Are skin care systems of benefit to men?

Men's skin have the same needs as women. They both are affected by controllable and uncontrollable factors which cause increase dryness, irritations and facial lines. Therefore men need assistance in the preventive medicine that good skin care offers as well.

Is daily exfoliating and deep cleansing good for the skin?

No, Exfoliating too often or removing too much surface oil and sebum can lead to red, dry and itchy skin or sensitivity to other skin care products. Both scrubs and deep cleansing masques can be used up to twice a week but not on the same days.

Is there such a thing as a product 100% safe for sensitive skin?

No single skin product can be guaranteed 100% safe for everyone nor can any product be tested thoroughly enough to be totally non-allergic. Sun exposure, use of prescription drugs, diet and environmental conditions can increase sensitivity in the normal skin as well as the already sensitive skin type. Try those rated for sensitive skin first and stick with it if it works for you.

Do people with oily skin need moisturizers?

Natural oils in the skin do not have significant moisturizing properties, so oily skin my still have significant surface dryness. People with oily skin still need a light moisturizer made especially for their skin type which adds moisturizer but does not add extra oil.

Why shouldn't I use soap on my face?

Soaps designed for the body may be too harsh for the face. Skin care systems made for your skin type were designed and tested to be safe and effective for use on the face. Harsh soaps strip the natural Ph balance from the face and may cause irritations.

I have a wedding coming up soon and want to make sure that I have no surprise blemishes. How can I prevent them from occurring?

When you get nervous or anxious, hormonal surges start, causing your skin to create more pre-clogging oil. Some ways to avoid impending problems are to follow these guidelines.

1. Avoid spicy foods, shellfish, red wine, caffeine, and tobacco until after the wedding. These all make skin more prone to breakouts.
2. Stop trying new skin or cosmetic products at least one month before the wedding, and resist the temptation in getting a facial.
3. If you are really concerned, visit your dermatologist, who can prescribe a low dose of antibiotics like Minocyclin to control acne-causing bacteria.

Note: Those who are susceptible to cold sores can get similar protection by having the doctor prescribe Zovirax.

• See if your doctor will prescribe a light acid peel two weeks prior to the wedding to dissolve any blemishes under the skin.
• If a blemish erupts, a visit to the dermatologist for a cortisone injection usually clears things up within 24 hours.
• Avoid facial up to a few days before your wedding. Good facials can still cause breakouts which clean out the pores.

Is it necessary to wash my hands before applying skin care products and makeup to my face?

Yes. Hands and nails carry bacteria and dirt which could infect pores, causing pimples or skin reactions.

At what age should teens begin to use a skin care system?

Around the age of 12.

Which skin care system is best for teenage skin?

Most teens can benefit from daily use of a skin care system developed for normal-to-oily skin. In addition, teenage skin experiencing hormonal fluctuations can benefit from using a sensitive skin formula.