My Rosacea - Sensitive Skin Care Routine

I was diagnosed with rosacea about 14 years ago and I know how tough it can be to find a good skin care routine that supports the unique needs of rosacea and sensitive skin. Some skin care products that claim to be made for sensitive skin or rosacea, can still end up being too harsh and irritating.

Navigating through skin care product trial and error not only can cause emotional stress, but stress to the skin as well, and nobody wants that.  

[*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]

The Best Skin Care Routine for my Rosacea Sensitive Skin

Since launching Fairface Washcloths 13+ years ago, I've received hundreds of messages from customers asking what skin care routine I follow for my rosacea prone sensitive skin. 

Once I found my rosacea - sensitive skin "dream team" skin care routine, I've never looked back. 

In an effort to help all who are struggling to find a good skin care routine for their rosacea and/or sensitive skin, I decided to publish, My Dream Team Skincare Routine for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin, a convenient digital skin care routine guide, complete with step-by-step instructions on: 

-what rosacea treatment I'm using, 

-the skin care products I use and love

-& how and when I use them 

And although each person's skin is different, it's a great place to start and I hope it can help you too!

Pick up your copy of Dream Team Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin & Rosacea here - new link coming soon (sorry for the inconvenience!)

My Favorite Rosacea - Sensitive Skin Care Routine Products 

Although my digital skin care guide has a lot more details and products, here are 3 of my favorite skin care products for my rosacea-prone sensitive skin that I use in my skin care routine:

*Disclaimer: For Amazon links, as an Amazon Affiliate I earn a small commission on purchases through our links.

Fairface Washcloths

Fairface Soft Flannel Washcloths are the ONLY washcloths I will ever use on my sensitive face (that's why I created them in the first place)! They are soft and gentle and glide against my skin without tugging or pulling. Traditional washcloths and even baby washcloths are much too harsh on my skin but the soft flannel of Fairface leaves my skin looking and feeling clean and calm. I couldn't live without these! 

Vanicream Gentle Cleanser

Several years ago my dermatologist recommended I try Vanicream Gentle Cleanser and I will never use any other cleanser on my face. The formulation is creamy and gentle to my skin, doesn't have harsh ingredients, and clears away my make-up and sunscreen without feeling the least bit dry or tight. 

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

My skin feels soothed and moisturized with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. The ceramides keep my skin barrier strengthened and hyaluronic acid helps with hydration. Although it is a little on the thicker side, it never feels heavy or greasy on my skin. I love slathering it on my face every night and morning, and it goes well under SPF.

+ Other Rosacea Digital Guides

I have facial Rosacea, and also deal with dry eyes due to Ocular Rosacea. My Ophthalmologist has given me lots of great tips to soothe my dry eyes, so I created an Ocular Rosacea Guide to share them with you, if you are also suffering from Ocular Rosacea.

Ocular Rosacea Eye Care Guide

Soothing Tips and Remedies for Ocular Rosacea - Instant Digital Download

Our Soothing Tips and Remedies for Ocular Rosacea Digital Eye Care Guide, offers advice and remedies recommended to me by my licensed Ophthalmologist that have really helped reduce my dry eye symptoms and I hope they can help you too!

Pick up your digital copy of Soothing Tips & Remedies for Ocular Rosacea Here

---

Rosacea and Sensitive Skin need more than just a great skin care routine - because living with these skin conditions also means making certain choices every day to keep skin clearer and more calm. 

I wanted to share everything I have learned over the years that has helped my skin so much, so I created a new Lifestyle Guide for Rosacea and Sensitive Skin. 

It includes all the habits that have made such a difference to my skin. It's everything I wish I had known a long time ago that really helps keep my rosacea and sensitive skin clear and calm.

Clearer Skin: Lifestyle Habits my Skin Can't Live Without for Rosacea and Sensitive Skin - Instant Digital Download

In this Clear Skin Guide, I share with you all the best lifestyle habits that have made the biggest impact on my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, to help you keep your sensitive skin and rosacea clearer and more calm too.

Pick up your digital copy of Soothing Tips & Remedies for Ocular Rosacea here

- new buy link coming soon (sorry for the inconvenience!)

Any questions? Leave me a comment below and I'll answer it personally!

---

---

About the Author: Shannon Sorensen is the Founder and CEO of Fairface, maker of the Fairface Washcloths, the best washcloths for sensitive skin. 

Do DIY Whiteboard Cleaners Work?

I'll admit, I'm not the best at cleaning my whiteboard regularly. In fact, my latest "brain dump" has been sitting on my whiteboard for 2 years. Cringe.

According to Polyvision, the best way to maintain the cleanliness of your white board is to clean it regularly with white board cleaner. Oops.

Since I didn't have any white board cleaner on hand, I tried out several DIY Whiteboard Cleaners to see if I could get my 2 year old marker off without leaving anything behind. Here's what happened:

(*Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon associate I earn a small commission for items purchased through my links)

DIY Whiteboard Cleaners Test

*I used a soft microfiber cloth with each mixture

1. Water + 1 tsp White Vinegar

 = Fail 

2. Water + Rubbing Alcohol

 = Fail

3. Hydrogen Peroxide only

= Fail  

4. Windex only 

= Success!

While this technically isn't a DIY recipe, it is a household cleaner that most people have, versus whiteboard cleaner that not everyone has on hand. 

I used Windex all over my whiteboard and it took off all the most recent (2 year old) text. 

However, it didn't take off the ghost lines that have been there for years (those marker lines you can still see faintly after cleaning your whiteboard). 

5. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol only 

= Success! 

*Rubbing Alcohol is the ONLY thing that removed the "ghost lines" that have been there for years! I didn't use this all over my whiteboard because I was afraid it might damage the glossy finish, but it didn't. I still would recommend only using rubbing alcohol on the most stubborn stains.

DIY Whiteboard Cleaner Winners

Disclaimer: I have included convenient links to each product. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission for each sale purchased through my links. Thanks for your support!

The Best DIY Whiteboard Cleaner

Windex (which isn't so much DIY, as it is more of just a household item for other things)

*Amazon Buy it here: Windex

The Best DIY Whiteboard Cleaner for Ghost lines

70% Isopropyl Alcohol (aka Rubbing Alcohol)

*Amazon Buy it here: 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

The Best Whiteboard Microfiber Cloths

*Amazon Buy it here: Microfiber Cloths Set

*Amazon Buy it here: The Best Actual Whiteboard Cleaner (that you should be using  every week)

---

Watch me get this 2 year old stubborn writing off my whiteboard!

---

Shannon Sorensen is the creative force and blogger behind Shannon Sews

You can watch her Youtube videos, follow her on Instagram and 

She is also the founder and CEO of Fairface Washcloths, a popular sensitive skin care line of washcloths, and hosts the Fairface Podcast and Cut, Sew, Grow Podcast on Apple podcasts.

She is currently working on a program to help others find success with their own sewn products with her upcoming course line Cut, Sew, Grow.

You can follow her on Instagram @FairfaceWashcloths, @CutSewGrow and @ShannonSorensenDesigns 

5 Minute Meal: Easy Chicken Gyros

In case you haven't guessed already, these 5 Minute Chicken Gyros are not only incredibly flavorful, they don't require any baking!...unless you count 2-3 minutes in the microwave!

It's the best summer meal I've come up with yet!

How to make these Easy Chicken Gyros in just 5 Minutes! 

6 Ingredient Chicken Gyros 

• Tyson's Frozen Rotisserie Chicken Strips (I found these at Costco)
• Stone fire Naan flat bread (I got this at Costco)

• Tzatziki sauce/dressing (any brand will do - I got this at Safeway)
• Fresh tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber (got mine at Safeway)
• *(Optional - Feta cheese)

How to Prepare your Easy Chicken Gyros:

1. Microwave 1 piece of Tyson's Frozen Rotisserie Chicken Strip as instructed on package

2. Cut tomato, red onion and cucumber.

3. Warm 1 piece of naan bread in the toaster or microwave in a damp paper towel for about 10 seconds. You want it soft and warm, not too stiff or crispy.

4. Place hot chicken strip on naan bread, add fresh tomato, red onion, cucumber and drizzle cool tzatziki sauce on top. 

Easy Chicken Gyros with Lots of Flavor

Tyson's Rotisserie Chicken Strips taste like the chicken has been cooking on the spit all day. 

That, combined with the light flavor of cucumbery Tzatziki sauce wrapped up in warm, soft naan bread, is the perfect combination for these easy chicken gyros. 

They really don't get more tasty or simple than this!

Watch our video!

---

Follow us @ShannonSorensenDesigns on Instagram for more recipes, diy, sewing, and crafting 

and on our YouTube Channel, @ShannonSews

How to Sew & Sell Your Products on Etsy

Have you ever thought of selling the beautiful things you sew, online through Etsy or your own website? 

I considered that too, over 15 years ago —  and I haven't stopped since! 

My Etsy Success Sewing and Selling Online

As the founder of Fairface Washcloths, I have spent years making sewn products and selling them online through Etsy, my own website, and consignment. 

Thousands upon thousands of washcloths later, I’ve learned a lot about what it really takes to bring a sewn product to market.

I’ve cut and sewn my own products, sourced fabric and supplies, hired contract seamstresses, managed inventory, researched cut-and-sew manufacturers, packaged and shipped orders, and learned many lessons along the way.

Now I’m beginning to share what I wish I had known when I first started.

---

Cut, Sew, Grow: Maker Mentorship Session

$197 / 60-minute private consultation

Do you have a sewn product idea you want to bounce off someone?

I’m here to help.

These private mentorship sessions are for makers who want honest, experienced feedback before investing more time or money into a sewn product idea.

We can talk through things like:

• your sewn product idea
• whether your product feels clear and sellable
• fabric, supplies, or production questions
• pricing and packaging thoughts
• selling on Etsy or your own website
• what to consider before scaling
• what your next steps look like

This is not a formal course or a guaranteed business plan. It is a private conversation with someone who has spent over 15 years sewing, selling, learning, and figuring things out along the way.

Interested? I'd love to hear your ideas and help in any way I can. Sometimes you just need to talk things through with someone else who "gets it".  >Submit your interest here.

---

Cut, Sew, Grow E-book Coming Soon

I am also in the process of creating a Cut, Sew, Grow e-book to help walk you through the process of sewing, scaling, and selling your products online.

More details will be coming soon.

E-book containing all our courses is coming soon!

---

Resources: 

We are in the middle of updating our offerings, so I apologize if some information across all platforms is inconsistent. Thank you for your patience as we get things streamlined.

Follow @CutSewGrow on Instagram

Listen/Subscribe to the Cut, Sew, Grow Podcast on Apple, Spotify + read our show transcription or listen through your browser

Christmas Gift Ideas 2019 for her or him: a few of my favorite things

Holiday Gifts for her or him. Favorite Things © ShannonSews

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas where all the best gift ideas come to me in my sleep as I lay dreaming of sugar plums dancing in my head and when I awake refreshed, all those lovely gifts will be on my doorstep, wrapped and ready to go under the tree. Ahhhh. Wouldn't that be nice? Give me a couple more minutes to live in this Hallmark Movie reality...

But here's the thing, I know Christmas gift giving can be very stressful (at least it is for me). It's hard to dream up new ideas year after year, especially because the people we are giving gifts to mean so much to us and we want to find them the perfect gifts.

I couldn't pass up the chance to make your Christmas gift-giving a little easier this year, by sharing with you a few of my favorite things that make great holiday gifts for the people in your life.

[*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]

Christmas Gift Ideas for Her and Him
aka A few of my Favorite Things

The majority of these products are ones I have tried myself and love enough to recommend (if I haven't tried something I'll mention that). Please feel free to let me know what your favorite Christmas gift ideas are! It just might be the perfect gift for someone else!

1. Silk Hair Scrunchies

Ok, here's the deal on silk scrunchies. They are so pretty and smooth and help prevent hair breakage and frizz. Plus, if you are the type that likes to put your hair up, you can do it without worrying about it leaving deep hair creases (which also makes for easier hair revival on non-hair-wash days if you sleep with your scrunchie in!).

MY FAVORITE: Slip Silk Hair Scrunchies  

*we used to offer Fairface silk-cotton hair scrunchies but don't have any currently available. If we bring them back, I'll let you know! Those are also amazing!

2. Luxury Skincare Washcloths

You know how I feel about Fairface Washcloths (insert heart eyes emoji). There are no other washcloths I trust to use on my sensitive face! These are the best washcloths for your face. The soft flannel glides across your skin, calming skin as it cleanses, gentle to your skin, the way it is supposed to be. Once you've tried Fairface Washcloths and see how much better your skin can look and feel, you'll never go back to scratchy old washcloths again!

MY FAVORITE: FairfaceWashcloths.com or on Etsy

3. Dreamy Silk Pillow Cases

This could be its own blog post! I love to sleep on a silk pillow case. They are so gentle to my skin and hair and feel so good against my skin.  No face creases, no frizzy hair and they keep your face cool through the night which is important for sensitive skin and rosacea!

I have purchased these myself, and personally use them. I have also given them as gifts and highly recommend them. 

THESE ARE MY FAVORITE:  Fisher's Finery Silk pillow cases 

*As some of you know, our Fairface Washcloths shop used to make and sell beloved Silk-cotton pillow cases but we sold out and I'm sorry, we are no longer offering them. Fisher's Finery are my silk favorite.

4. Hallmark Channel Gifts and Accessories

Are you a sucker for Hallmark Channel Movies like I am? I swear the minute the clock strikes 12 after Halloween I'm ready for a Hallmark Christmas movie marathon. These look like fun gifts for someone you know who loves Hallmark movies. I'd literally buy these socks for my sister if she didn't live in a tropical climate that averages 89 degrees year round. But for those of us in the colder climates? They look pretty darn good.


WHERE TO FIND THEM: Hallmark Channel Gifts on Amazon
***I have not tried this merchandise myself but the socks look fun!

5. Houseplants Gifts

I LOVE houseplants. Sometime I'll show you how many I have in my house. I'm actually babysitting someone's plants at the moment while they're out of town, so my front room has started to look a bit like a nursery, but bring it on! Plants make people happy. Plants bring fresh air into the house. Plants bring texture, color and warmth to any space.

A few of my favorite plants:

• Fiddle Leaf Fig
• Myrtle tree
• Bonsai trees
• Succulents

WHERE TO FIND THEM:

• You can go to Lowe's, Home Depot or a local nursery (prices vary). 
• Buy online and ship - my husband and I sent my mother-in-law this pretty Bonsai from Costa Farms and it was delivered with no problems ($29.99).

If you'd rather keep it simple and order faux plants that don't need water, sunlight or much of anything, 

Shop Faux plants on Amazon

6. Instant Pot for Christmas

I don't know who does the cooking in your house, but as the woman of the home, it defaults to me 99.9999% of the time. I'll admit I was late to the party getting an Instant Pot because A) I already have a crock pot that I use a lot throughout the year, and B) I'm not a kitchen gadgets person and figured I didn't need something else to take up more space in my kitchen.

HOWEVER, during an Amazon sale several months ago, I decided it was time to try an Instant Pot to save time in the kitchen. And I've got to say, the space it takes up is worth it because it cooks food in no time! So far I've made delicious pulled pork, Hawaiian pork, pot roast and gravy and even your basic white rice. I even started an Instant Pot Pinterest Board to gather up some good recipes to try.

WHERE TO FIND IT: We got this one on Amazon ($55-$99)


*Affiliate Disclosure: we are happy to offer you convenient links to our recommended products. Links that go thru Amazon.com allow us to receive a small commission, as an amazon affiliate, for purchases made through our links. We are also proud to be a Fishers Finery affiliate and we do earn a small commission for purchases made through our link. Thank you for your support so we can continue to offer you suggestions on products we love or want to try!

---

Do you have any favorite gift ideas you want to share? 
Leave us a comment and let us know! 
We'd love to get as many gift ideas as we can! xo

Share this post with someone who can benefit from these great gift ideas and Pin it so you don't forget!

Best Pillowcases for Sensitive Skin (What Actually Helped Mine)

Updated: This post has been refreshed to share what I’ve learned about pillowcases for sensitive skin.

If you have sensitive skin, your pillowcase might be affecting your skin more than you realize.

Friction, heat, and rough fabrics can all contribute to irritation, redness, and those deep sleep lines that take forever to go away.

After trying different options over the years, I found that switching to a silk pillowcase made a noticeable difference in how my skin and hair looked and felt when I woke up.

(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Why Pillowcases Matter for Sensitive Skin

I’ve always been a little apprehensive trying new things that touch my face, since my skin seems to react to anything and everything.

But once I started using a silk pillowcase, I noticed right away how different it felt.

The fabric is smooth, cool, and much gentler against the skin compared to traditional cotton pillowcases.

Instead of dragging against your skin while you sleep, silk allows your skin and hair to glide more easily, which can help reduce irritation.

Benefits of Sleeping on a Silk Pillowcase

• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Less friction on the face and hair
• Helps reduce sleep lines and creases
• Keeps skin cooler throughout the night
• Helps hair look smoother and less “slept on”
• Less likely to cause frizz or breakage

It’s not some overnight miracle, but I can honestly say I look better than normal when I sleep on a silk pillowcase — and that alone makes it worth it for me.

My Experience Using a Silk Pillowcase

The first thing I noticed was how my hair looked in the morning — much smoother and not as disheveled.

And as for my skin, I noticed:

• Less redness
• Fewer deep creases from the pillow
• Less irritation overall

Have you ever woken up with deep pillowcase lines on your face?

I used to try everything to get them to go away — massaging, patting, waiting forever — and with sensitive skin, that kind of irritation just isn’t ideal.

With silk, I simply don’t get those same creases anymore.

Silk vs Cotton for Sensitive Skin

From my experience, cotton pillowcases tend to create more friction and can leave creases on the skin, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Silk feels much smoother and cooler, which is why I’ve personally stuck with it.

If your skin is easily irritated, even small changes like this can make a noticeable difference over time.

The Silk Pillowcase I Recommend

I used to make silk pillowcases myself and sold them in our Fairface Washcloths Etsy shop for a while, because we’re all about gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly products.

Since we’ve sold out and no longer make them, I wanted to share the ones I personally use now.

(Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission if you purchase through this link.)

These silk pillowcases from Fisher’s Finery - Amazon are great quality, with a higher thread count than most I’ve seen. I wanted to make sure you’re getting a pillowcase that actually gives you the full benefits for your skin and hair.

Silk Pillowcases Make Great Gifts Too

When I find something I love, I enjoy sharing it with others — especially when I know it could help them.
Silk pillowcases make thoughtful gifts for:

• moms
• sisters
• friends
• anyone with sensitive skin or hair concerns

My mom, who used cotton pillowcases her whole life, is now completely converted!

Final Thoughts

If you have sensitive skin, switching to a silk pillowcase is one of those small changes that can actually make a difference.

It’s simple, gentle, and works with your skin instead of against it.

Gentle Skincare for Sensitive Skin

A silk pillowcase can help - and so can using the right cleansing tools.

Our soft flannel face cloths are designed to be gentle and soothing for sensitive skin.

You can shop here:
Fairface Washcloths Etsy Shop
or
FairfaceWashcloths.com