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WELL + GOOD posted “Banish tech neck with these editor-approved décolletage creams” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on the skin of the neck.

It wasn’t too long ago that I read Nora Ephron’s “I Feel Bad About My Neck”. After getting through her all-too-real essay about what women deal with in terms of aging, I gazed at my décolletage in the mirror and, well, realized that there was one. more. thing. that needed “taking care of” on my bod.

As a result, I started catering to my neck like it were a precious object, and the star of my skin-care routine. Like your under-eyes, your neck gets its own beauty products—and, according to dermatologists, for good reason. “The neck is easily exposed to the environment and gravity,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “The skin there doesn’t have the same amount of sebaceous or oil glands that the face does, and it can age faster than the face.”

That’s why it’s pretty important to keep your neck nourished and moisturized. If you think about it, your neck’s a vulnerable place: Besides holding up your noggin, it’s turning all the time and—modern update—bending down so you can look at your phone (hello, tech neck). “With all the devices we use, the neck is sometimes a huge giveaway,” says Dr. Patel, who stresses the need for putting not only skin care but sunscreen on the oft-forgotten part of your body.

The thing is, you could use the same facial products on your neck. “But the neck requires more moisture and constant sun protection, since fewer oil glands are there to protect the skin,” says Dr. Patel. “You want to look for skin-care ingredients to tighten and hydrate.” Plenty of neck-focused beauty products exist that are meant for this sole purpose.

Read the full article here.

Well + Good posted “The derm-approved guide to getting rid of those pesky white dots underneath your eyes” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on bumps appearing below the eye.

Let me be frank: The under-eye area can cause lots of drama. In the quest for a glowy complexion, that part of your face can come up with all sorts of unwanted issues, from under-eye bags to dark circles and puffiness. Like, puh-lease stop going rogue and disobeying my skin-care routine.

Just when I thought my under-eyes couldn’t be more of a foe, I stumbled upon yet another way the skin there can rebel: with white bumps under eyes called “milia”. I was perusing the skin-care threads on Reddit when a post caught my attention—it was basically a user that was frustrated from tiny white bumps that appeared underneath her eyes. It’s something I’ve experienced too, and it’s even more frustrating because there’s less info out there on how to get rid of the pesky situation.

Basically, the small but hugely annoying bumps show up when there isn’t enough exfoliation or when you’re using occlusive skin-care ingredients. “Milia are small accumulations of keratin under the skin,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “They appear as small, light-colored hard balls under the skin, and commonly happen when the keratin gets a chance to accumulate.” AKA when it’s not exfoliated.

Because the skin under your eyes is really thin and generally not scrubbed, it tends to be a more common spot for milia to form, she says. As far as occlusive ingredients go, Dr. Patel explains that petrolatum and thick moisturizers like coconut oil can clog the skin more “and make the process worse in those that are prone to milia.”

The good news is you can prevent those bumps from popping up. “Mild exfoliants help slough the keratin in order to prevent them from forming,” says Dr. Patel, who recommends turning to ingredients like retinol. And when it comes to hydration, stick with moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and lighter in consistency.

Read the full article here.

She Finds posted “4 Anti-Aging Rip-Offs Every Woman Should Avoid, According To A Dermatologist” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on ineffective ingredients.

Do wrinkle creams work? It’s the million dollar question. Scratch that, the billion dollar question. The beauty industry puts forth countless new anti-aging products each year, but to what end?

If you’re wary of OTC creams that claim to make you look ten years younger, your instincts would be right. We’ve rounded up warnings from the country’s leading dermatologists to determine which anti-aging rip-offs every woman should avoid.

Shoppers should be wary of drugstore creams that claim to treat dark spots (otherwise known as hyperpigmentation) as experts agree that more aggressive treatments such as the use of laser administered by a dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon are superior.

Additionally, Dr. Purvisha Patel, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder of Visha Skincare tells us warns of the dangers of Hydroquinone, an ingredient that is 2% over-the-counter used to lighten sun spots or photo aging. “This is considered toxic and should be avoided,” she advises.

Read the full article here.

Well + Good posted “This in-everything ingredient lurking in your lotion could be drying out your skin” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on fragrance in skin care products.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had this feeling: You’re dutifully slathering on your trusty lotion from your appendages to your fingertips, only to feel dry and itchy hours later. I feel you.

To combat the mysterious issue, I’ve cycled through product after product with the ultimate goal of achieving lasting hydration for my skin (moisture is the essence of beauty, after all)—only to face the same problem. Then I discovered that there’s a culprit lurking in the lotions I’ve been buying, and it’s one that seems innocuous (but it ain’t): fragrance.

“Fragrance in skin care means that a smell is added to the product—it can be either synthetic or natural, and is usually a blend of chemicals to impart a particular scent,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “Whether natural or synthetic, fragrances can be sensitizers to the skin. Some, if used in higher doses, can cause rashes and irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin.”

Read the full article here.

Well + Good posted “This derm-approved trick lets you try natural deodorant *without* soaked underarms” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on natural deodorant alternatives.

By now, pretty much everyone I know is on board with clean beauty. They’ve swapped skin-stripping cleansers and chemically packed moisturizers for skin-care products with more nourishing, plant-based ingredients (praise). But, the hardest product to swap out, no doubt, is antiperspirant in lieu of an aluminum-free natural deodorant.

I understand: Finding a natural deodorant is a lot like finding the one. Some are too wet, some are too powdery; some leave pits irritated at the hands of baking soda; and still some, though otherwise perfect, just aren’t antiperspirants. A quick refresher (ahem) on the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant: The former simply helps to wick away armpit sweat and help mask any odor that comes from the area; while the latter actually plugs the sweat glands to keep you from sweating altogether. So why choose one over the other? In recent years, aluminum-laced deodorants have come under scrutiny linking them to breast cancer, and while the American Cancer Society firmly says there’s no connection, many people are opting to replace them anyhow and just sweat it naturally.

And that’s why I’m happy to report that I’ve found a way to start using natural deodorants on pits most days and still prohibit that pesky sweat: It’s called deodorant cycling. To do this, you simply alternate between using natural deodorant for two days in a row and then on the third day, you use an antiperspirant. This works because many antiperspirants prevent sweat in the area for 48 hours, during which time you can simply supplement with a good-smelling stick, while still keeping exposures lower than if you were using it every day. And while it’s a great way to get into natural deodorants, it’s also a solid routine to follow if you find they just leave you wet under the arms and otherwise wouldn’t use them.

When I ask a derm about it, she surprises me with her response: “This is funny, because I actually do this,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “The ability to reduce sweating is helped with the antiperspirant, and when cycled with the natural—no aluminum chloride—products, it cuts down on your overall exposure to the ingredient.”

The technique of alternating deodorants allows you to prevent the sweat on some days, and stopping just the smell on others (of course, you can plan accordingly). “Cycling gives you both the benefits of stopping the sweating, if only for a day, and then stopping the smell,” says Dr. Patel, who goes on to explain that B.O. is caused by bacteria on the skin rather than sweat. “If the goal is to stop odor then try using anti-bacterial ingredients on your skin, like tea tree oil. Natural deodorants also tend to have ingredients like charcoal that’s odor-absorbing as well.”

It feels kinda like switching up workouts—by changing it up every couple of days, you can trick your body. “The effectiveness of such a method depends on many variables, however,” notes Dr. Patel. “Metabolism, weather, activity, and how much product you put on all matter.” Of course. But now here’s your way to try on a new regimen.

Read the full article here.

Healthline posted “Try Bakuchiol, Retinol’s Gentle, Plant-Based Sister for Fresh, Healthy Skin” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on bakuchiol and retinol.

Anyone who’s researched how to treat fine lines, breakouts, or dark spots has likely come across the buzzword in skin care science: retinol.

If you haven’t, retinol is the go-to skin care ingredient to reverse signs of aging. The downsides of it though? It’s quite harsh on the skin and once you start using it, your skin can get used to it and it’ll no longer have incremental benefits. This means eventually to achieve the same smooth results, you can only go up in application strength. Sounds like an intense skin commitment.

But there’s been a new ingredient making waves as retinol’s gentle sister, who works equally strong magic. Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-KOO-chee-all) is a plant extract that beauty publications are calling a natural, less-irritating, and vegan alternative.

But could it actually be as powerful and beneficial as dermatologists’ go-to ingredient? With the help of experts and science, we explored.

First off, what exactly is retinol and why does it work?

Retinol is the OG of skin care for dismissing wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. It’s the third strongest form of retinoid, a vitamin A derivative, that promotes skin cell renewal and stimulates collagen production. Research shows 12 weeks of application can result in smoother, firmer, and all-around more youthful-looking skin.

Types of retinoid

There are five types of retinoid, all which have varying degrees of effectiveness. Retinol is the third strongest over-the-counter option while tretinoin and tazarotene are available by prescription only.

However, while it’s a favorable option for lots — and we mean lots — of people, it can also be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

Studies show the side effects can be as serious as burning, scaling, and dermatitis. And with an ingredient that loses effectiveness over time, that’s not good news for people who need to consistently apply. These downsides are what led to the popularity of bakuchiol.

Is the fanfare around bakuchiol real?

The up-and-coming bakuchiol is a plant extract that’s said to have been used in Chinese and Indian restorative medicine for years.

But what really gives bakuchiol its edge? Well, as previously mentioned, it’s a natural alternative, meaning not only is it not as irritating, it’s a great option for those who shop vegan, clean, and in consideration of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.

“Bakuchiol is not a vitamin A derivative and hence not as irritating as that ingredient,” dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel says. And a small trial confirms this: In a study with 44 participants, those who used retinol reported more stinging and harsher skin texture.

“There’s not a lot of data with [bakuchiol] as of yet and it could be promising,” says Patel. “Retinol, however, is a tried-and-true ingredient that delivers what it promises in the concentrations [in which] it’s given. So, for now, retinol is [still] the gold standard for a safe, effective ingredient in skin care that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.”

Read the full article here.

Total Beauty posted “Here’s Why You Need Sun Protection All Year Long” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on UV protection.

To understand why slathering on SPF should be a step in your skin care routine 365 days a year, here’s a quick science lesson on ultraviolet radiation: “The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, and those rays come down from the sun regardless of clouds or windows,” explains Purvisha Patel, MD, dermatologist in Memphis. “They go through any surface visible light can go through.”

Read the full article here.

Well+Good posted “Fungal acne isn’t *really* acne at all—it’s more like facial dandruff” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on fungal infections.

When I heard that my coworker was dealing with a fungal condition on her skin, it sent shockwaves through my very acne-prone skin. There’s another form of the zits that I have to worry about?! Then, after perusing skin-care threads on Reddit, I saw post after post of people claiming that they’re afflicted with fungal acne and showing off their fungal acne-safe beauty routines. So I had to dig into the issue to ensure that there was not a fungus among us.

That’s not it, though—Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare says that the most common fungal condition is called seborrheic dermatitis. “It’s caused by p. ovale or m. furfer and it’s essentially dandruff of the face,” she says. “It manifests as scaling of the eyebrows, sides of nose, and ears.” Or you could get ringworm (which, don’t freak—isn’t actually a worm), which is caused by dermatophytes, says Dr. Patel. “It presents as round, itchy scaling areas and is usually transmitted from pets.”

Regardless of what kind of fungus you have, beware—it’s a fickle breed. If you’re a devotee of facial oils, it will only make the problem worse. “Fungus loves warmth, moisture, and oil, especially olive oil, which is the best way to make it grow in a culture,” says Dr. Patel. “If you have seborrheic dermatitis, stay away from edible oils on your face and scalp, such as coconut and olive oil—because if you can eat it, bacteria and fungus can eat it, too.” That can be tough, especially if you’re into clean beauty, which has plenty of skin-care products infused with all types of facial oils—so be sure to double check the ingredients list before slathering something on that’ll just feed the fungus. Instead, look to zinc pyrithione and tea tree oil (which has super anti-fungal prowess) to do the trick.

Read the full article here.

Well+Good posted “Here’s what’s behind that dry, flaky skin on the nose” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on dry skin around the nose.

You could moisturize your skin religiously, yet somehow it still happens—that dryness around the nose pops up to sabotage an otherwise hydrated complexion. Why exactly does this happen and why, in particular, around the nose? Put simply the nose is the part of the face that juts out the most, says Purvisha Patel, MD, a Tennessee board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare.

“Our noses are the first way air enters the body,” Dr. Patel explains, adding “the inside skin or mucous membranes of the skin can be dry if the environment is dry and cold.” With that said here’s what could be causing the dry skin around your nose.

What causes dry skin around the nose

1. Environmental exposure

“The outside skin of the nose can be dry and peeling even though the rest of the skin is hydrated also due to exposure to the environment,” Dr. Patel says. She makes the case for keeping your face protected by a balaclava or blanket scarf sound appealing.

2. UV damage

“UV radiation can cause the skin on exposed surfaces (hello nose) to burn easily and often” Dr. Patel warns. One of the more concerning side effects of UV exposure is, of course, skin cancer. Dr. Patel says actinic damage, which is when “UV radiation causes DNA damage to cells over time, can present as dry flaking [or] peeling on the nose.” It can be precancerous if your skin fails to heal itself, so getting your skin checked by a dermatologist regularly is a really good idea.

3. Allergies or sickness

“If you have allergies or a cold, constant nose blowing can irritate the skin on the nose and cause peeling,” Dr. Patel says. Basically, just like your lips, your nose can get chapped.

4. A skin condition

If your nose is consistently super dry and flaky, it could be indicative of skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis. Rosacea is a chronic genetic condition prone to this issue since it’s “associated with flushing, redness, sensitivity, or dryness of the nose and cheeks,” explains Dr. Patel.

The latter condition, seborrheic dermatitis “is a very common condition in which people with oily skin have dry flaking of the corners of their noses, eyebrows, scalp and behind their ears” according to Dr. Patel. This condition is caused by the existence of malassezia yeasts.

5. Your beauty products

One way beauty products can create dry, flaky skin is if your skin isn’t absorbing them properly. This can create build up, which then leads to flakiness. In other words, beauty products might be sabotaging your smooth skin goals if you’re using ones that are clay-based or have skin-drying ingredients such as alcohols, which Dr. Patel says can make flaking worse.

Read the full article here.

Well + Good posted “Why pores seem to grow in size over the course of the day” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on skin pores.

Pores are among the most confounding things on the planet (right alongside quantum physics and taxes). Can you really shrink them, or not so much? How do you get those stubborn blackheads out? Why are they always accumulating gunk?

While reading a Reddit skin-care thread, one user posed yet another question about those teeny holes in your skin: Why do your pores seemingly get larger by the afternoon, yet smaller when you wake up? Cue that thinking face emoji. I’ve noticed it to be true—I wake up with a pretty calm, smooth complexion, but things just get out of control as the hours roll by. Why?

As it happens, pores aren’t exactly changing in size at all—but the illusion happens for a biological reason. “Pores don’t actually physically change size, but they may look bigger as they accumulate oil throughout the day,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “They tend to look bigger when exposed to heat or steamy conditions and shrink with cold conditions, but they do not grow.”

Essentially, the oil glands accumulate sebum, which then makes the pore’s appearance change—hence the common confusion. You can combat seemingly large pores, though. “Good oil-busting exfoliating cleaners such as Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser can help,” says Dr. Patel. “Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil, and zinc help exfoliate the tops of pores and shrink the oil production, making them stay small throughout the day.”

Read the full article here.