Hello and Happy Friday! My name is Dr. Ryan and before the weekend begins, we’re going to wrap up the week with our usual Mailbag Friday! If you’re new here, every Friday I answer two questions from customers who need a little help with their skincare routine.
Our first question today comes from Hilary in Sacramento, CA.Q: Hi Dr. Ryan, I have really bad dark circles under my eyes. What can I do to make them go away?
A: Hi Hilary! Dark circles are a common issue and can be caused by a variety of factors. The worst thing about them is that they change your appearance quite drastically, so if you see them starting to form it’s a good idea to get on top of treating them. Here are some tips to help reduce the appearance of dark circles…
My first recommendation is my favorite because it’s totally free and won’t cost you a dime…
And that’s to get enough sleep!
Lack of sleep can cause your skin to look dull and can make dark circles more noticeable. I’m sure you notice on days when you’re tired that your dark circles look worse!
My professional recommendation is to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
My next tip might not be free, but you’ll find the investment is well worth it!
Try an Eye serum!
But not just any old Eye serum…
Try to find something containing brightening ingredients like vitamin C, which can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation, and help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
After using an effective Eye serum for at least 30 days, you’re sure to notice a huge difference!
I hope these tips help you reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. Remember, everyone's skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, as long as you’re keeping your body and your skin healthy, you’re sure to see some positive changes!
Our Next question comes from Bridgette in Tucson, AZ.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan, I have noticed that my SPF is rubbing off throughout the day. What can I do to stop this?
A: Hi Bridgette! It's great to hear that you're taking steps to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. However, I understand that it can be frustrating when your sunscreen doesn't stay in place. Today I’ll walk you through a few tips to help keep your SPF from rubbing off…
Firstly, it’s obviously very important that you apply your sunscreen correctly.
Most people don't use enough, and they don't apply it evenly. You should apply at least a quarter-sized amount of sunscreen to your face and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Another great tip is to try using a Mineral Sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and are less likely to rub off, so you won’t find yourself having to reapply it as often. Look for a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - that’s how you know it’s mineral!
Similarly, you should make sure you’re testing different products. Sunscreens come in many different formulas, including lotions, gels, sprays, and sticks.
It may take a little trial and error, but once you find the right product for you you’ll be so thankful. In fact, I’ve been using the exact same SPF for the last 5 years!
Lastly, avoid touching your face as all that touching can cause your sunscreen to rub off. If you need to touch your face, wash your hands first.
I hope these tips help you keep your SPF in place throughout the day.
Remember, sunscreen is an essential part of your skincare routine, and it's important to use it correctly to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays!
