RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Review

Summer is fast upon us! Not nearly fast enough but be patient my little goddesses, it will be here before you know it. 

Every year I re-post my sun protection post reminding you why you need to wear sun protection. I usually post it in April because the weather starts getting nicer, the sun is out longer and everyone starts spending more time outdoors. Let me be clear my lovelies, it goes without saying that you should be wearing sun protection all year long, everyday no matter the season. 

Anyone who reads this blog knows that I am a Paula's Choice fan. I look for certain things in my products that she usually has in her products so it's a no brainer. Also besides producing quality products, she will suggest other companies products as long as she feels they are up to par. That's a great supportive trait to have as a successful business woman. 

I decided to try PC's Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30.

PHOTO CREDIT

PC's Resist line is aimed at anti-aging so all of the products have ingredients with anti-aging properties. 

According to the website, Resist Anti-Aging Collection:

Smooths Wrinkles

Builds Collegen

Fades Dark Spots

 
RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen designed for combination to oily skin with signs of aging. Its multi-purpose formula not only protects skin from sun damage, but also fortifies it with potent antioxidants to repair and stimulate collagen production for firmer skin. You will see a more even skin color, fewer visible lines and wrinkles, and the return of a younger healthy-looking glow.

I choose the  Super-Light because it is supposed to have a shine free finish. A lot of mineral based sun protection can make you look a little shiny and I was looking for a more on the matte side, natural finish. I had tried the Hydralite sunblock and although a good product, it was a bit shiny for me. It is also supposed to be shine-free. It was not.  

I have been wearing this for a few weeks now and I am very happy with it. I wore it for 1 week in sunny Florida without any burning/tanning issues and no breakout issues as well. It has a high Zinc content so it is tinted to combat the white cast that comes along with Zinc and Titanium Dioxide products. I find the tint to be an odd shade of pinky mauve although it does not translate that way on the skin (or in the photos). Once applied, there is absolutely no white cast and really no tint to speak of.  

One pump out of the bottle.

Blended into the skin.

My one complaint is Paula's Choice packaging for their suncare products suck! At the least the one's I have tried do. This comes in a plastic tube that you squeeze to get the product out. Have I mentioned that it sucks? It squeezes out way too much product and you can easily waste your product. I usually re-package the product into a dark, glass bottle with a pump that used to house a competitor's sunblock. 

Please Paula! Put a pump on your squeeze tube! 

This is supposed to be good for Oily/Combination skin. I have true combination skin, oily t zone, normal in some spots and dry in others. I have read reviews from people with dry skin saying it looked a little chalky on them. I have had no problem at all with chalkiness on any dry parts and it has been very cold in NYC. I do apply a moisturizer underneath this product.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Paula's Choice products. 

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Rodin+Fields Product Review

Through some good old fashioned networking on Linked In, I connected with a woman who works for Rodan + Fields, the doctors who created Proactiv. She invited me to a function for Rodan+Fields, which I am almost positive was a recruiting session to hire sales people. She offered to send me some samples,  I told her I had no interest in selling any products but I would be interested in trying the products so I could review them and who doesn't like trying out new products? So just for integrity's sake, I did not pay for these products. I received them as a sample from Rodan+Fields and as always, I will give my honest review of them.

I have never tried Proactiv or any Rodan+Fields products. I never had that much interest in Proactiv but I was interested to try these products as Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields are well respected doctors and they obviously know what they are doing. 

So this is going to be a first impression review, as I only received single use samples which I attempted to spread out over two days. The samples came packaged in a cute little mesh bag with some marketing material about R+F and a little instructional card with directions on how to use the products. The directions were written out in a cute little poem, until the last line when they seemed to have a problem rhyming the word  "spread". Also, it doesn't tell you exactly what you are trying. The only thing that was labeled was the Enhancements Microdermabrasion Paste so we will start with that. 

The Microdermabrasion Paste ($78) is a sugar and salt scrub with Vitamin C and E. According to the directions on the package, you are supposed to scrub your face using the whole packet of paste, without water. If you prefer a more gentle exfoliation, you can add water. I was a little skeptical about this because I feel sugar and salt would be a little harsh for your face. I do not like manual exfoliates and prefer the more gentle chemical kind and I was right, this was a little too harsh for me. I saved half the packet and will use it in the shower as a body scrub. I did notice how slick this feels on your skin, the description says it glides over your skin and it certainly does. It does contain fragrance (which makes me mental in face products) and some color additives. 

Next up is the Night Renewing Serum ($90) which I had to do a little research to figure out what I was using because the instructions refers to it only as the "blue capsule". According to the website:

Each REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum capsule contains a potent, proprietary blend of peptides and retinol to visibly improve skin texture and firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol, favored by dermatologists for decades, improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores. Patented time-release technology increases skin’s receptivity throughout the night while reducing potential irritancy. 

I had high hopes for this product, the ingredients list is not long which I do like and there is no fragrance.  This does not feel like a serum, this is pretty silicon heavy and it feels and wears exactly like a primer. It's really just ok for me. I don't know what the long term effects of this product would be on my skin but first impression is eh.

The last product was the best out of the three. The Redefine Lip Renewing Serum ($54) was a homerun for me. It has been in the single digits here on the East coast and my central heating system has been working over time trying to keep me toasty. My skin is feeling the effects of the dry forced air but my lips are getting the brunt of it. Dry, cracked, peeling lips. Sexiness at it's finest. This serum was like a delicious drink of moisture drenching water for my lips. This is a true serum and feels like a dream, also it stays hydrating all night. I usually wake up at some point during the night and need to reapply my Alba Unpetroleum. Not with this stuff! I would wake up to lips that were still slick and hydrated. They are also packaged in these little grey capsules which sucks because I would want to carry this around with me. They should package this in a Lip Smackers roll top gloss tube, that would be awesome!

Sorry for the blurriness

So these products were just ok for me. I really loved the lip serum but everything else fell short. I also feel they are a bit on the pricy side for what you get. I am thankful that I did get to try them but this will be a pass for me.

If you are interested in learning more about Rodin+Fields, click here:

Rodin+Fields

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Dr. Dennis Gross Age Erase Moisture with Mega 10 Plus

Oh hi
there kitties!

My skin in the winter is quite dry. Visibly dry with peeling, flaking and redness, usually around my chin. Now with the Retin-A, there is dryness everywhere. My skin needs a giant drink of moisture and that is exactly what it gets with Dr. Dennis Gross Age Erase Moisture with Mega 10 Plus.

 

According to the website:

• Active Vitamin D provides supple, glowing, younger looking skin
• Vitamins, antioxidants & peptides target free radicals for cellular defense
• Time-released Hyaluronic Acid helps soften & smooth fine lines & wrinkles 

Mega 10 Plus, is a complex developed by Dr. Gross which contains 10 essential nutrients for optimal skin health. 

This is not a "wet" moisturizer, meaning it does not just sit greasy on the skin. It sinks in nicely and works well under my sunblock and makeup. I know this has "age erase" in the name, however this is a very good moisturizer that will not erase your age. It is very replenishing and my skin loves it. You can use it AM and PM. 

I have had absolutely no irritation or breakouts from this product. 

It is fragrance free (YAY!), cruelty free (YAY!), Vegan (If that's important to you) and paraban free(YAY!). Pretty much everything I look for in a product. 

Key Ingredients

• Vitamins A, C, E: Potent antioxidants that prevent collagen breakdown
• Vitamin B: Adds essential moisture & provides a plumping effect
• Vitamin D: Boosts the benefits of other active ingredients
• Ubiquinone (CoQ10): Potent antioxidant that defends against free radicals & builds collagen
• Phospholipids: Natural substance that draws moisture from the air & seals it into the skin
• Green Tea Extract: Natural antioxidant; Protects against free radicals & environmental toxins
• Yucca Root Extract: Natural plant extract with high antioxidant content & anti-inflammatory properties
• Soybean Extract: Kick-starts collagen production
• Biodynes TRF: Yeast Extract that has cell-renewing, soothing, anti-inflammatory & anti-irritant properties
• Squalane: Naturally derived emollient that works to prevent dryness
• Ceramides: A complex lipid that helps strengthen & repair skin's barrier 

Excellent key ingredients, however "key ingredients" mean there are other ingredients that they have not listed on the website. C'mon people, just list ALL of the ingredients so it doesn't look like you're hiding something. Thank you!

A little bit about Dr. Gross:

Dr. Dennis Gross, NYC dermatologist, has devoted his life to the science of skincare. Skin, the largest organ of the body, is the first to show signs of both external and internal health. The quality and scope of his education and research inspired a passion within to fight the deadly epidemic of skin cancer. During his early years as a dermatologist in NYC, Dr. Gross would spend hours “in the field” conducting free skin cancer screenings in and around NYC, educating the public about this life-threatening disease.  

So I really like and recommend this product.

This is a quality product that will not break the bank. 

$48 for 1.7 ounces  

To order or read more about Dr. Dennis Gross click here

Until next time!

~Jessica~

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Thanks

:-)

**My own product purchased with my own $$. No affiliate links.

Retin-A is NOT an Exfoliant! Who Knew?

So I was schooled by the Paula's Choice people. I can admit when I am wrong. If I am passing on information to you, I want to make sure I am passing the correct information. 

So in my prior post about Retin-A I said Retin-A is an exfoliant. I was always under the impression that Retin-A was a prescription strength exfoliant.  Well lo and behold, it is not.

I wanted to get a definitive answer on whether or not I could use my Paula's Choice BHA 9 in addition to my Retin-A because I was still experiencing minor breakouts. Not as bad as I had been but they were still there and I want them to be gone. My doc said to hold off but I had heard so many different opinions and answers, I decided to take my question to the Paula's Choice peeps. 

First, let me say Paula's Choice customer service are absolutely awesome. They have a live chat box and basically informed me that Retin-A is a treatment and not an exfoliant, therefore it can be used with my BHA9.

According to Paula's website:

A common misconception is that tretinoin (active ingredient in Retin-A) exfoliates skin like an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) product. However, tretinoin is not an exfoliant. Tretinoin improves living cells so they can shed normally whereas AHA and BHA exfoliants dissolve dead skin cells in skin’s uppermost layers. Tretinoin improves how skin cells shed naturally, helping them do so in the manner they did before being damaged by sun exposure. But this action is not the same as exfoliation. It gets confusing because tretinoin does affect how skin cells form and shed deeper in the skin, beyond where AHAs and BHA ingredients reach. But technically what’s going in terms of how skin cells shed isn’t the same action as exfoliating skin’s surface to improve its appearance.

So with that said, now that I have added the BHA-holy moly what a difference it has made in my skin. Breakouts are pretty much non existent and old marks are fading away! Yay! I am at the 4 month mark with Retin-A and for the first time, I woke up this morning with flaking skin. I'm not sure if it was the Retin-A or the addition of the BHA but moisturizer chased it right away.  

So now you know!

Until next time, 

Jessica

Jessica's New Skin Routine

Ok! So finally-this is the new routine!

I have always had a pretty simple skin care routine. In the morning I would rinse my face in the shower, dry it off and apply sun block. At night, I would wash my face before bed (religiously) and then apply either an AHA or BHA and be done with it. I was never one for pricey products or special serums because I was skeptical of the ingredients and felt they did nothing but break me out, so why spend the money. 

After being exhausted with my acne prone skin, I decided to visit the dermatologist (which you can read about here). The same week as my derm appointment, I stumbled upon a YouTube video featuring Caroline Hirons, a beauty and skin care expert from the UK. I started reading her blog, Carolinehirons.com and my skin and my way of thinking about my skin have been changed forever! According to Mrs. Hirons website, she is a globally qualified advanced facialist trained in over 100 brands and has trained teams internationally for top brands in the UK, USA and Far East. She now works as a Consultant to brands and retailers in the Beauty Industry. Caroline's immense knowledge, her no nonsense delivery and her incredible wit, make her blog a pleasure to read.

The first thing I changed, was my way of cleansing my skin. This has to be the single most important thing I did for my skin, and for that reason, it will receive it's own detailed post. Hopefully tomorrow.

So basically, I started double cleaning my skin at night which is washing your face twice, first with a balm to remove dirt and oil and then using a gentle cleaner to clean everything off. I will never wash my face any other way ever again and if you wear sun protection or makeup, you need to be doing this as well. 

The second thing I changed was how I moisturized my skin. I always thought it was ok to use a moisturizer with sun block in it. I was wrong. In order for sun protection to be effective, there has to be a substantial amount of protecting ingredients, which leaves little room in the formulation for moisturizing ingredients. So I have started using a separate moisturizer and Sun Protection. You should use moisturizers that contain emollients and humectants such as Hyaluronic Acid. Humectants take moisture from the air and hold it in your skin. This is what will give your skin that plump and youthful look. Also, look for moisturizers that contain vitamins and antioxidants as all of these ingredients work together to keep skin healthy and prevent it from aging. 

Lastly, I have started taking supplements. I have always taken vitamin D, now I have added Omega Fish Oils because they are amazing for your skin. I hope they help with my memory because I sometimes forget to take them.

This routine is still a work in progress. I am on the hunt for a good toner with skin repairing ingredients to hydrate and replenish. These are not the toners of our teen years (hello sea breeze!). I am also shopping for a nice anti-aging serum and I am working on reducing my sugar intake.

This may not seem like a huge amount of change but I have seen big differences in my skin these past few months. I don't know if it's the Retin-A or a combination of everything together but it's working. I know the double cleansing has had a huge impact on my skin. I have stopped using the Skineteca that I had reviewed, as well as the topical antibiotic that my derm  had prescribed.

So a BIG FAT THANK YOU to Caroline Hirons for all of the amazing information that she provides. Please take a look at her cheat sheets, they are incredibly informative. If anyone wants to read a well written, witty blog about skin care (besides this well written, witty blog), I suggest you give her a try.

Cheers Kitty Cats!

Retin A and Beautiful Skin

Oh hello there!
Time for our lesson on Retin A.

So Retin A is basically a topical form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself. It works by increasing skin cell turnover promoting the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle. It also prevents the formation of new comedones. 

Retin A was introduced over 30 years ago to help people who suffered from acne. However there were some side effects. Besides clear skin, people were also reporting more youthful plump skin, even skin tone and disappearing wrinkles! Say whaaa? I think I hear butterflies and fairies singing...

Retin A is an exfoliate, which means it will gently dislodge dead skin cells, cleaning  pores and bringing pimples and blackheads to the surface to be obliterated forever (or until you stop using it). It also stimulates collagen, giving you that plump, healthy skin you had in your 20's. 

Prior to starting my Retin A regimen, I researched it and was a bit scared of what I found. So before you get all this beautiful, youthful skin back, you have to go through hell first. Apparently, you will have the worst skin of your life before you have the best skin of your life. You reportedly, have horrendous breakouts. If a pore is clogged, the only way for it to be cleared is for it to come out. Usually in the form of a pimple. In addition to the worst breakouts, you will also have dry, flaky, peeling, irritated skin. Sounds like a blast.

As someone who was going to be using Retin A for an adult (teenage) acne problem, this sounded terrifying. I asked my derm about this and she said I shouldn't have a problem with it and anyone who has these issues, goes in too fast and doesn't follow the rules.

So there are some rules with Retin A that need to be followed. 

First-You know how they suggest you apply your moisturizer to damp skin, such as right after you wash your face or get out of the shower?

YOU CANNOT DO THIS WITH RETIN A!

The suggestion is to wait 15-30 minutes after washing your face. I wait about 30-60 minutes after just to be safe. This rule is probably good to follow with any strong exfoliate such as AHA/BHA. 

Second-You MUST use sun protection. You should always use some form of sun protection, however it is an absolute must when using Retin A (or any exfoliate). Your skin is much more sensitive to the harsh rays of the sun. So slather it on! And use nothing less than a 30 SPF!

I decided to ease in and just dip my toe before jumping in. The first week I used it once ever 2 nights, then I started using it every other night for the next 3 weeks. Then I was using it 2 nights on/one night off. I did that for a month. Finally, 3 nights on/1 night off for 2 weeks and now I am using it every night except for Saturday night. Saturday night is my night off. I don't know why but it has always been that way. I just wash my face and crawl into bed. No products. I suspect it has something to do with drunken Saturday nights in my mid 20's. 

OK, back to the subject~

So 3 months in and so far I love it! I did not experience any of the dreaded breakouts or peeling skin (except for one little area on my nose). 

Any existing acne that I've had is clearing up and I have not had any active breakouts in weeks, which is like a lifetime when you suffer from it. I am really excited to see what my skin will look like 3-5 months from now since they say you won't see the full effects until 6-8 months. 

So for anyone suffering from acne or if you're just looking to give your aging skin a boost, I highly suggest trying Retin A. Remember, you need a prescription for this so get a good dermatologist.

Ease into it and please follow the rules. Also, be sure to invest in a really good moisturizer because you may need it if you start to peel. 

Until next time

~Jessica~