skin care files
Let’s Face The Facts
You are your skin. And your skin is all you have. It is up to you to keep it healthy throughout your life. That means treating it properly. From your forehead down to your toes, moisturizing is essential for healthy skin. For me personally, it is my number one priority. After all, I have to live in this skin for a lifetime and I am not losing momentum now.
It’s important to follow some key steps in caring for your skin. For one, use an SPF (a real one). By this I mean, one that contains Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl. Only these ingredients will help prevent UVB and UVA rays (those responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and cancer) from penetrating the skin. In the summer, you can skip your moisturizer and use your SPF solo. You should also use a topical antioxidant which can help with cell turnover and to build collagen. And thirdly, the ever important retinoid product (prescription strength, please).
To learn more about my specific skin care regimen - both face and body, morning and evening, please check out [my] regimen.
I am a huge proponent of visiting a dermatologist. It’s your opportunity to get educated on the latest fads (and by that I mean, don’t waste your money, ladies!), in addition to the tried and true products. Ask a lot of questions to learn about your exact skin type and walk away with the right prescriptions based on your diagnosis.
Night-time Tip: Did you know that sleeping elevated reduces puffiness under your eyes and sleeping on a satin pillowcase helps prevent more wrinkles from forming?
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Dear Catherine,
I am really enjoying your site, especially with regard to skin care. I have taken notes on a lot of the things you have mentioned. I’m also going to make an appointment with the dermatologist to get a prescription retinoid. Thank you for your advice. I can’t wait to see what you write about next.
Charlene
I am experiencing red, dry patches of skin under my eyes. Like in the corner of my eyes. It’s weird. I googled it and all I found was another person like me posting the same problem with no answer. Do you know what it is, or better yet, how to get rid of it?
Hi Karen,
I do not know if I can give you a cause. However, I hope I can help with a solution. This has happened to me twice before. I am not sure if it’s a result from over exfoliating in my case, but it’s the only thing I could directly correlate at the time. Curious, is the skin flaky - and yet no skin can be scraped off? I used two things that helped. I kept my skin clean (wore minimal makeup under my eyes during the day) and used a water-based moisturizer, applying multiple times a day. It seems to lock in moisture which is key in getting rid of this issue. Don’t forget your SPF, though! At night, I used an olive oil antioxidant (DHC Extra Virgin Olive Oil) over top of the water-based moisturizer (Cetaphil - in the big green tub). The infected area of skin was cured within a couple of days. Good luck and keep me posted. Oh, and please consult a dermatologist if the condition persists.
I enjoy reading your site. I swear you should be working in a dermatology office! You know a lot about “products”.
Thanks, Donna. That would be a dream! I would have easy access to great products.
I am interested in Karen’s question and Catherine’s response. For the last month, I have had itching underneath my eyes, close to the outer corner and sometimes it is red but I do rub the area to relieve the itching. Sometimes a little liquid will come out when I’ve probably rubbed too much. I was using lanacaine for the itch but wonder if I have irritated it more. Any others out there who have had this problem. Could it be old makeup (even though I try to replace when I feel it’s too old). Any suggestions will be deeply appreciated.
Joanne
Hi Joanne,
I am no expert, but would venture to say it could be one of several possibilities. (1) get rid of any old liquid make-up that you use around your eyes, as bacteria can build up and cause serious irritation - I learned the hard way (see post on Lessons Learned); (2) be careful if you use a retinoid too close to your eyes (can cause dryness and itchiness); (3) be aware of ingredients of any new products you introduce to your skin (I used to have weird skin reactions when using new products…I am extra careful now); and (4) most importantly, visit your dermatologist (a good one) - he/she will know your skin the best and be able to make the most appropriate recommendations.
I wish I could comment on the liquid that comes out when itching too hard…gosh, could just be the next reaction based on an elevated level of irritation. I will see what else I can find out. Good luck to you and please keep in touch.
Hello,
I have used the same moisturisor for the past few years but recently have started getting a reaction to it. My face becomes flushed and I get an unbearable itch!Particularly along the chin line up to my cheeks and over my eyebrows! It stings and feels hot. I stopped using the product for a couple of months and it settled down. This week I bought another lotion from the range and am having the same reaction. Any thoughts? I am desperate to start moisturising as my skin is really suffering.
Many thanks
Jo
Hi Jo,
You did the right thing by discontinuing the use of your moisturizer. Sounds like you may have developed a reaction to the ingredients over time. I would look to see what ingredients are in the moisturizer and compare them to the new product from the same line. Since you are having the same reaction, I would venture to say you need to switch up lines. In the meantime, avoid soaps while cleansing and instead wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Gently pat away excess water with a soft, absorbent towel and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp, to help seal in moisture. For now, use a calming moisturizer….Aveno, Eucerin and Aquaphor are easy over-the-counter moisturizers to help alleviate the intense itch you are experiencing.
If the condition persists, please see a dermatologist. You may have atopic dermatitis (known as the itch that rashes). It’s the most common type of eczema.
Thank you for the advice Catherine!
I will certainly take a look at the ingredients. In the meantime I purchased an aloe based day cream for sensitive skin today from The Body Shop. I don’t know if the brands you suggested are available here in Australia but I will look and see.
You are most welcome, Jo. Please let me know how the aloe-based day cream works for you. The Body Shop has natural ingredients in their products, so hopefully that helps.
Hi Catherine,
I noticed an improvement within 24hrs! The aloe based cream was very gentle and soothing. There is still a slight tingling but nothing like it was!! Hopefully it wont be too long before my skin feels soft and smooth again, instead of bumpy and thickened as it is at present!
Kind Regards
Jo
I am so happy, Jo! That’s great news. Sounds like you are headed in the right direction and you will have your skin back in no time. Thanks for visiting and contributing. If you are not already a subscriber, I hope you find the information useful to sign up for weekly emails.
Do you know of any sunscreen moisturizers that do not stain clothing that orange color?
Hi Liz,
Are you referring to selftanning sunscreen moisturizers? I haven’t come across regular sunscreens staining clothing. Please let me know a little more and I will try and point you in the right direction.
Hi Catherine,
I was referring to daily moisturizers such as Olay, or Neutrogena. I’ve heard that Avobenzone (aka Parsol 1789), an ingredient in many sunscreens, can stain light colored clothing.
Thanks!
Sounds like a chemical type reaction. Avobenzone and the minerals in some water (like well water) can definitely cause staining. My advice would be to switch to a chemical-free brand (my fav, Blue Lizard). I have never had any instances with staining but I suppose it’s due to the brands I use. Stick to ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide, Zinc and Octyl Methoxycinnamate. I hope this helps.
Catherine,
I tried the Theraderm Skin Renewal System you recommended. I can’t say enough about this product line! After just a few days of using the four step system, I can honestly say that I see a complete change in my skin. I don’t know if I have ever seen my skin glow this way! I finally have the smooth, healthy, ‘dewy’ look that I have been after. In addition, I feel like I am doing something really good for my skin!
The products are extremely easy to use! I am a ‘no fuss’ person, and don’t have much time, so I was worried about how long it would take me to complete the four step process… but it is so easy and quick! The products absorb so quickly that I can move through the stages without any waiting. And I feel like I am completely nourishing my skin!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I can honestly say that no product has ever made such an impact on me, in such a short amount of time!
Suzie
I am posting this in several places, as I want others to know of the success of Theraderm products. Thank you for introducing me to Theraderm. LOVE IT! I didn’t tell my friends I switched over two weeks ago - I have been getting a ton compliments on my how great my skin looks. You’re the best, thanks!
Kelly
I absolutely love the Theraderm Skin Renewal System that you recommended! I’m ready to reorder, and I noticed on the website that there is a Promotional Codes spot. Do you happen to know where I could find some online coupons or promotional codes (I am a huge fan of fabulous skin with great savings!)
Reb
I am so glad you like the Theraderm - it’s my fav!! Right now, the February month special for Theraderm is the eye cream - 50% off - excellent stuff. Every month there should be some type of promotion - I will definitely post it out the second I get it. You can’t really find the 4-piece system anywhere any cheaper than $150 … but for 4 really great products in full size, it’s really not that bad. I bought the travel kit twice before I made the commitment. I had my first 4-piece kit for 4 months before having to replace (and still haven’t replaced the Fruit Acid and face wash yet).
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I found your website a few months back when I was googling for face regimen reccommendations. (I was using Arbonne’s NutriMinC RE9, and I wasn’t all that ecstatic about it…cleanser was great, but the night and day moisturizers were just way too greasy, even with the pea-sized application they suggested.)
As a product junkie, I find your website absolutely brilliant! Your in-depth knowledge and refreshing honesty complement my product addiction perfectly! I now have your site bookmarked under my favorites. Keep up that phenomenal work!
Thanks,
Rebecca
I just wanted to tell you that your site is really awesome and is of a fantastic quality. The content is great and I will be returning….
I just came across your site and wanted to drop you a note telling you how impressed I am with the information you have posted here. I also have websites & blogs so I know what I am talking about when I say your site is top-notch! Keep up the great work.
I always enjoy coming to this site because you offer great tips and advice for people like me who can always use a few good pointers. I will be getting my friends to pop around fairly soon….