The following is a collection of common questions regarding your skin and care. Use the quicklinks below
to learn all about how to make your skin glow and be healthy just the way it was ment to be!
The skin must be regularly cleaned. Unless enough care is taken it will become cracked or inflamed.
Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms. The dead cells that continually slough
off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found
on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface. If not washed away, the dirt and dead skin slurry
begins to decompose emitting a foul smell. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it is dirty
and it becomes more easily damaged. The release of antibacterial compounds decreases.
Dirty skin is more prone to develop infections. In saying all of that cleaning your skin with
just soap and water is not good for your skin. Your skins pH level is acidic and soap is
alkaline, therefore soap will strip your skin of it's natural acid mantal which protects itself from
the environment. As skin ages, it becomes thinner and more easily damaged. Intensifying this
effect is the decreasing ability of skin to heal itself. Skin sagging is caused by the fall in elasticity.
Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity.
So yes it is very important to look after your skin!
It is never too early or too late to look after your skin. However, the sooner the better.
Thinking that just because genetically you have good skin is not enough the environment
we live in can have long term affects on your skins health!
The structure of the skin is the same in us all, male or female. Male tend to have more hair
on their faces and can produce more oil. So just because you are male does not mean you
don't have to look after your skin.
Acne is a genetically-inherited disease, which is the result of several factors occurring in the skin.
Aside from excess oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, there is a proliferation of cells that clog
the pores, trapping oil in the follicle. Bacteria inhabit the follicle and digest the oils, generating waste
products which then cause the irritation to the skin. Oilier skin conditions tend to experience more
acne breakouts because they provide more food for the bacteria. Teenagers’ hormonal changes
increase oil production, in turn increasing acne breakouts.
Excellent skin care and hygiene are vitally important to remove the excess oils and bacteria
that are associated with acne. Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and completely
water-soluble, making them ideal for breakout-prone skin. Always follow a strict regimen
of thorough cleansing with anti-bac skin wash and lukewarm (never hot) water, followed
with a hydrating conditioner such as Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, and an oil-free moisturizer.
Exfoliate twice a week, and use Daily Microfoliant® every day, to help the skin rid itself of congestion
-causing debris. Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel helps regulate sebum (oil) production, remove
follicle-clogging debris and kill acne bacteria. For an existing breakout, Benzoyl Peroxide provides
unsurpassed clearing while a calming mask reduces irritation.
In addition, lifestyle changes can often improve your skin. Try to reduce stress, drink plenty of water
and limit your intake of caffeine and cigarettes, which may stimulate the adrenal glands and promote
oil production. And always remember never to pick or squeeze pimples, as you’ll be left with an even
bigger blemish and a scar to remember it by!
If, after a month of following your recommended regimen your complexion does not clear, it may be time
to involve a dermatologist. Depending on what you were prescribed, you’ll have to make some adjustments
to your at-home regimen, to help your skin adjust to the new medication. For example, you may opt for
a more gentle cleanser, such as Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel or The Bar. Users of Retin-A,
Adapalene and Accutane should not use any exfoliating products, or undergo waxing on the treated areas.
All users of prescription exfoliating products, as well as of antibiotics, should avoid sun exposure
as much as possible, and apply a Dermalogica Solar Defense product with a minimum SPF15 daily.
Stress and hormonal changes are the primary cause of the re-emergence of acne well after puberty.
Recent studies indicate that 40 to 50 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 40 are diagnosed
with persistent, low-grade acne. Along with several lifestyle changes, including reducing stress
and improving diet, there are several products on the market designed to address these problems.
Dermalogica Oil Control System is a collection of three medicated, skin purifying formulations
– a cleansing Anti-Bac Skin Wash, Skin Purifying Wipes, and Oil Control Lotion – all designed
to control oil and prevent breakouts
Acne vulgaris a more common form of acne and is caused by clogging and inflammation of the skin's
hair follicles. Rosacea, on the other hand, is not actually a form of acne at all, even though it looks that
way in its early stages. Rosacea is an inherited vascular disorder in which the blood vessels of the
face become swollen after repeated exposure to certain triggers such as extreme temperatures, alcohol,
spicy food, etc. While it starts as a simple blushing, it advances into bumps on the face that look like an acne
breakout.Like common acne, Rosacea is treatable... but not by the same regimen! Skin prone to Rosacea
must be treated gently to avoid triggering redness and inflammation, and may also require a dermatologist’s
prescription for special medication to control the symptoms.
Can hormones, medication
and Pregnancy affect my skin?
How does pregnancy affect the skin?
Pregnancy can be a rather overwhelming time as your body undergoes massive changes. Knowing in advance
how these changes are going to affect you will help in dealing with them. For example, dry, itchy skin
will need the skin smoothing benefits of an enriched moisturizer and a soap free cleanser. It is also vitally
important to be extra thorough with sun protection because hormonal changes make the skin more
susceptible to permanent pigmentation damage.
Treat pregnancy breakouts with a recommended product like the blemish clearing Special Clearing Booster.
A moisturizing facial masque will help return much needed hydration to the skin without adding any oil.
Your vitamin supplements are also very important during this time, not only for the baby's nutrition
but also for the maintenance of your skin. Be sure to discuss your supplements with your health care professional.
Vitamin E and Zinc have been shown to help reduce stretch marks, while Vitamin C aids
in collagen production, leaving skin supple and resilient.
What effect do oral contraceptives have on the skin?
Oral contraceptives have a very similar effect as pregnancy on the body's hormones, leading to many
of the same skin problems. Although symptoms and their severity differ depend on each person,
women taking oral contraception are much more sensitive to sunlight and can develop a permanently
uneven skin tone if they do not adequately protect themselves. During this time you should use
a minimum SPF15 sun block formulated in a moisturizing base, like the Sheer Moisture SPF 15.
Oral contraceptives can also lead to increased breakouts and oil productions which can easily be addressed
with an antibacterial skin wash and oil free moisturizer. At the same time many women experience more
dehydration of the skin, which should be addressed with a hydrating facial masque and consistent use of
the appropriate moisturizer.
What is exfoliation?
While worldwide awareness of exfoliation has exploded in the last decade, it’s a concept that is thousands
of years old. Even Cleopatra’s exfoliation secrets are well documented!
Generally speaking, exfoliation refers to any technique that removes cells from the skin surface, not only
immediately “refreshing” the skin’s appearance but also stimulating cell renewal. The benefits are dramatic,
and, when used with professional guidance, exfoliation can be used to treat a wide variety of skin problems
– including acne, hyper-pigmentation, premature aging and scarring to name a few.
Of course, there is huge variety in these techniques – scrubs, peels, masques, dermabrasion, and lasers!
Fortunately, your skin care therapist can help you identify what will help you best achieve your goals.
Who needs exfoliation?
Well, everyone exfoliates naturally. In fact, as you’re reading this, thousands of tiny skin cells are falling
off your body – about a million every minute! An exfoliation regimen simply helps your body along in the
process, which becomes especially vital as we age. Teenagers completely regenerate their external layer
of skin, on average every 14 days. By the time you’re 40, however, that rate has increased to 30-40 days.
The result is dull, ashy or mottled-looking skin. An exfoliation regimen can reduce the time that dulling skin
cells sit at the surface of our skin for a healthier, more vibrant complexion. Depending on your age and
skin condition, your therapist might prescribe a combination of exfoliation therapies.
Why isn't stronger better?
Many people get a little exfoliation-crazy under the mistaken notion that if a little is good, a lot has
to be great! (Ironically, this is why people often mistakenly opt for the more irritating Glycolic Acid
– they assume that more irritation equals better results.) While every skin condition is different,
and reacts to exfoliation differently, you should tame down your exfoliation regimen if your skin feels
chapped, irritated or is unusually red for a prolonged period of time. At this point, you’re not removing
dead debris – you’re scrubbing away the protective barrier of the epidermis, which can result in permanent sensitization,
premature aging and a host of other concerns.
What can I do about my broken capillaries?
You need to make sure that you wash with only luke warm water and if you are really concerned
you may have skin rejuvenation with ELOS
What ingredients are bad for skin care and why?
Mineral oil or lanolin, irritating artificial colors or fragrance, and S.D. alcohol are the worst ones.
With so many different skin care companies out there why should I use Dermalogica?
Dermalogica is the skin care system researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute.
Known worldwide as the "professionals' choice," Dermalogica is founded on the belief that good skin
care is not about pampering or luxury...any more than brushing your teeth or washing your hair is!
Dermalogica is dedicated to skin care research and will only use natural ingredients.
For years, Dermalogica's formulas have pioneered new standards for product performance.
Using only the finest ingredients available, all Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic
and contain no occlusive mineral oil or lanolin, no irritating artificial colors or fragrance,
and no drying S.D. alcohol.
Is the sun really bad for me?
The sun and my skin... are they really such enemies?
It’s no exaggeration to say that the sun is potentially your skin’s worst enemy. In fact, skin cancer,
largely caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays, is the most prevalent form
of cancer in the world, affecting one in five people. And it’s on the rise – recent studies suggest that
depletion of the earth’s ozone layer makes shielding the skin more important than ever.
Not a sun bather, you say? Well, unless you only go out at night, your skin is still bombarded
on a daily basis. Driving to work. Walking the dog. Even sitting under indoor lighting. The bottom
line – if the sun is in the sky, sun protection should be on your skin!
Who is at greatest risk from sun-related skin cancers?
Unfortunately, no one is safe from sun-induced skin cancer, but there are several factors that dramatically
increase the risk. Anyone who has been sunburned even once before the age of 18 has a dramatically
increased risk – up to 50%! Fair-skinned individuals are the most prone to sun damage, as are people
taking medications that contraindicate sun exposure. Speak to a dermatologist immediately if you have
a skin lesion that appears suddenly, with asymmetrical appearance, darker edges than center, that changes
color, or becomes larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm).
What's the best preventative approach?
If you’re directly exposed to sunlight, ensuring proper coverage is vital. Recent studies show that it’s
better to apply an SPF15 more frequently (every 30 minutes) than it is to use a higher SPF less frequently.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a higher SPF doesn’t necessarily mean better coverage. You see,
a product’s SPF is calculated based on how much sunscreen it contains. An SPF15 blocks over 90% of
the sun’s damaging rays. An SPF45 contains as much as three times the number of sunscreen agents,
yet only blocks a few percent more rays.
Also, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you anticipate long-term exposure is a great way to prevent
damage not only to the face, but the neck and ears as well. And we say bring those big, eighties
glasses right back into fashion – larger sunglasses shield the delicate eye area, helping to reduce
damage and slow the formation of crow’s feet! Find a form that meets your needs.
Not only have sunscreen formulas improved dramatically over the past years, but there’s been
an explosion in applicator types.
Dermalogica has an extensive range of sun care products even for a sensitive skin.
What is pigmentation?
The pigmentation of one’s skin is the result of millions of years of evolution, which explains the wide range
of skin tones we see in everyday life. People with origins close to the equator, where the sun is the most
intense, had to develop protection against dangerous UV rays. The result? An increase in the production
of melanin, a natural skin and hair colorant that absorbs UV radiation and protects the body from damage.
In fact, the epidermis of a dark-skinned person absorbs up to 25% more UV radiation than that of
a light-skinned counterpart.
How do I prevent unbalanced pigmentation?
Pigmentation disorders are caused by a myriad of factors, which include sun damage, hormonal imbalance,
and skin trauma or disease. Of all these causes, sun damage is both the most common, and the most easily
prevented! Simply applying a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 every day, and avoiding peak sun times
around midday, will do a lot to prevent the sun damage that can make your skin’s pigment act up.
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF30 provides optimum daily sun protection.
Hormonal imbalance, a cause of pigmentation mostly affecting women, can occur during any time that
the body’s natural hormone balance is disturbed. These triggers can include hormonal changes, such as
those that happen during the menstrual cycle, menopause, prolonged stress, pregnancy or even when
taking birth control pills. Unlike pigmentation related to trauma or sun damage, hormonally-induced
hyper-pigmentation generally disappears when balance is restored to the body, and it can be treated
during the interim period with topical skin brighteners.
The pigmentation related to skin trauma (cuts, wounds, scrapes and the like) is difficult to prevent
in the case of accidental damage to the skin. Picking at acne lesions is also, of course, a big no-no,
and will only exacerbate the pigmentation associated with the wound healing.
What are my treatment options?
When it comes to hyperpigmentation (when pigment-producing cells are damaged and produce too much
color), there are two possible treatment approaches -- botanical and chemical. Chemical lighteners,
predominantly those containing Hydroquinone, are the only approach officially recognized by the US Food
and Drug Administration as effective skin lighteners. However, Hydroquinone has been linked with many
negative side effects and can cause severe skin allergies and worsening of the pigmentation condition.
(This is why Hydroquinone is now actually banned in much of Asia and Africa.)
Botanical skin brighteners are a much safer approach for brightening the skin, and are as effective when
used consistently in a professional brightening regimen. Brightening agents to look for include Licorice,
Bearberry, Rice, Kiwi and Mulberry, coupled with Lactic Acid and Vitamin C. Your skin care therapist will
be able to prescribe the regimen best for you, but it will most likely begin with a professional series
of Skin Brightening treatments. These highly-active treatments include a professional-only exfoliation to
smooth away the unevenly pigmented skin cells, followed by the application of a powerful botanical serum.
What is sensitive skin, and do I have it?
No other skin condition is more misunderstood than sensitive skin. In fact, almost 90% of the population
report having sensitive skin at one time or another! To understand whether you have sensitive skin,
you first have to understand what causes it.
Sensitive skin is a genetically-inherited condition that predominantly affects very fair-skinned individuals,
usually of Northern European ancestry. Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing,
has a very fine complexion and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.
What most people suffer from is in fact sensitized skin. Rather than a result of genetics, sensitized skin
is a reflection of your environment, lifestyle and physiology. Pollution, stress, hormonal imbalance,
cosmetic allergies, alcohol, a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all trigger the sensitized skin condition.
The good news is that sensitized skin can be treated. The bad news is that, left untreated, the skin’s
response can actually result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging.
How can I avoid trigger factors?
A few lifestyle modifications can usually solve most people’s skin sensitization.
What can I do for my skin when it’s sensitized?
We all know the discomfort of an attack of sensitization – the skin feels tight, red and swollen,
and it seems like everything you do just makes it worse! The first step is to avoid all trigger factors.
Then, you need to follow a special regimen to help your skin recover. You should ask your skin care
therapist what will be best for your skin.
How is rosacea different from sensitized skin?
Rosacea is a skin condition as misunderstood as sensitive skin, and as frequently mis-diagnosed. In its early stages,
Rosacea exhibits the same symptoms as skin sensitization – redness, blushing and tightness
– as well as the same trigger factors. However, the similarity ends there. A disorder of the facial blood
vessels, Rosacea is a progressive inflammatory disorder that, when untreated, develops additional
complications that include burst capillaries, facial swelling and spots on the face that look like acne
breakouts, causing people to confuse Rosacea with acne.
One in twenty people – mostly women – are affected by this misunderstood disease. See your
professional skin care therapist and receive a FaceMapping to determine if you are experiencing
Rosacea or a sensitized skin condition.
Fortunately, Rosacea is manageable. Avoiding trigger factors is critical, as a Rosacea attack begins
the same way skin sensitization does. For milder Rosacea, we recommend our sensitized skin care
regimen of Environmental Control products. There are also an increasing number of prescription
medications recommended by your dermatologist that can halt the progression of this disorder.
What is premature aging and how do I avoid it?
Far from natural! Now, we wouldn’t suggest for a minute that there’s anything wrong with growing old
gracefully. The natural aging process is defined in our very genetics, resulting in the complex hormonal
and physical transformations that take place throughout life. Premature aging refers to the unnatural
acceleration of the natural aging process, primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy
lifestyle. While the natural aging process cannot be slowed, most people who exhibit signs of aging
are actually suffering from premature aging. Sound far-fetched? Consider this: not only are over 99%
of wrinkles caused by sun exposure, but premature aging can add up to twenty years to your appearance!
Taking care of your skin early on can help your skin stay healthy well into your golden years.
It’s an investment that only takes minutes a day!
Avoiding unprotected sun exposure is the most important measure you can take to protect your skin.
General lifestyle factors are also important – a diet too rich in highly-processed foods and alcohol,
and lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods, can have a significant impact on the health
of the skin.
How can I control premature aging?
Let’s face it – we’ve all done things in our pasts that our skin would rather forget! And, while the damage
may be done, there are a number of ways in which you can treat the signs of premature aging. It all starts
with regular visits to your skin care therapist, who can work out a prescriptive regimen based on a detailed
skin analysis using Face MappingSM. More than likely, you will begin with an intensive series of Multi-
Vitamin Power Exfoliation treatments, a hydroxy acid and Retinol approach that is designed to dramatically
smooth away debris and increase new cell renewal. Then, regularly-scheduled MultiVitamin Power
Treatments will keep your skin on track.
Your at-home regimen will also play a crucial role. Using vitamin-enriched products, specifically those
containing stabilized Vitamins A, C and E, can deliver the vital nutrients that the skin needs to help
firm and improve elasticity. Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Concentrate and MultiVitamin Power Firm
for the eye and lip area applied on a daily basis, along with our MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque
1 to 2 times weekly, will very effectively deliver these critical vitamins to your skin. And don’t forget
your hands, which are one of the first areas to show signs of premature aging and sun damage –
MultiVitamin Hand and Nail Treatment was developed specifically to counter this.
Topical vitamins... do they work?
As far as your body is concerned, your skin is the last in line when it comes to getting its share
of nutrients. Over time, fewer of your ingested vitamins ever make it to the skin because they
are diverted to the internal organs, leaving the skin starved. Applying potent vitamin complexes
topically can make up for this lack of nourishment, helping to address the signs of premature aging
on the cellular level and neutralize dangerous free radical activity.
Technically speaking, getting those vitamins where they need to go is a huge challenge. Extremely reactive,
vitamin complexes are generally very unstable, which means you should never use a product that comes
in a dropper bottle or jar, where it would become contaminated after the first use.
What vitamins are most effective?
Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate)
Essential for normal skin development, Vitamin A regulates skin growth and cell division. Not only does
it help improve moisture content, it actually promotes cell renewal and can help reverse a the signs
of premature aging. A powerful antioxidant, it also scavenges free radicals.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate)
Also an antioxidant, Vitamin C is a key component in collagen production, and also strengthens capillary
walls, for a more firm skin tone. It has also been shown to help regulate hyperpigmentation and boost
the skin's immune system.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate)
Powerfully antioxidant, Vitamin E also helps to protect the skin's moisture barrier, smooth the skin,
reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
A powerful vitamin that encourages cell regeneration, which stimulates the healing process.
