Skin Interactive: Blog

Combination Skin, and dry patches are common in the winter. Dry Indoor heat, as well as cold weather, can dry our skin out! There are two basic ways to moisturize: “Grease” to keep water, most commonly seen as shea butter moisturizers. Also Humectants, which absorb water like a sponge from the environment. pH has both.

We have a wide selection of moisturizers. From our Moisturizing Recovery Cream for the severest of dry skin, to those containing ingredients to treat aging or acne. We also have the finest Hyaluronic Infusion on the market, which draws water from the environment, like a sponge. Both types of products may be used together, for the ultimate treatment program for dry skin.

Generally, no. Wind burn causes more exfoliation without the harmful affects of UV Radiation that sunburn brings. It is more like a Microdermabrasion Treatment. That said, the wind can dry your skin out and will require additional moisture to restore the skin’s baseline moisture content.

Barry J. Cohen, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

Stress, environmental changes, climate changes, as well as hormonal fluctuations can affect one’s skin. This is precisely why there is no one regimen that fits everyone, and why people’s skincare needs change with the season and with age. I strongly urge those who have occasional breakouts to keep our acne spot treatment of 2% Salicylic Acid for as needed use.

Barry J. Cohen, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

As we enter 2012, we thought it would be important to remind you about our core values. The team at pH Advantage is grateful for our many loyal customers and are committed to continue to provide:
 
- Effective products with proven ingredients and formulations.

- Value in your purchase. We constantly strive to make our products available at a competitive price.

- Choice to our customers. We recognize that not every product is right for every individual. Finding the right formulation is critical to achieving the best result.

- Information that is timely and designed to address questions that are commonly raised by our customers.
 
We thank you for your support and encourage everyone to spread the message about our products and interact with us either by email, joining us on Facebook, or sending a message to us on Twitter.
 
Sincerely,

 
Bruce Hayes
 
CEO
pH Advantage

Small blood vessels are an annoyance for many people. There are topicals which help such as Vitamin K, particularly around the eyes. Most people however require Laser or Intense Pulse Light Therapy to adequately treat.

Adults commonly get the occasional pimple or breakout. Clearly one should not change their entire skin care regimen for something that happens every so often.

My recommendations are to supplement any regular regimen with pH Advantage Acne Spot Treatment. This is 2% Salicylic Acid which works very well to treat the occasional pimple.

Barry J. Cohen, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

Winter takes its toll on all aspects of our skin, especially our lips. Many people get dry and cracked lips due to harsh winds as well as cold weather. pH Advantage has a great solution!

Our Lip Advantage, which contains lip emollients as well as Hyaluronic Acid plumps and hydrates lips in a way that will materially improve these symptoms as well as make your lips fuller!

Barry J. Cohen, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

The source of acne is really twofold.  It could be dirt build up that causes pores to be clogged along with bacterial contamination of your skin, (usually the Propionibacterium acne).  The ways one treats acne and clogged pores are regular washing and exfoliation of your skin.  This is often done with either glycolic acid or salicylic acid cleansers.  Some people are strong advocates of microdermabrasion, as well , to help keep your pores free of debris.  

Regular facials by an aesthetician along with extractions can be helpful.  If this fails to control your acne, there are many vitamin A derivatives, such as Retin-A, which have been shown to be of some use in the treatment of acne along with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid topically.  I find that salicylic acid tends to be less drying and a more effective treatment for most cases of acne.  

If these over-the-counter treatments fail, the next step is to use either topical or oral antibiotics which serve to treat the underlying bacterial condition.  In the case of cystic acne, Accutane remains the gold standard, but has a significant amount of side effects.  Taking care of your skin with regular exfoliation is critical for people who suffer from both clogged pores and acne.

Barry J. Cohen, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

       
A common question that I hear regularly is: “What is so special about the vials of serum that I see advertised at high end stores that are for hundreds of dollars; are they really worth it?”  The answer to this question is usually no.  There are very few clinically documented skin care treatments which are known to be effective.  Most of the differences in products on the market today that are material are differences in concentration of one of a handful of ingredients, the PH of the ingredient, and the overall product preparation.  

If the concentration and pH are optimized, as we have done in pH Advantage, skin care products do not have to be very expensive.  The products which you generally get for only a few dollars; however, are typically more dilute in concentration and lack the appropriate levels of active ingredients to give you significant improvement in your skin.  
So, finding skin care products which range between the $30 and $100 range for a 4-6 weeks supply is a sweet spot that people can reasonably rely on that they are typically getting good value for their money.  

Barry J. Cohen, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

The most important thing about skin care is regular exfoliation. Exfoliation is key to maintaining bright skin and allowing any of the products you use to penetrate into your skin.  Using regular glycolic pads either once a week or twice a week is  a critical adjunct to your therapy, along with the daily use of sunblock.