Hello there and happy Friday! It’s Dr. Ryan Shelton again and since it’s the end of the week it’s time for another Mailbag! As you may know, every Friday I answer two questions from my South Beach customers who need help with their skincare routines. Today, our first question comes from Sally in Charlotte, NC.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. I have too many skincare products in my routine and it's hard to keep up with everything. What are the basic items I should use to make sure my skin stays healthy?
A: Hi Sally! Having a complicated routine isn’t for everyone, which is exactly why I always try to emphasize quality over quantity. If you’re looking to simplify your routine, here are all the products you’ll need…
The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse your skin. This removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
I recommend using a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
Something like my Lavender Oil Cleanser will work wonders because it has a gentle exfoliating effect which can help smooth out your entire complexion and reduce the appearance of wrinkles!
After cleansing, it's important to hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer. This helps to keep your skin soft and supple, and can also help prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming.
You’ve probably heard of my Repair and Release Cream moisturizer which helps to lock in moisture and is filled with anti-aging peptides.
Not only can it help turn back the clock on your skin, but it’s also great at helping provide extra hydration!
Next up is your Eye Serum.
The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to fine lines and wrinkles, so add an eye serum that contains ingredients that can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles. My Eye Recovery Serum does both of these things!
Finally, don’t forget your SPF! Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, so it's important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it every day, even when it's cloudy or you're indoors.
My next question comes from Grace in Milwaukee, WI.
Q: Hi Dr. Shelton! I’m 62 and I need to buy more sunscreen because I’m running out. What is the best type of SPF for aging skin?
A: Hi Grace! This is a great question, especially since the sun is starting to get hotter and stronger as we go into summer! I have a great recommendation for you…
Sunscreen is essential for all skin types and ages, but it is particularly important for aging skin. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, by breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin.
That's why it's important to choose the right type of sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
For aging skin, I recommend using a mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that form a physical barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays.
They are less likely to irritate the skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or aging skin that is prone to dryness and irritation.
In addition to their protective benefits, mineral-based sunscreens also offer other advantages for aging skin….
They can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by reflecting light and creating a smooth surface on the skin and are also less likely to cause breakouts, making them an excellent choice for acne-prone skin.
It's important to remember that sunscreen is just one part of a comprehensive skincare routine for aging skin.
You should also be using good quality skincare products to help keep your skin protected and looking its best!
Overall, with the right sunscreen and skincare routine, you can help to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and keep it looking healthy and youthful for years to come.
Enjoy the sun!
