Hello there! It’s Dr. Ryan writing to you here and I’m so grateful for another beautiful Friday! If you’ve been getting my emails for some time, you know exactly what time it is… It’s Mailbag Friday! Today I have 2 questions to answer from customers who need to learn more about how to get the skin of their dreams.
First up is Samantha from St. Augustine, FL.
Q: Hello Dr. Ryan. Usually, my skin is normal during winter, but my skin has been really dry this year. I’m using your Repair and Release Cream but it feels like my face is too dry before I even put it on. What could the problem be?
A: Hi Samantha! I’m sorry to hear that your skin has been acting up this winter. If it makes you feel any better, my skin has been extra dry this year as well! If you’re already using my Repair and Release Cream but you’re not seeing any difference, I think I know what the problem could be…
Most people think that to fix dry skin all you need is a hydrating moisturizer, but if your skin is dry before you even put it on, you might not see the change you really want.
While my Repair and Release Cream is chock-full of rich, moisturizing ingredients like Shea butter and Cocoa butter, there’s only so much it can do if the rest of your routine isn’t helping your dryness.
The first thing you should look at is your cleanser. For people with dry, flaky skin, this is usually the source of the problem.
Your skin has lots of precious natural oils that it needs to stay hydrated and smooth, and if your cleanser is too strong, it will wash away all of those oils and make your skin desperate for moisture!
A good way to tell whether your cleanser is too strong is to smile after you’ve rinsed it off. If your skin feels tight when you do that, it’s time to get a more gentle product that is soothing for dry skin.
Something like my Lavender Oil Cleanser will do the trick!
Next, your skin may just need an extra boost of intense hydration in the form of a serum.
Serums are great because they soak into the skin extra fast and deliver more targeted results.
The best serum to use is something with Sodium Hyaluronate (this is in my Collagen Filler Serum!), which helps to attract moisture to the skin and lock it in for a more hydrated, plump appearance!
After you’ve used both of these products, you’ll find that the Repair and Release Cream can do a much better job of keeping your skin protected all day!
My next question comes from Greta in Charleston, SC.
Q: Hi Dr. Ryan! I really hope you can help me… I’m 50 and I’ve never had any issues with dark spots, but recently I’ve noticed huge areas on my face are getting darker than the rest of my skin. It makes me feel so self-conscious. What should I do?
A: Hi Greta! I am so sorry that you’re feeling self-conscious, but I’m glad you reached out to me because this is exactly why I do these mailbags - to help people like you who need advice with their skin! I have a couple of suggestions that I think will make a huge difference…
Firstly, I just want to say that it’s completely normal to see changes in your skin as you age. Women go through so many hormonal shifts throughout their lives, and you’re not alone when it comes to seeing these dark patches.
My biggest recommendation for you is to start using a product that has the ability to help lighten dark spots and prevent them, too.
The first thing you’ll want to look for is a product that you can apply all over your face and that also has Vitamin C in it.
Vitamin C is the most popular brightening ingredient so it shouldn’t be hard to find at all!
Having said that, this next ingredient is a little harder to find…
It’s called Scutilleria, and it’s derived from a plant in the mint family.
It helps to brighten dark areas and protect the skin from UV damage, which is essential for preventing those patches from getting darker.
I love both of these ingredients and have seen the results from them first-hand.
That’s why they’re two of the most important puzzle pieces in my Dark Spot Corrector!
If you make a point of using these two ingredients twice a day all over your face, you should notice that your entire complexion becomes brighter and you’ll help those dark patches become less and less visible.
I hope this helps, Greta, and I can’t wait to see the results you get!
