Like a lot of people, I've had a complicated relationship with my skin this past year. Maskne reared its ugly head a few months into lockdown resulting in stubborn acne patches on my cheeks. With med spas shut down, I tried DIY facials and even purchased my very own chemical peel and extraction kit. Spoiler alert: they failed miserably and left me with skin drier than the Sahara. And the acne did not subside. My natural skin barrier was completely out of whack from the litany of drying acne products and peels!
In the past two months I've been able to get professional help (horray for reopening!) for my acne and I'm happy to report it has pretty much all but healed. However, the damage to my skin barrier has been done and my skin still felt extremely dry. None of my existing skincare products seemed to penetrate deep enough to quench the dryness and bring my skin back from the desert. Then I discovered Rodan + Fields.
Over the years I've heard about the brand from friends who swore it was a miracle worker for all sorts of skin concerns. So I thought I'd give two of their star products a try. The Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum is formulated with 30% glycerin and cross-linked hyaluronic acid to draw moisture from the atmosphere and lock it on the surface of the skin. Based on clinical studies, the serum delivers all-day hydration and boosts the performance of products layered on top. It raises skin’s hydration level by 200% after just one use and maintains continuous hydration for eight hours. For the past month I've incorporated the serum into my day and night skincare routine, applying a thin layer to my face and neck right after I've cleansed and applied toner. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and dewy all day. I love the consistency-it's so light, absorbs quickly into my skin, and doesn't leave an oily film. I like to layer it with a moisturizer and sunblock.
Another product that I'm absolutely loving is the Rodan + Fields Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum. It utilizes their proprietary Retinal-MD technology, a form of Vitamin A that's more potent than retinol but gentle enough for daily use, that works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while minimizing potential for irritation or redness. I love that it comes in individual biodegradable capsules, helping to keep the product stabilized until use. It feels so light and is absorbed into my skin immediately upon application. I use it exclusively at night and wake up to skin that feels soft and hydrated.
Now that Rodan + Fields is in my skincare routine, it has visibly improved my dry skin and the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles. If you have dry skin, I highly recommend incorporating hydrating serums into your routine as it has made a huge difference for me.
