Hello and welcome back to another Mailbag Friday! This is my favorite day of the week because I get to answer two questions from two different customers to help them with their skincare problems.
Today, my first question comes from Mary-Sue in Detroit, MI.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan, my daughter is pregnant and getting dark patches all over her face from pregnancy mask. It makes her very insecure, what can I do to help her?
A: Hello Mary-Sue! I understand your concern for your daughter's skin during her pregnancy. Pregnancy mask, also known as melasma, is a common skin condition that affects many women during pregnancy because of increased hormone levels. It's important to know that it's completely normal and will likely resolve on its own after pregnancy.
In the meantime, there are a few things your daughter can do to help minimize the appearance of the dark patches…
Firstly, it's essential for her to protect her skin from the sun as UV exposure can worsen melasma.
She should wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days!
She should also avoid using skin care products that can irritate her skin, such as exfoliating scrubs or harsh chemical peels.
Instead, she can opt for a gentle exfoliating cleanser like my Lavender Oil Cleanser! The gentle exfoliation should help lighten some of the dark areas.
In addition, I highly recommend using something like my Dark Spot Corrector on a daily basis. Not only will this help lighten those dark areas but it’ll also help keep them from getting worse.
Overall, it's important to be patient and understand that pregnancy mask is a temporary condition that will likely resolve on its own after pregnancy.
In the meantime, your daughter can take steps to minimize the appearance of the dark patches and protect her skin.
I hope this information is helpful, and I want to offer my congratulations to you and your family on the new addition to your family!
My next question comes from Alice in Cape May, NJ
Q: Hello Dr. Ryan, this year I want to try and live a healthier lifestyle. Can my diet and lifestyle help slow aging in my skin?
A: Hello, Alice! I'm glad you're interested in how your diet and lifestyle can help with signs of aging in your skin. Let me tell you how the changes you’re about to make will have an impact on your appearance…
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and what we eat and how we live can have a huge impact on its health and appearance.
One of the most important things you can do to maintain youthful-looking skin is to eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging. Foods high in antioxidants include fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
It's also important to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Dehydrated skin can appear dull and aged, so make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Another important thing to do is avoid foods that can harm the skin.
For example, sugar can cause inflammation and damage the skin, so limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks is best. Similarly, foods high in saturated fat and processed foods can also be harmful to the skin.
In terms of lifestyle, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep is important for maintaining healthy skin.
Exercise helps to increase blood flow, which can improve the appearance of the skin, and getting enough sleep allows the skin to repair and regenerate.
Finally, it's important to be kind to your skin by avoiding habits that can be harmful, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Both of these habits can cause damage to the skin and accelerate the aging process.
By eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, protecting your skin from the sun, and avoiding harmful habits, you can help to minimize the signs of aging and maintain youthful-looking skin.
All the best in reaching your new goal, Alice!
