Hello! It’s Dr. Ryan Shelton, and it's that time of the week again – Mailbag Friday! I'm here to answer my customer’s burning skincare questions, so let's dive right in. I have a feeling you’ll find these questions very interesting! The first question of the day comes from Sarah in San Diego, CA:
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. My skin feels great when I wash it, but when I put on makeup, it looks dry and flaky. What can I do to stop this?
A: Hi Sarah! Dealing with dry and flaky skin under makeup can be quite frustrating, but I'm here to help you get that smooth, flawless makeup application you desire. Let me give you a couple of tips that I’ve picked up over the years…
First and foremost, it's essential to understand that makeup tends to highlight any imperfections on the skin's surface. So, the key to achieving a perfect makeup look lies in prepping your canvas – your skin.
Your first step should be focusing on exfoliation.
Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother canvas for makeup application. I recommend using our Lavender Oil Cleanser, which contains gentle AHAs and BHAs that can help with exfoliation without being too harsh on your skin.
The next step that will help you combat dryness and flakiness is hydration. There really is no way around this step, so a quality moisturizer is your best friend here.
My top recommendation is my Repair and Release Cream. It's packed with peptides like Matrixyl Synthe 6, SNAP-8, and Argireline, which help in reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture.
Shea butter and cocoa butter in this cream will also provide the hydration your skin craves.
Lastly, I want to quickly touch on the foundation you’re using. You’ll need to opt for a foundation that's suitable for dry skin, which usually comes in a liquid form.
Having said that, if you prefer a powder foundation you’ll need to apply it in patting motions rather than sweeping or rubbing motions, which will only lift any flakyness and make it more obvious. Patting or pressing your powder into the skin will help prevent that.
Remember, it's essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine to address the root of the issue – dry skin.
I hope these tips help you achieve a makeup look that's both stunning and comfortable on your skin. If you have any specific skin concerns, don't hesitate to ask for further advice.
Wishing you a beautiful, flake-free makeup experience!
My next question comes from Tina in Austin, TX.
Q: Hello Dr. Shelton! I don't like using makeup wipes because it often makes my skin feel dry and sensitive afterward. What are my other options?
A: Hi Tina, thank you for sharing your concern about makeup wipes. It's a common issue, and you're absolutely right to be cautious about the products you use on your skin. Let me guide you towards some alternative options that are gentler and more skin-friendly.
If I’m being really honest, I haven’t come across a makeup wipe product that deserves a spot in anyone’s routine.
In my professional opinion, they don’t do a great job at getting all that makeup off your skin and out of your pores, and the material that’s used can be too harsh on the skin.
On top of that, they create a whole lot of waste!
Instead, I like to recommend something called Double Cleansing.
Double cleansing is an effective and gentle method to remove makeup and cleanse your skin thoroughly. Let me explain exactly how you do it…
Start with a gentle foaming cleanser, like my Lavender Oil Cleanser, which is formulated to dissolve makeup - even stubborn waterproof products.
Next, you can either follow up with a different cleansing product or use my Lavender Oil Cleanser all over again for your second round of cleansing.
The first round of cleansing is designed to get most of the makeup rinsed off your skin, while the second round is to catch anything that may have been left behind and ensure the job is done!
My Lavender Oil Cleanser is enriched with calming lavender oil, essential oils like peppermint, and AHAs and BHAs to provide a thorough cleanse without drying your skin.
Those calming ingredients should help you avoid that sensitivity you’ve been experiencing with the makeup wipes.
After removing your makeup, remember to follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. You can use our Repair and Release Cream to lock in moisture and nourish your skin with peptides and hydrating ingredients.
Alternatively, you can use our Peptide PM Shield overnight which has ultra-hydrating ingredients to help reset your glow and help you wake up to refreshed and nourished skin!
Tina, you're making a wise choice by seeking alternatives to makeup wipes. Your skin will thank you for the extra care and gentleness!
