behav Org, 2019.
[17] Koga et al. Optimism, lifestyle and longevity in a racially diverse cohort of women. Jol of American Geriatrics Society, 2022.
[18] Lee et al. Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity in 2 epidemiologic cohorts of men and women. PNAS, 2019.
[19] Lee et al. Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity in 2 epidemiologic cohorts of men and women. PNAS, 2019.
[20] Meevissen YMC et al. Become more optimistic by imagining a best possible self: Effects of a two-week intervention. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry, 2011.
[21] Malouff JM et al. Can psychological interventions increase optimism? A meta-analysis. J Posit Psychol, 2017.
[22] Patricia Sanborn Vroom. Meditation as a moderator of the effect of optimism. Columbia University, 2002.
[23] Koopmann-Holm et al. Compassion meditation can increase optimism towards a transgressor. Cogn Emot, 2020.
[24] Van der Wal et al. Do natural landscapes reduce future discounting in humans? Proceedings of the Royal Society Biological Sciences, 2013.
[25] Pérez-Urrestarazua et al. Particularities of having plants at home during the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Urban For Urban Greening, 2021.
[26] Loveday et al. The Best Possible Selves Intervention: A review of the literature to evaluate efficacy and guide future research. Jol of Happiness Studies, 2016.
]]>Dr. Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, lifetime optimist, discusses the links between optimism and healthier skin.
“Reflect on all the times you couldn’t make it and you did. I think there’s proof in your life that with optimism you can survive many, many things. And you have that template, a blueprint, that you can do it again.”
- Dr. Michelle Henry, MD FAAD
From the age of seven, a sanguine Dr. Michelle Henry viewed the world around her and the future ahead of her, with an exceptional degree of optimism – a defining characteristic, a mindset, that would propel her to success later in life.
We asked Dr. Henry, a board-certified dermatologist, about the effect that optimism has had on her life – and particularly as a budding optimist at such an early age.
“There are certainly things that I have very deep, profound optimism in. It starts with my family. I think it’s the way we talk to each other, the way we’re taught to talk to ourselves. Growing up, my mom always said, ‘We don’t say bad things to ourselves because our mind hears it.’ And that was before we were really focusing on our mental health. I remember thinking as a kid that she was silly, but it works and you hear it, and you learn to be as kind to yourself as you are to others,” says Dr. Henry.
At her private practice, Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, in New York’s Midtown East neighborhood, Dr. Henry has established what can best be described as a “positivity protocol,” a modus operandi that educates patients on the importance of positivity in the aging process, maintaining mental health – and the effects of each on the health and youthful appearance of their skin.
An ACGME fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Henry explains the attentive approach with her patients this way:
“Part of what I prescribe to my patients, in addition to good skincare, is to focus on their overall mental health, their sleep hygiene, that is, making sure they’re getting good sleep, making sure they’re eating well. And making sure that they focus on their mental health. It’s so easy to lose one’s grasp of that.”
She sees the proof that her positivity protocols work in the disparities between new and established patients of the practice.
“New patients come in a little bit more curious, more concerned about aging. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. They come to us with a lot of anxiety and they’re concerned about whether it’s too late. In my office, we’ve developed a positive mindset around aging. And so my existing patients are well-versed in taking the best care of their skin through both topical skincare and an active approach to overall wellness.”
With her keen insights into the effects of optimism and a positive mindset on the skin health of her patients, we wanted to know how she perceives the link, if any, between optimism and the skin. The science validating a connection between gut health and the brain has been well established in recent years; but what about the brain, and specifically, the mind, and a direct connection to one’s skin health?
Dr. Henry muses, “I truly believe that just as there is a big interface between our mind and our gut, there’s an interface between our mind and our skin. And I think that when you feel bad you look bad.”
Does she feel it’s important for her patients to ‘look forward’ with optimism when it comes to aging? Her answer is unequivocal.
“I think optimism is absolutely important because aging is a gift. What’s important is that we’re living longer, we’re feeling better. And we want our skin and our outward appearance to reflect what’s inside. I think it’s important to be positive about the future because it really and truly is a gift.”
]]>"Retinol is a prized skincare ingredient because it is well studied to treat several skin conditions," said dermatologist Dr. Chris Tomassian. "Because it works by increasing cell turnover, it has the ability to improve skin texture and hyperpigmentation as well as help treat and prevent acne. Due to its ability to increase collagen and elastin production, it also helps with fine lines and wrinkles and can improve scarring.
"Luckily, you don't need a prescription for retinol that actually works, nor do you have to break the bank. Retinol is available in a variety of drugstore products, but it can be confusing to decide the most effective options and best practices for use," he said.
Tomassian wants to help by sharing his expertise and answering the top questions he hears from patients, so everyone has the facts.
Some people may experience minor drying at first, but this is typically nothing to worry about. This indicates the product is working and the skin cells are turning over faster. Dryness should subside as your skin adjusts. Keep in mind when selecting a retinol that some products are created to have little to no irritation, so you might consider trying those first.
It can depend on your skin's unique needs, but it's typical to apply retinol first and then layer a moisturizer on afterward. If your skin is dryer, consider applying the moisturizer first and then the retinol product. You can also sandwich your retinol product between two layers of moisturizer.
Too much can be irritating and too little won't be effective. Try perfectly premeasured doses like RoC RETINOL CORREXION Night Serum Capsules. Made with a high concentration of pure RoC Retinol and Antioxidants, this clinically proven serum is sealed tight in a 100% biodegradable capsule for optimal freshness and potency.
Results can vary by product and usage. For RoC's Retinol Night Serum Capsules, in one night, 97% of users had visibly reduced lines and wrinkles. In four weeks, 100% continued to show significant reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, 100% had visibly firmer skin, and 100% had more supple, hydrated skin.
This is dependent on the retinol you're using. Some forms of retinol, like tretinoin, are not UV stable which means they are inactivated by the sun. To be safe, dermatologists recommend using them at night before bed. This allows the product to work on the delicate skin on your face while you are sleeping and be most effective when you're out of the daylight.
Retinol may make your skin more susceptible to sunburn, but that doesn't mean you need to stop it during summer months or other periods you'll be spending more time outdoors. Just be sure to apply SPF 30 or higher, and you may want to keep sunglasses and a hat handy for extra protection if needed. "The hype is real about retinol, but to get the maximum benefits you need to use the right amount in the right way," Tomassian said.
“The key is to choose products with effective, proven ingredients that provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Since we are all short on time, a few of these power-packed products used consistently is ideal,” says Dr. Anna Guanche, board-certified dermatologist, and dermatologic surgeon. Guanche knows it's easy to get confused when it comes to skincare. Here she recommends two of her favorite skincare ingredients for nourished, revitalized skin:
A type of vitamin A, retinol is applied to the skin to help reduce the effects of aging and acne. This powerful skincare ingredient increases collagen production and promotes cell turnover, so skin appears fresh and renewed. Therefore, many people prioritizing wrinkle prevention or wrinkle treatment opt for products with retinol. To go one step further, look for products with time-released retinol. This helps provide your skin with a steady dose of this effective ingredient throughout the day, helping smooth lines and wrinkles without irritating side effects.
Your body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid declines as we age, so it’s important to try and replenish it. Topically, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it helps the skin retain water, so the outer layers stay hydrated. This can also help skin appear more youthful and glowing, helping to eliminate dryness and even some fine lines.
Both derm-recommended ingredients — retinol and hyaluronic acid — can be found in one of Guanche’s favorite products to recommend to patients, the recently reformulated RoC RETINOL CORREXION® Max Hydration Cream. In fact, 97% of users in a clinical study saw instantly smoother skin and reduced lines in just one week. With a time-release, fragrance-free formula, this hydrating cream gives you a radiant complexion with zero irritation, so you can feel confident, even if you have sensitive skin.
Fragrance in skincare is a personal preference, so you should look for the option that works best for you, but be aware if you have sensitive skin, fragrances can sometimes be irritating. Some additional ingredients often found in skincare that you might consider avoiding include aluminum, which can dry the skin and cause irritation, or dyes because they are not necessary for the skin and can be irritating or drying.
With these guidelines, skincare can be simplified. Embrace powerful ingredients that are also gentle on the skin and you're sure to love the results.
Shop Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
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Read on to find out more about hyaluronic acid, including what it is, what it does for your skin and how to incorporate it into your skincare regimen.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your eyes, skin and joints, but it can also be made in a lab and added into skincare products.
First and foremost, it’s a glycosaminoglycan (or GAG), which is a substance that works to constantly renew the skin, helping to keep your skin looking and feeling youthful.
Hyaluronic helps to strengthen and rebuild the skin’s cells when they break down, and a humectant, meaning that it draws moisture from its surroundings. This helps to boost your skin’s hydration and smooth wrinkles and fine lines.
One of the best qualities of hyaluronic acid is its ability to attract and hold onto moisture—up to 1000 times its own weight to be precise! Hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract water to your skin, which it then locks in like a sponge. Regular hyaluronic acid usage can leave your skin hydrated and replenished, revitalizing the skin’s outer surface layers so your skin feels softer and smoother.
With age, your natural hyaluronic acid levels decline by two percent each year, leaving you with more pronounced wrinkles. Environmental damage adds to this loss, so making use of an SPF is essential for protecting your skin's natural HA content.
RoC<sup>®</sup>’s Hyaluronic Acid formulas work by penetrating the upper levels of the skin, drawing moisture from within to plump up skin and help fill wrinkles. With continued use, your skin will have a smoother, firmer and more youthful appearance. In fact, with just four weeks’ use of our hydrate + plump serum capsules, 91% of our customers had firmer-looking skin.
From serums and moisturizers to oral supplements and injectables, hyaluronic acid comes in many forms. You can find hyaluronic acid in many different skincare products, from eye creams to moisturizers —and even those with sensitive skin are able to use products containing hyaluronic acid. Unlike other hyaluronic acid products, our products have been proven to replenish the hyaluronic acid that your skin loses as it ages. Here’s the best way to incorporate it into your skincare regimen:
Begin by using a cleanser to remove impurities and bacteria from your face. Massage cleanser into skin and rinse thoroughly, making sure there is no residue left behind.
Next, apply an eye cream to hydrate and reduce dark circles around the delicate eye area. Our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Eye Cream is fueled by hyaluronic acid to instantly re-plump lines & wrinkles, alleviating the appearance of eye bags and puffiness to give a more youthful appearance.
Allow a couple of minutes for your eye cream to be absorbed, then move onto the serum. A serum should be applied with your fingertips using a light tapping motion. Our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Serum Capsules contain fastest-acting hyaluronic acid. 100% tested saw visible improvements in just one night.
For plump, radiant skin, finish your daytime skincare regimen with a moisturizer containing SPF for UV protection. Our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Moisturizer With SPF 30 hydrates, plumps and protects your skin, leading to visibly reduced lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid has many benefits for the skin, and should be an essential part of any skincare regimen. Take a look at our full collection of products containing hyaluronic acid, or discover more tips and advice on our blog.
]]>The low humidity levels in an airplane cabin can leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated, so make sure you’re prepared for the journey before take off. Read on for tips on how to care for your skin while traveling, including how to adapt your skincare regimen to a new climate.
After take off, the humidity levels in the plane’s cabin are around 10%–20%. You might notice that your mouth and eyes feel dry, or that you’re more thirsty than usual. Because of the lack of moisture in the air, it’s likely that you’ll also experience some skin dryness.
On the opposite end of the scale, low levels of humidity may also lead to oily skin, as your skin may try to counteract the dry air by producing extra oil.
Whether you’re preparing your skin for a long flight or just a short-haul, there are some steps you should take to protect your skin on the plane. Before your journey, make your own travel skincare set, choosing a cleanser, a serum and a moisturizer suited to the climate in your destination.
Before boarding the plane, apply a hydrating moisturizer such as our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Moisturizer With SPF 30 to your face.
It’s essential that you apply an SPF product to any exposed areas of skin before and during your flight. This is because you're physically a lot closer to the sun and its harmful UV rays, even though you're not outside. Using a SPF moisturizer will help protect your skin from damage caused by these rays, such as skin cancer and premature signs of aging.
Once you’ve safely landed and gotten off the plane, visit the nearest restroom to freshen up using your travel skincare set. The humid, recycled air in the cabin is likely to leave your skin feeling dry, so begin by cleansing your skin with a cleanser such as our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser. Next, use an eye cream and a moisturizer which are targeted towards dry and dehydrated skin, even if your skin appears oily. This will boost the moisture levels in your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
Every climate will require a different skincare regimen, so you should either follow a winter skincare routine or a summer skincare routine depending on the weather. Come rain or shine, you should still be using a moisturizer containing SPF. Our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Moisturizer With SPF 30 is ideal for warmer climates since it’s lightweight and non-greasy—and the SPF will protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
For dryer climates, make sure you choose moisturizers and serums that are ultra-hydrating, such as our MULTI CORREXION® Revive And Glow Daily Serum. If you’re planning on sleeping straight after you’ve landed, make sure to apply a moisturizing cream at night such as our RETINOL CORREXION® Max Daily Hydration Cream.
Traveling can impact your skin in many ways, so it’s important to have a good travel skincare regimen in place. Find out more about how to get glowing skin or for more skincare tips and advice, visit our blog.
]]>Did you know that RoC was the first to discover the method for stabilizing Retinol more than 25 years ago? Our proprietary formula, process and packaging all combine to protect retinol and enhance its safety and effectiveness for daily use.
To this day, every RoC formula is scientifically crafted and clinically tested to ensure the best quality and efficacy – from the moment you open your favorite RoC product to the very last drop.
Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, possesses multiple anti-aging and positive health benefits for your skin. Among these are the smoothing of lines and wrinkles, antioxidant defense, support of collagen production, and visible skin firming. Topical retinoids, as all derivatives of Vitamin A are known, can even minimize how your pores look in the mirror and defend your skin from the kind of environmental damage that can accelerate signs of aging.
You may be asking, how does Retinol work? The answer to what makes Retinol one of the best treatments for wrinkles can be found in its molecular structure. The key to the efficacy of most topical skincare ingredients is in their ability to penetrate your skin’s protective moisture barrier, also referred to as the skin barrier.
According to Healthline, “Rather than removing dead skin cells as many other anti-aging and acne products do, the small molecules that make up retinol” help encourage cell turnover.
The article continues: “Retinol helps neutralize free radicals to boost the production of elastin and collagen. This creates a ‘plumping’ effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. At the same time, retinol has an exfoliating effect on the skin’s surface that can further improve texture and tone.”
While the efficacy of Retinol is long established, its broad acceptance and use in topical skincare has perpetuated several myths. As experts in the formulation of Retinol, we would like to dispel several of the most common of these misconceptions.
Everyone’s skin is different. How well your own skin adapts to Retinol may vary from how a friend’s skin tolerates the anti-aging active. The potential side-effects of Retinol use are well-known, including sensitivity, peeling and dryness.
As a result of potential side effects, it is a common misperception that Retinol should only be used at night and must not be used during the day when your skin is exposed to sunlight. The truth is, once your skin fully adapts, Retinol is just as effective in the daylight hours when used with an effective sunscreen.
In fact, two of the most effective anti-aging products in your arsenal are a well-formulated Retinol treatment and a topical sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.
For insights on how your skin may react to Retinol, we turned to Wendy W. Lee, M.D., Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Says Dr. Lee, “Over the course of your Retinol regimen, if you’re not seeing signs of irritation, you can begin to incorporate Retinol into your morning routine, too, and take advantage of the extraordinary anti-aging potency that Retinol can deliver to your skin.”
RoC Retinol products are uniquely formulated to be well-tolerated by the skin – and to be layered into both your AM and PM routines.
There are multiple forms of retinoids, including Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate and Retinoic Acid, which includes prescription-strength Tretinoin and Retin-A.
With such a broad range of retinoids, all derivatives of Vitamin A aren’t created equal. Each has its own proven level of potency and efficacy as well as level of tolerability on the skin.
The safety, efficacy, and tolerability of RoC Retinol has been clinically proven in over 100 clinical studies over 25 years. Due to our proprietary method of stabilizing Retinol, RoC Retinol products maintain their potency longer so you can be confident you’re getting the most effective retinoid without a prescription.
RoC Retinol products come in a variety of formulas so you can seamlessly incorporate them into your skincare routine. Experience the powerful results of RoC Retinol and see a visibly smoother, lifted, younger-looking complexion.
Because of Retinol’s extensive anti-aging advantages for your skin, you can actually see the benefits of regular Retinol use beginning in your 20s. In fact, it’s never too early or too late to start using a face cream with Retinol or a gentle Retinol serum.
One of the most important benefits of Retinol use is its ability to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in your complexion by supporting the production of collagen within your skin.
Did you know that your skin begins to lose collagen in your 20s, well before you notice signs of aging?
By your mid-to-late 20s or early 30s, the collagen levels in your skin can be depleted by one percent or more each year, resulting in more pronounced signs of aging like wrinkles and loss of density.
According to Dr. Wendy W. Lee, "Collagen is essential to plump, youthful skin. By your mid-to-late 20s or early 30s, the collagen levels in your skin can be depleted by one percent or more each year, resulting in more pronounced signs of aging like wrinkles and loss of density.”
Not only is Retinol beneficial at treating most existing signs of aging, but it is perhaps the most beneficial product after sunscreen for preventing premature skin aging. By boosting your skin’s natural renewal process, a daily regimen that includes a RoC Retinol face cream or serum can delay the appearance of multiple signs of aging, including visible fine lines and wrinkles, while helping your skin maintain its elasticity.
While it may seem that a higher percentage concentration of any active ingredient is better for your skin, this is not always the case, particularly with Retinol. One of the most important factors in determining the efficacy of a Retinol face cream or face serum with Retinol is the formula’s stability.
Through our patented, proprietary process for stabilizing Retinol and innovative packaging, RoC Retinol products are better able to maintain their potency and efficacy over the lifetime of your product. Every RoC formula is clinically tested to ensure the best quality and efficacy – from the very first time you use it until the last.
As the pioneer in Retinol, we are always striving to advance innovations in anti-aging. Our newest innovation is the RoC Retinol Correxion® Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules, clinically proven to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles in as little as one night. This breakthrough formula comes in single-use biodegradable capsules to seal in the freshest, most potent dose of Retinol and assure maximum potency and efficacy.
So, set the myths about Retinol aside and take full advantage of the anti-aging benefits that Retinol can have in your complexion and the youthful appearance of your skin.
An oily skin type means the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Sebum, more commonly known as oil, helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy; but too much of it is rarely a good thing. The excess of sebum adds a greasy layer to your skin, leaving a visible shine and clogging pores. As pores become clogged, bacteria, pollutants and dead skin cells can be embedded, leading to acne breakouts.
Fortunately, oily skin is easily managed once you know what causes it in the first place.
Overactive sebaceous glands can often be chalked up to genetics. If your parents have oily skin, then there’s a high chance that you will too.
Hormones bind to our sebaceous glands and cause them to produce more sebum. When you experience an increase in hormones, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, you may notice that your skin becomes oilier.
While cold weather is more likely to lead to dry skin, hot, humid climates are likely to stimulate oil secretion and lead to oilier skin. Heat has a naturally stimulating effect, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
When you’re stressed, the level of the body's stress hormone, cortisol, rises, leading to increased sebum production.
Be mindful of your skincare regimen by sticking to at least three basic steps: cleanse, treat, and moisturize. Of course, choosing products that are ideally suited for your skin type is essential.
While it may seem contradictory, cleansing or exfoliating your skin too often can lead to increased oil production. Over-cleansing can easily strip your skin of vital oils, leaving it to overcompensate by producing more oil. Over-cleansing puts your skin’s sebaceous glands into overdrive to make up for the loss.
Additionally, you may think that oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturized—but that’s actually a common skincare myth. Healthy skin needs moisture and skipping a moisturizer could actually make your skin oilier than it should be. The solution is to find a moisturizer suitable for your skin and that meets its needs day after day.
From dairy products and salty foods to alcohol and sugar, your diet can have a noticeable effect on how oily your skin is throughout the day. Dairy products cause oily skin because they’re high in hormones, while sugary foods can cause inflammation, leading to increased oil production. Both salty foods and alcohol also have the effect of dehydrating your skin, leading to an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands.
While you can’t do much about genetics, hormones or the climate you live in, there are some causes of oily skin that can be easily managed:
If you often find yourself feeling stressed and anxious, then you may want to address the cause to find out where the problem lies. If your stress is caused by an unavoidable situation such as work or family life, there are options like meditation and self-help books which can assist you in managing your stress levels better.
If your skin is oily, your twice-daily skincare regimen should comprise non-comedogenic and perhaps oil-free products, depending on your level of oiliness.
To start, cleanse your skin with a hydrating cleanser such as our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser to remove any impurities before applying a serum and an eye cream to target your personal eye concerns.
Follow with a matte moisturizer that seals your skin’s essential moisture without clogging your pores. Be sure to always properly remove your makeup before bed so your pores don’t become clogged with hardened sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells while you sleep.
It helps, too, to swap out your face towel frequently and clean your makeup brushes with gentle cleansers like micellar water.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, spinach, and walnuts, have been found to reduce pimples caused by oily skin. Stay away from fried or greasy foods, and try to limit your dairy intake, too.
To discover more skincare tips and advice, head to our blog or find out how to get rid of dark spots on your face.
]]>While spots are not usually an indication of anything serious, it’s a good idea to have regular check-ups with your dermatologist, who can examine them and monitor your skin for any changes. Your doctor will check for a lentigo maligna, which looks like an age spot but is a warning sign for melanoma (skin cancer).
Many people with a concern for dark spots in their complexion are searching for an effective means of reducing their appearance, while others want to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The good news is that there are products today that can help restore your skin to its youthful, even-toned look. Keep reading to find out what dark spots are and how you can prevent them from cropping up in the future.
Dark spots on your face can be the result of a number of different environmental and physical factors, but the main underlying cause is hyperpigmentation, a condition in which the skin produces too much of the pigment melanin. Below are just some of the causes of dark spots on the face, and how you can preserve a bright, spot-free complexion.
Too much time in the sun, or not adequately protecting your skin from aging UV rays, can speed up the production of melanin, leading to sun spots. Did you know you’re more at risk of developing spots on your complexion if you have a lighter skin tone and are prone to burning easily? Dermatologists recommend protecting your skin from the sun year-round, regardless of skin tone.
Since your face and hands are more often exposed, you’ll probably find that these are your biggest problem areas for hyperpigmentation. To keep yourself protected, try to limit your time in the sun from 10am and 2pm, when the sun is strongest and highest in the sky. Be sure, too, to apply a sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above every day, all year round, even on cloudy or overcast days.
You may not be aware of the direct impact that environmental factors such as pollution can have on your skin. Exposure to air pollution caused by exhaust fumes and manufacturing can lead to free-radical damage and inflammation. Then result for your complexion? Hyperpigmentation. Often. particles from pollution are so small that they’re able to become embedded in the skin’s layers, causing pigment-producing cells to go into overdrive, and leading to visible dark spots on the complexion.
One way to prevent pollution-induced hyperpigmentation is to cleanse your skin as soon as you get home each day. By doing so, you wash away pollutant particles before they have the chance to sink in. Products containing antioxidants, like our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser, help clear the skin of harmful pollutants and toxins.
When a pimple finally goes away, you may think your problems are over. But acne can cause pigmentation, even after the skin has healed. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and is the skin’s natural response to inflammation and damage.
You can avoid dark spots caused by PIH by reducing the opportunity for them to appear in the first place. To keep acne at bay, make sure you’re cleansing your face twice a day, keep makeup brushes clean, and always remove your makeup before bed. While it may be tempting to pick at a blemish, doing so can cause the inflammation to last longer than it otherwise may. Anything that prolongs skin inflammation can increase your chances of post-inflammatory dark spots.
If you sunbathed frequently without sunscreen when you were younger, you may be surprised by the effect of sunlight on your skin in your 40s. Sun damage is one of the main causes of skin aging because the ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate into the skin and damage the elastic fibers that keep the skin firm and wrinkle-free.
While you can't go back in time to reduce past sun exposure, you can protect your skin from further damage by following our sun exposure tips above.
The good news is that there are many treatments available for targeting an uneven skin tone. These products contain different ingredients, each with their own benefits and instructions for use.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to reduce the number of pigmented cells, as well as reverse any damage caused by aging, leading to a reduction in dark spots. Since the body doesn’t produce this essential nutrient on its own, incorporating vitamin C skincare products into your daily routine is the best solution for brightening your complexion and minimizing the look of dark spots.
Known for its transformative effects on the skin, retinol is a popular ingredient for reducing dark spots. Products containing retinol work by boosting your skin’s renewal process, which helps to diminish signs of aging on your complexion. Retinol also stimulates collagen production, which is another way it diminishes dark spots. Not only will dark spots be reduced, but wrinkles and sagging skin will also begin to diminish, and the effects of retinol products will continue to work just as effectively over time.
If you have an uneven skin tone, consider treating it overnight. At night, the skin’s cells regenerate fastest due to the increased blood flow to the skin, helping your skin to better absorb topical treatments. Want to treat dark spots while you sleep? Check out our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Night Serum Capsules. Made with our highest dose of 20% pure Vitamin C, 100% of women saw a visible reduction in dark spots in just 4 weeks.
For skincare tips and advice take a look at our blog, or discover more about hyperpigmentation and how to prevent it.
]]>While dry skin can sometimes be linked to side effects from medication or an underlying illness, it can affect people of all ages, with or without underlying conditions.
The term “dry skin” is a skin type. You may have dry skin when your skin’s sebaceous glands don’t regularly produce enough natural oils. It can show on your complexion as scaliness and white flakes, with possible redness and irritation.
If your skin feels bumpy and rough to the touch, it’s often a clear indication of dry skin since dryness is caused by a lack of moisture. As skin cracks, it begins to flake and the dead, dry skin cells fall off to be replaced by fresh, new cells. This natural, cyclical process is called desquamation.
If you have dry skin, you’re more likely to notice visible fine lines in your complexion. This is because dry skin has less elasticity, which can have an overall aging appearance on the surface of the skin.
As skin flakes away, patches of dead skin can remain on the surface, causing you a tingling or ticklish feeling. However, scratching dry skin can lead to infection and scarring. It’s best to treat the itch in other ways; they include using a richer moisturizer for dry skin and dry-brushing to lightly brush away dead skin.
Your daily living conditions and the weather affect your skin, so it’s often helpful to pay attention to the quality of the air where you live and work. Dry skin in the winter is very common in colder climates. Cold, dry air can dehydrate and parch the skin. Running the heat at home can dry out your skin even further.
Dehydrated skin can lead to dryness, so it’s important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially in the summer months. As a general rule, you should drink one ounce of water for every pound in body weight. If you weigh 150 lbs., aim to drink 150 oz. of water throughout your day.
Moisturizing your face can also help to keep your skin optimally hydrated.
Menopause can bring on a range of symptoms, from hot flashes and night sweats to a sharp decline in the production of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the formation of skin-smoothing collagen and oils, meaning that when its production diminishes, it's common to experience dry, itchy skin.
Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy and inflamed dry skin, and can be triggered by weather changes, pollen, pollution or exposure to certain chemicals or ingredients.
Side effects of certain medications such as blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medications, acne treatments, wrinkle creams, and antihistamines can cause dry skin when taken long-term.
When treating your dry skin, the first thing to do is to figure out what is causing it. Sometimes, it may be as simple as asking your doctor to switch the medication you’re on or drinking more water. Once the cause is identified, you can then begin to make some changes.
While a steaming hot bath or shower can feel good, it’s not the best for your skin. The hotter the water is, the more oil and moisture is removed from your skin, so it’s better to take shorter, lukewarm showers.
Foods such as salmon, walnuts and eggs help stimulate oil production in your skin cells. So, consider incorporating these essential fatty acids into your daily diet to improve any signs of dryness in your skin.
Tailoring your skincare routine to your skin type and personal skin concerns will help to prevent dry skin, while keeping your skin feeling plump and moisturized. Look at our step-by-step regimen below.
Begin with a cleanser to remove any impurities or dead cells from the surface of your skin, so that you have a clean base for applying the rest of the skincare products in your regimen.
Next, use an eye cream like our Hydrate & Plump Eye Cream to hydrate and re-plump the delicate skin around your eyes.
Allow a minute or two for your eye cream to soak in before using a serum. Consider our Hydrate & Plump Serum Capsules to smooth, plump and boost your skin’s hydration. Apply the serum using a light tapping motion with your fingertips.
Once the serum has been absorbed into the skin, apply a moisturizer like our Max Daily Hydration Cream to leave the skin feeling moisturized and deeply hydrated for 24 hours.
To protect your skin from UV rays, finish with an SPF product and you’re good to go.
At night, follow steps 1-3 and then finish off your regimen with a hydrating night cream like our Even Tone + Lift 5 In 1 Night Cream to enhance the skin’s natural night time renewal.
Explore our dry skincare range to discover the best treatments for your skin. For more skincare tips, check out our blog or find out how to get glowing skin.
The common signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin are itchiness and loss of elasticity, but aside from that, these two skin issues have fairly different characteristics.
The term “dry skin” is a skin type. You may have dry skin when your skin’s sebaceous glands don’t regularly produce enough natural oils. It can show on your complexion as scaliness and white flakes, with possible redness and irritation.
Dehydrated skin, however, is classified as a temporary skin condition and is due to a lack of hydration or water in the body. The signs and symptoms of dehydrated skin are as follows:
Skin lacking in moisture will soon begin to appear dull, and your overall complexion may appear uneven.
As the skin dries out and becomes dehydrated, it can feel itchy or tingly.
When your body isn’t getting enough water, the thinner skin below and around your eyes will begin to appear darker and sunken.
Dehydrated skin on the face is caused by several different factors. It’s important to identify the causes so that you can treat the problem.
The most common cause of dehydrated skin is simple: not drinking enough water. Dehydration is often accompanied by additional symptoms such as tiredness and headaches. As a general rule, you should drink one ounce of water for every pound in body weight. If you weigh 150 lbs., aim to drink 150 oz. of water throughout your day.
The world around you can affect the quality and behaviors of your skin. Factors such as pollution and cold weather can dry out your skin. You can defend against environmental dehydration with a skincare regimen suited for your skin type and personal skin concerns. Most important are a suitable moisturizer and daily sunscreen.
Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are all diuretics. They remove fluids from your blood through the renal system at a much quicker rate than your body is able to compensate for.
As you sleep, you naturally perspire more to rebalance your body’s hydration levels. This extra perspiration acts as a natural moisturizer that hydrates and plumps the skin. If you’re not getting enough beauty sleep each night, it can result in dehydrated skin.
Once you’ve worked out the underlying cause or causes for your dehydrated skin, you can plan for how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some things you can do to keep your skin healthy and hydrated:
Ultimately, dehydrated skin is a result of the body's lack of water, so it’s important to make sure that you’re drinking enough, particularly during situations and activities that cause you to sweat more, including exercise. A sports drink containing electrolytes can also help boost hydration levels. As a general rule, you should drink one ounce of water for every pound in body weight. If you weigh 150 lbs., aim to drink 150 oz. of water throughout your day.
While it’s impossible to avoid certain factors, such as cold weather and pollution, in your day-to-day life, there are steps you can take to protect your skin. As soon as you arrive home, remove any makeup and cleanse your skin to prevent any pollutants from becoming embedded in your pores. Following a good skin care regimen will also help to protect your skin from the environment.
Stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and switching your morning coffee for a cup of tea instead can all help to prevent dehydrated skin.
Try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If you struggle to fall asleep, it can help to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Listen to soothing music, imagine a relaxing scene, inhale, and exhale slowly multiple times to release any tension. Also, try to put down electrical devices like your phone or tablet as blue light exposure can deplete melatonin levels in the body, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
Following the above steps will help treat your skin from the inside out, but if your skin is still in need of hydration, consider treating it with hydrating skincare products rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe. Explore our hydrate and plump hyaluronic acid range, which will give you plump, smooth, and firmer-looking skin, instantly and over time.
Consider following our step-by-step dehydrated skin regimen below.
Begin with a cleanser such as our Barrier Renew Gel-to-Foam Cleanser to create a clear base so that the subsequent products in your regimen absorb more easily. Using the right cleanser makes all the difference, so be sure to choose one that doesn’t dry out or damage your skin’s moisture barrier.
Once your skin is clean, apply an eye cream like our Hydrate & Plump Eye Cream to ideally hydrate and plump the skin around your eyes.
Serums containing hyaluronic acid like our Hydrate & Plump Serum Capsules work by drawing moisture from the air and from within skin up to the surface for maximum hydration. Apply the serum to your face in a tapping motion using your fingertips.
When your skin is exposed to UV rays without protection, the rays can easily damage your skin cells. It's important to use a daily SPF moisturizer like our Hydrate & Plump Moisturizer With SPF 30. It hydrates like a moisturizer and protects like a sunscreen while plumping away fine lines and wrinkles.
Dehydrated skin can easily be treated once the underlying cause has been addressed. You can discover more skincare tips and advice on our blog, or read more about the causes of dry skin and how to treat it.
]]>Hyperpigmentation occurs when your body produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. There are several different factors that can cause your body to over-produce melanin, many of which you can manage yourself. So, what are they and what can you do to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring?
One of the main causes of skin hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. Too much time spent in the sun, without adequate protection such as SPF, can speed up the body’s production of melanin, which ultimately leads to hyperpigmentation, and boosts signs of aging like deep wrinkles.
If you have light skin that’s prone to burning easily then you’re more at risk of this happening, but regardless of skin tone you should be protecting yourself from the sun with an SPF all year round.
The menopause can bring about different changes for different people, but many women see a difference in their skin condition, particularly more pigmentation on their face as a result of a combination of hormonal changes and sun exposure.
Your hormones impact your skin’s health, meaning that anything that influences your hormones, such as pregnancy or the use of birth control, can lead to hyperpigmentation.
A particular kind of hyperpigmentation known as melasma occurs as a direct result of changes in your hormone levels, particularly during pregnancy. It's more prevalent on your cheeks, nose, and chin, but it can affect any part of the skin that is exposed to sunlight, which is why it gets worse during the summer months.
From common skin conditions like acne to skin injury or trauma heals, anything that causes inflammation of the skin can put you at risk of hyperpigmentation. This is because as the skin heals, new cells replace the damaged ones, and these may contain more melanin than the original cells. Since melanin causes hyperpigmentation, dark spots will then begin to appear.
Also called ‘the mask pregnancy’ since it’s more common in pregnant women, melasma occurs when there is a change of hormones in the body. Symptoms of melasma include large patches of darkened skin, primarily on the face.
AGE SPOTS
Often seen on people over 40 years of age, age spots cause brown, tan, or black spots to appear on the skin with sun overexposure.
The best treatment for hyperpigmentation is prevention. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from an uneven skin tone:
For optimal protection on areas that can’t be covered such as the face and hands, an SPF of at least factor 30 should be worn all year round regardless of the weather.
Many daily moisturizers contain SPF, saving you the hassle of having to apply sunscreen separately.
Wearing a hat shades certain areas of your face and neck from the sun’s rays, protecting your skin from UV damage. As well as shielding your eyes, sunglasses protect the sensitive skin around your eyes, preventing you from burning in this area.
While sunlight is important for your vitamin D levels, it’s best avoided between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when the UV rays can be the most powerful.
If you have areas of hyperpigmentation on your body that you want to treat, then use a product containing retinol, such as our Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules.
Retinol works to increase the rate of cell turnover, resulting in old, pigment-rich skin cells being replaced with fresh, new cells. You’ll also see a noticeable reduction in wrinkles and fine lines with continued use.
Lots of people deal with hyperpigmentation, but there are many things you can do to prevent and treat an uneven skin tone. Our Even Tone + Lift 5 In 1 Night Cream works to fight five signs of aging in just four weeks, leaving you with reduced discoloration. You may also notice reduced density loss, dryness, dull tone, and wrinkles.
For more tips and advice, head over to our blog or discover more on the topic of protecting your skin with SPF.
As the first skincare company to bring broad-spectrum UV protection to the market, we’ve always been ahead of the game when it comes to SPF. Let’s take a look at how SPF works, what it protects you from and how best to protect your skin from the sun with SPF.
SPF is essentially a rating which tells you how long you can be out in the sun without burning. Products containing SPF work by either absorbing or reflecting UV rays before they can damage your skin. Regardless of the SPF number rating, you will have to apply the product more than once throughout the day. According to the FDA , you should be reapplying sunscreen “at least every two hours, and more often if you're swimming or sweating."
Whether you’re trying to prevent skin cancer or are noticing more prominent signs of aging, it’s important to keep your skin protected from the sun’s UV rays all year round. Below, we will look at the different ways that UVA and UVB rays can affect your skin.
Otherwise known as ultraviolet A rays, UVA rays are most associated with skin damage and premature aging. They have higher wavelengths than other UV rays meaning they can affect cells deeper in the skin, causing damage to cells.
UVA rays can cause premature aging to your skin, such as wrinkles and age spots. So if you want to maintain a more youthful appearance, it’s always best to limit your time in the sun and make sure you’re protecting your skin by liberally applying sunscreen prior to sun exposure.
Ultraviolet B rays are the burning rays and are thought to cause most skin cancers, as well as premature aging of our skin. These rays have higher energy levels that can cause damage to the outermost layers of the skin, directly damaging our DNA.
Overexposure to UVB rays leads to sunburn, though the effects sometimes aren’t noticeable until a few hours afterward.
Direct exposure to both UVA and UVB rays will cause damage to your skin, speeding up the aging process and increasing your risk for all types of skin cancer. Even if you’re tanning and not burning, it’s worth remembering that there’s no safe way to tan, and you should liberally apply an SPF product each morning and keep your skin covered where possible when out in the sun.
If you want to protect your skin from aging caused by sun damage, opt for a ‘broad-spectrum’ product, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Our multi-tasking MULTI CORREXION® 5 In 1 Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays, while visibly lifting and plumping the skin while helping to reduce the occurrence of hard to treat sun spots.
From premature aging to skin damage, and even skin cancer, the sun’s UV rays can cause more damage than we think. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from the sun:
It’s good practice to apply an SPF product every day to areas of your body that might be exposed to the sun. Some people choose to apply a sunscreen product every day, while others opt for a moisturizer containing SPF, which has additional benefits for the skin. Make sure to re-apply throughout the day and strive for a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, which will block out 97% of UV rays.
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so if you can, it’s best to avoid being outside for long during these hours. As a general rule, if your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sun is at its most powerful – and you should try and find some shade.
While it’s not possible to cover every area of your face, you can better protect yourself by accessorizing with a pair of sunglasses and a hat that shades your face, neck, and ears. You can also find clothes made with special sun-protective materials for skin that’s covered up.
So keep in mind, SPF products will help protect your skin from the sun’s harsh, aging rays; a broad-spectrum product will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays; and moisturizers with SPF will protect the skin while offering other skincare benefits. We recommend our MULTI CORREXION® 5-In-1 Even Tone + Lift Chest, Neck & Face Cream With SPF 30, which fights signs of aging and delivers visibly smoother and healthier looking skin after just 4 weeks of use.
Discover more skincare tips and advice on the RoC Lab Notes blog, or take a look at this useful guide to your summer skincare routine.
]]>Dehydration, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, oiliness, and clogged pores are some examples of summertime challenges, but thankfully, a good summer skincare routine can make all the difference to the appearance and feel of your skin.
While the colder winter months can bring issues like dryness and dullness to our skin, the summertime comes with its own set of challenges, requiring some significant changes to your skincare routine. These challenges include dehydration, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, oiliness, clogged pores and more frequent breakouts, but thankfully, a good summer skincare routine can make all the difference to the appearance and feel of your skin. Keep reading to find out what changes you should be making during the summertime.
One of the biggest challenges our skin faces during the hot summer months is staying protected from the sun’s UV rays. While sunlight is important for maintaining our body’s vitamin D levels, if our skin isn’t sufficiently protected, then it can easily become damaged under the sun’s harsh rays.
It’s important to keep our skin protected all year-round, since too much UV exposure can cause damage to the outer and deeper layers of our skin, resulting in reduced elasticity and premature aging. If your skin has had years of sun exposure, then as you get older you may notice some age spots, which are caused by overactive pigment cells. Too much unprotected sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer, so it’s important to keep our skin protected during the summer months.
Hot weather causes increased sweating, which results in clogged pores and a greater frequency of acne breakouts. That's why a good summer skincare routine is important, and with the right products, you can keep your skin feeling and looking healthy all summer long.
Above all, the right summer skincare routine can help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Take a look at our useful step-by-step summer skincare routine below.
To help your skincare products absorb properly into the skin, begin by cleansing your skin using a product such as our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser. Once you’ve cleansed, you can then exfoliate your face to remove any bacteria or dead skin cells. This ensures that the face is clean by removing any excess oil or impurities, leaving you with the perfect base to begin adding products to.
As one of the most effective antioxidants and multi-benefit ingredients for skin health, it’s essential that we get our vitamin C from external sources, since it’s not something that the body can produce on its own. Known for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and brightening benefits, vitamin C will keep your skin radiant and even-toned. Using a serum like our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Daily Serum will allow your skin to absorb the most concentrated levels of vitamin C, leaving it looking visibly brighter and tighter in just a matter of weeks.
For best results, apply a thin layer of serum with your fingertips using a light tapping motion, then wait a few moments for the product to sink in before moving on to the next step in your routine.
The best moisturizers for summer are lightweight and non-greasy, keeping dry skin hydrated without excess oil. Many people experience oily skin in the summer, and while it may sound contradictory to apply a hydrating moisturizer to oily skin, it will actually help reduce the body’s sebum levels, resulting in less oil.
For protection and hydration, look for a moisturizer that contains SPF, like our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Moisturizer with SPF 30, which is ideal for dehydrated skin and invisible on all skin tones.
Short of completely covering your head when you go outside, adequate sun protection is essential to maintaining skin health and defending against the aging forces of the sun. A product containing SPF like our RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, can be useful for keeping your skin protected. The higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll get, so look for a product that offers SPF 30 or more if you’re prone to burning. If your favourite moisturizer doesn't contain SPF, then simply apply a separate sunscreen on top of your moisturizer.
After a day in the hot weather, your skin is likely to be in need of some hydration, and products containing hyaluronic acid like RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate Hyaluronic Capsules are ideal for restoring moisture. Hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture from the air and locking water into the skin, resulting in hydrated, plumper skin.
As we sleep, our bodies boost blood flow to the skin, so an overnight product can be extremely effective.
The warmer weather can bring about new skin challenges, and it’s important that we make the necessary changes to our skincare regime. To get glowing skin this summer time, take a look at our Brightening Vitamin C Skincare Trio, or explore our range of protective sunscreen and SPF products.
Discover more skincare tips and advice on our blog, or exactly what SPF is and how it works to protect your skin.
]]>Learn more about the key benefits of using a serum as part of your daily routine, as well as differentiating between the types of serum available and how they work.
What are the benefits of using a serum? Below are some of the key benefits of using a serum as part of your daily routine, as well as differentiating between the types of serum available and how they work.
Thinner than a face oil and less creamy than a moisturizer, serums are light, fast-absorbing liquids consisting of large quantities of ingredients that offer high order skin benefits designed to easily penetrate the skin. They’re easy to apply and work best when tapped into damp skin after cleansing when the face is clean and product-free.
While more costly than moisturizers and face creams, a one-ounce container of serum should keep you going for months—and there’s a valid reason behind the additional cost. Unlike some moisturizers, serums contain a higher concentration of beneficial active ingredients that target multiple skin concerns, which are more expensive —and effective—than products that include additional ingredients.
A serum’s list of benefits is long, from improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to delivering antioxidants that protect skin from aging environmental damage and soothing sensitive skin. Since it absorbs quickly into your skin, adding a serum to your skincare routine couldn’t be easier.
While they can all be used to treat the skin, serums, face oils and moisturizers each have a slightly different purpose. A face oil is thicker in consistency than a serum—which is most often a water-based formula—and its primary purpose is to nourish, protect and moisturize the skin.
Meanwhile, a moisturizer uses a thicker formula to create a hydration-locking barrier. This prevents the skin from drying out and helps to retain moisture.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally produced in our bodies, and it plays an important role in the structure of skin and keeping skin looking youthful and moisturized. Over time, factors such as aging and environmental aggressors can cause these levels to drop. If you’ve noticed your skin becoming dry, thin and wrinkled, then serums are a great way to restore the body’s hyaluronic acid levels to give your skin a more youthful appearance.
Proven to draw moisture from the air around us and from within skin up to the surface, serums containing hyaluronic acid are used to hydrate the skin and give it a plumper appearance. Continued use of a serum like our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Serum Capsules will leave you with plumper, firmer-looking skin with visibly reduced lines and wrinkles.
We need vitamin C to stay alive, and while it may be an essential antioxidant, our bodies don’t actually produce any vitamin C by themselves. This means that we need to rely on external sources such as food, supplements, and skincare products to keep our bodies working as they should.
We know about the benefits of getting vitamin C in our diets for immune support, but did you know that vitamin C is one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market? It’s just as necessary for our skin as it is for our bodies, and while this age-defying micronutrient might be easy enough to get into our diets, we can’t be sure that enough is going to go where it’s needed.
Vitamin C serum contains concentrated ingredients that can be applied exactly where you need them. As well as its anti-aging properties, vitamin C serums such as our MULTI CORREXION® Revive + Glow Night Serum Capsules are both hydrating and brightening and can help reduce redness and even out skin tone. Over time, the skin will appear more contoured and lifted, giving you that much-desired youthful glow.
Arguably one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients of all, retinol has the power to improve cell turnover, revealing fresh, younger skin, even your skin tone, and boost the skin’s collagen, leading to smoother, firmer skin. This not only slows and reverses the signs of aging but essentially rewinds it, causing skin to appear smoother and more radiant. Since retinol is such a powerful ingredient, it should be initially used in smaller quantities and built up over time.
With a retinol serum like our RETINOL CORREXION® Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules, you may need to start by using it every other day and working your way up to once or twice daily. With regular use, you can expect to see proven results in just four weeks. In fact, in just one night of use, 97% of our customers had visibly reduced lines and wrinkles.
Serums are easy to include in your daily skincare regime and have many benefits, particularly if you’re after a more youthful appearance. We can help you to find the right serum or treatment to address your concerns.
Discover more tips and advice on our blog, or continue reading to find out exactly how to apply face serum.
]]>Discover the benefits of introducing a serum into your everyday skincare routine along with tips on how to apply your facial serum for the best results.
Cleansing removes any impurities so that your serum’s ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin, so for best results, a serum should be applied after cleansing but before moisturizing. Your moisturizer then helps to lock in all the beneficial ingredients, allowing them to work their magic.
Read on to discover the benefits of introducing a serum into your everyday skincare routine along with tips on how to apply your facial serum for the best results.
Serums can play a role no matter what benefit you’re looking for from your skin care routine. If you’re looking for more nourished, protected and hydrated skin, a serum can be a great way to achieve this. Specially formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin than other skincare products, serums are able to deliver a high concentration of skin care efficacy to where it’s needed most.
Because of its formulation, a serum benefits from absorbing quickly into your skin, without the heavy or greasy feeling that some products leave.
You can easily incorporate a serum into your daily skincare regimen, applying it alongside your cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer. We’ve broken your routine down into four simple steps, which can be repeated twice daily—once in the morning before you apply any makeup, and once in the evening before bed.
To get the most out of your skincare routine, make sure that your skin is clean and prepped so that your skincare products can soak into your skin effectively. Begin by removing any makeup and impurities from your face with a cleanser.
Once you have a clean base to work with, you can then use an exfoliator to gently scrub any dead skin away. This softens your skin as well as unclogging pores and removing bacteria, resulting in fewer breakouts and a more radiant complexion. For optimal results, you should do this two to three times a week.
Now that your skin is best prepped, it’s time to apply your facial serum. Serums should be applied while your skin is still damp so that they can penetrate deep into the skin, and to get the most out of the product, you should apply it with a patting motion instead of rubbing. Lightly tap the serum into your skin using your fingertips and wait for a couple of minutes until it has been fully absorbed.
For a plumping serum that’s proven to work, take a look at ours. This serum starts working after just a week’s use, leaving you with noticeably plumper, more hydrated skin and reduced lines and wrinkles. This serum starts working after just a week’s use, leaving you with noticeably plumper, more hydrated skin and reduced lines and wrinkles.
Next, to hydrate and reduce dark circles around the delicate eye area, use an eye cream like our MULTI CORREXION® Hydrate & Plump Eye Cream. Eye creams are specially formulated to work on the thin, sensitive skin under your eyes and are an effective step in anti-ageing.
Once your serum has soaked in, you can then apply a small amount of face moisturizer, ensuring that you use an SPF product during the daytime.
Serum is an essential part of any skincare routine and should be applied at just the right time for it to work best. For daily serums that are proven to work, take a look at our Serums & Treatments. Discover more tips and advice on our blog, or read one of our latest posts about how to get glowing skin.
]]>A natural, radiant glow is one of the biggest indicators that your skin is healthy. Learn more about the benefits of vitamin C and help your skin to glow.
If your skin is dull, uneven or tired-looking and you’d like to get that much-desired glow, then you may need to give some areas of your life a little more TLC. Many of the lifestyle factors that cause dull skin are easy to adjust, so it won’t take long before you should start to see a difference in your skin. Curious about what causes dry skin? Here are several factors:
Water aids blood circulation and helps transport essential nutrients around our body, including to our skin. It also helps eliminate toxins and impurities, which in turn helps keep our skin healthy, glowing and hydrated.
Since water plays such a vital role in both our body’s and our skin’s health, we should aim to be drinking a good amount every day. The recommended daily amount averages at between a half ounce and an ounce of water per day for each pound you weigh, meaning that at 150lbs, you would need a daily intake of around 75-150 ounces.
From busy work schedules to difficult life events, stress is a big part of many people’s lives—but you may not be aware of the impact this has on your skin. Stress causes our body’s sympathetic nervous system to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can ultimately lead to inflammation and skin problems.
As well as dullness of the skin, stress can cause more clogged pores and acne breakouts, and the oil produced by raised cortisol levels will give you the wrong kind of glow! It’s important to note that shiny and glowing skin are two different things. While glowing skin looks clear and healthy, shiny skin is caused by an overproduction of oils, which may then result in acne and blackheads.
While the harmful effects of pollution on the environment are common knowledge, many people don’t know about the impact that pollution has on our skin. Although it’s impossible to determine precisely how much pollution affects the skin, what we do know is that toxic emissions and micronized pollutants have the power to break down collagen and oxidize the lipid layer of the skin. This happens when they embed themselves into pores, resulting in inflammation, blemishes, irritation and a breakdown in overall skin function.
While these smog particles are too large to penetrate the skin completely, they can result in free radical formation, which leads to breakdown of collagen and elastin and formation of uneven pigmentation: all causes of uneven tone and texture in skin.
Now you’re aware of what causes dull skin, it’s time to put some steps into place to get your skin looking glowing and youthful once more. These six simple steps are easy to introduce into most lifestyles and as an added benefit, you’ll start to see improvements in other areas of your life as well.
Drinking more water is one of the easiest ways to see an improvement in your skin, since it’s not time-consuming or costly to increase your water intake. If you find that you struggle to drink enough water every day, then consider buying a bottle with clear measurements to keep track of your drinking.
Whether you’re taking part in a relaxing yoga session or sweating it out at the gym, any kind of workout that gets your heart pumping will benefit your skin. When we sweat, we’re removing toxins from our skin, helping to keep our skin blemish-free. Regular exercise also improves blood circulation and oxygenation to the skin, resulting in a healthy glow.
Your skincare regimen can make all the difference to whether your skin is dull and tired looking, or glowing and healthy. Since impurities can cause free radical formation that breaks down your skin’s collagen, you should make sure you’re using a serum and moisturizer high in anti-oxidants like vitamin C, which can stop the free radicals that do form, as well as a product containing SPF to protect your skin.
A good night’s sleep is essential for the quality of both our physical and mental health, so you won’t be surprised to hear that it also has an impact on our skin. As we sleep, our bodies boost blood flow to the skin—so the more sleep we get, the more glowing our skin will look. Aim for around eight hours of sleep at night and try to keep to the same pattern of sleep and wake times.
The better you take care of your body internally, the better you will look from the outside. For glowing skin, you should stick to a healthy, balanced diet wherever possible. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat and salt, and instead opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
Certain nutrients are particularly beneficial for the skin, such as vitamins A-E, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc. You can find these in many of the foods listed above.
Our lifestyle choices have a significant impact on the overall health of our skin, so by making some changes, we can transform our skin from dull to glowing. Our skincare regime is particularly important in maintaining glowing skin. For more products proven to brighten the skin, take a look at our Brightening Vitamin C Skincare Trio.
For skincare tips and advice take a look at our blog, or read our next post to discover more about serum and what it does for your face.
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