4 Home Skin Care Remedies from Dr. Patel on Reader's Digest

What are some home remedies to soothe skin? Check out Dr. Patel's answers in Reader's Digest's article "23 Old-Time Home Remedies We’ve Forgotten—but Need to Bring Back ASAP."

Visha Skin Care Graces the Pages of Redbook Magazine

Have you read the October 2017 Redbook Magazine yet? If so, you probably spotted the Visha Skin Care Advanced Correcting Serum featured in the Tips 'n Trends section! 

Dr. Patel Featured on Parents Magazine

What does Dr. Patel think about using bee venom to reduce C-section scars? Check out her answer on Parents Magazine.

Dr. Patel Featured on Prevention.com

Dr. Patel was recently featured on Prevention.com, where she gives tips on reversing signs of neck aging. Read the full article here.

Dr. Patel Featured on Livingly

Check out Dr. Patel's article on Livingly.com! 

Dr. Patel Featured on Reader's Digest

Check out the article "12 Things Your Mother’s Health Says About You" on Reader's Digest, featuring a quote from Dr. Visha!

Wonder if you're going to get wrinkles or skin damage? Take a look at your mom's face. (Find out what dermatologists wish you knew about preventing wrinkles.) Research has shown that male and female skin ages differently due to different hormones. 'Your mother's ability to break down collagen and the age when it started breaking down—the age when she got wrinkles—are passed down to you, as well as the pattern of collagen breakdown: Did she get wrinkles around her eyes first, or deeper lines around her mouth?' says dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, creator of Visha Skin Care. 'Looking at pictures of her as she ages helps you understand how to combat your aging process.' Daily sunscreen and an anti-aging serum with retinol, vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E work to fight these genetic effects, she says. In addition, your skin type, passed down from your mother and your father, can affect your chances of sun damage and skin cancer. Those with fairer skin are most at risk."

Sunscreen, Self-Tanning, and Sunless Tanning

The American Academy of Dermatology has named May the official Melanoma Awareness Month, so as a precaution we’re sharing with you three things you can do now to proactively protect your skin. 

1. Sunscreen – Applying sunscreen to your skin daily is very important. Any area of your body that will be exposed to the sun should receive a layer of sunscreen to provide a healthy barrier between the sun and your skin. To best protect your skin, apply sunscreen after you’ve applied Advanced Correcting Serum and before you apply your makeup.  

2. Self-Screening - A monthly head-to-toe screening is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. Knowing the various marks on your body and monitoring your skin for any new or changing lesions can result in early detection and removal of skin cancer. Refer to The ABC’s of Melanoma.

 

3. Desperate for a summer glow? A spray tan or self-tanner are the only safe options!
   Spray tans and tanning lotions have come a long way! Next time you're at the drugstore check out the variety of lotions they have to offer or search online for a MediSpa in your area that offers the best custom airbrush tan.
   All we ask is that you say no to tanning beds! Recent studies show that UV radiation used in tanning beds increases your risk of developing skin cancer and puts your eyes at risk for cataracts and corneal burns. 
   
   

Disclaimer -- *This article is to provide insight about Melanoma, not to be used for a professional diagnosis. If you or anyone you know if concerned they may have skin cancer, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

As the American Academy of Dermatology has named May the official Melanoma Awareness Month so we want to share with you The ABCDEs of Melanoma because knowledge is power, and skin cancer is highly treatable - if detected early. 

An easy way to decipher if a mole on your body is normal or potentially harmful is to use the ABCDEs. This handy method from the American Academy of Dermatology will help you determine if you should schedule a screening with your local dermatologist. 

A: Asymmetry

An atypical mole will not be symmetrical.

When observing a mole on your skin the first thing you want to look at is its shape. Is the mole asymmetrical? Check to see if both halves look the same, if so, then chances are your mole is healthy.

B: Border

An atypical mole will not have a defined border.

What does the border of your mole look like, is it smooth or irregular? Does your mole have a scalloped or poorly defined border? If so, you should schedule a screening.

C: Color

An atypical mole will not be one consistent color.

Notice the color of the mole, is it all one shade or does it vary in hues of tan, brown, or black? Maybe it’s white, red or blue? A healthy spot will be one consistent color.

 

D: Diameter

An atypical mole will be larger than 6mm.

The diameter of melanoma is usually greater than 6mm, or the size of a pencil eraser. However, they can be smaller. If the size concerns you, it might be time to schedule a screening.

E: Evolving

An atypical mole will change in size and/or shape.

Is your mole evolving in size and/or shape? Keep an eye on your mole, if you notice it has changed in size or shape it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Disclaimer -- *This article is to provide insight about Melanoma, not to be used for a professional diagnosis. If you or anyone you know if concerned they may have skin cancer, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist immediately. This information has been obtained by the American Academy of Dermatology and can be found at www.aad.org

7 Beauty Hacks for Glowing Skin

Summer is coming! Yes, it will be here before we know it so it's time to prepare our skin. That's why we've gathered 7 Hacks for Glowing Skin on the blog for you, just in time for summer. These are a few things you can do now to ensure your skin is at its best come time to slather on the sunscreen and put on a swimsuit.

Treat Acne and Tone Your Skin with Lemon Juice

The last thing you’ll want, come time to soak up the sun, is acne. One of our hacks for treating acne is lemon juice. A lot of people choose to apply lemon juice overnight, incorporating it into their nightly face-washing routine. If you have sensitive skin you may not want to leave the lemon juice on overnight. Instead, try applying it with a Q-tip or cotton swab right after you wash your face in the morning.

Clearer Complexion with Advanced Correcting Serum

Summertime means less makeup and more sunscreen. Now is when you should begin treating your skin to shrink pores and even out your complexion. We suggest using the Advanced Correcting Serum, an all in one anti-aging power serum designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, fade sun spots, and correct uneven skin texture that occurs from UV damage. You can use this serum twice a day – once in the morning and once at night after you’ve washed and dried your skin. To see maximum results be sure to use an SPF 30 sunscreen during the day.

Moisturize and Reduce Inflammation with Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is most often associated with painful sunburns, but it is also a great natural solution for your skin. When taken internally Aloe Vera helps a myriad of digestive problems and skin issue. When applied topically, aloe can be used to moisturize your skin, help minimize inflammation of the face and neck, and reduce signs of aging. Bonus hack: Use Aloe Vera when you get an insect bite this summer to treat redness and irritation.

Diminish Dark Circles and Wrinkles with Bright Eye Booster

If you’re experiencing puffiness or dark circles under your eyes, you need Bright Eye Booster. In six minutes or less, dark circles diminish, wrinkles are reduced, skin is left toned and perfectly moisturized. This eye booster is perfect all year round but will come in handy when traveling this summer. Bright Eye Booster can be applied both under and over your makeup and used multiple times a day.

Treat and Tone Your Skin with Tea Bags

Tea is not just for drinking! After you’ve finished a cup of tea there are a variety of ways to reuse the teabag to treat your skin. Have a green tea bag? Use a cotton swab to soak up the remaining juices and apply to your face as a toner. The combination of cold tea bags and Aloe Vera can provide relief from a sunburn. How’s that for a dynamic duo? Lastly, chamomile tea bags are a great natural remedy for eczema when applied to the affected area.

Say Goodbye to Cellulite with Sugar Shrink Body Scrub

It’s time to start prepping for your first spray tan of the summer. Yes, even though it will be summer you should still consider a spray tan. Why? Because too much exposure to UV Rays (the sun) is bad for your skin, and a faux glow is a perfect alternative. Before your spray tan, you’ll need to exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells. During a bath or shower, scoop a small amount of the scrub into your hands and gently rub on your skin in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly, then pat skin dry. This will not only leave your skin feeling silky smooth, it will reduce the appearance of cellulite and even extend the life of your spray tan. Sugar Shrink Body Scrub can also be used pre, and post pool day to rehydrate your skin.

No More Pimple Panics with Toothpaste

Using toothpaste to treat a pimple as soon as it appears, or shortly after, will not only reduce the redness and inflammation, it will also cause a pimple to clear up faster. Another alternative is to dab a small amount of the Advanced Purifying Cleanser on a Q-tip or cotton swab and apply it to a pimple. But wait, do not wash it off! Instead, let the cleanser hang out on your skin for a while; the high-performance ingredients in this cleanser will help to address redness and irritation and remove airborne pollutants and residue.

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

10 Ways to Treat Dry Winter Skin

1.     Exfoliate More (or less) – If you notice your skin becoming dry and flaky, it’s time to increase your exfoliation. If your skin isn’t flaking and just seems more damaged than normal, ease up on the exfoliating. Winter weather can really throw your skin a curve ball, so adjust your exfoliants as needed.

2.     Apply Sunscreen - It may be cold out, but you still need your sunscreen. The best way to do this is to double up by using a thick, moisturizing, lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher on your skin every day.

3.     Stay Hydrated – Your skin needs hydration inside and out. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water in conjunction with warm winter beverages.

4.     Add Healthy Fats & Oils - Eat foods that are rich with healthy fats like nuts, fish and avocado to help add essential oils and nutrients back into your body. If need be, take supplements like fish oil and vitamins C, E and B complex to keep skin healthy through the winter. You may also consider adding aromatherapy oils to your body wash to help nourish dry skin.

5.     Rotate Beauty Products- Step up your beauty products to formulas that are more moisturizing than your summer products. Use a heavy cream like the B2B to keep your skin soft and non-flaky.

6.     Stick to Warm Water – It may be tempting to take hot showers, especially when it’s cold outside, but try taking warm baths and showers instead. Hot water will only further dry out your skin.

7.     Get a Humidifier (or two) – Winter’s best friend! Use humidifiers in your home to put moisture back into the air.

8.     Routine – Before bed apply thick lotion to both your hands and feet, and then cover them with socks, yes, your hands too. This will help seal in moisture overnight, so you wake up with soft hands and feet.

9.     Cling to Eye Drops – Dry winter eyes? Have eye drops on hand all winter long to keep dry eyes at bay.

10.   Stock the Lip Balm – No one likes chapped lips so, use lip balm like there’s no tomorrow.

Download Dr. Visha's Ways to Treat Winter Skin below: