Hello! My name is Dr. Ryan Shelton and since today is Friday (yay!), it’s time for another Friday Mailbag. If you’re not sure what a Mailbag is, don’t worry, I’ll explain. Every Friday, I answer two questions from customers who need my advice on some skincare-related questions they have. Today, our first question comes from Jasmine in Hialeah, FL.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. I’m on a really tight budget right now and wanted to know which products I can stop using to help me save money?
A: Hi Jasmine! I totally get where you're coming from – budgeting can be a real challenge. Don't worry, though; there are definitely ways to simplify your skincare routine without emptying your wallet. Let's chat about some options that won't strain your budget…
When it comes to cutting down on spending on your routine, there is a secret that most people don’t know about!
The trick is to find products that have more than one benefit, which we like to call multip-functional products.
A great product to have as a multi-functional product is a cleanser.
A cleanser that works hard to keep your skin clean but has an added benefit on top, like helping to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, is a great example.
My Lavender Oil Cleanser has Lavender essential oil in it (of course!), which has been shown to help mature skin when it comes to smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.
So not only are you keeping your skin clean, but you’re also keeping aging at bay!
On top of that, it has AHAs in it, which exfoliate the skin on a deeper level, helping to create a beautiful, radiant glow!
Now, let’s talk about something you could do without…
Scrubs are great for exfoliation, and your skin definitely needs to be exfoliated to keep it from becoming dull and lifeless, but they can be replaced by something else.
I think you may be starting to see why I suggested my Lavender Oil cleanser…
Cleanser with AHAs can be used twice daily, meaning you don’t have to spend your money on a scrub - you can get your exfoliation from your cleanser instead!
Multi-functional products like this can be so helpful. Not only do they save you time in your routine, but they also save money!
Next time you’re on the lookout for new products, try finding something like my Lavender Oil Cleanser that does more than one thing. No need to go for a one-trick pony!
I hope this helps, Jasmine!
My next question comes from Christine in Visalia, CA
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. I have really bad wrinkles but my skin is also very sensitive. What ingredients are safe for me to use on my skin?
A: Hi, Christine! Having sensitive skin can make finding the right products a bit tricky. But don't worry, there are ingredients that can help with wrinkles without causing any irritation. Let's explore some options that could work well for you.
Let’s start with my personal favorite - peptides.
Peptides are little protein fragments that can help your skin bounce back by boosting elasticity and collagen production. They're usually pretty kind to sensitive skin as well, especially since they’re produced naturally by our bodies.
Peptides are in most of my products, like the Repair and Release Cream and the Neck Firming Cream.
My Repair and Release Cream is great for helping get rid of wrinkles around your face, and if you’re worried about wrinkles around your neck, of course, you could try the Neck Firming Cream!
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is another player in the game. It's got anti-aging properties and can help make your skin look smoother and more even, which can make wrinkles less noticeable. Plus, it's usually well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Niacinamide is in my Eye Recovery Serum, so if you're concerned about crow’s feet, you can try this product out to help your sensitive skin become less wrinkled!
If you're looking for something more natural, oat extract might be right up your alley. It's got anti-inflammatory properties, so it's great for soothing sensitive skin while adding some hydration. It’s also an ingredient in my Neck Firming Cream!
Remember, before you go all-in with new products, it's smart to patch-test them to make sure they won't cause any weird reactions.
With these ingredients, I’m sure you’ll be able to get the results you want while being gentle on your skin at the same time.
I hope this helps!
