Hello and welcome to another exciting Mailbag Friday! My name is Dr. Ryan Shelton and it’s time to continue my weekly ritual of answering two skincare-related questions from my amazing customers. The first question comes from Joyce in Cincinnati, OH.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan! I’m a little worried about winter because I feel my skin has become dry over the last few years. What can I do to help my skin?
A: Hi Joyce! Cold weather can definitely do a lot of damage to your skin if you’re not prepared for it, so I’m glad you’re thinking ahead about keeping your skin in good shape during the winter. Today, I’m going to share some simple steps and products you can use to help!
First things first, let's talk about cleansing.
If you’re using the wrong cleanser during the winter, you could be doing a lot of damage to your skin. Some cleansers have the tendency to dry your skin out, which only creates deeper wrinkles and fine lines.
Make sure to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser like my Lavender Oil Cleanser, which will help to keep your skin clean without stripping it of its natural oils.
This is such an important tip to follow year-round, but especially during the colder months!
Next up, moisturizer. In the winter, it's a good idea to use a thicker, more hydrating one - like my Repair and Release Cream.
Since this product is on the richer side and has hydrating and protecting ingredients like Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter, it’ll help protect your skin and keep it moisturized all day long, even when the air around you is dry and cold!
Finally, a hydrating mask will help replenish any lost moisture I want to introduce you to a new product of mine that helps to reveal a hydrated, healthier appearance overnight - my Peptide PM Shield.
This product is an ultra-hydrating overnight mask, and it helps to deliver nourishing and moisturizing ingredients to your skin while you sleep.
Oh, and remember to eat well and stay hydrated from the inside too. A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and omega-3s, along with drinking enough water, can really make a difference.
Consistency is key, so stick to these tips, and your skin will thank you by staying happy and healthy all winter long!
My next question comes from Lucinda in Sunrise, FL.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. How can I get my skin to stop looking so Crepey?
A: Hi Lucinda! I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with crepey skin. It can be so frustrating! But there are definitely things you can do to help improve it without resorting to surgery or anything drastic. Let’s take a look at your options…
First off, let's talk hydration. Keeping your skin well-hydrated is key. So, drink lots of water and use a moisturizer that really locks in that moisture. It'll help plump up your skin and smooth out those fine lines.
Something like my Repair and Release Cream would work great as it can help give you an awesome hydration kick.
On top of that, it’s full of peptides which can help to firm your skin and make it look smoother!
Another option is my Collagen Filler Serum - it also has ultra-hydrating ingredients that are designed to soak into the skin extra quickly, so if you’re looking for something a little stronger, I’d recommend this product.
Another bonus you’d get from the Collagen Filler Serum is that it can help to improve your skin texture, which can help you get rid of that crepey look!
Now, sun protection is a must. UV rays can speed up the aging process and make crepey skin worse. So, make sure you apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.
Lastly, I’d recommend some gentle exfoliation. This will help remove dead skin cells and encourage fresh skin to come through. Just be careful not to overdo it – gentle exfoliants are best.
A great option to help you with this is my Lavender Oil Cleanser. It has AHAs in it, which help to exfoliate the skin on a deeper level while still being gentle enough for twice-daily use.
Remember, it takes time to see improvements, so be patient and stick to your routine.
And don't forget, a healthy lifestyle with a good diet, exercise, and enough sleep can make a big difference in your skin's overall health too.
I hope this helps you solve your problem, Lucinda. Best of luck to you!
