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.