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Fairface Podcast transcript / show notes
INTRO
Hello my friends! Welcome back to another episode of the Fairface Podcast! Happy New Year! The page has officially turned and it is now January 2022. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and are ready to tackle this new year with positivity and a sense of optimism for the year ahead.
I've thought a lot about this first podcast episode of the year and what I could share with you that would really make a positive impact on your skin.
I've already shared winter skin care tips for rosacea and sensitive skin, but I realized, what if there was something that was so simple, almost too simple, that I hadn't even really addressed it head-on?
Today I want to talk to you about one change you can make to your sensitive skin care routine that will make the biggest difference to your skin, because it did for me.
My own experience with Rosacea and Sensitive Skin
You have probably already heard my story about my struggles with Rosacea, but let me just give you a quick look back in case you haven't heard my story.
About 12 years ago now, back in 2009, my husband and I had just come out of doing a long, stressful invtro cycle. I had gone through surgeries, procedures, appointments, blood draws, hormone injections, all for months, and sadly, all with a very disappointing and difficult ending.
And on top of all of that, my skin was going crazy.
My face had itchy red bumps and welts, blotchy spots, hot spots, and was irritated like crazy. It was really embarrassing and frustrating because I didn't know what what was going on, and I didn't know how to stop it.
I always felt like I was always on guard, worrying about what my skin looked like or what it was going to do next.
So I did the only thing I knew how to do, which was to wash my face even harder to "clear it up"...but of course, that didn't work, it only made it worse.
After getting in with a Dermatologist who diagnosed me with Rosacea, I was happy to finally have answers, but I was also left to figure out what to do for my new skin condition feeling very alone and unsure of what products to even use.
I knew I couldn't keep using the same face wash I'd been using because it was too harsh and I couldn't use the same old traditional washcloths I'd been using all my life because they felt like sandpaper now, against my sensitive face.
I looked for washcloths that were supposed to be gentle enough for sensitive skin, but the texture even on baby washcloths was just too much for my face.
It was out of my struggle with Rosacea, and not being able to find a washcloth that was gentle enough on my sensitive face, that I finally decided to create a cloth that was gentle enough for my skin.
Finally, with the soft flannel cloths I started making for myself, I was able to wash my face without it hurting or getting irritated. The soft flannel was so gentle and felt so good against my skin, it was like nothing else I had ever found.
My skin finally calmed down. I can honestly say, I will never use any other washcloths on my face. And I haven't in the last 12 years.
So, with that, let's jump right to the point.
What's the ONE thing you can do right now that will make a BIG difference to your sensitive skin?
START USING soft washcloths made for sensitive faces, like our Fairface soft flannel face cloths.
Think of it this way, "When overused or used incorrectly, texture can be the enemy to sensitive skin." - Shannon Sorensen, Founder, CEO, Fairface Washcloths
Your face shouldn't look bright red after you wash it.
It shouldn't hurt.
It shouldn't sting or feel tight.
It should look and feel clean and calm.
The washcloth you use on your face should not be causing irritation at all. It should be soothing and gentle, not rough against your skin.
Using texture against your sensitive skin in areas that are more tender or more prone to irritation, (which for me, with Rosacea, it's my cheeks) can be irritating to sensitive skin.
This can mean things like muslin cloths, traditional washcloths, microfiber, micro fleece, silicone brushes, and even baby washcloths, can be irritating to sensitive skin.
You don't need to scrub your skin for it to be clean. If you over do it, over exfoliate, over scrub, you can actually cause damage your skin, little micro tears, like microscopic cuts, to your skin and that's the opposite of what you're trying to do.
I can say with certainty, from my own experience, and that of our Fairface Washcloths customers, that you will be amazed at how much better your skin feels and looks when you take the harsh textures out of your skincare routine and start using the right soft washcloths on your face.
As a side note, I want to quickly address a question that might come up, since we do sell a washcloth for sensitive skin with both a soft flannel side and a scrubby terrycloth side, called Fairface Duals, for dual-sided cloth.
I actually do use Fairface Duals at night when I'm washing my face and taking off my make-up, because I want the option to use terrycloth on spots on my face that are not as sensitive as my cheeks are, and are not likely to be irritated by terrycloth, like my forehead and on the sides of my head near my hairline, to make sure I get the sunscreen and makeup off nearest to my hair.
So like I mentioned earlier, "When overused or used incorrectly, texture can be the enemy to sensitive skin." So while the terrycloth is an option for those not-so-sensitive spots, our dual sided washcloth also comes with a soft flannel side that will always be suitable for all the sensitive places and if you only want to use that side, you always have that as an option.
I often talk about my own experiences with Rosacea and the development of Fairface Washcloths (also read my story: About Us) because after creating them, and having them help my skin so much, I decided to share them with the world, in hopes of helping other people with Rosacea and sensitive skin conditions find soothing relief like I had found myself.
How our soft washcloths have helped sensitive skin
Haley
I had a customer this past year named Haley, who emailed me looking for help because she had used a microfiber washcloth on her face, which really irritated her sensitive skin.
Here's what she said,
"I have rosacea, and even gentle exfoliation flares up my skin. I bought microfiber cloths thinking their softness was the answer and I immediately regretted it.
They burned my skin so bad - I looked like a tightly stretched shiny plastic tomato (it's funny now but at the time I freaked out).
A dermatologist suggested a soft flannel cloth and when I typed it into Etsy these came up. Shannon was so kind and helped me decide on these and it's like I'm washing my face with my fingertips.
I'm attaching a pic of my face (for everyone's benefit haha I did not plan on posting these) after a microfiber cloth (it's not greasy my skin was squeaky-shiny/polished like a shoe & badly stripped/burned), & a pic of the first day using a Fairface [washcloth].
A week after using them I had an even (not red) skin tone that honestly I've never had. WORTH it. - Haley
Stories like Haley's are very common where someone feels the cloth while it's dry and thinks because it's soft it will be gentle to their skin...that's a huge misconception with things like microfiber. Because when wet, instead of gliding across the surface of the skin, the textured fibers of the cloth actually kind of dig in and pull and drag across the skin, leaving pretty much, a wake of destruction.
I was so happy our washcloths could bring her skin back to a place of calm and much needed relief.
We really appreciated here sharing that with us.
The one thing I hear often, when our customers try our soft face cloths, is, "Wow, I never realized how harsh my regular washcloths were to my skin until I tried yours. I will never go back to conventional washcloths again."
Jennifer
Another customer of ours, named Jennifer, who struggled with acne, shared this:
If you are not a fan of redness and inflammation on your face, you've come to the right place! Shannon's super soft 100% Cotton facecloths are worth the hype!
As someone who has suffered from acne for years, I cannot tell you how many cheap, abrasive washcloths I have been through. Although it may be tempting to go to a drugstore and buy a regular/conventional face cloth for 1-3 dollars, they often don't last long, and are not made from 100% cotton.
Save your hard earned money and purchase Fairface Washcloths as they are THE BEST on the market; good to your skin and kind to the environment! These are truly an investment for your wallet and precious skin. This is my second order and I am in love with the bigger sizes. This is a purchase you will NOT regret! Thanks Shannon! 💗
Getting reviews like this make me so happy to know our products are making such a big difference to people's skin! That's why I do what I do every day.
Using GENTLE products on your sensitive skin really is the key to a healthy skin barrier and calm skin.
A healthy skin barrier we know keeps the bad things from seeping into your skin, causing breakouts, irritation and premature aging, and keeping the good things IN, like much needed moisture.
Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to share a few more examples of how using a soft face cloth has helped our customers' skin
Catherine
Another woman with Rosacea reached out to me, looking for washcloths that could "save her face". She said that her "face was on fire" from the washcloths she had been using.
and I was so happy to hear after she received our washcloths she said,
"These soft cloths are saving my facial rosacea."
Another sensitive skin reviewer said:
Kristin
These are the only washcloths I will use! So soft and non-irritating for my sensitive skin. Exceptional quality. I've tried other companies but these are by far the best. Highly recommend! Thank you!
And another said this,
Michelle
Tried these face cloths and absolutely loved them. This is my second time ordering now. If you're even thinking about ordering these do it. You won’t regret it. My skin hasn’t looked this good in over 20 years. It’s pretty amazing. Very happy to have found these. Thank you so much.
The last review I'll share is for someone with psoriasis, who says,
These cloths are supremely soft and luscious. I wish I'd bought them sooner - exactly what I need for my psoriasis. The seller is extremely friendly and communicative and shipping very quick. I am an extremely happy customer.
If I read to you all the customer reviews of people who have said using our soft washcloths has saved their skin and made such a big difference to their sensitive skin, whether eczema, psoriasis, acne or rosacea, we would be here a very long time!
I really mean it when I say these are hands down, the best washcloths for sensitives skin!
The smooth, soft flannel glides across your skin.
There is no redness or irritation.
So if there is ONE CHANGE you make to you sensitive skin care routine, PLEASE stop using scratchy washcloths on your sensitive skin and even those cloths that may feel soft and snuggly like a blanket, because when wet, the texture can cause damage.
Using a soft flannel face cloth, like our Fairface Washcloths really will transform your skin.
I care about you and I care about helping your skin. It's why I do what I do every day.
What else you can do to help your sensitive skin
What else can you do to help your sensitive skin?
After you switch out your old scratchy washcloths and replace them with our soft flannel Fairface Washcloths, you should also do a review of your skin care products.
We recommend using products made for sensitive skin because sensitive skin can be so reactive to many different ingredients.
If you are using a face wash or other topical product that is irritating your skin, and you just want to see how much longer your face can tolerate it, I recommend that you stop using it.
Also try eliminating products with active ingredients, like acids, and fragrances to see if that makes a difference to your skin.
If your skin is currently irritated, the goal is to calm, heal and re-set your skin by going back to the basics. And then once it has healed, continuing a basic routine to keep your skin calm before introducing any other products.
So the basics would be:
- Cleansing
- Moisturizing
- Protecting with SPF
FOLLOW A BASIC SENSITIVE SKIN ROUTINE
We recommend following a basic sensitive skin routine with GENTLE products that soothe, hydrate and protect.
DISCLAIMER
*If you are using any medications or a prescribed skin care treatment plan, please don't just stop following it. First consult with your skin care professional before making any changes.
We recommend these GENTLE products:
- Fairface soft flannel face cloths (in particular, the Fairface Delicates, we make with 2 layers of double-sided soft flannel)
- Vanicream gentle cleanser (that comes dermatologist recommended)
- CeraVe moisturizing cream (that also comes dermatologist recommended)
- Your favorite SPF 30+ (I use Eucerin Daily SPF 30 and that works well for me but since people have a tendency to be a little more reactive to different sunscreens, I can't say for sure whether it would be well tolerated by you, so I just wanted to let you know that)
So, to summarize,
The ONE change you can make to your sensitive skin care routine that will make a HUGE difference is to:
- STOP using scratchy washcloths on your face and
- START using soft flannel face cloths, like Fairface Washcloths
+ And in line with that, is to
- Make sure you are using gentle skin care products made for sensitive skin
- Eliminating anything that is causing irritation,
- Always referring to your skin care professional as needed
What I want for you and your sensitive skin
I want you and your skin to feel and look your very best, so you can make the impact in the world you were born to do.
It's hard to feel confident and go out and really be "seen" in the world if you are feeling less than and not feeling your best.
Feeling good in your own skin is not always easy, so I try to help in the only way I can.
Which is to share what I have learned along the way through my own struggles and experiences with sensitive skin and Rosacea and why I created a product that you can truly trust to be gentle and helpful to your sensitive skin.
What I do, making washcloths and other products for sensitive skin, really I feel is a labor of love for those of you who have sensitive skin and I honestly I wouldn't do it if I didn't believe our washcloths can truly be part of a healthy skin care routine that can transform red, irritated, sensitive skin to calm and healthy skin.
This is all from someone who knows what it's like to struggle with sensitive skin problems and I hope so much my advice and our soft washcloths can help you like they've helped me and so many others.
Take the harsh textures out of your sensitive skincare routine and see how your face looks and feels. I know you will amazed at the improvement. - Shannon Sorensen, Founder, CEO, Fairface Washcloths
If you want to read about other Fairface Washcloths customer reviews, you can find those on our Etsy shop front page and we also have a segment called Personal Skin Care Stories on our website, FairfaceWashcloths.com (linked).
Thank you again so much for being here. I really appreciate it. I really appreciate you and really enjoy talking with you each month.
I hope this new year has started out in a positive way and continues to be a great year and that you are able to get your skin to a place you are happy with so you can give your all to your life and to your year ahead!
Take care and I will see you next time!
xo Shannon
To transform your sensitive skin from red and irritated to clean and calm
SHOP Fairface Washcloths for sensitive skin!
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