Skin Care Frequently Asked Questions

Q: It seems like all of the sudden my skin is just not looking as good as it used to. What can I do?
A: Efforts to maximize and maintain your skin health is an ongoing process that is accomplished by daily use of skin care products designed to address the use of your skin's unique needs and can be enhanced by the use of in-office skin treatments. It's never too late to start taking care of your skin and see the wonderful results!

Q: What are alpha hydroxy acids and what do they actually do?
A: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are "naturally occurring" acids. AHAs work to break down dead skin cells and speed up exfoliation. As a result, new, healthy skin cells are produced faster enabling you to have a radiant, youthful appearance. There are many different kinds of AHAs and they come in different strengths. AHAs that you obtain through a physician tend to be stronger and have higher concentrations. Also important, is the availability of educated staff, trained in the proper instruction and use of AHAs in a managed and supervised skin care program.

Q: What is hyperpigmentation?
A: Hyperpigmentation refers to patchy areas of brown spots in the skin. Hyperpigmentation is a common problem for those who have had excessive sun exposure, are taking synthetic hormones or are under going hormonal changes such as pregnancy. Fortunately, new strides have been made in the development of pigment control skin products and skin peels that can effectively diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation to give the skin a much more even tone and youthful appearance.

Q: What is meant by a physician skin program?
A: A physician skin program is customized to focus on correcting your specific skin problems and stimulating good skin health. Skin maintenance programs can be different for different people, it depends on the patient's specific skin problem, skin type, goals and last, but not least, motivation.

Usually, a skin maintenance program will involve medical skin products to use at home and in-office superficial skin peels for maintaining exfoliation and replenishing nutrients and vitamins to the skin. These superficial in-office skin peels are usually repeated once a month for the best maintenance and may change as your skin changes. Patients find this to be very simple and the rewarding changes in their skin make them very motivated to continue.