Skinterra always welcomes
input from its readers and customers. On this page, you will find answers
to frequently asked questions regarding products, ingredients and treatments
discussed on this site.
Q:
Should I expect stinging or dryness with any of the products?
Q:
If I am using both Vitamin C and AHA, when should I use which?
Q:
How do I know if I'm a good candidate to use AHA or Vitamin C?
Q:
When should I wear a sunscreen?
Q:
If I wear a sunscreen every day, will I not get wrinkles?
Q:
Are all sunscreens the same?
Q:
How high of an SPF do I need for everyday use?
Q:
Does skin color determine the amount of SPF I need?
Q:
Is tanning in salons safer than tanning outdoors?
Q:
Is there anything I can do to improve uneven skin tone?
Q:
Is
Fade Gel 4 safe to use on any skin color?
Q:
Can I combine these products with those I am currently using?
Q:
Are there any products I should avoid during pregnancy?
Q:
Are all AHA products the same?
Q:
Is it OK to squeeze pimples at home?
Q:
Is toner a necessary part of the daily skin care routine?
Q:
Is it OK to cover-up breakouts?
Q: Should I expect any stinging or excessive
dryness with any of the products?
A: If you have never used AHA (alpha-hydroxy
acids, such as glycolic acid), Retin-A or Vitamin C products, you may
initially experience mild stinging that should subside after a couple
of weeks. Due to the exfoliating actions of AHA, you may also notice dryness
in some areas of your face. If this occurs, use a moisturizer over the
AHA product. If the dryness persists, use the AHA less frequently. Remember,
more is not necessarily better.
Q: If I am using both Vitamin C and AHA
products, when should I use which?
A: Vitamin C, in addition to helping
diminish fine lines, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin
from photo-aging (sun damage). It should be used in the morning under
a moisturizer and/or a sunscreen. A great Vitamin C product for any skin
type is Agera Intensive MagC
Gel. AHA helps remove superficial layers of skin, thus improving the
tone and texture of the skin. It is best used before bedtime and left
on overnight. It is advisable not to apply these two products at the same
time, one on top of the other.
Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate
to use AHA or Vitamin C products?
A: Anyone from their early 20's and
up can benefit from both of these products.
In our opinion, there are three important products that should be a part
of everyone's long-term skincare routine: a Vitamin C product containing
a stable form of ascorbic acid, an AHA or retinol product (Retin-A, if
well tolerated), and a good sunscreen. The younger you are when you start
using these products, the longer you will stay looking youthful.
Q: When should I wear a sunscreen?
A: EVERY DAY. UVA or wrinkle
causing rays are equally intense all year long and unlike UVB or sunburn
causing rays they penetrate through window glass. Both UVA and UVB rays
contribute to the development of skin cancer. Therefore, a sunscreen should
be applied every day at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Contrary
to our belief, most of us spend some time outside everyday. It is also
known that most sun damage occurs in the first 18-20 years of life. During
these years the skin doesn't have as much protection in the form of dead
surface cells and it is more sensitive and prone to sun damage. You only
see the damage later in your life in the form of age or "liver"
spots, wrinkles or skin cancer.
Q: If I wear a sunscreen every day, will
I not get wrinkles?
A: No. The sun, although a major
contributor, is not the only cause of wrinkles. Wrinkles are a part of
the aging process. The question is: how well do you want to age?
Q: Are all sunscreens the same?
A: No. It is very important for the
consumer to look at the active ingredients of the sunscreen, not just
the SPF rating. It is known that zinc oxide and avobenzone (Parsol 1789)
provide the broadest range of UVA protection. Zinc oxide is a physical
sunscreen providing both UVA and UVB protection while Parsol is a chemical
sunscreen providing UVA protection only. These ingredients are the only
ones that protect against wrinkle-causing long-wave UVA rays. Recent studies
indicate that Parsol does not remain active on the skin as long as zinc
oxide (it can be broken down by sunlight), therefore it should be reapplied
frequently. Parsol may also be more irritating to the skin. Titanium dioxide
is another ingredient with strong UVA and UVB blocking capabilities, but
it is not as effective as either zinc oxide or Parsol.
For prolonged sun exposure, we highly recommend a sunscreen with
zinc oxide such as Innovative Skincare
SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen.
Q: How high of an SPF do I need for everyday
use?
A: SPF (sun protection factor) only
represents the sunscreen's effectiveness in screening out sunburn causing
UVB rays. It does not measure wrinkle causing UVA rays, which until not
too long ago were thought to be harmless to the skin. Researchers have
not yet been able to develop a reliable method for measuring the degree
of effectiveness of a sunscreen in blocking UVA rays. This is precisely
why you need to pay attention to the active ingredients of a sunscreen
as indicated in the answer to the previous question. In addition, it is
known that the higher a sunscreen's SPF, the more UV rays it absorbs.
According to dermatologists, a broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen (broad
spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) is the lowest
SPF you should consider for everyday use.
Q: Does the color of the skin determine
the amount of sun protection needed?
A: Yes. The color of the skin as
well as an individual's geographic location determine the amount of sun
protection needed. In general, the fairer the skin tone, the higher the
SPF number required. In addition, the sun is stronger at lower latitudes
and at higher altitudes (i.e. UV levels in Vail, Colorado are 60 percent
higher than those in New York City. Consequently, stronger everyday protection
is required in Vail than in New York City).
Q: Is tanning in salons safer than tanning
outdoors?
A: No. The beds in tanning salons
use unfiltered, long UVA rays, the main cause of photo-aging of the skin.
They cause wrinkles, "age" spots and can give the skin a leathery
appearance. In addition, studies show that they contribute to the development
of skin cancer. For these reasons tanning in salons is no safer then tanning
outdoors.
Q: Is there anything I can do to improve
uneven skin tone?
A: Yes. DDF
Fade Gel 4 contains
alpha-hydroxy acid to remove dead layers of skin as well as three
lightening agents,
hydroquinone, kojic acid and azelaic acid to help inhibit hyperpigmentation
(discoloration of the skin). This product can also lighten age spots
and
reduce discoloration caused by acne. Best used nightly and followed with
a moisturizer of your choice.
Q: Is Fade Gel 4 safe to use on
any skin color?
A: Yes. This product helps reduce
the overproduction of melanin and lighten discolored areas. It will not
make the skin any lighter than its natural color.
Q: Can I combine these products with
those I am currently using?
A: It is not advisable to combine
DDF Fade Gel 4, Vitamin C, retinol
or AHA products with other products containing similar ingredients or
ingredients of similar actions (such as other lighteners or exfoliants).
However, other products offered on this web site can be incorporated
into
your existing skincare routine.
Q: Are there any products I should avoid
during pregnancy?
A: Yes. Because the body absorbs
hydroquinone, DDF Fade Gel 4
or
any other product containing hydroquinone should not be used while pregnant
or nursing. In addition, products with higher concentrations of alpha-hydroxy
acids (such as DermaQuest Glyco
Lotion), retinol and Retin-A should be avoided during this time.
Q: Are all AHA products the same?
A: No. Studies show that AHA products differ
from one another in many ways. The effectiveness of any AHA product
depends
on several factors. For one, the higher the ph of the product, the weaker
its action. For example, an 8% AHA with a ph of 2.8 will be much more
effective than a 10% AHA with a ph of 4.0. Most store brands, however,
don't reveal their ph levels on their packaging and raise their ph
intentionally
to prevent any possible irritation. That may work for someone with very
sensitive skin, but the rest of us are not going to see significant
improvements.
For that reason, you should consider professional-grade products used
in salons or doctor's offices because they do reveal the concentration
of AHA as well as their ph. Its been shown that in order for a product
to be effective, it should contain 10% AHA at a ph close to 3.0. Try DermaQuest
Glyco Lotion 12%.
Q: Is it OK to squeeze pimples at home?
A: No. This may cause the pimple to rupture
internally and spread bacteria from the hair follicle into the surrounding
skin, prolonging healing. It can also lead to scarring. Instead, apply
some benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid once or twice a day directly to
the pimple.
Q: Is toner a necessary part of the daily
skin care routine?
A: No. Toners are helpful in removing oil
and impurities left behind by a cleanser. However, If you are using
a
deep-pore cleanser, you don't necessarily need a toner. Toners can also
be helpful in removing surface dead skin when using stronger alpha-hydroxy,
retinol or ascorbic acid products. Toners, however, do not reduce the
size of pores, they only tighten them temporarily. When looking for
the
right toner, avoid those containing SD alcohol as they can over-dry and
irritate the skin. Look for a toner containing an alpha-hydroxy acid,
such as glycolic acid, to help exfoliate the skin while refining its
texture. Also, look for a dye- and fragrance-free toner. A great one
to try is
Sophyto Tone
& Balance Super Bioactive.
Q: Is it OK to cover-up breakouts?
A: Yes. As long as the foundation and the
powder you're using are oil- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (will
not clog up pores). You should always remember to wash off your makeup
before going to bed. For more information on breakouts, refer to our Acne
Skin section.
