I rec'ed Dr Baumann's book from Santa and have been very excited about it. Unfortuantely, I am one who over analyzes everything so I have gotten myself royally confused! I have spent no telling how much on derm visits and creams over the past 2 years without alot of luck and I have lots of questions that I am hoping to get some answers to - so you will be seeing alot of me! Pls be patient with me as I work my way thru all this! Here are my first 3 questions -

1) I have typed myself as DSPW and have been using sunscreens containing a 50 spf because I am so paranoid about these brown spots on my checks. I am come to find out that even though I am using a 50 it may not be the right one b/c of the uva / uvb protection - I don't think it is both. When I use the UVA / UVB s.screens it leaves a horrible white film on my face and as I rub it in it rolls up and then by the end of the day (5pm or so), I am back to having the flakey patches. Any suggestions? I have tried the Solbar, Olay Total Effects and Neutrogena ones.

2) I have dark circles under my eyes, more purple than brown, and as I carefully examine I can see that the skin appears thin. My eye area is very dry and nothing I have tried helps. It looks moisturized until I go to put on concealer and then it looks very dry. I am currently using Olay Eye Regeriest and it feels really good when putting it on but looks like crap when I put on concealer.

3) Because I have spent a small fortune on creams over the last 2 years, I decided to order my Renova from medsmex. I have always been told to put it on before my nightime moisturizer but have been reading in the book that it can be used on top of the moisturizer. Your thoughts? Is it as effective? Seems like the moisturizer would block the Renova from penetrating.

FYI - I use Bare Escentuals for 1) I like the lightness feel of it and 2) When I use liquid makeup, my skin just rolls up as I am applying it.

Any advice is much appreciated and again sorry this was so long!