The Truth About Tanning

Summer is quickly approaching, and odds are you’re breaking out your swimsuits and shorts for the first time. The first thing most people notice when they break out their summer clothes is that their skin is much lighter than it was when they packed those same clothes away months earlier.

Unfortunately, many people turn to tanning beds or even their own backyards to get a “base tan” before they officially kick off their summer activities. But is a base tan legitimate? And are you better off going to a tanning bed, laying outside, getting a spray tan or doing nothing at all? Here’s The Skinny on tanning.

Tanning Beds

No matter what you’ve heard, there is no such thing as a “safe” tanning bed. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services both list tanning beds as a “known human carcinogen,” right up there with cigarettes.  

According to the American Academy of Dermatology:

• On an average day in the United States, more than 1 million people tan in tanning salons.
• 35 percent of American adults, 59 percent of college students and 17 percent of teens have reported using a tanning bed in their lifetime.
• Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and women, primarily aged 16 to 29 years.
• Nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Of these, 2.3 million are teens.
• In a 2014 study, 13 percent of American adults, 43 percent of college students and 10 percent of teens admitted to using a tanning bed in the past year.
• In 2010, the indoor tanning industry’s revenue was estimated to be $2.6 billion.
• Indoor tanning equipment - which includes all artificial light sources, including beds, lamps, bulbs, booths, etc. -- emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun, and in some cases might be stronger.
• Studies have found a 59 percent increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use.
• A recent study estimates that exposure to indoor tanning devices causes more than 450,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 10,000 melanoma cases each year in the United States, Europe and Australia.
• Studies have demonstrated that exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning damages the DNA in the skin cells. Excessive exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning can lead to premature skin aging, immune suppression and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma.
• In a survey of adolescent tanning bed users, it was found that about 58 percent had burns due to frequent exposure to indoor tanning beds/lamps.
• The FDA estimates that there are about 3,000 hospital emergency room cases a year due to indoor tanning bed and lamp exposure.

But what about Vitamin D?

Some people claim that indoor tanning can be beneficial in providing much-needed Vitamin D to the skin. While Vitamin D is important, indoor tanning beds should not be used to obtain vitamin D because UV radiation from indoor tanning is a risk factor for skin cancer. Vitamin D can be obtained by a eating a healthy diet and by taking oral supplements. Additionally, most people can get adequate amounts of Vitamin D just by walking outside for a few minutes per day.

Aren’t there some safe tanning beds that don’t emit UVA rays?

While some tanning beds do eliminate the UVA rays and only emit UVB, they are still dangerous. According to the FDA, UVB rays are most often associated with sunburns on the skin’s surface, while UVA rays can cause damage further below the surface. But exposure to any UV rays can cause skin cancer and damage to the skin.

Tanning Outside

I’ve heard claims that tanning outside is safer than tanning inside because it’s “natural.” That’s false. The danger in tanning at all is the UV rays. Tanning beds tend to work “faster” than just laying outside because they have a higher concentration of UV rays, but any contact with UV rays is damaging.

Every time your skin changes – whether it burns or tans – it’s a sign of damage. Too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer, but it can also cause signs of aging, like wrinkles. If you’re outside for any extended period of time, you should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to protect yourself.

Spray Tanning

If you really want to add some color to your skin, spray tanning is the way to go. Spray tans contain a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which temporarily darkens the skin. Spray tans typically last seven to 10 days, or until the skin naturally sloughs off.

There has been a question about the safety of DHA, as prolonged exposure to the chemical or ingestion through the nose or mouth can be harmful. Still, if the products are used as directed, they are not dangerous. People working with spray tans or getting one should ensure they protect their eyes, nose, mouth and mucous membranes.

Even with the minimal risk posed by DHA, spray tanning is by far the safest option to achieve that brown glow.

Doing Nothing At All

Love your skin the way it is! People who avoid tanning altogether and who faithfully wear sunscreen every day will age more gracefully than people who tan or don’t protect their skin.

Have any questions about tanning or recognizing damage? Make an appointment at ADSCA today. 

The Myths and Truths of Pinterest Skin Care Tips

If you’re on Pinterest, you’ve probably seen or re-pinned some skin care advice. But how do you know where these claims are coming from? How do you know they are legitimate? The short answer is…you don’t. Here are a few common skin care pins.

CLAIM: Heal acne scars with a scrub made of honey and carrot seed oil.

FALSE

This pin is on my myths board. Honey is a natural antiseptic, but it won’t heal scars. As pointed out in my blog post, scars are the result of a change in the skin, so they’re not easily camouflaged with home scrubs like this one.

CLAIM: Sleep on your back to help prevent wrinkles.

TRUE

Sleeping on your stomach or side can be damaging to your posture. Also, when you spend an entire night with your face buried into a pillow, you may be “pressing in” wrinkles and crevices. Sleeping on your back can also help prevent fluid buildup in your facial tissue, kicking that “puffy morning look” to the curb.

CLAIM: Mix coffee grounds, raw sugar or sea salt and massage oil to use in the shower! The scrub can help redistribute fat cells and decrease cellulite formation. It will also shrink blood vessels and reduce varicose veins.

TRUE…mostly

Nothing will cure cellulite, but caffeine and mud can take the swelling out of skin and constrict blood vessels - which decreases the appearance of lumpiness and gives the skin surface a smoother appearance when the light hits it.

CLAIM: Boil olive oil and honey, cool and comb through your hair. This is supposed to work like an at-home oil treatment and help your hair grow faster and make it super smooth.

FALSE

The truth is that the massaging motion you use to get the oil into your hair is stimulating blood flow to the scalp, which can help your hair grow. Washing your hair with regular shampoo can do the same thing. The olive oil will help moisturize your hair, but it won’t do much for growth on its own.

CLAIM: Make your own natural makeup at home using ingredients like beets, arrowroot and coconut oil.

FALSE

The at-home recipes in this pin won't work long-term, as the makeup won't hold its color. The best bet, if you're trying to go all natural, is to go for mineral agents with natural pigment. You can also go beyond the drug store brands and try something like Youngblood Cosmetics, which we sell at the ADSCA medi spa.

CLAIM: Use warm mustard oil to massage your feet and legs twice a day until spider veins are healed.

FALSE

The mustard oil has a yellow color to it that may camouflage spider veins...but it won't get rid of them. It's not really any different than using makeup to cover a pimple and thinking it's been healed.

CLAIM: Mix baking soda with your favorite cleanser. Exfoliate several minutes for soft skin!

TRUE

Baking soda doesn't really do anything spectacular on its own, but it does create a gritty substance that can help scrub dead skin cells off. It's an easy household product to use if you’re out of your regular scrub.

Got any more questions about pins you’ve seen? Comment here or on Facebook. For more great skin care advice, follow us on Pinterest!        

Choosing a Chemical Peel

If you ever watched Sex and the City, you may remember the episode in which Samantha got a chemical peel right before a big event. It was a funny storyline in which she tried to cover up her face to keep people from seeing the redness caused by the peel.

Well…not all chemical peels are like that! It is important to plan some downtime depending on the one you get, but here’s The Skinny on a few chemical peels and the downtime associated with each.

Stimulator Peel

About: A light combination of acids to improve rough skin texture, lighten age spots and hyperpigmentation and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Downtime: None

Recommendation: A series of three to four peels done every two weeks

Sensitive Skin Solution Peel

About: A light peel designed for sensitive skin that exfoliates and decongests pores while hydrating the skin

Downtime: None

Recommendation: A safe, skin brightening treatment before an event or wedding that is best performed with a dermaplaning treatment

Gel Peel

About: Gel peels encourage cell renewal and improve collagen synthesis and skin elasticity. Combined, glycolic and lactic acids work synergistically to exfoliate the skin while reducing irritation and dryness.
Downtime: None

Recommendation: Best for photo-damaged skin, rough texture, dry skin and aging skin

Micropeel

About: A 30 percent glycolic acid chemical peel that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, laxity, dullness and acne

Downtime: Minimal

Recommendation: At least five peels done every two to three weeks

Micropeel Plus 20 or 30

About: Formulated with a combination of salicylic acid 20 or 30 percent, which refines pores and helps reduce the appearance of acne, and glycolic acid 3 percent, which aids in improvement of rough texture, blotchiness and uneven skin tone

Downtime: One week

Glow Peel Package

About: The glow includes a customized blend of Jessner’s Solution and 30 percent salicylic acid in a series of three treatments that will create a light slough of the skin and give you a desirable glow. This package includes a brightening and exfoliating cream, which will help reduce the side effects.

Downtime: Minimal

Recommendation: Three treatments done every two weeks

Pigment Balancing Peel

About: A customizable peel targeting hyperpigmentation and photo-damaged skin with the use of Vitamin C, Emblica, Glycolic 40 percent, and citric acid 10 percent

Downtime: Light to moderate peeling may occur.

Three-Step Stimulation Peel

About: An exclusive blend of acids that remove the outermost layers of skin, stimulate deeper skin layers for more profound benefits and stimulate cellular function

Downtime: Light to moderate peeling may occur

Recommendation: The peel can be repeated every four weeks.

TCA Chemical Peel

About: This is a medium-depth peel formulated with Trichloracetic acid and Jessner's Solution to resurface the skin.

Downtime: One week

Recommendation: This treatment targets acne scarring, photo damage, and fine lines and wrinkles and creates cellular turnover.

All of the above peels are offered at ADSCA’s medi spa. It’s important to note that chemical peels are best performed during the winter months, as sun exposure can damage the skin after a peel. For more information, call 901-759-2322. 

(Don't) Fear the Beard

Spring is on its way in and sweaters, scarves and mittens are on the way out. The temperature is rising, but that doesn’t mean the beard trend is going anywhere. Although this manly fashion staple has been around for quite some time, the art of growing and maintaining facial hair hasn’t always come as easy for some as it has for others. The amount of time it takes for a cleanly shaven face to sprout a full beard varies for every man, but the average is about four weeks. Take note of these tips for growing a beard from the beginning to ending stages.

Ingrown Hairs

Sometimes known as razor bumps, ingrown hairs will sometimes occur in the beginning stage of growth when hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. This will occur after your initial shave before you start growing out your beard. It is common, but very painful and uncomfortable. Be careful when treating the irritated area. Don’t pull it out from the top, as that can cause it to break instead of come out, which will create more irritation. Instead, put a hot, damp towel over your face, disinfect the area with some alcohol and use tweezers to gently pull out the hair as close to the base as possible to pull the bulb out. Don’t ever squeeze them with your fingers! Dirt under your fingernails could lead to an infection. 

Itchiness

Don’t stress. This should only last a couple of weeks. If you’re new to growing out your facial hair, this initial stage can be uncomfortable and will make you feel like you’ve got a rash under all of that stubble. Don’t worry! It’s most likely just your face drying out and collecting dust. Apply some lotion to your face daily, and you’ll be good to go. Remember, that annoying itch is only temporary!

Growing Pains

Like I mentioned before, the amount of time it takes to grow a beard is different for everyone. Be patient and avoid trimming or shaping your beard for at least a month. For some men that’s too long, and for others it takes two months to get rid of that patchy look. Use your best judgment, but avoid the clippers for as long as you can!

Grooming

When you’ve achieved your desired beard length, which should be after a month or so, you should start a beard grooming routine. You’ll experience the best results by shampooing and conditioning your beard a couple of times a week. Most guys use their regular bar soap in the shower, but you shouldn’t! It will dry out the skin underneath your beard and cause the hair to be brittle.

Trim your beard every week to every few weeks, depending on how long you want to keep your beard and the speed at which your hair grows. When trimming or shaping your beard, always use the right tools. For trimming full, thick beards, comb your beard before using shears. Some men prefer to use scissors, while others prefer to use electric trimmers with a high guard. For a more scruffy, stubble look, use a stubble trimmer every couple of days and an after-shave moisturizer afterward.

Do you have any questions about growing a beard that weren’t answered in this post? Ask your questions in the comments below, and we’ll help you out!

Spring in to New Skin

Warmer weather and fresh flowers are on their way as spring quickly approaches. As we wait with anticipation to pull out our sandals and pack up our sweaters, our skin might not be as ready to embrace the new season. Don’t worry! There is still time to prepare. Here are some tips to help get your skin ready for spring.

Feet

They’ve been bundled up in wool socks and leather boots, but it’s time to get your feet ready to see the sun again. The first step in getting your feet in tip-top shape is to exfoliate. Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser or scrub to wash away the dead skin and reveal soft, new heels and toes. Next, moisturize. Be consistent in this step, and don’t neglect your toenails and cuticles. The final step is optional (and primarily for the female readers), but a little color added to your toes is a great complement for your toe-baring sandals!

Body

Your skin is probably still recuperating from the dry, cold winter air. To give your skin a boost toward a springtime glow, start by exfoliating. Just like your feet, the rest of your skin needs a gentle cleanser or scrub to help buff away dry skin. Use an exfoliating brush or cloth in the shower along with your exfoliating wash for optimal results. The next step is to apply a moisturizing body lotion to rehydrate your skin. To take care of dry patches that don’t go away with the first two steps, you can invest in some over-the-counter deep moisturizing balms or, for extreme cases, talk to your physician about a stronger solution.

Face

Although staying true to your regular skin care routine is a good rule of thumb, throwing something new into the mix might be just what your face needs to achieve a healthy spring glow. An option you should consider is one of our many medi spa treatments. One treatment we recommend when first visiting our medi spa is a facial. Our many facial options include treatments like deep exfoliation, a therapeutic massage or extractions to clean out clogged pores and eliminate dead skin cells. These three steps will nourish your skin and promote new cell turnover. Another treatment we offer is microdermabrasion. This treatment rejuvenates your skin, using a state-of-the-art diamond-tipped wand to remove dead skin cells and other impurities.

Need more suggestions for warmer weather skin preparation or interested in learning more about our medi spa? Leave a comment below, and we’ll help you out!

All medi spa services are available by reservation Monday through Friday. Contact us at 901-759-2322 to book your treatment today!   

Kicking Athlete's Foot

What is it?

Tinea pedis, better known as athlete’s foot, is a common skin infection. While it can affect everyone, it is most common in adult men. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which are commonly found in warm, damp areas like gym shower rooms, locker rooms or public pool restrooms where many people walk with bare feet.

Athlete’s foot takes many forms, but it is most easily recognized by an intense itching sensation on the feet, cracked or peeling skin (especially in between the toes) or a red rash and scaling on the soles. The infection normally causes a noticeable odor and often spreads to one or more toenails, causing them to appear yellow and thick.   

Prevention

Keep floor surfaces clean. Any area where you may be walking barefoot is important, but it’s especially important for bathtubs, showers and bathroom floors. Since athlete’s foot is most commonly contracted in public areas that you are not capable of monitoring or sanitizing, wear sandals or shower shoes while showering and walking in those places. Also, wash your feet with soap and water and completely dry them afterward at least once daily, and always avoid re-wearing dirty socks.

Powdering your feet before putting on your socks and shoes can also help prevent athlete’s foot. The powder will help control the moisture, which will keep your feet from creating their own warm, damp area as a result of friction and sweat.

Treatments

There are many options available for treating athlete’s foot. Most mild to moderate cases can be cleared up in two to three weeks with the use of over-the-counter anti-fungal cream, powder or spray. Ingredients you’ll want to look for in over-the-counter medications include terbinafine, miconazole, clotrimazole and tolnaftate. If your infection does not clear up after two weeks of consistent use and application of these medications, we strongly encourage you to visit a physician for a stronger anti-fungal prescription that can be offered in topical or oral forms.

If you are suffering from athlete’s foot, we encourage you to seek the medical advice of a physician. For more information about athlete’s foot or other fungal infections that affect your skin, please visit www. advanceddermatologymemphis.com or call 901-759-2322.  

Skin Care Product Expiration

Skin care products can be expensive. People love to have them but hate to buy them – and that’s exactly why it’s easy to talk yourself into keeping that $50 bottle of moisturizer you bought three years ago that’s only half-empty. Although you may be saving money, you might be doing a disservice to your skin. Here is a brief guide on when to keep and when to toss your skin care products:

Makeup

Eyes

Of all your cosmetics, your eye makeup probably has the shortest shelf life. There isn’t a good way to clean the majority of the applicators you use, so it’s easy for bacteria to grow quickly and abundantly. You should throw away your mascara every one to three months. If it’s dry and clumpy, it’s well past its expiration. When it comes to liners, pencils can last up to a year if they’re the type that can be regularly sharpened, but gel and liquid liners should be thrown away every couple of months. Cream eye shadows can last up to a year, and powder eye shadow is good for up to two years. 

Lips

Lipstick will begin to dry out after about two years, and that’s your sign to toss it. Lip gloss, on the other hand, will start becoming extra sticky when it’s reached its expiration, and that usually happens after one year. 

Face

Powders and blushes tend to last up to two years. Powders will start to become flaky and dry when it’s time to toss them. Liquid foundation can last anywhere from six months to a year. When your foundation starts to lighten and separate into layers, that’s when you’ll know it’s time for it to go.

Cleansers

Face

Facial cleansers can last up to six months. If your cleanser includes benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, it’s important to note that they decay quickly and no longer work as they should after about four to six months. Glycolic peels and acne treatment pads will begin to dry out after two months and should be thrown out once that happens.

Body

Body washes can last for two to three years. If you notice a change in consistency, smell or color, stop using the product.

Moisturizers

Face

One year is a safe bet for most moisturizers. Although products that don’t contain anti-aging properties may last longer, the bacteria that accumulates in the jar causes your moisturizer’s shelf life to decline dramatically.

Body

Body lotions can last from two to three years. If you notice a change in smell, color or consistency, it’s time to replace it.

Sunscreen

As mentioned in a previous post, sunscreen is effective for up to three years after its purchase date. To ensure shelf life longevity, it’s important to store your sunscreen in a cool or room-temperature environment.

Do you have any product expirations that weren’t addressed in this post? Leave them in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out!