How Your Sleep Affects Your Skin

Just like your brain goes into recovery mode during sleep, so does your skin. While you sleep, your body is working hard to rebuild healthy cells that will replace damaged ones. Only while you are asleep, can your body regenerate human growth hormones and collagen, which are both crucial to younger, healthier looking skin.

PROBLEM Sleep deprivation causes cell recovery to slow, leading to wrinkles and fine lines, therefore sleeping less than the recommended seven hours a night, can result in advanced premature aging.

VISHA SKIN CARE SOLUTION

ADVANCED CORRECTING SERUM Apply the all in one anti-aging power serum designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, to your face, at least once a day. The antioxidants in the formula will also help protect skin cells from free radical damage, smoke, and other environmental pollutants. *click product image to shop

PROBLEM Too little sleep makes blood vessels start to expand causing blood pools to settle under your eyes resulting in dark and puffy under eye circles.

VISHA SKIN CARE SOLUTION

BRIGHT EYE BOOSTER Use the booster to help stimulate micro-circulation underneath and around the eye area, and dramatically reduce puffiness and visibly minimize the appearance of dark under eye circles in 6 minutes or less. *click product image to shop

PROBLEM Without enough sleep the body becomes stressed, causing it to produce increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in inflammation and potentially dry, flaky skin and a dull complexion; even worse, eczema.

VISHA SKIN CARE SOLUTION

SUGAR SHRINK BODY SCRUB The pure sugar cane crystals help to gently slough away dry skin cells while the cold-pressed grape seed and avocado oil nourish and deeply moisturize your skin. *click product image to shop

Bonus: For an added layer of moisture apply Bump 2 Baby after a shower. The body balm will encourage skin's natural elasticity, soothe and relieve dry skin and eczema, help minimize emerging stretch marks, moisturize, and help protect and strengthen delicate skin.

PROBLEM Sleep deprivation leaves your body in a dehydrated state often producing redness and breakouts on the skin, as well as decreased levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body, causing your skin to lose its healthy glow.

VISHA SKIN CARE SOLUTION

ADVANCED PURIFYING CLEANSER Use the cleanser twice a day, morning and night. The high-performance ingredients in this cleanser help to address redness and irritation caused by conditions such as rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc combined with mild alpha and beta acids help decrease the inflammation restoring skin’s natural glow. *click product image to shop

- Dr. Visha Board Certified Dermatologist, MOHS and Cosmetic Surgeon, University of Tennessee Professor, Owner of Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates and Creator of Visha Skin Care

Ethnic Skin Care: Discoloration

Men and women with dark skin often struggle with hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Whether it’s caused by injuries, sun damage or past acne, this issue plagues a wide range of skin types. However, ethnic skin is typically more susceptible to darkening because it contains more melanin. But don’t fret. We have some foolproof ways to protect your skin’s gorgeous dark tone.

Adhere to a simple and safe skin care routine.

• Cleanse your face one to three times a day, depending on its dryness.
• Use GENTLE cleansers and avoid any abrasive washes, and especially cleansing puffs or loofahs
• Try to refrain from moisturizers unless your face feels dry without them.

Pick the best products for your unique skin type.

• There is no need to buy fancy, overpriced products – drugstore brands are fine.
• If your skin is dry, look for products recommended for sensitive skin and make sure to avoid anything with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these harsh chemicals can further dry out your skin.

Helpful hint: when trying a new product, use it very sparingly at first to ensure that it doesn’t irritate your skin.

Mind your medications.

• Many commonly prescribed drugs increase your sensitivity to the sun, making it especially important that you apply extra sunscreen or sometimes avoid the sun completely.
• Some of the most common drugs that create sun sensitivity are birth control pills, antibiotics, acne medication and cancer drugs.
• There are many more, however, so be sure to ask your doctor if any of your medications are on this list so you can know how to properly protect your skin.

Don’t linger when your skin is in distress.

• The quicker you address a problem with your skin, the quicker it will go away AND the less likely it is to become an ongoing issue.
• Taking a trip to your dermatologist will not only save your skin, but could also save you money by preventing you from having to buy tons of products to help your condition later down the road. 

Contact a specialist for prescription therapies or cosmetic surgery.

• If you need skin care beyond what you can do yourself, seek professional treatments, both low- and high-tech.
• Some common treatments for dark skinned patients are acne medication, facial peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatment, among others.

Tip: be sure to ask around for an expert in treating dark skin. For more complex skin treatments, make sure you are in experienced hands and will receive the best treatment to rejuvenate your skin.

Skin Care Tips: What NOT to Put On Your Face

Photo courtesy of flickr user sloverton

Every now and then you may overhear a woman talk about her latest discovery of some amazing new trend, and you might wonder if it is worth trying for yourself. While these trends usually seem to go hand-in-hand with convincing personal testimony, they are not always the best options. Sometimes it is easy to just go along with the crowd, but if you do that you might end up doing some damage to your precious skin.

Here is a list of things that you should avoid putting on your face or use in moderation:

• Lemons: Just because something comes from the ground does not always mean that it is good for you. Lemons are a citric fruit and they contain acid. This acidic nature can cause inflammation and irritation to your skin. The area you put the lemon on will also become more susceptible to sunburns, and no one wants to walk around with a red face!

• Hairspray: While getting a little on your face when you are applying it to your hair is not the end of the world, if you were intentionally using it on your face you might end up with a problem. In many cases, it isn’t uncommon for some women to use hairspray as a way to keep their makeup from running if they have oily skin or if they sweat. It may seem like a good idea, but doing this often or using lots of hairspray will only clog your pores, dry out the skin and cause a lot of irritation down the road.  

• Toothpaste: Many people have heard the claim that toothpaste can help dry out pimples. While toothpaste does possess the ability to dry out the zit, it will also dry out the skin surrounding the applied area. It also has the potential to chemically burn your face, and this is hardly the way you want to go for your chemical peel.

• Rubbing Alcohol: Alcohol is known as a disinfectant and is commonly used to sterilize your cuts and wounds. Even though popping pimples isn’t the way to go to get rid of them, it isn’t unheard of to rub a cotton ball with alcohol over the pimple after you have popped it. After all, it seems like the perfect win – you ideally get rid of any part of the acne you didn’t get from the popping, and if you have oily skin you also removed the pesky oil. Unfortunately, the alcohol does not only destroy the bacterial DNA. It also destroys the human DNA. This can lead to extra dryness, the buildup of dead cells and, of course, the pimple returning with a vengeance.

• Body Lotion: OK, it seems odd that this is something that is bad for your face since you’re told that it helps moisturize skin. However, the skin on your face is not as thick and resilient as the skin on the rest of your body. Due to the facial skin being so delicate, it is best to use gentler moisturizers for your face to keep it from being overpowered by thick, fragrant body lotions. Even if your face seems to be drying out and you only have body lotion, resist the temptation!   

Now you know a few things that you should pay more attention to concerning your facial care. Keep in mind that these things can be OK in moderation, so don’t worry if you have used them before. Just be sure to pay close attention to the current trends and make sure they are actually safe for your skin! Do you have any more questions about things to not put on your face? If so, write a comment and we will try and get back to you.

Halloween Hazards to Avoid for Healthy Skin and Hair

Courtesy of flickr user Vancouver Film School

It’s almost Halloween, and if you’re going for the look Blake Lively wore in “Savages,” you may want to proceed with caution before the actual horror ends up being on your skin the morning after. Face paint and hair dye are two of Halloween’s most popular costume enhancers, but if you don’t use them properly, they can irritate your skin and hair.

By design, Halloween makeup is typically thicker and heavier than regular makeup. It is designed to adhere to the skin and stay on for long periods of time. Costume makeup contains ingredients that are harsher to the skin than regular makeup, which can cause breakouts, rashes and other forms of irritation. Temporary hair dye and extra heat used to style your hair for the special occasion may also cause long-term damage to your locks. With the proper preparation and after care, you can prevent your skin and hair from suffering the consequences of your holiday spirit.

Below are a few TRICKS for helping your skin and hair survive All Hallows Eve:

Skin Care

• Skip heavy oil-based face paint in favor of a water-based foundation to prevent your pores from clogging.
• Wash your face thoroughly before and after applying makeup to rid your skin of the bacteria that may build up on your skin throughout the night.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your face before applying makeup to act as a protective barrier.
• Never sleep in your Halloween makeup.
• Test the makeup you plan on using on your wrist or the inside of your elbow to ensure it is safe for your skin type.
• Gently remove the makeup with a warm, wet towel. Do not scrub your skin because your face is a very sensitive area. 

Hair Care

• Stay away from harsh, temporary color that may compromise your natural hair color.
• Avoid using extra heat for styling to prevent heat damage and breakage.
• Wear a wig or extensions instead of treating your hair with a chemical-based color.
• Wash and condition your hair directly after you use any Halloween hair products.

Halloween is a holiday worth dressing up for. Whether you are rocking a full face of makeup with your costume or dressing your child up like Elsa from Frozen, be sure to follow these tricks for surviving Halloween hazards. If you have additional questions, please leave them in the comment box below.

Happy Halloween!

The Skinny: Skin Care During Chemotherapy

Photo credit: K Photography

“Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up.” - Winston Churchill.

Chemotherapy can save your life, but it may also bring some unexpected changes to your body. Here’s The Skinny on how maintain healthy skin during and after chemotherapy.

If you or someone close to you is facing the harsh reality of battling cancer, it may seem like treatment plans and appointments come rushing at you. You may feel as though you just handed over complete control of your life to a group of people in white coats and gloves. They probably explained to you that the next big “C” word you hear is a necessary evil that has the potential to save your life — chemotherapy.

While it can save your life, chemotherapy can have devastating effects on your skin, hair and nails if you do not take proper care of them. Although you may not feel in complete control of your body, you can maintain control of your skin by adhering to a healthy skin care regimen before and after your treatments. For the best results, start your skin care regimen one week prior to beginning treatment. Below are some tips and tidbits for maintaining healthy skin during chemotherapy.

Cleanse

• Wash your face. Make sure not to over-exfoliate, as your skin is likely to become very delicate from the treatment. Pat your face dry instead of rubbing or scrubbing, which may tear the skin.
• When you wash your body, especially your face, use gentle soaps that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free to protect your sensitive skin.
• Shower and bathe in lukewarm water. Avoid long, hot showers that can dry out your skin. 

Protect

Depending on the type of chemotherapy used, your skin may experience some color changes. Lighter skin tones tend to get red, while darker skin tones tend to get darker. Freckles and moles will also darken in color.

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30. You do not have to avoid the sun altogether, but it is in your best interest to apply sunscreen every two hours when you’re outside.
• Fluorouracil (5-FV) treatment will make your skin tan very quickly, so be extra cautious while spending time outdoors.
• Pay close attention to your fingernails and toenails to prevent them from becoming dry, brittle, cracked or ingrown.

Moisturize

It is vital for your skin to stay moisturized during your treatment period. Chemotherapy can leave your skin dry and flaky, which makes it especially susceptible to infection.

Use thick ointments or creams versus regular lotions to lock in more moisture for longer periods of time.

If your skin becomes itchy and irritated, you need to consult your doctor. Steroids or anesthetic medication may work better than weaker over-the-counter drugs.

Avoid pressure sores that can result from sitting or lying in one place for a long time by shifting your weight or changing positions frequently.

The key to healthy skin during chemotherapy is dedication. Make sure to set aside time each day to take care of your body. Try out these tips and tidbits, and let us know which ones worked for you. And, of course, never give up! 

Ethnic Skin: Choosing The Right Makeup

Photo courtesy of flickr user Philippe Put

If you’re a dark-skinned woman, do you spend countless hours scouring the makeup aisles in a vain attempt to find makeup that matches your skin? Are you sick of dull makeup colors that barely show up, or worse, leave your skin looking chalky? We understand your pain, and we have answers! Keep reading to find out how to avoid these annoyances and apply flawless makeup to your beautiful dark skin.

Face

Primer

First, cleanse and tone your skin. Then, if you have oily skin, apply a matte primer. If your skin tends to be drier, look for an allover moisturizing primer that will give you a good base to apply your make up seamlessly.

Foundation, Blush and Bronzer

Choosing the right shade of foundation can make or break your look. Picking a foundation that is too light is the main cause of the “chalky” look that so many dark-skinned women experience. We know finding the perfect shade is difficult, and sometimes it seems impossible, but trust us – going too dark is better than going too light (and don’t forget you can always mix the two). Keep in mind that yellow-based foundations mix best with dark skin tones. Remember: The goal is for foundation to basically disappear after application, so always test shades in natural light before you buy them. That way, they will match as closely as possible. After applying your foundation with a yellow base, you should move to a blush and bronzer that will accentuate your natural color. Brown or copper bronzer is best for naturally dark skin.  

Lips

For the lips, think natural. Browns, golds, neutrals and earth tones look best for daytime wear, while pinks and dark burgundy shades add glam for your nighttime look. If you want to catch some eyes but not grab too much attention, opt for a dab of lip gloss. This is great for a casual evening or some daytime fun! Although often misunderstood, using a dark liner is actually NOT the best way to accentuate your lips. You should highlight this area by adding a little pop with a liner that’s close to the same color as your gloss or lipstick.

Eyes

The eyes are often the most overlooked part of the makeup routine.

Eye Shadow

Although it’s the easiest to skip, a great eye shadow can complete your look if done properly. Shimmery, metallic eye shadows are best for dark skin. For a more dramatic look, try two complementary colors like gold and purple. Keep in mind that the darker your skin, the brighter the colors you can pull off. Contrast is everything when it comes to the eyes!

Eyeliner

For your liner, stick with a basic brown or black with black mascara. If you’re going for that bold look, try some false eyelashes and go crazy with colorful shadows!

To recap: Err on the dark side for your foundation, go natural on the lips and bright for the eyes. Have fun with your makeup and embrace your beautiful skin!

Skin Care Shortcuts for the busy BODY

Kick off those shoes. HALLELUJAH! You’re home! Make dinner. Do a load of laundry. Veg out in front of the TV to the family’s favorite show. Give the children a bath. Iron some clothes and make lunches for the next day. Shower. Brush your teeth. Hit the hay and prepare to do it all over again tomorrow.

For many, unwinding at night is just as time-consuming as your jam-packed daily routine.  The amount of stress and high demand your body receives in a day can leave your skin in great need of some T.L.C. Here are a few tips on how incorporate skin care into your nightly routine. Your skin will thank you in the morning!

Fancy the Face

• Wash and exfoliate your face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and dead skin cells that have built up throughout the day. Exfoliate once a week for a deeper cleansing to remove bacteria from pores.
• Use a facial mask at night while you finish up your last few emails or load the dishwasher. These usually only take 10 to 15 minutes and work well to moisturize your skin and reduce crow’s feet around the eyes.
• Use oil products to relieve chapped and damaged skin on the face, hands and body. 

Lavish the Legs

• Moisturize! Slather on lotion before getting into bed to keep your skin moist while you sleep, which will contribute to a radiant glow in the morning.
• Use a shave gel instead of a cream when shaving your legs. Gels tend to lock in more moisture than shaving creams.
• Use Osmotics Skin Rescue Nourishing Oil on your legs to give them a smoother texture and a healthy glow.

Finish with Feet

• Soak your feet in warm water withEpsom salt. This is not only relaxing, it helps slough off dead skin cells that can build up if you’re on your feet all day.
• Scrub the soles of your feet with a pumice rock after soaking them in warm water to exfoliate and rid your feet of dead skin cells.
• Moisturize your feet with a lotion of your choice. We recommend Vaseline for deep cracks and intensive care purposes.

Finishing your day with a little dose of skincare self-pampering will not only aid in relaxation, it will also produce positive long-term effects for younger, more radiant skin. Try incorporating some of these into your nightly routine and let us know what you think!