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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.