Hello! My name is Dr. Ryan Shelton and since it’s Friday, it’s time for another Mailbag! If this is your first time, our Mailbags come out every Friday and each time I answer two questions from customers who need some help with the skincare routine. My first question comes from Liberty in Medford, OR.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. My skin has been so dry and bumpy recently. What can I do to get it smoother?
A: Hi Liberty! I'm sorry to hear that your skin has been feeling dry and bumpy lately. It's a common concern and may take some dedication and patience to correct but there are a few things you can try to help improve its texture and smoothness.
First, let's talk about hydration…
Keeping your skin well-hydrated is essential. One way to do that is by making sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day, which is simple enough, but when it comes to your skincare, you’ll need a well-thought-out plan of attack.
A great place to start is by using a good moisturizer to lock in hydration. Look for one with hydrating ingredients like Shea Butter, Argan Oil, and Squalane.
Applying it after your shower when your skin is slightly damp can be especially effective because it helps to lock in extra moisture! Try this technique with my Repair and Release Cream and you should feel the difference in no time!
When it comes to those bumps, you’ll need a gentle exfoliator to help smooth out your complexion. Consider using something like my Lavender Oil Cleanser which has Alpha Hydroxy acids, which work below the surface to create a smoother and softer appearance.
Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells that might be contributing to the bumpiness, so it should be a top priority!
Remember, it might take a bit of time to see significant improvements, so be patient with your skin.
Consistency with your skincare routine is key, and making these adjustments can help your skin feel smoother and more comfortable in the long run!
My next question is from Heather in Youngstown, OH.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan! I’ve been reading a lot about squalene and squalane recently, but I don’t really understand the difference. Which one is better for your skin?
A: Hi Heather! This is an awesome question! Squalene used to be all the rage in skincare products, but in recent years, Squalane has overtaken it. Let's talk about squalene and squalane and which one might be better for your skin.
Both of these ingredients are used in skincare products because they're really good for your skin, and they both come from a natural substance called squalene.
Squalene is actually found in human sebum, which our body produces to help our skin stay hydrated!
Since squalene is produced naturally by our bodies, it is lightweight and gets absorbed by the skin quickly and easily.
People love it for its ability to moisturize the skin and its antioxidant properties, but this powerful ingredient comes with a catch…
Pure squalene can go bad fairly easily because it's not very stable. That means adding it to skincare products could affect the length of their shelf life, which is not really something you want if you want to see results in your complexion.
On the other hand, squalane is a more stable version made from squalene through a process called hydrogenation.
Squalane is still lightweight and goes into your skin easily, and the great thing about it is that it doesn't spoil as quickly as squalene.
That’s why I chose Squalane over Squalene to use in my Repair and Release Cream so it has a longer shelf life and can deliver results after a longer period of time!
In real life, skincare products often use squalane because it's stable and suits many skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin.
But if you're specifically looking for products with squalene, it's important to pick trustworthy brands to ensure you get fresh and high-quality stuff.
In the end, the choice depends on what works best for your skin and what you feel comfortable using.
You could even try both squalene and squalane to see which one your skin likes more. Either way, they're both great for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy!
