Memphis Dermatologist Shows Coolsculpting: Before and After Photos

Dr. Purvisha Patel says CoolSculpting is an effective treatment for fat reduction and body contouring without surgery. The treatments target specific, stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise, intended for those who are at a healthy weight but just cannot seem to work off certain problem areas. Coolsculpting can be used to contour the abdomen, thighs, “love handles” and other areas. Dr. Patel shows how Coolsculpting is done and the results which can be expected in this video from a recent Memphis TV appearance.

The CoolSculpting procedure is the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat. "The results are proven, noticeable, and lasting, so patients look great," says Dr. Patel. "Once the treated fat cells are crystallized  they die and are naturally processed and eliminated from the body. Once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good."

CoolSculpting uses cold therapy to freeze and destroy fat cells permanently, with no surgery required. The device cools just the targeted layer of fat without affecting the skin. Since fat cells are more sensitive to cold than other cells, the fat cells are destroyed without damage to surrounding tissue.
Click on the image to view video:
For more information or to schedule a consultation call 901.759.2322 and visit www.AdvancedDermatologyMemphis.com

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.

Don't Sweat It! Tips on Sweat & Your Skin From Dr. Patel

Photo courtesy of flickr user Chris Hunkeler

 If you're regularly at the gym in sweaty workout clothes and sneakers, we applaud you. But while burning calories and sweating it out at your favorite hot yoga class is great for your core, it can have negative effects on your skin. When you sweat, your pores open up, releasing moisture and making your skin highly vulnerable to bacteria. You might not realize that your awesome gym routine is what is actually causing your skin to break out, so here are a few tips to help keep the breakouts at bay while you work up a sweat. Here are a few tips from Dr. Purvisha Patel on sweat and your skin.

1. Don't wear makeup while working out. Although it is tempting to look good while you’re cranking it out on the treadmill, sweat and makeup do not mix well. Most makeup contains ingredients that clog open pores and lead to acne. If you absolutely must have something on your face, go with a loose mineral powder that shields your skin from sweat and is less likely to cause a breakout. 
2. Wash your face before and after a workout. Rid your skin of any bacteria before and after you workout to cut down on clogged pores. Wash your face gently and avoid heavy scrubbing. Blot your face with a clean towel afterward. 
3. Wear lightweight material. Choose a lightweight and breathable fabric such as cotton to work out in so your skin has room to breathe. Clingy, synthetic fabrics lock in moisture and can create a breeding ground for bacteria. 
4. Keep sweat off of your face. Try to keep as much sweat off of your face as possible by wearing a headband or hair wrap. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands. You never know what kind of germs and bacteria are lurking on the gym equipment! 
5. Cleanse your face daily. Use a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These medications treat acne and come as lotions, gels, soaps and liquids.
6. Wipe down the equipment. Always wipe down all equipment with a disinfectant wipe or spray before and after use. 
7. Exfoliate your skin. Gently exfoliate your skin a few times each week with a scrub. Scrubbing your skin too hard or too many times a week can lead to dryness, so keep it gentle. 
8. Change your workout clothes. As tempting as it may be, do not wear the same workout clothes twice in a row, especially if you sweat heavily. Make sure you wash them and your towels in between workouts.  
9. Be careful with your towel. Do not just lay your towel anywhere. Avoid putting it on the treadmill screen, gym mats or any other equipment that may contain other people’s sweat.   
10. Avoid equipment friction. Avoid clothes or equipment that will cause friction, such as a tight helmet. Areas that are extremely tight can retain the moisture and clog pores. If you do need to use a helmet or other restrictive equipment during a workout, make sure to cleanse your forehead well afterward. 

Sweat is natural and is healthy for you, but there are ways to keep it from ruining your skin. We want your skin to feel good and look good. Have any questions about sweat that we didn’t address here? Leave them in the comments, and we’ll try to answer them there. 

#SafeForPregnancy Skin Care Tips

Photo courtesy of flickr user Schwangerschaft 

Doctors will always tell you what to eat and how to exercise during pregnancy, but they don’t always provide you with information about the outside of your body. We all know what’s on the inside matters, but it’s always nice to look just as good on the outside. Unfortunately, when you become pregnant, there are a few changes you may have to make to keep your baby safe.

Getting a Glow

Many women have fond summer memories of laying out with their girlfriends at the pool or beach. It’s natural to be proud of your baby bump and for you to have a desire to show it off. But is it safe?

The reality is that laying out or getting a tan is never safe. It always puts you at risk for skin cancer. But when you are pregnant, your body is more likely to being burned, which could lead to hives, heat rash or melasma, which causes dark spots to appear on your face. And that’s an on top of the skin cancer risk.

Does this mean you should never go outside during your pregnancy? No! Enjoying the sunshine is still possible, but it is important that you take care of yourself and your baby first. Since pregnancy makes it easier for your body to dehydrate, it is imperative to bring more than enough water with you. It is also a good idea to set up an umbrella, sit in a cool, shaded area and wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. But if you still want a light tan to amplify your pregnancy glow, a sunless tanning lotion is a safe alternative.

Spray tanning is also a safe option because these products simply stain the skin and do not absorb into the bloodstream. Sunless tanners use DHA (dihydroxyacetone) as the active ingredient, which is safe for the skin whether you’re pregnant or not. But, doctors will tell you that you must use protection for your nose, eyes, ears and mouth when getting a spray tan, and they suggest that you wait until after your first trimester.      

Zap the Zits

When you are pregnant, your body is making extra hormones that can take you back in time to your acne-prone teenage years. The primary breakout areas are surrounding the mouth and the chin.

You may hear about oral medication that can aid in preventing or treating the breakouts, but this medicine can be dangerous for the baby. Instead of oral medication, use face soaps that are meant for a person with oily skin. Products that include either erythromycin or azelaic acid can prove to be very effective against the pesky acne and safe for your baby. You can also try Visha Skin Care’s Mommy Brightener, a new product developed by our own Dr. Purvisha Patel that is safe for treating acne and melasma during pregnancy.

Pamper Yourself Carefully

When you are pregnant, there are sure to be some days when you would love to relax and use common aromatherapy oils. But make sure you know what you’re using.  Some of these oils can be harmful to you and your baby during this time. Here are the main oils that you will want to stay away from:

• Nutmeg - can cause hallucinations
• Rosemary - can cause your blood pressure to rise
• Basil - may contribute to abnormal cell growth
• Jasmine and clary sage - known to trigger early contractions
• Sage and rose - can cause bleeding in the uterus 
• Juniper berry - may affect the kidneys

While it’s important to avoid the above ingredients, there is a wide selection of safe oils available to pregnant women, including lavender, citrus, spearmint and eucalyptus. It is good to remember not to mix oils and to use small dosages for short periods of time so you will not experience negative side effects.

You may also notice that the above are often found in foods, too. It is OK for you to eat foods that contain ingredients from the list of discouraged oils because the amount of these herbs in food is generally much lower and much less potent. 

What’s in the Milk?

While you are pregnant and when you are breastfeeding, you are sharing nutrients with your baby. Your body is also not as capable of fighting off infection, and your baby’s immune system is not completely developed, which means it’s important to avoid food-borne illnesses. Easy ways to prevent them are to cook all foods thoroughly and refrigerate them properly, as well as to make sure your hands and cookware are clean before making and serving food.

Seafood is a tricky food to eat during this time because there are many that are good food options as well as many potentially dangerous foods. Seafood provides a good source of omega-3 fats, and they are good for the development of an unborn baby or infant. When choosing seafood, make sure that you do not get one with a high level of mercury. Large fish like king mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish are very high in mercury and can cause damage to your child’s developing nervous system. Aside from seafood, it’s important to just have a healthy diet and include all the food groups when applicable. Check with your obstetrician for more information on a recommended diet during pregnancy.  

Have any more questions about your skin during pregnancy? Be sure to leave a comment and we will try to help you find the answers you need. 

Introducing Visha Skin Care’s Mommy Brightener!

In our last post on Visha Skin Care, we discussed the Advanced Correcting Serum, which is made with Illuminotex^TM. But what works for most women may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women! That’s why we created the Mommy Brightener with Illuminotex-^TM, which provides many of the benefits of the Advanced Correcting Serum (plus a few just for pregnant or breastfeeding women) without some ingredients that may not be safe during that time.

Every mother knows that pregnancy is not easy on a woman’s body. Your body goes through many changes to accommodate for a growing baby, and your skin is no exception. Skin care is tough on expecting mothers and, often, finding a product that is safe to use while pregnant can be difficult.

The Mommy Brightener is a product that is proven to safely and effectively lighten skin pigmentations and ease lines that have been created by excessive hormones that are present during pregnancy.

This product contains Illuminotex-, a blend of melanin inhibitors, pharmaceutical-grade botanicals and mild exfoliants that help your skin break up excessive pigmentation that gathers beneath the surface. This product lightens and brightens skin, leading to a healthier complexion and giving you that beautiful pregnancy glow.

Mommy Brightener is also extremely easy to use! Use the Mommy Brightener two times a day on your face and neck. Also, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for maximum results. It’s that easy.

Our Mommy Brightener is available at vishaskincare.com or http://shop.vishaskincare.com/product-p/sku-s-01318.htm, or at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates in Germantown, Tennessee, or Olive Branch, Mississippi, or by calling 1-844-VISHA-4-U. You can also visit vishaskincare.com or advanceddermatologymemphis.com/visha-skin-care.html for more information on the Mommy Brightener, as well as other Visha Skin Care products.

If you have questions or concerns about using this product or one of the other Visha Skin Care products, leave a comment, call 1-844-VISHA-4-U or, if you’re in the area, visit Dr. Patel at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates in Germantown, Tennessee, or Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Introducing Visha Skin Care’s Advanced Correcting Serum!

Do you feel like it takes 20 minutes just to complete your skin care regimen in the morning? Do you struggle to find the right products that don’t cause your skin to break out or become dry or irritated? Through her years of private dermatological practice, Dr. Purvisha Patel noticed a gap in affordable, over-the-counter products that were both effective and simple to use. And she addressed it through Visha Skin Care.

Visha Skin Care currently offers two products: Advanced Correcting Serum and Mommy Brightener. In this post, you’ll learn more about the Advanced Correcting Serum, which is a complete correcting product for all skin types. Watch for another post discussing the Mommy Brightener, which is safe and effective for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In collaboration with chemists from LCE Laboratories, Dr. Patel created the Advanced Correcting Serum, a product that helps skin in all ways without the hassle of multi-step application. Advanced Correcting Serum with IlluminotexTM is a serum created to treat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as uneven skin texture brought on by UV damage, and even to fade dark skin left from scars and other skin damage.

Illuminotex is a patent-pending formula that contains melanin inhibitors, pharmaceutical-grade botanicals and mild exfoliants, which help break up “clumped” pigmentation. This allows your skin to be brighter and to have a more even tone, creating a more beautiful complexion.

The Advanced Correcting Serum is also easy to use! Use two or three pumps of the serum two times daily, spread evenly over your face or other area of concern, and within 10 weeks, you will notice a difference in your skin. We recommend you also use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day with this serum for maximum results and protection.

Advanced Correcting Serum is currently available online at http://shop.vishaskincare.com/product-p/sku-s-01218.htm, by visiting Advanced Dermatology in Memphis, Tennessee, or Olive Branch, Mississippi, or by calling 1-844-VISHA-4-U. You can also visit vishaskincare.com or advanceddermatologymemphis.com/visha-skin-care.html for more information on our Advanced Correcting Serum and other Visha Skin Care products.

Have questions about Advanced Correcting Serum by Visha Skin Care? Leave a comment below, call 1-844-VISHA-4-U or, if you’re in the area, visit Dr. Patel at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates in Germantown, Tennessee, or Olive Branch, Mississippi.

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!

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!