Hello and Happy Friday! Dr. Ryan Shelton here, and I’m happy to be back to unravel the mysteries behind your burning skincare questions. In today's Mailbag, we have two amazing questions from customers who need my advice to help them create the radiant and glowing skin they’ve been looking for. Our first question is from Krista in Las Cruces, NM.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. Can I use Retinol during the summer?
A: Hi Krista! The short answer is a resounding yes! You can certainly keep using Retinol during the summer months, but there are some precautions you should take to help keep your skin safe from the hot sun. Let me explain a few…
When you're thinking about using Retinol in the summer, it's important to be extra careful because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
So, it's essential to wear sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and to wear things like hats, sunglasses, and clothes that cover your skin when you're out and about.
This way, you can keep your skin protected while still reaping the benefits of your Retinol products!
If your skin is a little sensitive, you might want to consider using retinol at night before you go to bed.
This gives your skin plenty of time to absorb the product while you sleep, which can help reduce any sensitivity to the sun during the day.
And if you're new to using retinol or if you have sensitive skin, start with a lower strength and gradually increase how often you use it. This can help prevent irritation and keep your skin looking healthy and happy!
Lastly, retinol can sometimes make your skin dry or irritated, especially in hot weather. So, make sure to use moisturizers and hydrating serums to help keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
If you can find a retinol product that has extra hydrating ingredients to help offset the dryness, that’s even better!
By following these tips, you can safely use retinoids in your summer skincare routine and enjoy their benefits while keeping your skin healthy.
I hope this gives you a good game plan for summer, Krista!
Our next question is from Brianna in Plymouth, MN.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. I know antioxidants are great for your skin, but do they work better if you take supplements or if you have them in skincare?
A: Hi Brianna! When it comes to antioxidants, there's an ongoing debate about how to get the most out of them: Should you load up on them through your diet or apply them directly onto your skin? Let’s take a look at the facts…
Munching on a variety of antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds isn't just good for your overall health; it's also amazing for your skin.
These foods are brimming with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which work wonders in combatting harmful molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals can wreak havoc on your skin, causing damage and premature aging, and antioxidants swoop in to neutralize these troublemakers, helping to keep your skin strong, supple, and glowing.
Plus, they support collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and warding off wrinkles.
As far as applying antioxidants topically goes, you can use a number of different products like creams, serums, toners… the list goes on.
When applied topically, antioxidants create a protective barrier on your skin, shielding it from environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and stress.
By preventing damage caused by these external factors, antioxidants help maintain your skin's youthful appearance and prevent premature aging.
Additionally, they can reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and promote skin repair, making them essential ingredients for a healthy skincare routine.
So, back to your question…
Which method of using antioxidants is better - eating or applying them? Well, it may not be the answer you want, but I’m going to say both.
Your skin is a reflection of your body’s overall health, and eating antioxidants can help nurture your glow from the inside out.
And we know that applying nourishing ingredients topically can help give your skin a huge boost, so having antioxidants in your routine shouldn’t be skipped!
By incorporating both dietary and topical sources of antioxidants into your skincare regimen, you're providing your skin with a comprehensive defense system against oxidative stress and external threats.
This approach ensures that your skin receives a continuous supply of antioxidant goodness from both inside and out, resulting in a radiant, resilient complexion.
So, whether you're enjoying a colorful salad packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients or indulging in a luxurious antioxidant-infused skincare routine, you're giving your skin the nourishment it needs to thrive. It's all about finding the right balance and showing your skin some extra love to keep it happy, healthy, and glowing from within!
