The Lantern Skin Studio | Murfreesboro, TN 37128

Where Your Journey to Great Skin Begins

DIY Skin Care

The Quickest Fix for Dry, Cracked Hands and Feet

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Learn how to quickly repair severely dry and cracked hands and feet with this simple, affordable product.

I have been blessed with pretty good skin – on my face. But like many others, I struggle with maintaining healthy, hydrated skin on my hands and feet. Due to the nature of my work, I wash my hands an extraordinary number of times a day – and with extremely strong soaps. Although I wear gloves (as all estheticians should) during every service I perform, I still must wash my hands before setting up for every service, before working on any client, after completing any service, after cleaning up post-service, and all the other times that one must wash hands during any given day. Over time, and without special attention given to them, my hands literally crack at every little line. It is terribly painful and even lotions and creams that normally work beautifully will burn my skin when they are that dry. Fortunately, I don’t have to wash my feet so frequently! But, even so, I struggle with dry feet, and if I fail to keep up with them – especially in the winter – I am subject to painful cracks at worst, and rough funky feeling skin at best. Naturally, I have tried every lotion, potion, cream, and balm known to mankind with much disappointment along the way.

I have used tons of cheap over the counter products from plain Vaseline to Eucerin. I’ve invested in extremely expensive and luxury brands as well. Some smell great. Some feel great. Some even seem  a bit promising, but generally don’t repair my dry, chapped skin the way I, as a skin therapist, expect in order to consider a product worthy of investing in or promoting.

One very cold winter day last year, I left my studio with my hands feeling like they were on fire due to tiny cracks all along the insides of my palms and fingers – and with a painful crack in my heel to boot! After getting home, I applied multiple lotions  to my hands only to be in absolute discomfort as the lotions penetrated the micro-cracks in my hands and caused immense, firey, burning. Of course,  these lotions did nothing for my heel either. While digging through a drawer in my vanity, I happened across a tube of Desitin. Yes, Desitin. Diaper cream. I don’t know how it got there, when I bought it, or even why, but I am glad I discovered it as this event ended my long search for the final answer as to what on this green earth would ever help my poor hands and feet when they get so dry!

Diaper creams are typically very high in zinc. Zinc plays a critical role in our bodies in so many ways that I don’t even have time to touch the surface of just how important it is to the human body. But to give a little glimpse, just know that it is of critical importance to the health of skin tissues, our ability to heal, and our immune function. It is anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant in nature, and also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. 20% of your body’s zinc is stored in your skin, so it makes sense that topically applied zinc would be beneficial and healing. Combine the healing and repairative effects of zinc with the conditioning and protective qualities of the other primary ingredients in diaper cream (I prefer Desitin brand due to its high zinc content), and you have a winning product for helping dry, cracked hands and feet. Oh, and then there’s the price point. GREAT skin care products usually are not cheap. In this case, however, there is not a single high dollar hand or foot cream I would even consider suggesting to anyone, as I am not convinced a better product for this particular problem exists than zinc-rich diaper cream.

How I Use it:

For Feet – Hydrate feet by gently rinsing in warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. Pat dry. Apply a good layer of Desitin and work it in well. Pay particular attention to areas of extreme dryness or cracks. Throw on a pair of thick socks and head to bed. Your feet will feel entirely different by morning. Repeat this as often as needed, but once you get your feet back in a decent state of softness, you’ll likely only need to do this for maintenance. Just remember, it’s best to not let them get to the point of cracking before begining to treat them!

For Hands – The only downside to using diaper cream for hands and feet is that it is especially thick. This makes it not so functional for application on hands during the day when you have to touch things all day long. Desitin covered fingers do not lend to nice looking smartphone screens, window, door knobs, etc. I find that I get a good amount of the product worked into my hands when applying to my feet.  I will then use warm water to wash away the excess (plenty will remain), then blot with a towel to absorb any surface moisture. If I am in need of a serious hand-repair treatment, I will apply a thick layer of the cream, throw on loose disposable glove, allow the cream to penetrate 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse and blot as outlined above.

So, there you have it! An affordable hand and foot repair cream option that is readily available and really works! I hope this discovery will help you end the torture of painful hands and feet due to severe skin dryness and would love to hear your feedback once you’ve tried it!

How a Silk Pillowcase Can Help Your Skin!

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As a skin care professional, one of my professional obligations is to maintain the appearance of my own skin. So, over the years, I have tried a myriad of lotions, potions, creams, and assorted tools all in efforts of finding a handful of the best products to provide to guests in my skin care studio. I have sought effective answers to skin care concerns – within an affordable price range.

And so my story begins about the quite simple, but beautifully effective – silk pillowcase.

A few months ago, I began to notice very thin horizontal lines under my eyes. I have been blessed with having very few signs of visible aging, so seeing these little lines was no minor matter for me. As I approach 40, I only ponder what these lines will look like in another 10 years. I use all the best cleansers, moisturizers, serums and eye creams. Yet, these particular lines seemed to be forming despite my doing everything “right” in my own skin care routine.

That’s when it occurred to me that it isn’t the products failing. It’s how I sleep.

I am a tummy or side sleeper. I’ve tried the back thing; it just doesn’t work for me. I’m one of those crazies who sleeps with my face smashed in a pillow, and I really don’t have a lot of desire to disrupt my cozy sleeping position. Though, I have tried – all in the name of beauty – I still find myself, face smashed into the pillow upon waking.

But what does that have to do with those (currently) barely visible horizontal lines under my eyes? Everything!

You see, when we sleep on our stomachs or sides, the pressure on our faces is pushing our cheeks up – this creates what I call a “crinkle” in the skin while we sleep. That crinkle is temporary, and goes away after we’re awake… for years. But one day… out from nowhere… we look into the mirror and that darned crinkle has actually begun to be a more permanent wrinkle. Well, we’ll call it a line. But lines become wrinkles later on. And although we may be armed with the most amazing peptide-rich cream, or be getting the most stellar professional skin care services in town – all that squishing up of our facial skin all night long can’t be completely corrected by products or treatments.

It’s a sad fact, but as an honest esthetician – I have to tell you we are not superheros. There are some things we can’t fix. Tummy-sleeper-eye-line-syndrome is one of them. I can plump that line, I can smooth it, I can even strengthen the tissues around it – but as long as that “crinkle” is being formed all night long, a line will eventually result (and worsen with time).

This article actually IS about silk pillowcases, but we had to cover the preliminary findings first. 🙂

After becoming quite disgusted with my crinkles, I began searching all around for solutions. From how to sleep differently, to very bizarre pillows that keep your head at a very bizarre position, to pillowcases, to tape – I researched a ton.

The bizarre pillow was several hundred dollars. Sorry, but if I’m investing a few hundred bucks into my bedroom – it won’t be for a pillow. As noted previously, I tried the sleeping on my back thing. Not happening. Then the tape… affordable solution, but strange feeling, and I can’t quite guarantee that leaving tape on my skin all night long wouldn’t eventually lead to some entirely different issue. So, the final test was a silk pillowcase.

Now, I don’t mean a satin pillowcase. I don’t mean a faux silk pillowcase. I don’t mean some synthetic silk-esque pillowcase.

I mean a bonafide silk pillow case.

I will give specifics a little later.

A silk pillowcase isn’t going to stop you from smashing your face in your pillow. But, it will reduce the tension and friction on your facial skin overnight. Because silk doesn’t wrinkle in the same way cotton does, or tug the same way other fabrics do, when your face is pressed against silk – you have less impressions left behind on the skin, and less pulling of the skin due to reduced friction between the skin and the surface of the pillow.

I was happy to have less crinkly-impact on my skin overnight, but then I discovered a whole benefit I didn’t know existed!

By about day 3 of using my fabulous new silk pillowcase, I noticed something rather remarkable when I washed my face… My skin felt completely different under my finger tips. Maybe you don’t pay attention when you cleanse your skin, and that’s totally okay! But, I do. So when I could tell the texture of my skin felt notably more smooth as I cleansed, I began some further research on what may have caused this, as the pillowcase was the only change to my routine.

What I learned is that silk does not absorb moisture like cotton does. Why does that matter?

Well, I’m sure you’ve heard or read somewhere to wear cotton socks and undies. Ever wonder why? It’s because cotton is super absorbent! It literally wicks away moisture from other surfaces. This is why we use cotton bath towels; think about it!

Silk, however, doesn’t do this. When sleeping against cotton, we’re exposing our skin to a substance that is quite effectively pulling moisture away from us all night long. Not a huge deal really – unless you’re speaking from an anti-aging standpoint. Moisture is critical to beautiful, healthy, youthful looking skin, so just a few days of my face resting on silk instead of cotton – and I was hooked.

Another added benefit is that due to its slippery surface, silk also keeps your hair in better shape. Silk pillowcases cause less hair breakage, again due to reduced friction and tension. I have also noticed a look somewhat less like Medusa in the mornings. My hair is notorious for looking CRAZY when I wake up – something in the silk has at least reduced that to semi-Medusa status. Some ladies actually use silk scarves to wrap their hair at night, but since skin is my focus – I’m just not dedicated enough to do the hair wrap at night. Feel free to try it yourself if you’d like.

So to recap:

  • Tummy and side sleepers actually develop lines on the face as a result all that crinkling of the facial skin going on against the pillow
  • This can’t be totally eliminated without a change in the way you sleep, but a silk pillowcase can definitely help
  • While you’re getting less crinkles, your skin will stay much more hydrated because silk won’t be sucking all the moisture out of your skin
  • This makes silk especially useful for dry skin – even if you don’t have crinkles yet
  • Silk pillowcases are great for your hair too

A few other points:

  • Silk pillowcases are fine for oily skin as well.
  • Some people do have an allergy to an enzyme in silk. But, I don’t care what substance it is – someone will be allergic to it. It’s the times we’re in. Rest assured, silk is a natural and safe substance and unless you DO have an allergy to it, it’s fine. Promise.
  • Don’t get cheapy knock-off pillowcases from who knows where made from who knows what. Shoot for 19 or higher momme charmeuse silk when possible. Momme is simply a measurement for the quality of silk.
  • Care for your silk according to manufacturers directions.

I have come to the professional conclusion that everyone should have a silk pillowcase! I absolutely adore mine, and it not only feels amazing to the skin, it has a very functional purpose: assisting the skin in staying hydrated and crinkle-free. Or, at least crinkle-reduction. Nothing is magic, but silk is pretty close!

DIY Citrus Foot Scrub

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Get ready to dazzle those open-toe and open-heel shoes! This simple and aromatic foot scrub will help you put your best foot forward!

Items You’ll Need:

  • 1 Cup Epsom Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Almond Oil or Olive Oil (almond oil has the most beautiful, delicate scent, but avoid it if you have nut allergies)
  • 10-15 drops Orange Essential Oil (available at most health food stores)

Now, all you need to do is find a container for your scrub, mix up your ingredients and you are DONE!

To Use Your Scrub:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. The water does not need to be hot, just warm. You can add some Epsom Salts into your soak water for extra softening power!

2. Get out a generous scoop of your glorious scrub and work over your foot, be somewhat more aggressive on areas of thickened skin, and be more gentle on more delicate skin – especially on the top of your feet – don’t overdo it! Repeat on your other foot.

3. Rinse away salt and excess oil with warm water. You can use the tiniest amount of body wash to help lift excess oil from the skin, but this should be minimal – leave some of the oil in place.

4. Perform a gentle filing of both feet using either a pumice stone or a gentle foot file. Focus on your heels and areas of hardened, thickened skin. Do not file the tops of your feet! Rinse your feet again with warm water.

5. Apply moisturizer to your feet. One of the best topical treatments for dry feet is 100% pure, unrefined Shea Butter. Now, Shea Butter is thick, and you don’t want to be getting it all over the place, so I recommend that you do this just before bed, throw on a pair of comfy socks – and sleep in the Shea Butter. If you’re not heading straight to bed, and can’t really roam around in socks, just go for a nice moisturizing lotion. But, using the Shea Butter and sleeping in it will improve your feet tremendously.

A couple of notes:

  • These DIY jobs are always much more fun when you have a nice container! Specialty mason jars are a fun way to store your scrubs. But, on the quick, a plain old plastic container with a lid will do.
  • It is quite alright to play with this recipe a bit and switch up the type of essential oils you use. Lemon and lime are other nice options for a citrus flare. Be cautious with your essential oils, however. Essential oils are very concentrated, so start on the lower end of the drops – and add more if you need it.
  • Do NOT use this scrub on your face or body. I am not a fan of the overuse of salt on the skin of the body. Salt can be drying and too abrasive for scrubbing more delicate skin. Opt for sugar scrubs like my Olive Oil and Lemon Scrub for the skin of your body, and use ONLY professional exfoliants for your face/neck/decolette.

I hope you’ll enjoy this fabulous Citrus Foot Scrub! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below!

DIY Pumpkin Pie Body Scrub

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Pumpkin Spice Facial | Murfreesboro, TN This super-aromatic homemade body scrub is sure to get you into the autumn groove.

A couple of notes before we get started on the recipe…

As a person who has fallen victim to the “more must be better” mindset, let me assure you in advance that when it comes to the use of cinnamon on your skin, more is definitely not better!!! I once added some extra cinnamon to a DIY face mask only to find myself looking like a close cousin to a boiled lobster for several hours after the “treatment”. So, please, though the body skin is tougher than the face – just don’t be heavy handed with your spices!

Lastly, this is a body scrub and isn’t appropriate for the delicate skin of your face, neck, and chest. Leave it for hands, arms, elbows, legs and feet. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the almond oil for coconut oil. And as always, watch that slippery bathtub floor anytime you’re using oil-based scrubs!

Now for the recipe!

2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/3-1/2 cup almond oil (can be substitute with coconut oil, though harder to mix coconut oil is a wonderful oil for the skin)

Directions:

  • Combine both sugars and all spices together in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Add enough almond oil to saturate the mixture without having a lot of excess oil standing over the mixture.
  • Stir mixture thoroughly  to combine all ingredients and distribute oil.
  • Store in an air-tight container. Scrub should be used within 2 months. To avoid contaminating homemade scrubs, it’s always a good idea to remove the scrub from your storage container with a spoon or spatula instead of fingers.

Get Soft, Smooth Legs with an Olive Oil and Lemon Sugar Scrub

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DIY Olive Oil and Lemon Scrub

Homemade Olive Oil & Lemon Sugar Scrub Recipe

Exfoliate your skin on a budget with this super simple body scrub recipe!

Three simple ingredients can come together to give you soft, silky legs. The scrub recipe on this page is a wonderful scrub for using before and after shaving. Enjoy it on any of the tougher parts of your body – arms, elbows, legs, feet, etc., but do avoid sensitive areas of skin such as your face and any areas of your body that may be affected by acne.

Ingredients:

  • Granulated Sugar
  • Olive Oil
  • Fresh Lemon

Make this scrub immediately before use. Since you’re using fresh lemon, it’s best not to make large batches for saving.

I’m not one for using exact measurements, but I would suggest starting with about 1/2 cup of sugar. Put the sugar in a small plastic bowl or jar, and add enough olive oil to saturate the sugar without excess oil floating over the top of the sugar. You’ll need to stir up this mixture to determine if you’ve got enough oil in the sugar. Next, quarter an entire lemon and squeeze all that citrusy goodness into the mixture. Stir it up again. Now you’re ready to go!

The Exfoliation:

  • Soak legs in a warm bath or allow them to become saturated in a warm shower
  • Scrub legs and feet thoroughly with scrub (and any other tougher areas of skin like your elbows)
  • Rinse away scrub with warm water

At this point you have a couple of options:

  1. Take a tiny bit of body wash in your hands, lather it up, and quickly run it up and down your legs/feet and any areas of skin you’ve used the scrub on (don’t over wash). Quickly rinse away the  body wash. This step will rinse away the excess oil and leave you soft and silky but free from the greasy feel we often experience with oil based scrubs.
  2. If you are shaving on the day of your scrub, follow all of the exfoliation steps above, shave, exfoliate with the scrub again, rinse – then proceed with step 1 above.

A few things worth mentioning:

Being a licensed skin therapist, I see a lot of misinformation floating around the Internet. Though many homemade skin treatments feel good, they often don’t perform much more than superficially.

That said, when the skin on my legs is dry and flaky, I’m not all too worried about the deeper scientific meaning surrounding it – I just want to fix the cosmetic problem at that moment.

So with all this duly noted, no, olive oil isn’t going to penetrate deeply into your skin and create a magical lifelong change. What it will do is soften the surface of your skin and create a barrier that assists in maintaining moisture levels in your skin.

The reason for sugar over salt: Salt is often rougher and more drying to the skin. Granulated sugar is more hydrating and less abrasive than coarse salt. The lemon juice, although acidic, is not terribly concentrated in this mixture. It will aid in exfoliation and give a refreshing feel to the skin, and you may experience some minor improvement in certain skin conditions, but just as noted above, it isn’t going to be a magical cure to excessive dry skin.

They key here is frequency!
Performing this scrub once a week will keep your skin nicely exfoliated, and restore moisture to the drier superficial layers of skin (the ones we see, touch, and feel).

You will feel a noticeable difference in the texture, smoothness, and glow of your skin after just one application, but to maintain this wonderful softness, you can’t just do it once!

Shoot for weekly if you possibly can.

Oh, and a few words of caution!

  • Oil makes the bath tub slippery… So be careful, will ya!?
  • Oils and all the other random stuff we wash down our drains everyday definitely can create clogs. Keep your drains nice and clean with a monthly drain cleaner treatment – and always run some extremely hot water down your drain for a minute or so after using an oil scrub.