Skin Care Question & Answer

When can I expect to see results?

Within a few weeks of regularly using M.D. Forte^TM products (Glycolic acid - alphahydroxy acid products),the skin should begin to appear smoother and healthier. Fine lines seem to fade, and the complexion and texture appear more even. Allow an average of 2 to 6 weeks for visible results, depending on the condition of the skin prior to using M.D. Forte^TM products.

When should M.D. ForteTM products be used?

Most M.D. Forte^TM products should be used twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening - unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Can I use M.D. ForteTM products in conjunction with my other moisturizers or cleansers?

Yes. M.D. Forte^TM products can be used with other skin care products that have been recommended by your physician. Makeup can also be applied while using M.D. Forte^TM products. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, make sure that all supplemental facial products being used are non-comedogenic and non-irritating.

Should I avoid sun exposure while using Glycolic Acid products and Retin A products?

Yes. You should always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prvent photodamage. Unprotected sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging. Retin A increases one's sensitivity to the sun, therefore, it is imperative to wear sunscreens, and not to suntan or attend tanning salons.

What should I expect to feel when I first apply the product?

M.D. Forte^TM Glycolic Acid products may cause mild tingling when first applied. This sensation should disappear within 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the skin sensitivity. You may want to wait 15 minutes after cleansing prior to applying your leave-on Glycolic Acid-based product to reduce stinging.

What should I expect within the first few days of using the products?

As the dead-cell layer "sloughs off," skin may appear slightly drier than normal. Once the transition is made and new, smoother-looking skin is exposed, the complexion will appear more youthful and vibrant.

Do I need a prescription for Glycolic Acid Products and Retin A?

Alphy hydroxy acid products (glycolic acid) are available over the counter but Retin A does require a physicians prescription.

Do I need to use both Glycolic Acid and Retin A to achieve the maximum benefit?

Both products can be used alone but your improvement will be maximized if you use both the Glycolic Acid and Retin A.

What are SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin C products?

SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin-C products are an innovative skin care line featuring stabilized L-ascorbic acid at a low pH. Originally developed as a preventative skin care treatment to protect skin from environmental damage, SKINCEUTICALS topical Vitamin C products, over time, visibly improve skin clarity, tone and texture and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin with a firmer, smoother, younger looking appearance.

What is the science behind SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin-C products and how do they work?

Research shows that topical vitamin - C in the form of L-ascorbic acid is able to be absorbed by the skin. Science shows that L-ascorbic acid promotes the synthesis of collagen which is crucial to healthy, younger looking skin. Additionally, research shows that topical vitamin - C photoprotects against both UVA and UBV radiation and prevents UV immunosuppression, a phenomenon in which the activity of the immune system is stifled following exposure to sunlight. Topical Vitamin - C is an excellent anti-oxidant, neutralizing oxygen free-radicals which destroy the sin and its components. Topical vitamin - C also provides a modest anti-inflammatory effect and therefore can be utilized to aid skin in recovering from sunburn, chemical peels and redness from laser skin resurfacing.

What products are included in the SKINCEUTICALS family of Topical Vitamin - C products and how do I know which products are best for my skin type?

In addition the Topical Vitamin - C High Potency Serum 15 which contains a 15% concentration of L-ascorbic acid, the SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C skin care line includes Topical Vitamin - C High Potency Serum with a 10% concentration of L- ascorbic acid, and Topical Vitamin - C Eye Gel with a 5% concentration of L-ascorbic acid. The higher concentrations are for use on the face, neck, hands, chest and problem spots and the lower concentrations are for use around the delicate eye area. The serum and the gel products are suitable for most skin types. For dry, sensitive or mature skin, SKINCEUTICALS also offers their Topical Vitamin - C in a cream version.

Rather than use SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C products, can't I just rub oranges on my skin or take more Vitamin - C tablets?

No. SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C products contain vitamin - C in the form of L-ascorbic acid a precise acid pH which allows it to be absorbed by the skin. No matter how much vitamin - C one ingest, body control mechanisms tightly limit the amount of vitamin- C that can enter the skin through ingestion. Research shows that stabilized L-ascorbic acid at low pH delivers 20% to 40% more vitamin - C to the skin than can be achieved by diet or by supplement.

Can I use SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C products with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinoids (including Retin A TM and Renova TM) and other popular skin care products?

Generally, yes, although it is recommended that you consult your doctor or skin care professional to be certain, SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C products should not be used at the same time of the day as these other products, The recommended regimen is an application of SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C products in the morning and use of the other acid or retinoid based products at night.

How soon does an average user see results?

SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C products will start to be absorbed by the skin almost immediately. Although visible differences will not be seen for approximately two months, you may notice difference in skin texture, color and tone in as early as a few days. While individual results will vary, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles should become less noticeable within three to eight months. Because these vitamin - C products were developed as a preventative treatment with the goal of protecting the skin from further environmental damage, the skin should benefit the moment the vitamin - C is applied. Vitamin - C is necessary for the production of collagen, the major structural protein of the skin.

Are there any side effects associated with SKINCEUTICALS Topical Vitamin - C products?

Generally these products are well tolerated. Some individuals experience a mild stinging when the product is first applied, which is attributable to the high acidic concentration necessary to get the L-ascorbic acid (vitamin - C) into the skin. Many individuals find this sensation subsides with continued use, specifically as the skin begins its natural healing process.