Rachel Bilson is one of those celebrities with amazing skin. Her peachy complexion always looks flawless, free of breakouts, wrinkles, and age spots. Her skin also looks natural and moves well, appearing free of telltale fillers and injectables, unlike many celebrities today. She doesn’t look a day over her early twenties — despite being 33!
Here’s her skin care tips:
1.) For Chapped Lips, use Vaseline.
Rachel Bilson in Women’s Health: “My top beauty tip is for chapped lips: put Vaseline on them, get a toothbrush and then gently scrub them to remove all the dead skin.”
FutureDerm Take: Agree.
Petrolatum gets a bad rap in a lot of areas; there are rumors it may cause cancer, clog the pores, or even cause premature aging. All of these I’ve researched and come to the personal conclusion are false. [Read more: The Truth About Petrolatum]
The lips are more prone than the rest of the face to dry out, especially in the cold winter months. This is because the skin of the lips is thinner than the rest of the face, and there are no oil glands present there.
Petrolatum helps because it rests on top of the skin, forming a water-repelling film that makes a sensational moisturizer. Unlike many lip glosses, petrolatum doesn’t cause UV rays to reflect and bounce off your face, either. In a clinical study that tested the effects of petrolatum on UVA and UVB absorption, it was shown that petrolatum was actually able to impart mild blocking effects on both types of UV irradiation. This was confirmed in a second study, which compared petrolatum to olive oil and glycerin, and found that petrolatum blocks UV light while both olive oil and glycerin do not (Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine, 2006).
In short, Rachel Bilson had it right on this one!
2.) Use Kate Somerville products.
Again in Women’s Health: “My skin is sensitive, and what with working so much it can break out, so Kate Somerville products are my saving grace – they’ve changed my skin.”
FutureDerm Take: Agree.
Kate Somerville products are usually excellent, with high concentrations of proven ingredients embedded in effective delivery systems.
My favorite Kate Somerville product is Kate Somerville ExfoliKate. Filled with gentle fruit enzymes and hydrating lactic acid, this product is designed to deliver smoother, brighter, and less lined skin from the very first use.
Papaya fruit enzymes are not new to dermatology: a 1999 study in Burns reports that papaya fruit extracts are able to help skin after burns, most likely by increasing cell turnover.
On the other hand, lactic acid is actually the main ingredient in a prescription drug used to treat dry skin, LacHydrin. Lactic acid also gently exfoliates the skin, although to a lesser degree than its other AHA counterpart, glycolic acid. This is because glycolic acid has a smaller molecular structure, which allows it to easily and efficiently penetrate the skin. Still, glycolic acid can be harsh for sensitive skin. Hence, another reason whyKate Somerville ExfoliKate, with lactic acid, is a great exfoliator for sensitive skin!
Lastly, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate contains bromelain, an ingredient found in pineapple extract. According to a 1988 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, bromelain modulates tumor growth, blood coagulation, third degree burn debridement, enhances the absorption of drugs, and – significantly for skin care – helps decrease inflammation in the skin. Rather uncommon for skin care, I am excited to see its use in Kate Somerville ExfoliKate!
3.) Try Mario Badescu products.
According to the Mario Badescu website, Rachel Bilson is or has been a fan of the line.
FutureDerm Take: Agree on some.
The Mario Badescu facial is a favorite of many celebrities, including Naomi Campbell.
Facials have a so-so reputation in dermatology. On the one hand, a 2009 study out of Kyushu University (Facial Massage Study) found that a 45-minute facial massage reduced anxiety and negative mood status, and increased sympathetic nervous activity. In another series of studies, the Touch Research Institute (TRI) showed decreased cortisol levels following “hands-on” treatment like massage, and decreased cortisol means decreased oxidation of skin cells.
On the other hand, though, the vast majority of dermatologists I have spoken with say that facials are not necessary. According to Dr. Ellen Marmur, M.D., “I hate to be the bearer of shocking news, but deep cleaning is a myth and facials are completely unnecessary – although they are wonderfully luxurious…” (Simple Skin Beauty, 2009). In general, for the price you pay for an upscale facial with benefits that last weeks, you could receive a treatment like a chemical peel or Botox that last for months.
Still, if you are stressed and need to unwind, a facial can be wonderful. Be sure to select an experienced, licensed aesthetician. Tell your facialist if you have applied any creams such as alpha hydroxy acids or retinoids, as these make the skin more sensitive. Also mention any skin ailments, such as rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, or the like. I myself get facials every few months, and while I think daily skin care is more important, I also like the glow I get afterwards, as well as the calming pampering effects!
Bottom Line
Share Rachel Bilson’s beauty secrets with your friends:
- Vaseline nightly on the lips, to lock in moisture;
- Kate Somerville products (I recommend Kate Somerville ExfoliKate);
- Mario Badescu products (I recommend the Mario Badescu Facial in-house).
What are your thoughts on Rachel’s reported skin care regimen?
Rachel Bilson was not contacted for this post. This post was written using third-party sources of Rachel Bilson’s skin care regimen. All opinions are my own.