Rio Viera-Newton is a skincare “hidden gem,” attracting countless fans with her skincare experiences, product recommendations, and personalized skincare philosophy. From her 2017 guide to sensitive, acne-prone skin to her first product, Propolis Cleanser, launched in collaboration with Los Angeles facial studio Face Haus, Rio’s skincare journey has been filled with exploration and innovation. Today, let’s take a deeper look at her skincare philosophy and daily routine.
From Blogger to Brand Collaborator: Rio’s Skincare Journey
Rio Viera-Newton’s skincare journey began in 2017 when she published a skincare list for sensitive, acne-prone skin on The Strategist, which quickly went viral. Her practical and affordable recommendations attracted many readers who share her sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. In 2021, she published her first book, “Let’s Face It: Secrets of a Skincare Obsessive,” further solidifying her position in the skincare world.
This June, Rio took another step forward, collaborating with Los Angeles-based facial studio Face Haus to launch her first product: Propolis Cleanser. This cleanser reflects both Rio’s deep understanding of skincare and her high standards for products.
Propolis Cleanser: Rio’s New Skincare Facial Beloved
Propolis Cleanser is the result of Rio’s collaboration with Face Haus. She chose propolis as the main ingredient because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, while also providing light yet deep hydration. “Propolis is a very gentle ingredient that moisturizes, repairs the skin, and soothes breakouts,” Rio explains. This cleanser is not only perfect for Rio’s sensitive and acne-prone skin, but also helps simplify her skincare routine.
Rio’s Skin Condition and Skincare Philosophy
Rio’s skin type is highly fickle. She has battled acne her entire life, along with eczema and psoriasis. “I’m always looking for products that treat my acne without triggering my eczema,” she says. Over time, her skincare philosophy has evolved. She initially experimented with a wide range of products, but now chooses more carefully.
Rio’s Daily Skincare Routine
Morning Skincare: Protection and Moisturization
Rio considers her morning skincare routine a form of “protection,” focusing on moisturization and antioxidants. After cleansing, she typically uses Mediheal cotton pads with Vitamin C for antioxidant protection. If her skin is particularly dry, she adds CosRX Snail Slime Serum for added moisturization. Finally, she applies sunscreen; her current favorite is Skin 1004’s Hyalu-Cica sunscreen because it’s lightweight and adds a radiant glow.
Evening Skincare: Deep Cleansing and Treatment
Her evening skincare routine is more focused on “treatment.” Rio cleanses her skin with Propolis Cleanser and then uses Mediheal Centella Asiatica cotton pads for a second cleanse. She finds these pads effective in removing makeup and sunscreen residue, especially those containing zinc. She also uses Paula’s Choice 2% Salicylic Acid Serum to prevent breakouts, and it has become an essential skincare item.
Rio’s Skincare Tips
Skincare Choosing: Caution and Persistence
Rio emphasizes the importance of caution when choosing skincare products, especially for those with sensitive skin. She recommends using the Sofie Pavitt Ingredient Checker to ensure the safety of ingredients. “I won’t use anything that doesn’t pass ingredient testing,” she says. She also recommends finding skincare products that work for you and using them consistently.
Skincare Mindset: Embrace Change
Rio believes that acne is a long-term journey, not a one-time fix. She recommends accepting the changing state of your skin and not getting anxious about a temporary breakout. She herself went through the process of frequent breakouts to gradually stabilizing her skin, which gave her a deeper understanding of the long-term and complex nature of skincare.
Rio’s Skincare Tips
Sunscreen: Essential
Rio emphasized the importance of sun protection. She said she uses a generous amount of sunscreen daily, especially in sunny areas like Los Angeles. She recommends everyone to take sunscreen precautions when outdoors to avoid UV damage.
Acne Patches: A First-Aid Tool
Rio also shared her “first-aid tool”—acne patches. She said that whenever she feels the urge to pop a pimple, she immediately applies them. This not only prevents her from picking at it but also helps it fade faster.
