I am not a skin care professional. How
would I go about purchasing PCA SKIN® Clinical Care Products?
PCA SKIN does not retail directly to the public, however, we offer a
convenient referral service to assist you in locating a facility in your
area that carries PCA products. Please call our toll free number
(877.PCA.SKIN) or e-mail us at
info@pcaskin.com and a customer service representative will be happy to
assist you.
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Why would I use pHaze 1 Facial Wash or
pHaze 1 Facial Wash for Oily/Problem Skin rather than soap to cleanse my
skin?
Skin on the face is more delicate than skin on the
body. While soap is suitable to cleanse skin on the body it is far too
drying for sensitive facial skin. The over-drying effect of soap can result
in premature wrinkling and an over production of oil. pHaze 1 Facial Wash &
pHaze 1 Facial Wash for Oily/Problem Skin are pH balanced cleansers that
will not only gently cleanse but also free skin from cell debris resulting
in a more vibrant appearance.
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My skin is very oily, do I need a
moisturizer?
Yes. Everyone, no matter how oily their skin, needs
a daytime (with SPF) and nighttime moisturizer. Healthy skin requires a
delicate balance of both water and oil. Even if your skin produces excess
oil you still need to replenish the water in the skin and keep it
hydrated. A deficiency of water will typically lead to an overproduction of
oil which would worsen your condition. Choose a daytime SPF product designed
for oily skin, such as pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 25, as well as a
non-oily or oil free nighttime moisturizer, such as pHaze 18 Clearskin, for
best results.
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I have breakout prone skin that is also
sensitive. How would I decide between using pHaze 33 Acne Cream and pHaze 35
Acne Gel?
pHaze 33 Acne Cream is an active benzoyl peroxide spot
treatment product that is designed for more resilient acne prone skin. It is
a very effective anti-acne agent, but may prove too stimulating for your
sensitive skin. pHaze 35 Acne Gel is a combination of salicylic acid,
azelaic acid and active botanicals to kill bacteria and reduce oil
production to control acne breakouts. This formula would probably be a
better choice, as it is very gentle and effective.
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What makes pHaze 25 ExLinea™ Peptide
Smoothing Serum different from other peptide products on the market?
There are many different peptides on the market that perform different
functions in the skin. The peptide in ExLinea™, acetyl hexapeptide-3, is
specifically targeted for relaxing facial tension that can cause facial
wrinkling while reducing the depth of existing lines. ExLinea™ also
incorporates hyaluronic acid to increase the skin’s moisture binding
ability. Another PCA SKIN® product that contains peptides is the pHaze 12
eyeXcellence, formulated with three other peptides that are targeted for
reducing under eye circles, puffiness and wrinkles. Using these two advanced
formulations together leaves the skin plump, hydrated, smooth and firm. And
for men, Total Strength Line & Pore Minimizer in the PCA® MEN line contains
a peptide that builds collagen to strengthen skin and dramatically reduce
wrinkles.
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I used pHaze 13 Pigment Gel® Dyschromia
Controller for two weeks or so... is it my imagination or did my spots get
darker before they got lighter?
Yes, this is possible because
the discoloration that is closer to the surface of your skin appears darker
than the pigment that is in the lower layers of your skin. If discoloration
gets darker first, it is rising to the surface to be exfoliated. At this
point it is especially important to continue with your lightening regimen.
If you are using the pHaze 13 Pigment Gel® with HQ, keep in mind that
hydroquinone is a lightening ingredient that can oxidize and turn dark brown
when exposed to air and light. This may discolor the skin’s surface (the
very problem you are trying to correct). Therefore, it is imperative that
you use the appropriate PCA SKIN® sunscreen moisturizer to create a barrier
and protect the hydroquinone from air contact and sunlight.
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Professional Treatments:
How do I know which chemical peel
treatment is right for me?
Your skin care professional will be
trained on each of the PCA Professional™ Products. This training will allow
them to not only choose a treatment designed for your skin type, but
customize a treatment, addressing your personal skin care needs.
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How much discomfort should be expected
when having a peel?
The level of discomfort experienced depends
on the treatment. Most PCA Professional™ chemical peels are gentle and
create little or no burning or stinging sensation in the skin. Dramatic
wrinkling, sun damage or acne scars may require a deeper peel, which may
cause moderate stinging for a few minutes. More dramatic results can be
expected from a deeper peel, however deep peels are not necessary for most
skin types and conditions. PCA’s philosophy of taking a low-dose approach
means our superficial chemical peels create minimal discomfort and produce
beautiful and immediate results for most patients.
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Should people who are frequently in the
sun receive peels?
Yes, but only if they are compliant with
using sunscreen protection every day. Sunbathing should be avoided directly
following a treatment and while the skin is peeling. If you are getting
peels to lighten the skin, it is imperative to use the appropriate pHaze 13
Pigment Gel® Dyschromia Controller (with HQ or HQ Free) followed by pHaze 6+
Hydrator Plus SPF 25 or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 25 and avoid
unnecessary sun exposure to reduce any chance of further hyperpigmentation.
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Which peels may be used on someone who
exercises frequently?
Someone who is active may have any peel,
but all peel patients must wait 48 hours after a treatment to exercise. If
this is not an option, the Non-Burning Facial Peel or Intensive Vitamin C
Treatment are alternate choices. These treatments use our Ultra Peel® II
Exfoliating Treatment which is an acid-free retinol cream. Its delayed
flaking action will not cause irritation or downtime, and leaves the skin
glowing and hydrated.
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Will a chemical peel make thin skin even
thinner?
Dry skin is partially the result of dead cell buildup,
which actually hinders natural exfoliation as well as the absorption and
penetration of vitamins and nutrients. Having a PCA Professional™ chemical
peel will remove surface buildup, hydrate the skin and give it a plumper,
“thicker” appearance. The use of topical vitamin C and peptide products in a
treatment, as well as in your daily care regimen will help build collagen in
the skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.
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