Why I Switched from Organic to Pharmaceutical Skincare Products to Rodan + Fields

My skincare journey has been an eventful one…struggling with acne as a teen to dealing with melasma in my 20’s and 30’s to fighting those lovely fine lines and wrinkles we all love so much. From using a plethora of drugstore and department store brands to my "only organic and natural" phase to then using "only pharmaceutical-grade products," I’ve tried A LOT of different skincare products in my lifetime. Now I’m so glad those days are behind me.

My passion for skincare began when I was 12 years old. My Grandmother loved taking care of her skin and passed on her same passion to me. I remember when she took me to the Estee Lauder counter at Burdines (now Macy’s) with my Mom and Aunt, bought me some products to use, and I was hooked on taking care of my skin ever since. Even while I was in college at the University of Florida getting my Dietetics degree, my professors always placed importance on consistent, proper care of your skin along with proper nutrition. From those pre-teen days to now almost 40, I’ve used about every skincare product known to man and woman, from high-end to low-end - drugstore, department store, cosmeceutical, organic, pharmaceutical. All thanks to my Grandmother.

In a nutshell, I’m going to tell you why this woman who endorsed only natural, organic beauty products and then pharmaceutical-grade products at different points in my life made the switch to Rodan + Fields for good. You’re probably raising your eyebrows, wondering how I could be a bouncing ball when it comes to skincare and you're still going to listen to my personal story and advice. Either way, please hear me out.

My Personal Skin Issues

Like many teenagers and college students, I suffered from acne during high school into my first few years of college. Not terrible acne, but enough to make me feel insecure with how my skin looked. My confidence did suffer from it. I did a pretty good job covering it up with makeup, but walking around foundation-free was never an option for me. Thanks to a combination of my dermatologist's expert advice and Proactiv acne solution, those acne days are behind me.

Being part Italian and part Spanish, I tan pretty well. So of course during my high school and college days, I loved laying out in the sun and a few hours later having a beautiful sun-kissed glow. I didn’t see any damage and I thought my skin looked better tan. It even covered up my acne marks better too. Then at the time I was finishing up graduate school and turned 26, I started noticing these brown patches on my cheeks, upper lip and forehead. Sun damaged spots. Hyperpigmentation. Melasma. From finally getting over acne to now dealing with this, I was devastated and embarrassed with how my skin looked! I struggled with it for almost 10 years, trying countless different facial treatments and products. From natural and organic products to pharmaceuticals, FINALLY I found the formula that works for me...it includes no more laying out in the sun, wearing a broad spectrum sunblock daily and daily maintenance of my skin through a combination of the REVERSE and REDEFINE regimens from Rodan + Fields. The REVERSE line of products has been a life changer for my melasma and hyperpigmentation! Thankfully I've been able to kiss them goodbye. My hope is that every other individual struggling with melasma and any other skin condition is able to do the same as well.

From OTC to Organic/Natural to Pharmaceutical-Grade Skincare

I pretty much used drugstore and department store brands most of my life. Then came my “only organic and natural” phase. I understand why many people feel compelled to use skincare products with ONLY organic and natural ingredients listed in them. Humans have created enough harmful chemicals to scare just about anyone. Plus, the media often hypes the dangers of common ingredients in skincare while keeping hush-hush on the extensive amount of effort that goes into producing safe and effective products. Many things, including natural compounds, in large quantities can be toxic and cancerous. I've learned the hard way that it's best to use organic and natural ingredients when they are safe and effective. While buying organic might be great for your groceries, when it comes to skincare the same rules don't necessarily apply.

Rewind back to 4 years ago, I only used organic and natural skincare products …until I got a terrible bacterial infection all over my face from using them, and they were quite pricey, well-known products sold at many spas and wellness centers too. I ended up having to see my dermatologist where he prescribed me antibiotics for 3 months. I also had to purchase a special cream for my face for 3 months that cost me, with insurance, $243 a month. The regular no insurance price was almost $700 a month. I had to use that cream daily all over my face. My skin finally cleared up. After going through this, I personally will never use organic products on my face again. My dermatologist informed me that a little paraben in our products is actually better for our skin. If bacteria would have entered my blood stream, it would have been a huge issue for me. So from now on, I stick to organic as much as possible when it comes to my groceries. When it comes to skincare, I'd much rather use a brand and products that I know for sure are safe and effective. If only I knew then what I know now!

After this happened, then I went to the opposite end of the spectrum and used only pharmaceutical-grade products such as Retin-A, Obagi, SkinCeuticals, ZO Skin Health and SkinMedica. Since pharmaceutical-grade products contain the strongest active ingredients, wouldn't that be best for my skin...if a little is good, a lot is even better, right? They worked ok, but my skin would get really dry and irritated with some of the brands and then too oily and I’d break out with others. I was getting chemical peels to deal with my melasma as well, but using pharmaceutical-grade products on top of that was just too much for my skin. The truth is I was tired of trying all these different skincare lines and treatments and still in search of something better. Then I was introduced to Rodan + Fields and the rest is history. Through patience and consistency with my routine, these products have transformed my skin like no other product or facial treatment has done for me.

While I’ve found several organic products left my face feeling soft and pharmaceutical-grade products helped lighten my melasma, that’s where the benefits ended. Have they brightened my face, evened my skin tone or helped minimize my pores? Nope. Have they actually caused more facial blemishes in the form of clogged pores since using them? Maybe sometimes. Have they irritated and made my skin a bouncing ball from too oily to too dry? Yes. Rodan +Fields has been the only skincare that has cut through all those yes, no, maybe reasons. So I'm a believer in them.

In My Humble Opinion

Do I wish Rodan + Fields used all organic and natural ingredients? Yes. But do I think Rodan + Fields products would be as effective if they used all organic and natural ingredients? Absolutely not. None of them have come even close to the changes I’ve seen in my skin from using R+F.

Plus, I love that I can go to one company that I trust for my different skincare needs and issues. Depending on the time of year, my skin changes. Most people probably don’t even realize that they need to switch up their routine to address changes throughout the year. I’m thankful that R+F takes care of all this for me. For example, in the fall and winter, my skin tends to either be dry or I’m dealing with allergies, so using REDEFINE along with SOOTHE sensitive skin treatment during these two seasons’ addresses my needs. In the spring and summer time, I have to make sure to stay out of the sun as much as possible or my skin will easily get dark spots or hyperpigmented, so REVERSE is a life-saver for me. And for the occasional breakout, I use the UNBLEMISH sulfur wash as a 10 minute mask on my face, and my pimples are gone in a day or two.

Then there are the tools. Using the Amp MD roller system 3-5 times a week has helped to firm up my skin, including my neck. And since I started exfoliating 3 times a week using the microdermabrasion paste, I haven’t had to go once a month for a glycolic acid or microdermabrasion facial in over a year. The older I get, the more confident I feel in my skin even without makeup. I’m so thankful for these products and tools and how they’ve transformed my skin for the better.

In my humble opinion, life is a balancing act...balancing work, family, exercise, social, etc. I’ve taken this same balanced approach when it comes to my skin, the foods I eat and the household products I use.

Do I still buy organic and natural household cleaners and detergents? Yes.

Do I still buy aluminum-free deodorant? Sometimes.

Do I still use fluoride-free toothpaste? Sometimes.

Do I still buy organic fruits, veggies and meats? Yes.

Do I still indulge in Chick-Fil-A every now and then? Yes.

Do I still use gasoline to fuel my car? Yes.

Do I still get my daily dose of dark chocolate? Heck Yes.

Why Rodan + Fields

Besides just using Rodan + Fields products, I’m now selling them through my own R+F virtual skincare franchise. I know they work and have been a lifesaver for my skin. So ultimately, why not help others change their skin and their lives for the better as well?

Just like you, I have my own struggles that life brings, but one thing that helps me overcome them is knowing I am setting an example for my family on how to take care of my skin and helping to make a difference in the lives of others. I want to always look youthful even though I struggle with skin issues such as oily skin, those pesky pimples that show up from time to time and hyperpigmentation from the sun. I believe we are here on this earth to lift one another up! This has become my passion and calling. It's very rewarding to help others in their journey to confidence and beautiful skin.

If you have any questions about Rodan + Fields or feel like you are struggling with your skin and need help, please reach out to me at [email protected].