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.

How to Make Your Makeup Last All Day

Photo Courtesy to Flickr user 
Renata Alves dos Anjos

Your most successful days may have one thing in common: how they began. For many women, the morning ritual of makeup application is a moment of personal peace taken for themselves, not out of vanity, but out of respect for the body and mind. This simple routine can be a time to take a deep breath in, refresh your soul and remind yourself that you are a woman to be reckoned with. You are strong. You are smart. You are capable, and you are beautiful. 

However, if you’re like most women, maintaining this mindset throughout the day can be challenging. It’s 2 p.m.; you’re late for a meeting; there’s a coffee stain on your skirt that’s now six hours old; and to make matters worse, your makeup is practically sliding off of your face thanks sweat and the natural oils in your skin. 

Now to the age-old dilemma: How do you make the morning moment of peace and confidence last all day? Well, there’s no set formula, but keeping your makeup fresh all day is a lovely start. 

Start with a Clean Slate. 
In order to maintain that perfect foundation application you work so hard on in the morning, it’s important to remember that what you do before you apply is more important than what you do during application. First of all, when you care for your skin properly, you’ll feel more confident without makeup. Then, when you do choose to wear it, it will apply more smoothly. 

To begin, always wash your face and apply moisturizer in the morning, and allow no longer than 30 minutes to go by between doing so and applying your makeup. If you have oily skin and moisturizer makes you nervous, don’t worry! Your skin is actually thirsty and is overproducing oil to compensate. By moisturizing after you wash your face, your skin will receive the moisture it needs and therefore slow down oil production. 

Ready, SET, Stay! 
Another key tip in getting your foundation to stay all day, is making sure you have the correct components to help it out. Invest in a quality primer for your skin type, and your makeup will have the correct base to collaborate with your delicate visage. Always set your foundation with a translucent powder to help absorb oil throughout the day, and when you need extra staying power, apply a setting spray to help meld the products together. One more thing - hairspray is not ideal for setting makeup! Read more about what not to put on your face by clicking here. 

Put Your Hands Down. 
Possibly the simplest trick in the book is one of the most important ones. Unless you’re using an oil-blotting sheet or a dab of powder to touch up during the day, keep your fingers off your face. By touching your face, you risk smudging your makeup or transferring bacteria and other body oils to your sensitive skin. 

Have any questions about your skin care routine? Leave them in the comments or schedule an appointment at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates today!

What is Your Skin Saying to You?

Photo courtesy to Flickr user briteside913

What Your Skin Has To Say

The body’s largest living organ weighs anywhere from six to nine pounds and has a total body area of about 20 square feet. It’s your skin. And it has a lot of room to talk! Your skin does an extraordinary amount for your health and well-being, and one of its most fundamental responsibilities is communication.

Skin loves to talk. But are we always listening? Here a few examples of how your skin communicates when it experiences compromising conditions and when it’s time for you to speak up on your body’s behalf.

Blue and purple veins running up your legs

Do not be alarmed, as varicose veins are very common in women, people older than 50 and during pregnancy. They occur when the blood does not circulate as it should, causing it to back up and gather into the vein. This backup is the reason it pools and bulges.

A few ways to prevent or help varicose veins is to exercise regularly and wear compression hose. If the veins become warm and tender to the touch, let your health care provider know.

Dark red lines on your palms

You do not need to be a fortune teller to read these signs that may appear on the palms of your hands. Dark red lines on your palms and other areas of skin may indicate an adrenal insufficiency or endocrine disorder commonly known as Addison’s disease. An endocrine disorder will usually display itself on skin folds, lips, scars and pressure points. It has many signs and symptoms ranging from low blood pressure to severe pain. Make sure you are listening to your body and contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.

Yellowish skin or orange palms

When your thyroid does not produce enough important hormones, it upsets the chemical balance of your body and causes hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism may be detected by a yellowish skin tone, orange palms, dry and cold skin, a swollen face or thinning hair. This condition can be easily fixed with the right medication, but be sure to contact your health care provider for the best treatment for you.

Super pale skin, blue-tinged nails

This is your skin telling you that you may be suffering from severe anemia caused by an iron, folate or B12 deficiency, which causes a lack of red blood cell production. This condition will likely present itself by a bluish tint in your mouth and on your gums and lips. It is a common issue, but if it is accompanied by fainting or vomiting blood, you need to consult your health care provider immediately.

Tingling and rash

Just like your skin told you, and all of your friends, that you were suffering from chicken pox as a child by a flashy display of red bumps and itchiness, shingles (also known as Herpes Zoster) is commonly called the adult form of chicken pox. And it’s just as flashy with its display. Shingles appear as a rash of red bumps on one side of your face, neck, trunk or legs. It is a virus caused by stress, infection and by certain medications. It’s actually caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox in children, so be especially wary if you had chicken pox already.

Your skin is always willing to communicate. It often communicates through change of color and sensitivity. Be sure to examine your skin often and keep an eye out for anything it may be trying to say. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave them in the comment box below or call 901-759-2322 to make an appointment with our dermatology staff. 

The Truth About 10 Common Beauty Myths

Anti-aging, beauty solutions and skin care tend to attract a lot of rumors. We’ve addressed some myths related to acne in a previous post, but here, I’ll offer expert advice on 10 of the most common rumors out there. Here’s The Skinny on whether they’re true or not.

1. Use a little toothpaste on a nasty pimple to help clear it up.

True.

Technically, a little toothpaste on a pimple will help dry out the oil, which is the root of the problem. It serves a similar purpose to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid solutions. That said, I still don’t recommend it as a long-term solution to the problem. While it may dry out a zit within a few days, it doesn’t provide any healing properties and could also dry out the skin around the zit too much. Not to mention it’s messy, and toothpastes with whitening beads could be too rough for your skin.

2. Cucumbers can help reduce puffy eyes.

True.

We addressed this claim in our post about puffy eyes not too long ago. This is probably more related to the fact that the cucumbers are cool and help reduce any swelling, because cool strawberry slices, cotton balls soaked in cold milk or even a chilled spoon will do the same thing.

3. Lemon juice can lighten your hair.

True.

Lemon juice can act as a bleaching agent, not unlike peroxide. While it can help, keep in mind that you and your lemon juice are not the same as a professional with long-lasting chemical solutions. While the juice may help lighten your hair, it may not be the right color, it may not be as intense as you’d like and it may look blotchy or unnatural. It also may not work at all if you have very dark hair.

4. Caffeine can help reduce puffy eyes.

True.

But probably not in the way you’re thinking. Drinking a cup of coffee in the morning won’t help reduce the puffiness, but an eye cream with caffeine in it will. The caffeine, when applied topically, can help draw water away from the skin and create a tighter appearance.

5. Rubbing egg whites on your skin can help stop or prevent cellulite.

False.

Unfortunately, rubbing egg whites on your skin will just leave you with a big mess on your hands. Actually, nothing will cure cellulite. It develops when fat deposits get caught between the fibrous bands connecting the skin’s tissues. Not even liposuction will completely cure it. And it is almost always genetic – if your mother had cellulite, you’re more likely to have it. Rubbing egg whites on your skin may make the skin look smoother, but it won’t cause any drastic changes.

6. Use dryer sheets on your hair to help quell flyaway strands.

True.

Just like they do for your clothes in the dryer, these sheets reduce the static effect – also known as the culprit behind these pesky flyaway strands. Ever notice that when you try to smooth them down with your hands, they just get worse? Try keeping a dryer sheet in your purse. They’re also great for static on clothes that are sticking to each other!

7. Massage olive oil into your hair to help it grow faster.

False.

Sorry if you’ve pinned something that says olive oil mixed with honey or vinegar or some other common kitchen product will result in long, beautiful locks. I pinned that to my “Myths” board. It’s really the massaging motion that helps your hair grow faster, because it increases blood flow to the scalp. If you want to stimulate hair growth, just wash your hair with regular shampoo. You’ll avoid the oily mess that results from coating it with olive oil.

8. A little hairspray on your face will help your makeup look fresh for hours.

False.

This probably came about by accident when someone with oily skin noticed they didn’t need to blot as often after using hairspray. While hairspray may help quell the oil a little, it won’t actually keep the makeup on in just any condition. You may be better off washing your face (with the right soap!) before applying, using a good oil-free moisturizer or just carrying a little powder with you.

9. Wash your hair with cold water to make it look shinier.

False.

Hot showers can dehydrate the hair shaft when it evaporates, which may actually seem like a good thing if you have persistently oily hair. While a little cool water may help your hair lay flat and appear shinier, it won’t actually change anything – much like those egg whites won’t change anything!

10. Sleeping on your back helps prevent wrinkles.

True.

This is one of the stranger myths out there, but it’s worth remembering! While there is no guarantee, the reason this works is that you avoid spending eight or more hours a day with your face smashed into a pillow. Sleeping on your back is not only good for your face, it’s good for your spine and posture too.

Have any questions or rumors I didn’t address here? Leave them in the comments and I’ll be glad to help!

The Whole Story: Accutane

 Some rights reserved by perry_marco

So you have acne. Your acne is very bad and you’re thinking only Accutane will cure it.

You may want to think a little harder about this decision. Accutane is very effective for treating acne, but also very powerful and potentially dangerous. In this blog post, I’ll outline some of the effective uses for the drug, as well as when you should take it – and if you should take it.

1.    See a dermatologist.

Acne is a medical problem. If you have a virus, you would go see a doctor, and acne is not different. If you have tried some of the over-the-counter washes and creams, it may be time to check out medical-grade treatments. But only a licensed dermatologist can provide you with the proper skin care you need to overcome your acne.

2.    Work with your dermatologist to evaluate your acne.

Although approximately 80 percent of teens and pre-teens have acne, most cases are not severe enough to warrant major treatment. Usually, some regimen of topical creams, medications and/or washes will do the trick. Your dermatologist can recommend which regimen will work best for you, and can make changes as needed.

3.    Exhaust all possible avenues.

There are hundreds of medical treatment options available to treat acne, so I would never recommend making Accutane your first choice. If you can use something gentler, milder or safer – do. Accutane really should be a last resort for particularly tough or persistent cases of acne.

4.    Discuss the pros and cons of Accutane.

Accutane works by reducing oil production in the body’s glands. As clogged pores are the primary reason for breakouts, Accutane is effective in reducing or eliminating acne for most people.

Although it can be very effective, Accutane can also be dangerous if not taken correctly or if precautions are not taken. Risks include:

• Serious birth defects if taken while pregnant
• Depression or other psychological side effects
• Liver problems related to fatty buildup

While taking Accutane, patients should not give blood, drink multiple alcoholic drinks at one time, have laser procedures or wax regularly.

5.    Educate yourself on the iPLEDGE program.

As a result of so many serious risks associated with Accutane, the drug is now only available through the iPLEDGE program. The program is designed to prevent Accutane-related birth defects. The program requires:

• Two forms of effective birth control (acceptable forms are spelled out by the program)
• For women - A negative pregnancy test 30 days prior to starting medication and every month prior to filling the prescription
• Monthly questionnaires to remind patients of the rules and risks associated with Accutane

6.    Take precautions.

Although Accutane-related birth defects are one of the biggest risks associated with the drug, it is important to consider others.

• Accutane patients should not drink, as the drug itself can cause fatty buildup in the liver. It can also replicate the effects of long-term drinking, like cirrhosis of the liver. Drinking multiple alcoholic drinks at once while taking Accutane can exacerbate potential liver problems.
• Patients will be required to undergo regular blood tests prior to fulfilling their prescriptions each month. This ensures (for women) that there is no pregnancy and for all patients that the liver is functioning normally.
• Family members and friends should watch Accutane patients for signs of depression and other psychological side effects. While these side effects rarely last beyond the final pill, they should be monitored during the Accutane regimen.
• Patients should not wax, have laser treatments or exfoliate heavily during their Accutane regimen. Because the drug dries out the skin, it is more susceptible to ripping or tearing, and waxing may leave permanent scarring. 

7.    Prepare to prevent future breakouts.

Accutane works very well for many people who use it correctly. Although it is risky, it is one of the most effective acne drugs on the market. Due to its risks, most patients should not take Accutane for longer than six months at a time.

Although this is plenty of treatment time for many patients, it may not be the final cure for everyone. Acne is not just a teenage problem, and it is important to maintain a facial cleansing regimen and to keep your dermatologist updated on the state of your skin.

If you have questions about whether Accutane is right for you, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Have general questions I didn’t address in this post? Leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them there.              

The Mohs Surgery Solution

              

This article on Mohs surgery by Dr. Patel appeared in the January 2013 issue of DeSoto Magazine. It addresses skin cancer and the most effective surgery available to treat it. If you have questions about the procedure, call Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates at 901-759-2322 or leave a comment on this post. 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed and treated each year. On average, one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetimes – despite the fact that many types of skin cancer are preventable!

Although not the most common, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, accounting for fewer than 5 percent of skin cancer cases but the vast majority of deaths. The incidence of melanoma increased by 800 percent for women and 400 percent for men from 1970 to 2009. This makes it the only cancer of the seven most common with an increasing incidence.

Luckily, like other skin cancers, melanoma is treatable and preventable. About 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and a person’s risk for the cancer doubles after he or she suffers five sunburns at any age. The best way to avoid skin cancer and, specifically melanoma, is to wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day – even in the winter! It’s also important to consider long sleeves, hats or other protective clothing.

If you are at risk or if you have developed melanoma or another skin cancer already, it can be treated quite effectively. Unlike other cancers, skin cancer does not often require multiple rounds of chemotherapy or radiation. In fact, it can often be removed if caught early through a simple outpatient procedure known as Mohs surgery.

Developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs, Mohs micrographic surgery is the most advanced and effective treatment procedure for skin cancer available today. The procedure is performed by specially trained surgeons. Mohs surgeons complete at least one additional year of fellowship training with a Mohs College member in addition to a three-year dermatology residency and a one-year medicine residency. With the Mohs technique, surgeons are able to see beyond the visible disease to precisely identify and remove entire tumors layer by layer, leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact and unharmed. As the most exact and precise method of tumor removal, it minimizes the chance of re-growth and lessens the potential for scarring or disfigurement.

Because Mohs surgeons are specially trained in surgery, pathology and reconstruction, Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer − up to 99 percent. The Mohs technique is also the treatment of choice for cancers of the face and other sensitive areas, as it relies on the accuracy of a microscopic surgical procedure to trace the edges of the cancer and ensure complete removal of all tumors down to the roots.

“The increase in skin cancers is alarming,” said Dr. Purvisha Patel, physician and owner of Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates. “But our advances in treating these cancers are promising. Mohs surgery is constantly evolving and improving, and we are able to treat a variety of skin cancers very effectively.”

The Simple Science of Aging

Aging is one of life’s great mysteries. In elementary school, everyone learns about Ponce de Leon’s quest for the fountain of youth. Unfortunately, he never found it, but dermatology has come a long way in the hundreds of years since. This post will explain the aging process and how to slow down its physical manifestations. Have questions? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll answer them there.

Collagen and Elastin

Skin is the largest organ in the human body. For that reason, it manifests changes that occur on the outside and inside over time. Collagen and elastin are integral parts of the skin, as they provide its supportive structure and elasticity. As we age, collagen starts to break down and it becomes more difficult for our skin to build it back up. Elastin also starts to break down, giving the skin the inability to bounce back once stretched.

Fat…is important!

Aging skin begins to lose fat under the surface, which makes the skin much thinner and gives it a wrinkled appearance. That means that if you get a cut or an ulcer, your skin will take longer to heal than it did before. The skin can rip or bruise more easily than it did after minimal trauma. Sun damage and the release of free radicals (from smoking for example) accelerate this process.

Subcutaneous Tissue

OK, you probably aren’t very familiar with this term. Bear with me. The loss of subcutaneous tissue can also change the appearance of skin by altering skin structures such as pores, follicles and oil glands, making them look bigger or more prominent. These skin structures also become less efficient, meaning that we sweat less with time. Some people notice that their skin is more fragile – meaning that it's more sensitive to light, heat and extreme temperatures.

Combined Natural Effects

With all the combined effects of tissue loss and skin structure break down, the signs of photo-aging, such as sun freckles, moles and liver spots, become more noticeable. The incidence of skin cancer also significantly rises with age. This is especially true after the age of 50 or if you've had years of prolonged sun exposure or a genetic condition that predisposes you to skin cancer. Skin can also show signs of internal illness that become more pronounced over time. Regular skin exams are recommended, at least every year, to evaluate the skin and all of the changes that occur with age.

So how do you avoid or slow the process?

Check out the rest of our blog posts or leave a comment here. Here are a few quick tips:

• Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every day to avoid damaging sun exposure.
• Moisturize! Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing helps your skin keep its elasticity longer, which prevents wrinkles and other signs of aging.
• Eat right. Check out this blog post on the best foods for skin health for a few tips.
• Choose your makeup wisely and, if it’s too late to prevent, cover up your signs of aging. This blog post will help you determine which products are right for you.