impaired barrier function Archives

Renee and I at Sofitel in Beverly Hills

Hi readers! I hope you all had a great weekend!

I was given the unique (and awesome!) opportunity to assist celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau during one of her quarterly visits here in L.A. This is the second time I have helped her during her stay and words cannot express how blessed I feel to be able to participate in this event. Renee is one of the go-to skin care gurus with celebrity clients like Demi Lovato and Lisa Rina and generates rave reviews from beauty editors with good reason. Aside from being extremely knowledgeable and formulating her own skin care line, she is also genuinely sweet, caring and humble. When I first met her, she greeted me with a hug and smile that felt like I had known her forever. Such a lovely person inside and out.

I was one of the lucky ones that received a bottle of her ~~soon to be released~~ newly released Pro Remedy Oil! Pro Remedy Oil is a blend of 12 natural oils including sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, rosehip oil and cranberry oil that “helps repair dry skin from airplane travel, eczema, sunburn, dry climate and pregnancy.” Since many of us receive chemical peels during the fall and winter months, this oil can also be used post-chemical peel to soothe skin.

Pro Remedy Oil is a clear light-weight, citrus scented oil that absorbs quickly into the skin. Since I have combination skin, I mix about 2-3 drops with my moisturizer and apply to my face-a little goes a long way. So far, I like how my skin has felt hydrated with no heavy after feel and I haven’t broken out. We’ll see if that changes in the next couple of weeks.

If you have dry skin or eczema and haven’t found products that work, definitely look into this oil, especially during these next few months when we’re prone to losing more moisture. Those with acne or oily skin types should tread lightly since you already produce enough oil and probably don’t need anymore.

Other goodies I received: Bio Calm Repair Masque, Aloe Cleansing Milk and Bio Radiance Night Serum- can’t wait to try them out.

I’ve tried a couple of products from Renee’s line and although there were some I didn’t like or didn’t work for me, some items worth checking out that I love include Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel, BHA Clarifying Serum, and Triple Berry Smoothing Peel.

If you’re interested in Renee’s skin care line, visit her website www.reneerouleau.com

Hope you enjoyed this post and sneak peek!

Our skin types are genetically determined. However, to the joy of some and the dismay of others, they can change over time, or you can have a combination of several all at once. Dry skin and a few breakouts here and there? Yup. As weird as it sounds, it can happen.

Do you know your skin type(s) or do you just recall what someone once told you your skin type was and have clung to that notion ever since?

Here are six common skin types and their characteristics to help you determine-or at least give you an idea of- of what would be beneficial to your skin.

Normal

Normal skin (oh the lucky ones!) has a good oil-water balance and is soft and plump. It has a healthy glow and color, with fine texture, small pores and no congestion . Maintenance and preventative care are your main goals.

Combination

I personally fall into this category and let me tell you, it can be gosh darn frustrating. Combination skin is characterized by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while the cheeks tend to be on the dry side, causing a flaky appearance. The goal is to control areas prone to oiliness while moisturizing areas that are dry, and to keep skin well exfoliated to help combat breakouts and dryness.

Oily

Oily skin is characterized by an all over greasy shine, visible pores, coarser skin texture (akin to that of an orange), little wrinkling (silver lining, no?), blackheads/whiteheads, breakouts. Controlling sebum production, and clearing out the pores is key. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are good at providing hydration.

Acne

Not just for teenagers anymore as the number of adult acne is rising. Symptoms range from blackheads/whiteheads, breakouts, painful cysts, inflammation and sensitivity . Causes of acne can be genetic or a hormonal imbalance. Deep cleansing facials, proper home regimen and soothing the skin are goals. Avoid excessive or harsh cleansers as it can make acne worse.

Dry

If the Sahara desert would be envious, then you probably have dry skin. Where oily skin produces a mass amount of oil, dry skin doesn’t produce enough. Visible dryness, small pores, tightness,and a propensity to wrinkles are indicators of dry skin. Cleansing creams or milky cleansers are ideal as they don’t strip the skin while ingredients like shea butter or borage seed oil are great moisturizers.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is identified by fragile, thin, red skin that has an impaired barrier function and more reactive capillaries. It’s easily irritated by products (even sometime water) and exposure to heat and sun. Avoid excessive rubbing, heat, exfoliation, or extractions. Use calming, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5), bisabolol, and niacinamide.

Has your skin type been consistent or has it undergone major changes throughout the years?

First Look: Renee Rouleau Pro Remedy Oil!

What's Your Type?