Greetings! It's Mailbag Friday, and I'm Dr. Ryan Shelton. If this is your first time joining us, no stress - I'm here to help. Every Friday, I tackle two questions from customers seeking advice on achieving a more youthful appearance. The goal? Boosting confidence and making you feel beautiful in your own skin. So, welcome aboard, and let's delve into today's insights! The first question this week comes from Pearl in Parma, OH.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. I spend all day indoors, but I’ve seen you say multiple times that everyone should wear SPF every day. Do I really need it if I don’t go outside?
A: Hi Pearl! The short answer is yes, you still need to use SPF even if you’re staying inside all day. Let me tell you exactly why that is…
First, let's discuss UV rays.
Indoor settings don't provide full immunity against UV rays, particularly if you're surrounded by windows. Those sneaky rays can still find their way to you and cause some trouble, so it’s best to cover up with SPF to keep your skin safe from damage and aging!
Next is the matter of Blue light - the light that comes from device screens like computers and Phones.
This light can cause aging as well, so SPF can play a role in offering protection against this, acting as a shield against the impacts of our tech-heavy lives.
If you haven’t been using SPF every day, there’s a chance that your skin is already damaged but isn’t showing it yet.
Things like dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin can show up years after the damage is done, and while incorporating SPF into your routine is important, it might not be enough to reverse all the blows against your skin that have happened over time.
That’s why it’s also a good idea to use antioxidants, which help to reverse this damage and heal your skin from the inside out.
Vitamin C is a great place to start, and if you haven’t already started using Retinol, that’s a great ingredient to get on your shelf, too!
By using SPF daily and applying antioxidants, you can help undo a bit of aging and prevent more damage to your skin!
After all, healthy skin is happy skin, and the better shape you keep your complexion in, the better it will look!
My next question comes from Helena in Leesburg, VA
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan. I have oily skin, but everyone talks about how moisturizer is so important to avoid aging. Do I still need it if my skin is so oily all the time?
A: Hi Helena! This is a great question, and I totally get where you're coming from. Having oily skin doesn't stop you from needing hydration; in fact, it's a crucial aspect of skincare, even for those with oilier complexions. Let me explain why that is…
You see, it all comes down to a balancing act. Oily skin tends to produce more sebum, but that doesn't mean it's well-hydrated.
Hydration is about water content, and even oily skin can benefit from a good dose of it.
In fact, having well-hydrated skin can have some anti-aging perks of its own!
Hydration plays a role in maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles, regardless of your skin type.
So, if you want to help prevent wrinkles and fine lines, a good moisturizer is your best friend!
Having said that, you may have to be a bit more picky with your moisturizer than most people…
For starters, you’ll want to pay attention to ingredients.
A great moisturizer for you would be something like my Retinol Defense Cream.
Not only is it going to provide the moisture your skin needs, but Retinol has been shown to help regulate sebum levels, making this the ideal option to help you control your oiliness!
If you want to take it a step further, you could try adding something like my Retinol PM Booster into your routine as well.
This Retinol product is a serum consistency, so it’s nice and light and will help you take that oil control to the next level.
On top of that, it contains a bunch of hydrating ingredients, so you’ll be getting double the hydration and minimizing your oiliness at the same time!
So, yes, even with oily skin, giving your skin the hydration it needs is a smart move for keeping those wrinkles at bay.
And if you’re smart about choosing your ingredients, your moisturizer could even help get your skin looking less oily.
I hope this helps!
