WE ALL AGE AT THE SAME RATE

Fiction: Turns out, we all age at different rates. A long-term human health study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences measured the aging rate in young people by studying a panel of 18 biological markers—including blood pressure, immune systems and liver function. Based on the biological markers, the researchers then set a “biological age” for each participant. Although each participant was 38 years old, their “biological age” ranged from 30 to nearly 60 based on their biomarkers.

To discover each participant’s aging pace, scientists compared each participant’s results at 38 to the same measurements taken at ages 26 and 32, and they found that most participants aged one year per chronological year. However, some aged up to three years per year, while others aged at zero years per year—meaning they actually remained younger than their age.

Thankfully, the aging process isn’t all about genetics. Studies have proven that, though 20 percent can be attributed to good genes, the rest has to do with environmental causes, like exposure to the sun’s UV rays. And that’s good news for our skin. The choices we make—whether it’s staying out of the sun or using effective broad spectrum sunscreen formulas, such as REDEFINE Triple Defense Treatment and REVERSE Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen—can visibly improve how your skin ages.

Curious to know how effective the results can be with the REDEFINE Regimen & AMP MD?

This month, Rodan + Fields Consultant Barb shares her story to great skin and her results with REDEFINE Regimen and tools.

Everyone’s journey to younger-looking skin looks different. No one knows that better than Consultant Barb Mitchell, who experienced countless twists and turns with anti-aging skincare before discovering Rodan + Fields.

After undergoing surgery for skin cancer around 15 years ago though, Barb’s commitment to healthy-looking skin intensified. She started trying different dermatological-based products but found most of them too strong for her sensitive skin.

That all changed last summer when Barb’s sister introduced her to R+F products. “I did a skin test on my arm, went home, and the next day there was no rash. I started with REDEFINE Regimen in August and have been using AMP MD™ Micro-Exfoliating Roller from day one. I use the roller every night on my neck. I’ve also started using MACRO Exfoliator™ once a week. My face doesn’t look like it’s drooping as much.”

After using Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Regimen and tools, she and her sister decided that in-office treatments like injectable fillers were not necessary. “I’m really happy. When I took ‘before and after’ photos of myself, I didn’t think I would notice a difference. I was shocked.”

Barb also notes how sharing her positive results seems to create a ripple effect with other people in her life. As a sales manager of a high-end retail store, the conversation occasionally turns to her appearance. She admits, “I’ve had a fair number of clients say they could never guess my age, and when I tell them I have a 33-year-old son, they can’t believe it. That’s how my story comes up.”

Today, her approach to healthier, youthful-looking skin is focused on self-empowerment: “It depends what you want to look like. I can only tell you what I know, and what I know is that I don’t want to look like I’m 80 when I’m 50 or 60. It is always your choice.”

KEEP YOUR CHIN UP (LITERALLY)—IT’S A PROVEN CONFIDENCE BOOSTER

No matter where you are on your journey to a more confident, younger-looking you, it’s easy to get discouraged by daily challenges or setbacks. According to a study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, a great way to stay positive is to keep your chin up…literally. Research shows that the brain associates postures with emotions, so slumping can actually lead to discontentment, while sitting up straight or walking tall amps up your attitude.

Give your mood and your self-image a boost with these easy, natural pick-me-ups:

• Make a big decision (and stick to it). Being decisive can make you feel stronger and more capable.
• Smile to lift your spirits. Studies show that the act of smiling can actually slow heart rate and decrease perceived levels of stress.
• Accept compliments readily.
• Walk with confidence and make eye contact. Great skincare can help improve your self-image. Clear an acne-prone complexion with UNBLEMISH Regimen, and create firmer-looking, smoother skin by pairing the AMP MD™ Micro-Exfoliating Roller with REDEFINE Regimen for enhanced anti-aging results.
• Take a walk or hit the gym for an instant mood booster.
• Focus on the positive—write down tasks accomplished or things you’ve mastered.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others and feeling jealous. If you catch your mood plunging after binging on social media, remember to step back and give your emotions a reality check: Most people only share their happiest, proudest moments publicly, even though they may be facing private challenges.
• Stop procrastinating—Decide Today How Tomorrow Looks™.

MEN’S SKIN AGES AT A DIFFERENT RATE THAN WOMEN’S

Fact. Research shows that female skin actually ages faster than that of their male counterparts.

Researchers, who published their study in the peer-reviewed journal Optics Letters, discovered that women’s skin ages faster than men’s using laser imaging to examine and measure the amount of damage from sun exposure and aging on skin. The culprit of this accelerated aging? Collagen production declines with age in both sexes, but women lose it more rapidly than men. Skin’s suppleness is determined by collagen and elastin—fibers beneath the skin that give it structure and contour—and they are key to maintaining a youthful look. When collagen weakens, our skin loses its firmness, resulting in wrinkles, creases, sagging and more.

But we do have good news! While genes and gender play a role (20 percent) in how we age, the appearance of wrinkles, lines, spots and more can improve with regular use of the right ingredients and formulas. Rodan + Fields’ REDEFINE Regimen was specifically formulated to address the concerns of aging skin with powerful ingredients, like peptides and hyaluronic acid.

So although women technically age faster than men, with the right skincare, they can defend their skin against time and might even end up looking better tomorrow than they did today.

SKIN AROUND THE EYES WRINKLES MORE

FACT. “Laugh lines” around the eyes tend to be more distinct than, say, “elevens” around the mouth. While this news may not prove encouraging for those bothered by crow’s feet, scientists have found evidence that helps explain why skin in certain areas of the face is prone to deeper wrinkles.

According to a July 2015 study published in Clinical Anatomy, a Japanese research team found that sebaceous (or oil) glands under the skin play a key role in creating different wrinkle depths. These microscopic glands produce sebum, an oily substance that acts as a lubricant and protects skin from water damage. Because skin around the eyes tends to have fewer oil glands and appears thinner, wrinkles appear more pronounced—especially compared to creases on the forehead, where sebaceous glands are more concentrated and skin is thicker.

Researchers in the study cite other contributing factors to wrinkle location and depth—including gland density under the skin, genetics, skin health and lifestyle habits. So while some causes may be out of your control, fighting crow’s feet is not a lost cause. When applied to eye wrinkles, REDEFINE ACUTE CARE™ Skincare for Expression Lines has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines when used three times a week, for a total of 10 uses over 4 weeks. Another topical treatment to keep eyes looking youthful is REDEFINE Multi-Function Eye Cream, featuring powerful peptides that help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness.

Fighting eye wrinkles can be easier than imagined when you also follow daily tips like these:

• Always wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Apply UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Vigilant sun protection is the No. 1 way to decrease the risk of wrinkles and sagging, aged skin and, of course, skin cancer.
• Remove makeup around the delicate eye area with a gentle sweep of REDEFINE Eye Cloths, which deposit anti-aging peptides to minimize under-eye puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles.
• Drink plenty of water to boost skin metabolism, which helps promote skin elasticity and delivery of vital nutrients.