Dr. Purvisha Patel

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin on your Feet

Our feet can take a beating during the winter and spring, especially when they’re constantly wrapped up in socks and tight shoes. Here are some tips for getting your feet ready for sandals as we are counting down the days to warm weather.

Why Does the Skin on your Feet Get so Hard and Cracked?

When not consistently taken care of with a proper exfoliation and moisturization routine (particularly during colder weather), the dead skin cells on our feet can build up. Over time, this build up can get thick and crack. While often not a serious health issue, these cracks can be unsightly. When the fissures are deep enough, they can even be painful.

Quickly Remove Dead Skin from Your Feet

Any dead skin on your feet can be taken care of with proper exfoliation. An exfoliating tool, such as a pumice stone or ped egg, can be used to gently get rid of that top layer of dead skin and smooth the surface. It is best to use an exfoliating tool on wet skin after a shower or bath. The warm water helps to soften the skin, making it easier to exfoliate.

Topical products containing chemical exfoliants may also be used to help rid the feet of dead skin cells. Ingredients like lactic acid, uric acid, and glycolic acid can help gently exfoliate the dead skin on the feet and reveal smoother skin.

After exfoliating, it is essential that you moisturize your feet. A good moisturizer will help to repair any cracks on the skin and the skin barrier in general. It will also leave the skin feeling more soft and supple, and looking great for sandals.

The Best Products for Your Feet

In order to get rid of dead skin, prevent cracks, and get your feet looking soft and smooth for the summer, you need to introduce effective products into your routine. These two products will get your feet in tip-top shape – and keep them that way.

Visha Skincare Top 2 Toe

This body wash will keep your feet looking and feeling great all year round. It not only cleanses away debris, but it also has salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates. The formula also includes nourishing cacay oil, anti-inflammatory bakuchiol, cooling tea tree and peppermint oils, and other cleansing and revitalizing ingredients. This convenient 5-in-1 wash can be used not only on your feet, but also on your body, face, and hair. The wash (along with all Visha Skincare products) is free of parabens, sulfates, fragrances, hydroquinone, and gluten, and is cruelty-free.

Visha Skincare Face 2 Feet

Your feet need intense moisturization to stay smooth and supple throughout the year. Face 2 Feet is a body balm that contains shea butter, cocoa butter, sunflower oil, and natural plant-based emollients, all of which treat and soothe dry skin and keep it moisturized. This 5-in-1 body balm can be used all over the body for smooth, moisturized, strengthened, and radiant skin.

Other Tips for Your Feet

• To prevent built up skin and cracks, and to keep your skin looking smooth, you should exfoliate your feet on a regular basis.
• For the best results, moisturize your feet at night. It gives your feet the longest amount of uninterrupted time for the product work on your skin. Our body temperature also rises at night, which helps ingredients get absorbed into the skin.
• A professional pedicure may help you get your feet ready for the summer. A pedicurist will be equipped with exfoliation tools you may not have at home. They’ll also have a closer view of your feet, and may be able to do a better job than you can at home.

The Bottom Line

Dead skin and cracked feet are some of the most common foot problems people face. While they are not a serious health issue, most people will want to take care of this matter as fast as possible, and get their feet looking their very best. With exfoliation and moisturization, you can quickly get your skin sandal and summer ready.

Ingrown hairs are frustrating to deal with, especially when they pop up around the bikini line. If you find yourself constantly dealing with ingrown hairs, read on to learn more about what causes them, how to treat them, and how to prevent them in the first place.

What Are Ingrown Hairs?

An ingrown hair is a hair that grows into the skin, rather than straight out of the hair follicle. Ingrown hairs are most common around areas where you may shave. In addition to the bikini line, this includes your armpits, chest, back, and legs. They can get painful and inflamed, particularly when there are micro infections in the follicle.

What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hairs are often the result of shaving, waxing, or tweezing, as the hair may grow back into the skin. Tight clothing (particularly underwear) may also cause ingrown hairs, as it prevents the hair from growing straight out of the hair follicle.
Anyone can get ingrown hairs, but they are more common in people with curly or thick hair. Curly hair in particular is more likely to curl into the skin, which is why people with this hair type are more prone to ingrown hair.

How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs

If you’re currently dealing with ingrown hairs, here are a few ways you can get rid of them:

• Exfoliate: Scrub the affected area twice a day, using either an exfoliating glove or an exfoliating wash with a washcloth. Exfoliating will remove the build-up in the follicle that is trapping the hair inside, and it may allow the hair to come out through the skin. Be gentle with this process. Scrubbing too hard may lead to irritation and infection. With that in mind, you should also avoid squeezing the clogged follicle.
• Try Over-the-Counter Products: An astringent (such as witch hazel) may help reduce the swelling around the ingrown hair, making it easier to get it out. Cleansers with benzoyl peroxide can also help clear the area of any infection that might have caused the ingrown hair in the first place.
• Apply a Warm Compress: Wet a washcloth with warm water and apply it against the ingrown hair. Leave it for 10 minutes, re-wetting it with warm water as needed. This may help bring the hair closer to the surface.
• Pull Out the Ingrown Hair: If you are comfortable with doing so, you may be able to pull out an ingrown hair using a sterilized needle or tweezers. Be extremely cautious and avoid cutting your skin, as it may cause infection.

Best Products for Ingrown Hairs

If you need a product that will minimize ingrown hairs, this cleanser will do the trick.

Visha Skincare Top 2 Toe

This all over wash has exfoliating acids which help to remove debris that clog the hair follicles. It also has antimicrobial ingredients, like tea tree oil, which limits the likelihood of infections in the hair follicle, and bakuchiol, which decreases inflammation. This cleanser is safe to use on a daily basis on the bikini line area, as well as all over the body for an effective exfoliating cleanse. This product (along with all Visha Skincare products) is free of parabens, sulfates, fragrances, hydroquinone, and gluten, and is cruelty-free.

Tips to Prevent Ingrown Hairs

• If you want to say goodbye to ingrown hairs for good, prevention is key. Here are a few additional tips for preventing ingrown hairs on your bikini line:
• Prior to shaving or removing hair, clean the area effectively. The Visha Skincare Top 2 Toe wash will exfoliate and fight potential infection-causing organisms with its antimicrobial ingredients.
• Shave or remove hair in the direction of the hair growth on your bikini line. It may not make for the closest shave, but is much less likely to lead to ingrown hairs. When shaving, you should also use a sharp, multi-blade razor.
• After shaving, dry the area thoroughly and moisturize. Products containing tea tree oil or aloe will be particularly beneficial.
• Ingrown hairs get inflamed in warm, moist environments, so it is important to avoid these conditions. This means changing out of wet or moist clothing as soon as possible and allowing enough air to get to areas that are prone to ingrown hairs.
• Avoid putting edible personal hygiene products (like coconut oil or olive oil) in the bikini line area (or any area prone to ingrown hairs), as they can clog pores and make ingrown hairs worse.
• After sweating or working out, apply an antimicrobial body spray. Visha Skincare Cheek 2 Feet has witch hazel, tea tree oil, and thyme oil, which work to minimize ingrown hairs.

The Bottom Line

Ingrown hairs are annoying, especially when they pop up around the bikini line, but they can be treated. Once you’ve treated existing ingrown hairs, the best course of action is taking consistent preventative steps that will keep you ready for bikini season.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it is prone to many issues. One of the most common skin issues people face is body acne – and many are noticing that this problem has become increasingly apparent during quarantine. Continue reading to learn more about the causes of body acne, as well as what you can do to fight it.

What is Body Acne?

As you may have guessed, body acne refers to blemishes on the body. Body acne can occur anywhere on the body, but the scalp, back and bottom are particularly prone to these breakouts. Hairy areas of the body are generally more prone to body acne, especially when a person doesn’t shower on a daily basis or after a workout.

What Causes Body Acne?

There are four main factors that contribute to body acne. This includes follicular occlusion (where the hair follicle becomes blocked), bacterial and fungal growth within this clogged follicle, the accumulation of oil, sebum, and sweat in the follicle, and the inflammation of the follicle. The combination of these four factors leads to acne on any part of the body.

How to Get Rid of Body Acne:

To get rid of body acne, it is important to incorporate an exfoliating wash that kills bacteria and fungus into your showering routine. By using this type of wash on a daily basis, you’ll be able to decrease the bacteria and fungus on the skin – ultimately diminishing the breakout. You’ll find a recommendation for an effective body acne fighting wash below.

Of course, prevention is also key, and it is important to take a few steps to stop body acne from forming in the first place. At times like these when many people are working from home, it is easy to skip the shower for a day or two. However, it is important to shower on a daily basis with an acne-killing body wash in order to prevent follicular occlusion and the build up of oil and sweat on the skin. It is also particularly crucial to shower immediately after a workout.

Dirty and sweaty clothing will also contribute to body acne. It is important to wear a clean set of clothes every day, and to change out of sweaty gym clothes immediately after a workout to help decrease microbe growth in the hair follicles.

Best Products for Body Acne

If you’re looking to fight body acne, here is an effective body wash that will get the job done.

Visha Skincare Top 2 Toe

This wash can be used on the hair, face, and body to fight acne while still leaving the skin clean and hydrated. It effectively dissolves dirt, sweat, and excess oils, and decreases microbes on the skin to minimize and prevent body acne. The formula includes exfoliating salicylic acid, nourishing cacay oil, anti-inflammatory bakuchiol, cooling tea tree and peppermint oils, and other cleansing and revitalizing ingredients. This product (along with all Visha Skincare products) is free of parabens, sulfates, fragrances, hydroquinone, and gluten, and is cruelty-free.

Other Tips to Prevent Body Acne

In addition to the treatment and preventative tips mentioned above, here are a few tips you should keep in mind while fighting body acne:

• Wear looser clothing, as it allows in airflow and helps prevent occlusion of the pores, which contributes to body acne.
• During quarantine, many people aren’t getting enough vitamin D on a daily basis, and some people are more prone to acne and rashes when they are vitamin D deficient. Aim to get some sunshine for at least 30 minutes every day. Expose 30% of your body to help it produce vitamin D. Be sure to wear an SPF of at least 30.
• For your acne and your overall health, drink six glasses of water every day. Also be sure to get eight hours of sleep each night, and take a probiotic and a multivitamin daily.
• Many of our eating habits have been thrown off course during the pandemic. Take note of what you are eating on a daily basis, and avoid inflammatory foods. This includes sugar, dairy, and gluten.

The Bottom Line

Most people will face body acne at least once in their lives, and in a time like now when our routines and habits have shifted, the issue can be particularly prevalent. If you’re dealing with body acne, follow the treatment and preventative steps outlined above, and you’ll be on your way to clear and smooth skin from head to toe.

Unfortunately for many with acne-prone skin, the frustration doesn’t stop once a blemish is healed. Marks in the form of acne scars or dark spots linger on, and it can be difficult to get rid of them. Continue reading to learn more about acne scars and dark spots, as well as the products and professional treatments you can use to fade them.

What are Acne Scars?

Acne scars are typically caused by more moderate to severe acne. When a blemish is inflamed, the body responds by creating either an excess or too little tissue to try to heal the spot, treating it as an injury. This results in an acne scar.
These scars result in a textural change in the skin, around the spot where the blemish existed. With an excess of tissue, a raised scar is produced (called hypertrophic scars). With too little tissue, a depressed scar is produced (called atrophic scars). These types of acne scars don’t fade on their own, and typically require treatment from a professional in order to fully diminish their appearance.

What are Dark Spots?

Dark spots from acne (or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are often referred to as acne scars. However, since they don’t deal with an excess or loss of tissue, they aren’t technically scars.

These spots are simply a discoloration of the skin. As with the acne scars mentioned above, these discolored spots are formed as your body is trying to heal itself from the injury of the breakout. Melanocytes (which are pigment producing cells distributed throughout the skin) swell when they are exposed to inflammation, creating these discolored, flat spots.

Over time, these spots generally fade on their own. However, there are professional treatments and over-the-counter products you can use to speed up the process.

What Causes Acne Scars and Dark Spots?

Acne scars and dark spots are both usually the result of inflammation of a pimple. This inflammation may come from the pimple itself. However, any trauma caused to the blemish (such as through picking or squeezing it) can also cause an acne scar or dark spot to form.

How Do You Get Rid of Acne Scars and Dark Spots?

There are both professional treatments and over-the-counter products you can try to minimize the appearance of acne scars and dark spots. For over-the-counter products, it is important to look for exfoliating ingredients, such as retinol, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and AHAs (like glycolic and lactic acid). These types of ingredients work by essentially tricking the skin into thinking it is being wounded. The top layer of skin is sloughed away and the production of collagen is promoted, resulting in decreased acne scars and lightened dark spots.

For acne scars, professional treatments options include chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers. Dark spots are best treated with either lasers or chemical peels. Multiple sessions may be needed to fully fade spots or scars. Meet with a dermatologist to determine which type and strength of treatment will work best for your specific needs.

Dark spots can also be faded using a prescribed hydroquinone cream, which lightens the skin. However, hydroquinone has been found to be toxic, and should not be used for more than 12 weeks.

The Best Products to Try for Acne Scars

If you want to try an over-the-counter product to minimize the appearance of dark spots or acne scars, try out these two effective options:

Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex™

This multitasking anti-aging serum contains a variety of active ingredients that both decrease and prevent breakouts and minimize scarring and spots. The formula includes retinol, vitamin E, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid, all of which work to exfoliate, brighten, and even out the skin tone. There is also Illuminotex™, a natural skin-lightening complex that is safer than hydroquinone. Beyond minimizing the appearance of dark spots and scars, these ingredients boost collagen production, soften wrinkles, and minimize the appearance of pores.

Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser

This effective cleanser features zinc, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and citric acid, which work to prevent and treat pimples while also exfoliating the skin to decrease scarring. The active ingredients also help to reduce redness and irritation. It is free of sulfates and parabens, and can be used twice daily to effectively cleanse debris and residue and reveal smoother, more even toned skin.

The Bottom Line

Acne scars and dark spots plague many acne sufferers, but thankfully they can be treated, either with professional treatments or over-the-counter products. In order to prevent these scars from getting darker and more noticeable while you are trying to diminish them, be sure you are wearing an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis. This will decrease the exposure of the inflamed skin to UV radiation.

Plant stem cells have become a buzzy skincare ingredient, but what are their actual benefits? We’ll discuss the effectiveness of plant stem cells, and how they are used in skin care products.

What Are Plant Stem Cells?

Plant stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are found in the meristems of plants. They are able to divide in order to produce more stem cells, and can also become specialized cells. After injury, these stem cells help to stimulate and regenerate tissue to repair damage in a plant.

How are Plant Stem Cells Used in Skin Care Products

In skin care products, an extract of the plant stem cells is used, rather than the actual cells, as the cells would be dead by the time they hit the skin and have no effect. In order for them to be effective, these extracts need to be in a formula that is water soluble and has a low pH, since the extracts are naturally acidic.

On labels, plant stem cells may be called phyto cells, plant extracts, or fruit extracts. Since not all plants have been proven to show efficacy with their stem cells, it is important to look at where a brand sources their plant stem cells, and if they have clinical trials to back up their claims.

Benefits of Using Plant Stem Cells for Skin Care

The use of plant stem cells in skin care was originally studied in Switzerland, using the stem cells from Swiss apples. The extracts from the plant stem cells were found to reverse the aging process of cultured fibroblasts, which are active cells in connective tissue. An initial study found that these extracts decreased the appearance of crow’s feet, and following studies found the plant stem cells showed efficacy in wound healing and repairing the skin.

These findings show that plant stem cell extracts may be effective in fighting the signs of aging. It is important to note, however, that the benefits of plant stem cells come from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are found in the extracts – not because plant stem cells are regenerative. Even if active plant stem cells were directly applied to the skin, they would not be able to repair and regenerate human skin as they would plants. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are still great for protecting against damaging free radicals and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

Plant stem cell extracts are most beneficial when combined with exfoliating ingredients, such as retinol, bakuchiol, and alpha-hydroxy acids. The extracts could also be beneficial when applied after procedures that wound the skin on a micro level, such as chemical peels, microneedling, and dermaplaning.

Products to Heal and Repair Your Skin

While plant stem cells can work to get more youthful skin, they are just one of hundreds of potential skin care ingredients. Visha Skincare products contain a variety of active ingredients that have been proven to be effective in improving the overall appearance of skin. Here are two products that are particularly powerful when it comes to fighting the signs of aging and revealing glowing, even skin.

Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex™

This multitasking anti-aging serum is full of ingredients that improve the overall appearance of the skin while still keeping it hydrated. It contains a variety of active ingredients, including exfoliating acids, retinol, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and Illuminotex™, a skin-brightening complex that addresses aging and hyperpigmentation. These potent ingredients boost collagen production, soften wrinkles, minimize sun spots and hyper-pigmentation, improve skin texture, and minimize the appearance of pores. This powerful anti-aging serum can be used twice a day for the best results.

Visha Skincare Advanced Bright Eye Booster

This effective eye cream combines peptide technology with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, stimulating caffeine, and brightening emblica extract, along with other hydrating and rejuvenating plant-based ingredients. The 4-in-1 eye cream reduces puffiness, moisturizes, reduces wrinkles, and minimizes the appearance of under-eye dark circles for a brighter and more youthful appearance. For the best results, this potent eye cream can be applied morning and night.

The Bottom Line

There are benefits to using plant stem cell extracts in skin care, and they do contribute towards fighting the visible signs of aging. However, their benefits come from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and not because they regenerate and repair human skin the same way they do plants. They can be a nice addition to a skin care product, but are not the only gateway towards youthful, glowing skin.

Many skin care enthusiasts are turning to natural topical products to fight signs of aging. Here is information on 4 interesting natural anti-aging skin care ingredients and how they actually work on the skin.

Do Natural Anti-Aging Ingredients Work?

While natural skin care products are popular, many are skeptical about whether these ingredients are actually effective. Do natural anti-aging ingredients work? The answer is the same for both synthetic and natural ingredients: some work, while others don’t. Skin care ingredients (regardless of their source) that have been studied and proven to be effective are the best bet for youthful, glowing skin.

4 Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care Ingredients

There are plenty of natural skin care ingredients out there, but these unique ingredients each have their own surprising skin benefits.

Yogurt

Probiotic-rich yogurt is known for being good for gut health, but this fridge staple is also wonderful for the skin. The anti-aging properties of yogurt come from the lactic acid and the probiotics. Lactic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), is a chemical exfoliant that promotes skin turnover. This reveals brighter skin and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The probiotics in yogurt also help reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin. For an anti-aging mask experience, unflavored yogurt can be applied to clean skin and washed off after 10 to 15 minutes.

Algae Extract

Algae extract is packed with anti-aging and overall skin health benefits. There are a variety of types of algae, each of which offers their own benefits. However, in general, algae is packed with vital trace elements that help with the firmness, suppleness, and elasticity of the skin, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and silicon. Algae extract also inhibits collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen, meaning it assists with reversing the processes that lead to signs of aging. On top of these benefits, algae is extremely moisturizing, as it is water-binding.

Urea

Urea is a component of urine, and is also found in the skin’s natural barrier. Synthetic urea is commonly used in topical skin products because it is hydrophilic – meaning it is water-loving. Since urea has the impressive ability to hold onto water molecules, it is deeply hydrating to the skin. In larger concentrations, urea has keratolytic properties, meaning it breaks down the bond between dead skin cells and naturally exfoliates the skin, revealing smoother and brighter skin that is better able to absorb other skin care ingredients. Both the hydrating and exfoliating abilities of urea make it an excellent natural anti-aging skin care ingredient.

Snail Extract

Snail extract in skin care can be traced back to ancient Greece, but it has become particularly popular in modern times, especially in Asia. There are actual facial treatments where snails are put on the skin and crawl over the surface, but those who aren’t on-board with this method can also find snail extract in bottled topical skin care products. Regardless of the form, it is believed that the enzymes in the snail extract (which is technically mucus) exfoliate the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, while also helping with water retention for more hydrated and supple skin.

Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

If you’re looking for skin care products with potent ingredients that are proven to be effective, take a look at these two anti-aging products from Visha Skincare. All Visha Skincare products are free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, fragrances, and hydroquinone, and are cruelty-free.

Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex™

This multitasking anti-aging serum is full of ingredients that improve the overall appearance of the skin while still keeping it hydrated. The active ingredients boost collagen production, soften wrinkles, minimize sun spots and hyper-pigmentation, improve skin texture, and minimize the appearance of pores. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring humectant that significantly boosts hydration levels. It also contains exfoliating acids (including lactic acid, the AHA that makes yogurt so effective), retinol, and Illuminotex™, a skin-brightening complex that addresses aging and hyperpigmentation.

Visha Skincare Advanced Bright Eye Booster

This plant-based eye cream combines peptide technology with powerful ingredients that reduce puffiness, moisturize, reduce wrinkles, and minimize the appearance of under-eye dark circles for a brighter and more youthful appearance. The cream contains moisturizing hyaluronic acid, stimulating caffeine, and brightening emblica extract, along with other hydrating and rejuvenating plant-based ingredients. For the best results, this potent eye cream can be applied morning and night.

Final Thoughts

The right natural anti-aging skin care ingredients can effectively fight the signs of aging and reveal youthful skin. While you don’t have to go all natural, by selecting powerful ingredients (both natural and synthetic) that have been proven to be effective, you’ll be on your way towards glowing, rejuvenated skin.

If you’ve ever seen a makeup commercial, visited a dermatologist or read anything about skin care, you’ve probably heard the term “skin type.” There are five skin types generally accepted by the dermatology community, and they include dry, normal, combination, oily or sensitive.

While skin type is often determined by genetics, it can change over time. Recognizing your skin type is crucial to determining what skin care routine and products will work for you. Below are some tips for identifying your skin type and how to care for it.

Dry Skin

While dry skin has its downsides, it’s not all bad. Those of you with this skin type will experience smaller, less noticeable pores and fewer blemishes or acne problems.

Signs of dry skin include:

• Small, nearly invisible pores
• A dull complexion
• Redness or peeling, especially after being outdoors
• Fine lines
• Lack of elasticity

The symptoms of dry skin can be exacerbated by:

• Weather (particularly at high altitudes or in very cold, dry climates)
• UV radiation from tanning outdoors or in a tanning bed
• Long, hot baths or showers
• Some soaps or cosmetics
• Some medicines

To manage your dry skin:

• Moisturize daily. People with dry skin are more likely to see signs of aging like wrinkles at an earlier age. Choose face lotions and body lotions offering “deep moisture” and watch for ingredients that will help your skin retain the moisture, like:
  • Glycerin
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Mineral oil
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Lanolin
  • Ceramides
  • Dimethicone
• Take shorter showers, and don’t use steaming hot water if you can avoid it. Also, avoid multiple showers in a single day, as hot water can strip oils from the skin.
• Avoid scented soaps or cleansers. Choose mild or unscented products instead.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Normal Skin

If you’ve got normal skin, consider yourself lucky! Normal skin is most prevalent in younger people. Signs of normal skin include:

• Few, if any, imperfections
• Few, if any, sensitivities
• Small pores
• A clear complexion with a natural “glow”

For you lucky people with normal skin, you won’t have to follow any sort of strict regimen to keep it relatively healthy. However, it’s important to remember my basic skin care recommendations:

• Moisturize daily
• Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF daily

Oily Skin

If you’ve got oily skin, you may have noticed that it gets shiny throughout the day or that your clogged pores often produce blemishes. But just as with dry skin, it’s not all bad! People with oily skin tend to retain moisture well, which is great for preventing visible signs of aging later.

Signs of oily skin include:

• A shiny complexion
• Blackheads, pimples or other blemishes resulting from clogged pores
• Larger, more visible pores

Oily skin is often a result of genetics, but can be exacerbated by stress, humidity, using the wrong skin products or hormonal imbalances from life events like puberty.

To care for your oily skin, remember to:

• Use oil-free cleansers and moisturizers
• Don’t pop your pimples! As stated in our blog post on acne myths, it doesn’t make them go away. “Popping” a pimple can actually push the infection back into the skin and bring that thing back with a vengeance.
• Wash your face regularly, especially after working out or sweating heavily. Don’t wash more than twice per day or you risk your skin creating more oil to replace what has been washed away.

Combination Skin

This is exactly what it sounds like. Some people experience signs of dry skin, oily skin and normal skin all at once. Usually, the various types are spread throughout the face and body, with oily skin taking over traditionally acne-prone areas like the “T-Zone” (the area that includes your forehead, nose and chin) and dry skin taking over areas that get less attention, like the cheeks.

To recognize or manage your combination skin, identify whether you experience symptoms associated with dry, oily or normal skin as noted above. It’s probably better to use oil-free moisturizers and unscented soaps as these will be beneficial for all skin types.

Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin often experience reactions to a variety of skin care products or outside other outside factors. The most important thing to remember is to understand what causes the reaction and adjust your routine accordingly.

Signs of sensitive skin include:

• Redness or rashes, particularly related to specific products or ingredients
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Varied reactions depending on the product

If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to discuss your routine with a dermatologist. Sometimes, medicated soaps or other products may be the best route for you.

Have any questions about your skin type, routine or products? Call 901-759-2322 or request an appointment online today!

Do you find yourself coveting the airbrushed skin of models on TV, billboards or magazine covers? We all yearn for radiant skin, but can you get movie star skin naturally? How do you avoid crossing the line of natural shine to having greasy skin? Beauty may only be skin deep, but the importance of skin health goes much deeper. Here’s the skinny on how to keep your skin young and healthy while maintaining a sensible amount of its protective moisture.

Skin Care Dos

• Protect skin from sun damage by using SPF 30 sunscreen every day and avoiding prolonged exposure.
• Wash your face in the morning and at night.
• Moisturize twice daily. Be sure to change your moisturizer twice a year to adapt to seasonal changes. In the fall and winter, you should use a heavier moisturizer due to the dry air; while in spring and summer, use a lighter moisturizer with SPF for sun protection.
• Exercise regularly. Cardio can be especially helpful as it stimulates blood flow.
• Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to help flush out toxins from your body.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Fruits will help hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, and foods rich in vitamin C will help collagen production to keep your skin looking youthful and smooth. Some common foods containing vitamin C include oranges, guava, kiwi fruit, leafy greens and red peppers.
• Exfoliate weekly to buff out imperfections and remove dead skin cells, revealing a stunning new layer of skin. Use a loofah pad or facial/body scrub (sugar, salt, beads or crystals) gently against your skin in a circular motion.
• Take a multivitamin daily that contains vitamins A, D and C.
• Switch from using pressed powder to loose powder, as pressed powders contain oil as an ingredient.
• Be patient. Most people start seeing their desired results in about two to six weeks.

Skin Care Don’ts

• Bathe in very hot water or take long, hot baths – Bathing in hot water strips skin of its moisture and washes away protective oils.
• Rub the wrong way – Rubbing your skin hard or aggressively can result in peeling, breaking small blood vessels and stretching the skin.
• Touch your face – Touching thousands of surfaces daily makes your hands magnets for dirt, germs and oils. While most of us are guilty of touching our faces throughout the day, doing this can spread these unwanted germs and oils on your skin, resulting in clogged pores.
• Smoke – This nasty habit can cause wrinkles, unwanted skin color and texture, and potentially skin cancer.

What to Use on Your Skin

• Mild, non-detergent cleansers – These include gels, foams or cloths. Using heavy-duty cleansers can dry out your skin and sometimes worsen a prior condition.
• Fragrance-free products –Fragrances cause most of the common skin-related allergic reactions.
• pH-balanced products – Make sure any acid-laced products are pH-balanced, meaning the pH is in sync with your skin. This will help remove makeup without robbing your skin of natural oils.
• Multi-tasking moisturizers – Look for moisturizers that will hydrate and protect.
• Toner – There are tons of mixed signals floating around about skin toners, and rightfully so. Toner is used to clean deep into the pores of your skin, but depending on your skin type, it may further dry out your skin. If you have found an appropriate toner for your skin type, be sure to apply a moisturizer afterward. Your dermatologist can help determine if toner is right for your skin and the best toner for your skin type.

Have more questions? Call 901-759-2322 or request an appointment online today!

Scars are like tattoos but with better stories. Have you ever heard that quote? It’s so true. Scars are the result of a change to the skin as it heals from a wound. Scars can result from just about any type of wound, from abrasions to incisions. This blog post will give you some basic info on scars, as well as how to prevent them or make them less noticeable.

What is a scar?

Scar tissue is comprised of collagen, which is the same tissue content as normal skin. What makes it look different than the skin around it is that collagen fibers in scar tissue will form a different pattern. Where normal collagen has a woven pattern, scar tissue exhibits a “cross-stitch” type of pattern.

Scar tissue is weaker than normal skin tissue. It is more susceptible to damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and sweat glands and hair follicles do not grow back after the wound heals.

Are there different types of scars?

Yes. While all scars are composed of the same type of tissue as the once-healthy skin they occupy, not all scars are created equal.

• Hypertrophic scars are a result of the body producing too much collagen. They present as red bumps on the skin on the scarred area. They typically take shape a month or two after the wound heals.
• Keloids are a type of hypertrophic scar. They also present as red bumps on the skin, but can grow beyond the original wound site and do not go away over time. Keloids are most common in people with darker skin. While they are often the result of a wound, some people do form them spontaneously. It is important to note that keloids are not dangerous, although they are a cosmetic issue for some people.
• Atrophic scars make the skin appear sunken. They are generally the result of losing fat or muscle in one area, causing the skin to sink a little. Acne scarring or surgical scars are generally atrophic.
• Stretch marks are a result of the skin stretching rapidly and for prolonged periods of time. Often caused by quick weight gain or loss, growth spurts or pregnancy, stretch marks are also more of a cosmetic issue than a medical concern.

Can I prevent scars?

Not really. Not all wounds will form scars. For example, a simple knee scrape or a scratch will generally not cause enough damage to form scar tissue. A deeper wound will form scar tissue. A general rule of thumb is that the longer it takes your skin to heal, the more likely you are to develop a scar. If you want to prevent a scar, prevent any injury or wound on your skin.

Can I treat a scar or make it less noticeable?

Absolutely. There are a variety of treatments available for scars, some more effective than others. It’s important to note that no treatment will result in complete restoration of your healthy skin, but there are several options for reducing the scar’s appearance. Some options include:

• Over-the-counter treatments – Creams like Mederma often advertise their ability to reduce the appearance of scars. To be honest, it isn’t going to speed up the process a whole lot, if at all. Most scars will become less noticeable over time anyway, particularly things like stretch marks. If you don’t want to break out the big guns and visit a dermatologist, you should consider waiting before trying anything from the drugstore.
• Collagen induction therapy – Often referred to as “skin needling,” this procedure is performed by a doctor and is meant to introduce normal collagen into the scarred area.
• Exfoliation, chemical peels or dermabrasion – Removing the scarred layer of skin can often result in a lighter appearance for a scar. Traditional at-home exfoliation is probably not enough, depending on the depth and size of the scar. I recommend visiting a trusted dermatologist to discuss whether a chemical peel or dermabrasion procedure can help you.
• Fillers – Like collagen induction, fillers will introduce normal collagen into an atrophic scar, helping raise them to the level of surrounding healthy skin. It’s important to note that fillers are not permanent, so if this is your chosen solution you may need to have the procedure done every few months to maintain your desired results.
• Laser treatments – Different types of laser treatments are available for all types of scars. You’ll need to meet with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to understand your options and which treatment, if any, is right for your scars. Like chemical peels or dermabrasion, most lasers work by burning or removing the most scarred layer of skin to reduce the appearance of a scar.

Have any more questions about scarring? Call 901-759-2322 or request an appointment online today!