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. 

Bruising 101

If you’ve ever said a few choice words to your bedpost after a not-so-lovely run-in that left a mark on your thigh, you have contributed to the very high statistic of people who attain bruises from their furniture. Although bruises are not pretty, they are a sign of blood vessels and skin cells recuperating after a bedpost bump-in or even heavy trauma.

What are bruises? 
A bruise, also known as a contusion, is a collection of damaged blood vessels that surface beneath the skin. It can appear red, black, blue, purple or yellow in color. Don’t let these colors alarm you, though. A change in color can be an indication of healing, and as the color changes the bruise should get less sensitive.

What causes bruises? 
Bruises are caused by a multitude of things. Most of the time when you think of a bruise, you think of a child who falls on a playground or an elderly person who has very sensitive skin and develops bruises easily. What you might not know is that athletes, weightlifters, frequent gym users and all you Crossfit addicts out there are more susceptible to bruising because of the microscopic tears that take place in your blood vessels under your skin during rigorous exercise. We’re not saying you should stop the exercise. Just beware that your healthy daily routine may be causing some of that unexplained bruising that develops later on throughout your day.

A vitamin C deficiency can also leave your skin more susceptible to bruising. If you want to prevent the potential bruises, eat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. It will do wonders for your skin. 

Should I be concerned about bruises? 
In general, bruising should not be alarming unless you experience:
- Unexplained bruising
- Bruising accompanied by swelling and extreme pain
- Bruising underneath a fingernail or toenail where you may suspect a broken bone
- Bruising caused by a heavy impact that may lead to a hematoma

In these cases, you should contact your doctor for proper medical care. Regardless of what kind of bruise you have, the good news is that most bruises don’t carry the same risk of infection as a cut or a scrape that breaks the skin.

What about black eyes? 
Fun fact about black eyes: most black eyes occur because of an impact that occurs right ABOVE the eye, not below it. The bruise appears below the eye because of gravity, which makes the blood vessels travel to the area just under the eye. This causes discoloration above and below the eye.

Although bruises aren’t pretty and bumping into furniture is not on your weekly to-do list, it is pretty amazing how the human body can heal itself through the bruising process.

Have any questions about bruising that we didn’t address here? Leave them in the comments and we’ll try to answer them there.

Nine Common Winter Skin Conditions and How to Ease Them

Photo Courtesy to Flickr User Chris Buhr

Winter is not easy on your skin. From the dry air outside to the lack of humidity inside, skin can easily get irritated and dehydrated, causing itching and flakiness. Dry skin is a winter condition we’re all familiar with, but do you know all of the conditions that are caused by harsh winter air? Below are common conditions that occur from exposure to cold air and ways that you can ease the pain. 

Acne 
Over-production of oil can lead to clogged pores, dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin, but dry skin can cause acne as well. Acne can happen on any part of the body, but it is most common on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Reducing the number of times that you touch your skin, especially your face, can help reduce acne, as well. A dermatologist can also recommend a topical regimen to help rid your skin of acne issues. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can also help pesky acne that is caused by the cold. 

Eczema 
Eczema causes skin to become itchy, dry and irritated. It’s most common on the elbows, knees, hands and face. The best way to treat the irritated skin is to use a fragrance-free moisturizer and to avoid bathing more than once per day, since eczema is worsened when water settles on your skin. If the breakout is severe, there are steroids that can help relieve symptoms, as well. 

Chapped Lips 
Nothing is worse than cracking, red, chapped lips during the winter months. Chapped lips are one of the biggest issues people complain about during the winter season. Lips have a very thin layer of skin and are the most likely part of your face to dry out due to the dry winter air, wind and low humidity indoors. Splitting and cracking can also occur in severe cases, which is painful, does not heal easily and can act as a breeding ground for infection. One of the most common mistakes people make is licking their lips while out in the cold. This causes severe lip irritation and can making the chapping worse. Lip balm can ease and heal chapped lips by adding moisture and extra hydration. Many lip balms also contain healing medication that can cool and ease lip pain, as well. For more information on chapped lips, read our previous blog post on the topic here. 

Raynaud’s Disease 
For a person suffering from Raynaud’s disease, when the body gets too cold, the blood vessels spasm and constrict, resulting in a circulation issue. The affected area often becomes extremely pale, and the coloration between the affected skin and the healthy skin is apparent. If the body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time, the affected area can turn a deep purple from the lack of oxygen. When the skin finally warms up, it gets red, swollen and tingly, and it can be very painful. People who suffer from Raynaud’s can manage the symptoms by dressing in layers and wearing protective winter clothing, such as gloves, thick socks and insulated shoes, when they will be outside for long periods of time. 

Windburn 
Is the wind causing you to look like Rudolph? Cold winter wind can cause windburn, a skin irritation that causes dry, red, burning skin. To ease windburn, wear clothing that covers exposed skin when you’ll be outside. Scarves, coats and hats can help reduce the skin’s exposure and keep your skin protected and healthy. 

Winter Itch 
Do your hands and feet feel like sandpaper? Dry skin is not fun to experience. However, it’s nearly unavoidable when you’re forced to stay inside with the heat on during the cold winter months. Heat can dry skin out and make it flaky, irritated and itchy. The cold, outside air is also extremely dry and pulls the moisture out of skin. Using moisturizer and skin healing lotions can replenish your skin’s hydration. 

Psoriasis 
Psoriasis is a condition that is activated when the body’s defenses are alerted and your skin produces too many skin cells, which results in dry, flaky, scaly patches on the skin. The condition starts as a collection of small red bumps, then it progresses to these patches that are commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands and feet. The condition is incurable, but there are treatments that can calm the symptoms, including hydrocortisone, vitamin D and vitamin A creams, as well as treatments containing coal tar. Stress can exacerbate the condition, as well, so you can also try common relaxation techniques to keep psoriasis under control. 

Cold Uriticaria 
We’ve all heard of sun allergies, but have you heard of an allergy to the cold? Cold uriticaria is also known as cold hives. Large red welts, resulting from an allergy to the cold, appear on the skin. These welts are itchy and uncomfortable and can be as large as an inch in diameter. Some people may receive relief from antihistamine cream, but the most effective way to relieve the pain is by avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold. 

Rosacea 
Rosacea can cause your skin to look like you just ran a marathon, as it causes flushing and reddening of the face. An extremely common condition, rosacea isn’t just a winter issue, but it can flare up in any kind of extreme weather. It mainly affects the face, and it often looks and feels as though the person is blushing. Some people get bumps and pustules or dry eyes and eyelids along with the redness. If you suffer from rosacea, stay away from caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, wine, cheese and yogurt, as they can make rosacea worse. There are antibiotics that can ease rosacea, and skin peels and other treatments may help as well. For more information on rosacea, read our previous blog post on the topic here.

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.

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!

Losing weight, but still have trouble spots? Try CoolSculpting!

You get enough sleep, eat your vegetables and exercise on a regular basis. You’re proud of the diligence you undertake in caring for your body, and it shows! However, you still catch yourself looking back in the mirror, annoyed that your dedicated regimen has done nothing to shrink your love handles or to help you lose that last 10 pounds. You may think that surgery is your only option, but think again! Skip liposuction and other invasive surgical procedures and try CoolSculpting, an effective, non-surgical alternative.

What is it?

CoolSculpting technology is the only revolutionary, FDA-cleared method to reshape body contours. Available to both men and women, the procedure uses controlled cooling to target and kill stubborn fat cells, requiring no downtime and providing proven and long-term results. It literally freezes away those unwanted fat cells in as little as a single outpatient treatment.

How does it work?

After observing children who developed dimples from eating popsicles, Harvard University scientists Dieter Manstein, M.D., and R. Rox Anderson, M.D., developed a theory that turned into reality: Cold can selectively eliminate fat cells. This technology works by bringing the sub-dermal layer of fat to sub-zero temperatures, effectively targeting and eliminating unwanted fat cells. In the weeks following the procedure, the affected cells are naturally eliminated from the body. The procedure can be completed relatively quickly, in a lunch hour or other personal time, without any required downtime or missed work.

Who is it for?

The ideal CoolSculpting candidate has struggled with certain problem areas, in which pockets of fat resist change from diet and exercise. Common problem areas are “muffin tops,” “saddle-bags,” the inner thighs or any other area in which fat refuses to budge. CoolSculpting can give you the look you’ve wanted for years!

What are the risks?

After the simple procedure, some mild side effects may occur. Candidates may experience temporary numbness, swelling, redness, tingling, bruising and mild pain. In rare cases, as with any health procedure, there can be more serious side effects. It’s important to discuss the procedure with your doctor.

CoolSculpting is available at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates in Germantown, Tennessee, and Olive Branch, Mississippi. Advanced Dermatology is a Preferred Crystal Practice, the highest distinction held by any CoolSculpting provider in the Mid-South. For more information on CoolSculpting, visit http://www.coolsculpting.com/.

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. 

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!

The Skinny: Skin Care During Chemotherapy

Photo credit: K Photography

“Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up.” - Winston Churchill.

Chemotherapy can save your life, but it may also bring some unexpected changes to your body. Here’s The Skinny on how maintain healthy skin during and after chemotherapy.

If you or someone close to you is facing the harsh reality of battling cancer, it may seem like treatment plans and appointments come rushing at you. You may feel as though you just handed over complete control of your life to a group of people in white coats and gloves. They probably explained to you that the next big “C” word you hear is a necessary evil that has the potential to save your life — chemotherapy.

While it can save your life, chemotherapy can have devastating effects on your skin, hair and nails if you do not take proper care of them. Although you may not feel in complete control of your body, you can maintain control of your skin by adhering to a healthy skin care regimen before and after your treatments. For the best results, start your skin care regimen one week prior to beginning treatment. Below are some tips and tidbits for maintaining healthy skin during chemotherapy.

Cleanse

• Wash your face. Make sure not to over-exfoliate, as your skin is likely to become very delicate from the treatment. Pat your face dry instead of rubbing or scrubbing, which may tear the skin.
• When you wash your body, especially your face, use gentle soaps that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free to protect your sensitive skin.
• Shower and bathe in lukewarm water. Avoid long, hot showers that can dry out your skin. 

Protect

Depending on the type of chemotherapy used, your skin may experience some color changes. Lighter skin tones tend to get red, while darker skin tones tend to get darker. Freckles and moles will also darken in color.

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30. You do not have to avoid the sun altogether, but it is in your best interest to apply sunscreen every two hours when you’re outside.
• Fluorouracil (5-FV) treatment will make your skin tan very quickly, so be extra cautious while spending time outdoors.
• Pay close attention to your fingernails and toenails to prevent them from becoming dry, brittle, cracked or ingrown.

Moisturize

It is vital for your skin to stay moisturized during your treatment period. Chemotherapy can leave your skin dry and flaky, which makes it especially susceptible to infection.

Use thick ointments or creams versus regular lotions to lock in more moisture for longer periods of time.

If your skin becomes itchy and irritated, you need to consult your doctor. Steroids or anesthetic medication may work better than weaker over-the-counter drugs.

Avoid pressure sores that can result from sitting or lying in one place for a long time by shifting your weight or changing positions frequently.

The key to healthy skin during chemotherapy is dedication. Make sure to set aside time each day to take care of your body. Try out these tips and tidbits, and let us know which ones worked for you. And, of course, never give up! 

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!