Introducing React’s Latest Partner: Romer Skincare

This month, we want to introduce you to our latest partner Romer Skincare. Based here in Chicago, they launched a clean skincare line for both men and women that covers all your skin needs – and they proved you don’t need a million serums and eye creams to get better skin. Clean ingredients and effective results with a 3-step routine that you and your partner can share! No stress, no clutter, just happy skin.
React Physical Therapy is excited to announce this partnership with Romer because skincare is such an important aspect of self-care. Both React Physical Therapy and Romer Skincare share an important mission of helping you look and feel your best.
We asked Romer’s brand ambassador and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, to share some insights with the React PT community about skincare in 2021. Check out the Q&A below.

Q&A with Romer’s brand ambassador and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD

What are some big skincare trends that you are seeing for 2021?

With people spending more time at home, they are more focused on their skin and skincare routine and also paying more attention to what they are putting on their skin and the ingredients that make up their skincare products. Many people are looking for effective options and consumers are spending time researching key ingredients to look for in products.
With this, people are also trying to simplify their routines, recognizing sometimes less is more when it comes to skincare and you don’t necessarily need a lot of products to maintain good skin health. Romer Skincare makes this easy for people as it already has a built-in routine with a cleanser, treatment, and moisturizer.
Another trend we are seeing is more men focused on skincare routines and products. What is great about Romer is that it can be easily used by both men and women.

What have been the most common recent skin concerns? And what are the tips to address these concerns?

In the setting of the current pandemic, we continue to see a lot of mask-related skin issues, include acne, now known as maskne, worsening rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or contact dermatitis. These skin-related issues that occur with wearing masks all generally relate to the friction and occlusive nature of the mask, which can lead to irritation and leave the skin more susceptible to inflammation and breakouts.
Acne that we are seeing related to masks is similar to a type of acne that can also be seen in athletes known as acne mechanica which refers to a type of acne that can occur from friction or occlusion related to helmets or other equipment. When we wear face masks, it leads to occlusion of the skin, and the increased moisture that builds up under the mask can lead to clogged pores and worsen breakouts.
It is important to also note that many people are noticing an increase in stress-related breakouts as well which can contribute to the acne we’re seeing.  Masks can also lead to red, irritated patches, also known as dermatitis, which can simply be from contact with the skin and friction between the mask and the skin or related to an allergy or sensitivity to the materials comprising the mask itself, such as the fabric or metals.
For mask-related concerns, specifically such as maskne, it is important to continue with a gentle skincare routine including the use of a gentle cleanser, moisturizer as well as incorporating certain anti-acne ingredients. That said, because the mask creates an occlusive environment, it is important to not use too many new active ingredients or harsh ingredients at the same time, as the skin can trigger some irritation of the skin.
For those with skin sensitivity, it is best to wear cotton, lightweight breathable masks, and perhaps among the most important for those susceptible to breakouts is to make sure you wash your masks regularly or opt for disposable masks. For someone who is experiencing red, patchy skin which may be a result of irritation or allergy to the mask materials, it may be helpful to use a thicker moisturizing cream or ointment or in some instances, a cortisone cream. If you are experiencing any changes in your skin, it is best to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best treatment options.

Winter is coming – how can we keep our skin from drying out in the cold winter months?

Dryness of the skin is a common concern in the winter. In general, it is best to use gentle cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oil and will help to calm the skin while restoring moisture. Additionally, it is best to use moisturizers that will help to hydrate the skin as well as support the skin barrier. I recommend my patients who are dealing with dry skin take a short shower, only once a day, making sure the water is not too hot and I advise them to gently pat themselves dry and then apply a thicker moisturizing cream or ointment to seal in the moisture.
Romer Cleanse is a nourishing gel-oil cleanser that is a great option for these winter months as it helps to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It also incorporates Manuka Honey, a powerful humectant, to help draw in moisture. A key step in a skincare routine, especially in the winter months, is adequate moisturizing.
Romer Moisturize is formulated with both shea butter and hyaluronic acid that help to hydrate and soothe the skin as well as antioxidant-rich seed oils to help protect against free radical damage. Those with dry or sensitive skin should look for products that are fragrance-free to avoid irritating the skin.

What are some great ingredients to look out for when looking to revive dull skin?

To help improve dull skin, it is important to exfoliate to help get rid of dead skin cells which can be done through the use of gentle exfoliation. Additionally, using retinol or retinol-alternative which is especially great for those with sensitive skin, such as Bakuchiol, as found in Romer Skincare’s Treat, can help regulate skin cell turnover, improving skin’s texture and tone. When trying to revive dull skin, it is especially important to hydrate and nourish the skin with soothing ingredients. For example, also included in Romer’s Treat is a combination of Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycerin to deeply hydrate the skin, giving a refreshed and radiant glow to the skin.

Right now, at all React PT locations, we are giving out minis of their 3-step skincare routine. You can also use Coupon Code: REACTPT for 15% off your first full-size purchase at Romerskincare.com.