Hello! Aren’t you glad it’s finally Friday? I am! By the way, it’s Dr. Ryan Shelton here and, as excited as I am to kick off the weekend, there’s one last important thing I have to do - our weekly mailbag! If you’re not sure what a mailbag is, every Friday I answer two questions from customers who need some advice in the skincare department. Today, our first question comes from Alanna in Fullerton, CA
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan! Should I switch to a gentler exfoliator now that my skin is aging and getting thinner?
A: Hi Alanna! This is a fantastic question that I don’t get too often! With mature skin, it's essential to approach exfoliation with care. Let me explain what is best for your skin and what options you have to help keep it exfoliated at a healthy level…
As we age, our skin becomes more delicate and prone to sensitivity, so switching to a gentler exfoliator is definitely a smart move.
The last thing you want is to speed up the aging process by aggravating your complexion with harsh scrubs, so my professional advice is to look for products that contain mild exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
AHAs - like the ones in my Lavender Oil Cleanser - are what we call chemical exfoliations. Instead of rubbing away dead skin like a scrub does, AHAs work on a deeper level to gently dissolve dead skin.
AHAs are a lot more gentle on your complexion than a scrub would be! Scrubs can pull and tug on your skin, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines over time.
The nice thing about AHAs is that they are gentle enough to use every day! This means you don’t necessarily need a whole extra exfoliating product in your routine - a cleanser like my Lavender Oil Cleanser that already has exfoliants will take its place!
It also means that you don’t run the risk of over-exfoliating your skin and causing extra damage and irritation.
If you prefer a scrub, though, that’s totally fine - just remember to always listen to your skin and adjust your exfoliation routine accordingly.
If you notice any signs of irritation or sensitivity, dial back on the exfoliation and give your skin some extra TLC.
So yes, switching to a gentler exfoliator is a wise choice for mature skin! Just remember to be gentle and listen to what your skin needs – it'll thank you for it!
Our next question comes from Bertha in Olathe, KS.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan! Can my skin benefit from using a face mask regularly, and which types are best for my aging skin?
A: Hi Bertha! I must confess, I am obsessed with face masks, so I’m super excited to answer this question! The short answer is yes! Aging skin can absolutely benefit from face masks, but it’s all about the type of mask you’re using. Don’t worry - I have some great recommendations for you…
The right face mask can be a game-changer in your skincare routine, offering targeted treatment and nourishment to address specific concerns.
When it comes to choosing the best face masks for aging skin, there are a few key ingredients and types to keep an eye out for:
First, you’ll want to look out for a mask that is ultra-hydrating.
Aging skin tends to be drier and more prone to dehydration, so a hydrating mask that delivers a surge of moisture will be a game-changer.
Look for ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and jojoba seed oil to replenish and plump up your skin.
These are both in my Peptide PM Shield, which has been a hit in my store since we launched it!
Antioxidants are also in my Peptide PM Shield, and they are your skin's best friend when it comes to fighting off environmental damage and preventing premature aging.
Ingredients like Rosemary Leaf Extract and Ginkgo Biloba help protect and rejuvenate your skin, and they work to keep free radicals from wreaking havoc on your complexion.
Generally, you want to stick with masks that are rich in hydrating, nourishing, and soothing ingredients.
Some masks you might want to stay away from are any that will dry out your skin or be too harsh on your delicate complexion.
For example, clay masks. These are great for oily teenagers because they can help clear out the pores and control excess oil, but for drier, more mature skin, they can be too harsh.
That’s why my Peptide PM Shield is focused on replenishing moisture to the skin and giving the complexion everything it needs to stay protected from the environment around it.
I hope this answers your question, Bertha!
