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WELL+GOOD posted “In the great oil vs. moisturizer debate, which should you *really* be grabbing when your skin is dry AF?” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare .

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on using facial oil when not a fan of moisturizers.

Now that pictures of football Sundays and apple picking have begun to dominate our Instagram feeds, it means that dehydrated skin season is upon us. As the weather changes, so too do the needs of our skin: We need all the hydration we can get. As far as getting our faces nice and lubed up in order to combat what the cold air is doing to them, we generally have two options—moisturizer and oil. But which one reigns supreme in the battle against dehydrated skin? The answer, to put it simply, is… both.

“A combo of both is truly best,” confirms Natalie White, a skin therapist at Heyday Beverly. She notes that using an oil without a moisturizer can potentially do more harm than good, because your skin may become reliant on it and begin to either under or over-produce its own natural oils, leading to dryness or excessive oiliness. If you don’t love the idea of layering oil on top of your moisturizer, though, she suggests mixing a drop of it into the cream to “enhance your moisturizer and target specific skin conditions.” Or if you really hate moisturizer and are exclusively team facial oil all the way, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, Purvisha Patel, MD suggests using your cream when your skin is wet so that there’s at least some water present for it to trap beneath your skin.

Read the full article here.

Skincare.com posted “Skin Sleuth: What Is Rosehip Oil?” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare .

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on what Rosehip oil is and the benefits on using it.

Roses are good for more than just looking pretty in a vase or putting a smile on someone’s face. Rosehip oil, which is extracted from the seeds located in the hips of the rose plant, is a popular skin-care ingredient in the beauty space. Chances are, you probably already use an oil, moisturizer or cream boasting this plant derivative in its formula, but if you don’t know exactly all that it can do, you’re not alone. Ahead, Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, gives us the scoop on rosehip oil and its many skin-care benefits.

What Is Rosehip Oil?

If you have been searching for more antioxidant-rich products to use, consider incorporating rosehip oil into your daily regimen. Rosehips contain a high level of vitamins A and C, making them a powerful antioxidant — which, as we know, are known to help neutralize the negative effects of free radicals, among other things. “Vitamin A promotes cell turnover [on the outermost layers of skin’s surface], which helps to give the appearance of smooth skin and minimize visible fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Patel. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps with surface cell damage and lightens the appearance of discoloration. Both of these vitamins [when found in skincare products can] help reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars and pigmentation [over time with continued use].” Rosehip oil is also rich in essential fatty acids, which help restore the skin barrier and trap water in the skin to moisturize, she explains.

How to Use Rosehip Oil in Your Skin-Care Routine

Similar to other natural ingredients — coconut oil, aloe, castor oil and so on — rosehip oil can be found in its pure form or as an ingredient in a variety of skin-care products. “Rosehip seed oil as an oil works well on the scalp for moisturizing hair,” says Dr. Patel. Or, when incorporated into skin balms, such as the Visha Skincare Face 2 Feet 5-in-1 Body Balm or the SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm, it can help nourish dry skin and replenish moisture.

Read the full article here.

Beyoutiful Magazine posted “These 4 major mistakes will age you overnight!” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

While the aging process is inevitable, it’s safe to say that majority of us would prefer to age gracefully. You may think getting a good night’s sleep (AKA your beauty rest), slathering on SPF to prevent sun damage, and putting on your anti-aging night cream before bed is enough. However, what if you found out the way you sleep or your nightly skin-care regimen was actually causing you to speed up the aging process? We talked to Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, to find out the everyday habits that might actually be doing damage to your skin.

Sleeping on your face

“Gravity wins when we sleep on our faces,” explains Patel. The immediate effects—puffiness and swollen eyes—are caused by gravity pulling the fluid in your face downwards. Over time, sleeping face-down promotes full-face sagging and loss of collagen over time. Patel’s advice? If you don’t want to age faster, don’t sleep on your face. Train yourself to like sleeping on your back to lessen gravity’s effect on your face. (Plus, it’s better for your back!)

Not washing your face

It’s not uncommon for women to forget to take off their makeup before bed, but it’s certainly a step you don’t want to miss. Washing your face before bed is essential to removing the dirt, sweat, and makeup from the day. “If you work out and sweat, or have makeup on, the pores get clogged, making breakouts happen,” explains Patel. “If you have oily skin, the face will appear greasier and oily.” Patel recommends using an exfoliating cleanser to thoroughly wash your face and unclog your pores to prepare your skin to refresh and regenerate overnight. (Gently cleanse your face with The Rain facial cleanser, available at the Prevention Shop.)

Using too many skin-care products

If you use a ton of different skin-care products and aren’t sure of the exact use of each product, that can actually be harmful to your skin. For example: “Products that contain retinol are used to prevent wrinkles, and when mixed with products with benzoyl peroxide to fight acne, it can make your skin dry and increase skin irritation,” says Patel. When the skin gets dry and irritated, it looks red and inflamed—making any fine lines appear more apparent. Instead, stick to the products that you’re familiar with and that work for your skin type.

Not drinking enough water

Hydration is important from the inside out. “Water is an important component of the skin and the structures beneath the skin,” explains Patel. “When you are dehydrated, skin loses turgor and bounce.” From a short-term perspective, dehydration leads to dry skin that appears wrinkly and sunken in the eye area. Over time, consistent dehydration can cause loss of elasticity of the skin—meaning it doesn’t bounce back. Patel recommends feeding your skin at least six glasses of water a day.

Read the full article here.

Everyday Health posted “How to Tweak Your Skin-Care Routine for Winter, Depending on Your Skin Type” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare .

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on dealing with harsh winter weather and keeping your skin healthy.

In winter, skin just can’t win. That’s because it has a lot to contend with — both indoors and out. “Cold air and wind constrict blood vessels and can result in decreased moisture to the surface of the skin. Hot showers and heating inside evaporate water from the skin faster, resulting in drier skin that can crack and become inflamed,” explains Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Memphis, Tennessee, and founder of Visha Skincare. All that to say, if you’ve been grappling with angry skin, you’re not alone.

While that may mean this season isn’t the most ideal for your complexion, it doesn’t mean you can’t have glowing, healthy skin right now. All you need to do is make a few pivots within your existing routine, depending on your skin type or concern. It’s also important to recommit to caring for your skin with an inside-out approach, sticking to healthy habits like getting eight hours of sleep every night, drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the day, and, if your healthcare team okays it, taking a daily probiotic, says Dr. Patel. Early research suggests these supplements may offer anti-aging benefits by balancing skin pH, strengthening the skin barrier, reducing photoaging, and more, noted a review published in January 2016 in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

When it comes to topical tweaks, here’s how the right cleanser, a good moisturizer, and smart wellness habits can battle environmental elements, indoors and out.

Read the full article here.

Best Products posted “Bakuchiol: The Retinol Alternative That’s a Dream for Sensitive Skin” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare .

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on Bakuchiol and the many benefits on using it.

It seems like every day there’s a new beauty buzzword to know, but the latest one is definitely worth paying attention to. It’s called bakuchiol (that’s buh-koo-chee-all), and it’s a retinol alternative that’s 100% natural.

Why should you care about retinol, anyway? The vitamin A derivative is a wonder ingredient when it comes to reducing the look of fine lines, and it can even help with treating acne and fading dark spots. We practically bathe ourselves in it every night. But that being said, it also has some drawbacks. For one, retinol can be too harsh for sensitive skin (we’ve made the mistake of not easing into a new retinol-containing product; cue the redness and flaking), and two, it’s on the no-no list for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

That’s why the arrival of bakuchiol is so exciting. It offers all of the same benefits, but it’s entirely plant-based, so you won’t experience irritation, and it’s pregnancy-safe, too. “Bakuchiol has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties,” says board-certified Dr. Purvisha Patel of Visha Skincare. “It works like retinol to encourage cell turnover, resulting in new, younger skin cells beneath. The exfoliation tricks the skin into thinking it’s wounded, resulting in increased collagen production.”

Another bonus? Retinol products make skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so it’s best to limit them to evening use, and then follow up with a strong SPF in the morning. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, can be used any time. And with skin-smoothing and anti-aging properties, who wouldn’t want it to be part of both their a.m. and p.m. routines?!

Dr. Patel says that “bakuchiol is not as irritating in the cell turnover process as retinol, resulting in less redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity. It is better suited for sun-sensitive skin … and it’s also a great ingredient in body products, such as Visha Skincare Top2Toe, as it can be applied to the whole body without irritating skin.”

Read the full article here.

Greatist posted “The Simplest Skin Care Routine on the Planet — for People Who Just Can’t” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare.

The article features Dr. Patel’s expert commentary on how to repair skin with a nighttime skin routine, including the use of the Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum.

Finding and committing to a routine has always seemed like a daunting task to me. The sheer number of products on the market is staggering and you have to ask yourself questions like: “Why does my face need a mini rolling pin?” and “Do I really have to use a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and eye cream?”

Honestly, it can seem easier just to skip the whole thing.

Which is exactly what I did for the first 27 years of my life. But after a friend of mine physically recoiled in horror after I confessed that I did not even use a daily face lotion regularly, I thought perhaps it was finally time I changed that.

Being completely new to skin care, I turned to everyone from friends and family to beauty bloggers and professional derms to put together a routine that would enable my #GlowUp — and was simple enough that I would actually stick to it.

After testing out different products and learning from the pros, here’s my advice based on the easy and effective changes I made to start my skin care routine.

Every morning

In the mornings, I like to keep it as easy as possible since I’m usually already rushing to get ready for work. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel put it best: “If you have never started a skin care routine, it is important to start out simple and effective. Use the fewest products necessary to get the maximum results.”

Drink water

As someone who’s been more or less chronically dehydrated for the past 20-plus years, this is one of those things I already knew but had a hard time actually doing, so I decided it was high time to make it part of my routine. I started drinking two glasses of water first thing when I woke up. I also set alarms at work to remind myself to refill my water bottle until it became a habit. It may sound over the top, but it worked for me and helped to significantly reduce my dry skin.

Wear SPF

As celebrity dermatologist Dr. Tabasum Mir told me, “If you don’t protect your skin with SPF, it doesn’t matter how many anti-aging creams you use. If there is only one thing you do during the day, use sunblock.”

Since I was worried about going from using nothing on my skin to several products a day, I turned to my colleague Molly Nover-Baker. A beauty expert and founder of The Edit Collective, Nover-Baker suggested I use La Roche-Posay sunscreen which is designed for sensitive skin. I opted for their Tinted Mineral Sunscreen for Face so I could get some lightweight coverage with my SPF.

Every night

While daytime is about preventing damage, “Night is the time to use more powerful anti-aging ingredients to repair your skin,” says Mir.

Ditch makeup remover wipes

One tip I received from beauty blogger Lindsay Silberman, who shares skin tips on her Instagram series #InsomniaBeauty, was to get rid of my makeup wipes ASAP, especially if alcohol was listed as an ingredient.

“Those wipes are filled with chemicals!” says Silberman. “And while they technically remove makeup, they don’t do a great job of actually cleaning your face — most of them leave a film on your skin. Use micellar water or an oil-based cleanser instead.” She recommends Bioderma as her favorite alternative.

Use a serum

“In the PM it is important to use actives that will change your skin while you are sleeping,” says Patel. “Retinol, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid and fruit acids are all important to use at night. They act as exfoliants and over time can boost collagen production.” My choice was Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum which contains retinol, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid, along with a natural skin lightener to help diminish sun spots and scars. I was shining (in a good way) as soon as I put this product on.

And a moisturizer

Yes, it turns out you really do need both a serum and a moisturizer. Put on a good hydrating cream after you’ve used a serum. Again, because I was on the hunt for products that would be extra gentle on my skin, I went for First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream after a friend with sensitive skin told me about it. It’s rich and creamy but soaks in quickly so I don’t end up feeling like I’m sleeping with gunk all over my face.

Beginner’s basics:

• SPF
• oil-based cleanser or micellar water
• serum
• moisturizer
• lip mask
• chemical exfoliant
• sheet mask

Don’t forget the lips

Potentially (ok, definitely) due to never being sufficiently hydrated, I also lived with constantly chapped lips. That all changed when I discovered Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask thanks to the helpful ladies at Sephora.

“This is a best seller for reason,” one associate told me. “It’s a miracle in a little tub.” And I have to agree with her. I generously slather this on every night and wake up with baby soft lips. I’ve even ditched my regular balm since they stay moisturized all day. Even my boyfriend, who used to fondly refer to me as “the most chapped lady in America,” has noticed a huge difference.

Once a week

Add a chemical exfoliant

Silberman told me if you only add one new thing to your routine, it should be these Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross. “They remove the dead skin cells/build-up that are preventing you from being your glowiest self,” she explains.

And while she recommends using them 2 to 3 times per week, I started out using them just once a week as an introduction and saw the results immediately. I even made my sister try them out when she came for a visit and after one use, she hopped on the bandwagon too.

Refresh with a sheet mask

I often travel for work and find myself extra dried out from the plane rides. If you go out over the weekend, skip a couple days of your usual skin routine, or otherwise find yourself in need of a quick fix for your skin, a sheet mask is just the trick.

Nover-Baker suggests the Go-To Skincare Tranformazing Sheet Mask. The serum-drenched masks work to revive your face in just 10 minutes.

Don’t forget

There’s no universal fix

This is what worked for me, and it’s a great place to start, but it also took a lot of trial and error. Don’t give up if you start breaking out or don’t see results right away. Everyone’s skin is different and your first step for starting a routine should be figuring out what your skin type is.

“If you have oily skin, you are able to use stronger concentrations of acid and can use retinols with your products at night. If you have dry or sensitive skin, then only add one active [into your routine] at a time so there is less irritation to your skin,” advises Patel. Introduce new products one at a time and try them out for a month or so before deciding if they’re right for you. You’ll be posting glowing #IWokeUpLikeThis selfies in no time.

Read the full article here.

Beyoutiful Magazine posted “What 8 dermatologists have to say about toner!” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare .

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s thoughts on toner and if it’s needed for everyday skin care use.

In my nearly 10 years as a beauty editor, one debate that has yet to be settled is whether or not toner is a necessary skin-care step. Some experts suggest they’re becoming—or have already become—obsolete; others deem them highly beneficial for certain skin types. Here’s what eight dermatologists have to say.

“I believe toner is obsolete and not needed as part of an everyday skin-care routine. However, those who wear a lot of makeup or have oily/acne-prone skin may benefit from toner’s astringent benefits, and in this case, they should use it after cleansing. Apply it on a clean, dry cotton ball.” —Germantown, TN dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD

Read the full article here.

Open Fit posted “What Are the Benefits of Witch Hazel?” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare .

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on Witch Hazel anf the many benifits from using it for skin care.

Witch hazel is one of the O.G. skin care products — my grandma and my mom both swear by it, and I’ve been using it for years. But it tends to get overshadowed by expensive creams, cleansers, and serums.

Recently, though, the clear toner has been making a comeback — it’s been popping up as a trendy ingredient in skin care products. So what is witch hazel — and does it still have a place in a modern skin care regimen? Here are the benefits and drawbacks.

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel sounds like a cocktail you’d drink at a Halloween party — but it’s actually a plant extract that’s been used for hundreds of years for its health benefits, says Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.

Extracted from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub, witch hazel is best known for its skin care benefits. “Witch hazel leaf extract is used in skin care products because it is a source of several types of antioxidants, including gallic acid and tannins,” Patel adds.

Witch hazel can also be added to herbal tea — but only in extremely small doses, because it can be toxic (or even lethal) when too much is ingested.

What Are the Benefits of Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is the most beneficial when it’s used topically, Patel says. Here’s why it may be a worthy addition to your skin care routine.

1. Soothe skin

With hazel contains gallic acid and tannins — two types of polyphenols with powerful antioxidant properties. Multiple studies have shown that witch hazel can help relieve inflammation caused by skin conditions such as acne. Research also suggests with hazel can help soothe the skin after UV exposure, and it’s FDA-approved for use in reducing skin irritation due to bug bites or minor cuts.

Read the full article here.