Hello and happy Friday! Thank goodness it’s finally the end of the week! My name is Dr. Ryan Shelton and now that it’s finally Friday, I get to answer two skincare-related questions from customers of mine who need a little help with their skincare routine. My first question comes from Carey in Boise, ID.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan! How do I know if my skin is too dry? I don’t know if it is, but I’m worried I might need more hydration. Can you help?
A: Hi Carey! I’m sorry to hear that you feel like your skin may need a little more hydration, but luckily this is quite an easy fix! Let’s look at a few things to look out for and how to get your skin more moisture…
So, how do you know if your skin is too dry? Well, there are a few signs to look out for. If you've noticed that your skin feels tight after washing your face or at any point during the day, that's a possible indicator of dryness. Also, do you see any flakiness or peeling on your skin? That could be a sign too.
Another thing to pay attention to is the appearance of your skin. Is it looking dull and lacking that healthy glow? Dry skin tends to lose its radiance, making it appear lackluster.
Additionally, have you noticed any fine lines or wrinkles becoming more pronounced? Dryness can accentuate those, so it's good to keep an eye on that as well.
If you're seeing some of these signs, it's essential to give your skin the hydration it needs. So, here are a few things you can try to improve your skin's moisture:
First, make sure you're using a gentle cleanser like my Lavender Oil Cleanser that will protect your skin and prevent it from getting stripped of its precious natural oils. Also, use lukewarm water when washing your face, as hot water can make dryness worse.
Moisturizing is super important! Look for a good moisturizer that suits your skin type. Ingredients like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter are great at retaining moisture in your skin.
These are both in my Repair and Release Cream, which could help you see a difference in hydration overnight!
Remember, achieving healthy, radiant skin is possible with a bit of care and attention. I have no doubt these tips will help you get the hydration you’re looking for!
My next question is from Helen in Mesquite, TX.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan! I hate scrubs but I know my skin needs to be exfoliated. Are there any alternatives out there?
A: Hi Helen! I totally understand; not everyone enjoys using scrubs for exfoliation, but you’re right in saying that your skin does need to be exfoliated. The good news is that there are indeed alternative methods to exfoliate your skin without using traditional scrubs.
First, let's take a look at what happens to your skin when you don’t exfoliate…
If you neglect to exfoliate your skin regularly, you may end up with a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface, which can make your complexion look dull and rough.
Those dead skin cells can mix with natural skin oils and other impurities, leading to clogged pores and possibly causing blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
Your skin texture might also become uneven and rough, making it harder for skincare products to work effectively. This can result in a lackluster and tired appearance!
Moreover, dead skin cells can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable.
Plus, your skin won't be able to absorb skincare products properly due to the barrier created by dead skin cells, meaning your products won’t be able to help you get the results you want!
These are just some of the consequences of not exfoliating your skin, so I’m sure by now you see how important it is. Now, let’s talk about a great alternative to scrubs to help you create a healthier, more exfoliated complexion.
One of my favorite types of exfoliants is something called a chemical exfoliant.
These products use gentle acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), to dissolve dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover.
AHAs are effective in addressing dull skin and fine lines, which is why I have these in my Lavender Oil Cleanser!
They are powerful enough to give your skin a daily dose of exfoliation but gentle enough to make sure you’re not overdoing it if you’re using the product twice a day.
They also help to penetrate deep into the skin to help stimulate it and help your complexion look healthier and more youthful!
If you don’t like scrubs, this product is practically made for you!
Give it a shot and see how you feel after a few days - I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
