Sunscreen is a crucial part of our skincare routine, especially during the summer months. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, and our habits regarding sunscreen usage can significantly impact our skin health. Here are five reasons why you might need to change your sunscreen habits:
Changing your sunscreen habits can significantly improve your skin health and protect against premature aging and skin cancer. Remember, the best sunscreen is the one you'll use consistently!
Introducing Revoderm’s Lightweight Face Antioxidant Mineral Sunscreen. More than just sunscreen, it's a super-antioxidant, a protector, a healer, and your skin's new best friend.
Infused with a super-antioxidant ferment discovered in the deepest parts of the ocean off Japan’s coast near thermal vents. After years of studies, research found that this powerful ingredient repairs visible signs of aging, leaving your skin looking more youthful and radiant. It's like having a secret weapon from the depths of the ocean, working to rejuvenate your skin every time you apply it.
Designed with a unique dry consistency that will not leave your skin oily or shiny, it also makes reapplying it easy and stress free no matter where you are or what you are doing. Designed by dermatologists, it works effortlessly for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin or conditions like acne and rosacea. It's a sunscreen that understands your skin's needs and works to enhance its natural beauty.
One of the unique features of our sunscreen is its SPF 15 rating. While some might question why such a low rating and not SPF 30 or 50, the fact is, the number for SPF doesn't change the fact you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Higher SPF means more chemicals in the product. We've chosen SPF 15 to decrease the chemical composition while still ensuring great protection due to the high content of zinc at 20%.
Our sunscreen also contains hyaluronic acid (HA), a powerful hydrating ingredient. Our clinic grade low-molecular HA is designed with precision so it can be readily absorbed. Most HA products are molecularly too dense and wont penetrate the skin, which is why so many people resort to injecting fillers directly into the tissue after giving up on products.
Revoderm’s Lightweight Face Antioxidant Mineral Sunscreen is more than just a sunscreen. It's a skincare revolution that offers UVA/UVB protection, reduces the appearance of aging, and leaves you looking like you’re not even wearing it. It's a product that cares for your skin as much as you do.
Ready to experience the revolution in skincare? Buy now and give your skin the protection and care it deserves. Discover the secret of the ocean and let your skin shine with the glow of health and youth.
Revoderm Pharma was founded by a triple-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and laboratory medicine specialist Dr. Ken Alanen and skincare and medical cosmetic specialist, Ildiko Juhasz, with 20+ years of clinical experience.
Together, they have created a unique fusion of clinical dermatology and laboratory medicine — a medical-grade luxury skincare line — ensuring that our products are backed by solid scientific research.
Revoderm Pharma has been trusted by patients and clients at Derm.ca, a leading dermatology and laser cosmetic practice, for over a decade. Our products are not only tested, but have consistently delivered real results in clinical settings, giving you peace of mind knowing that a proven track record backs your skincare.
]]>Antioxidant serums can be your savior whether you have dry, oil, combination, sensitive or mature skin — they are for all skin types!
You can experience brighter, hydrated, radiant-looking skin with the right antioxidant serum and solve stubborn skin issues like hyperpigmentation, premature aging, acne, and scars.
Most skincare brands produce and sell antioxidant-filled formulas to help people feel beautiful and healthy. Still, some fail to provide a high-quality solution for unstable compounds like vitamin C, for example.
With meticulous research, experience, and lab engineering, we curated a list of the ten best skin recovery antioxidant serums with retinol, niacinamide, ferulic acid, AHAs and BHAs, and other active ingredients that feed the skin and keep it looking young and firm.
Before diving into the list, here’s what you’ll learn:
For busy people, here’s a TL;DR:
When shopping for an antioxidant serum for your skin, quality matters more than price.
You're not just paying for the antioxidant in a bottle; you're paying for the research, ingredients, formula, and packaging that preserves the antioxidants' stability.
Packaging that keeps out UV light and the air is essential with serums because light and pH can influence the stability and longevity of antioxidants like Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA's) and Vitamin C.
Salicylic acid is from this group of antioxidants, primarily in acne treatment products.
Depending on your skin type, a particular blend of active ingredients can make or break your skin hence the importance of research based on your skin concerns.
Antioxidants slow down skin and cell damage. They can be natural (found in fruits, vegetables, and supplements in the form of vitamins and minerals) or synthetic (made in labs).
In skincare, antioxidants prevent oxidative stress caused by free radicals (pollution, UVB/UVA lights, blue lights, etc.) and keep skin healthy.
Not all antioxidants work the same, but each helps reach your skin goals in some way: they prevent premature aging and hyperpigmentation while renewing skin elasticity and firmness.
Antioxidants grab onto the free radicals and prevent damage to the skin before happens, soaking up harmful particles from the atmosphere.
Many people have reported that antioxidants in skin serums prevent damage from inflammation or high skin sensitivity, which is why they work exceptionally well with SPF and sun protection products.
Antioxidant serums work best when applied on a clean face before moisturizing.
For example, after cleansing the face with the Detox Facial Cleanser, gently apply 5-6 drops of Illuminous Antioxidant Serum by tapping the skin lightly.
Apply skin serums in the morning and the evening, combined with an SPF moisturizer in the daytime and a rich nutrient cream for the night.
Serums are highly beneficial to the skin of the neck and decollete, so apply them on those areas too.
Avoid using Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) excessively, especially on chapped or open skin. AHAs are safe for all skin types, but you should look for gentle serums with lower concentrations of abrasive ingredients like AHAs and retinol.
Dry skin allows a generous use of skincare formulas enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and ceramides because they deeply hydrate the skin, keeping its barrier safe.
The best antioxidant serums for dry skin contain a blend of these active ingredients.
Serums containing vitamin C and ferulic acid have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce oil production and balance skin conditions. Since Vitamin C helps to even tone and texture, it's considered great for anti-aging.
Ferulic acid acts as a stabilizer for both vitamins C & E — amplifying their power — while also protecting against further damage.
Moderation with products is vital, but so is the combination of antioxidants. Light use of vitamin C in combination with vitamin E can brighten and even out skin tones without irritation.
Any active ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties will work well on sensitive skin, but strong acids should be avoided or used seldom.
Sensitive skin types should always perform a patch test before using facial serums.
Applying AHA's and BHA's will exfoliate and brighten the skin, so it's necessary to apply SPF after a serum with these ingredients for maximum results.
Acids make the skin slightly sensitive, and SPF can prevent dark acne scars.
Niacinamide stops sebum production, which could prevent new acne and clean out the pores. It works exceptionally well in a combination of active ingredients with retinol or hyaluronic acid.
Best antioxidants serums for combination skin have active ingredients that exfoliate the skin and reduce inflammation. They often contain AHAs, niacinamide, and retinol to protect the skin.
A combination of ferulic acid and resveratrol can significantly reduce dark spots due to their skin-smoothing properties.
Most antioxidants will positively affect your skin. But, skin can get oversaturated with products, so look out to switch up skincare when that happens (usually every few months).
Skin-balancing super antioxidant serums packed with niacinamide (vitamin B3) work amazingly well on normal skin types as they enhance its elasticity, keeping it bright and healthy.
Vitamins A, C, and E keep the skin on the face looking young and fresh.
A lot goes into creating potent antioxidant serums, and the following ten brands have done their homework to create a supreme product to restore, nurture and rejuvenate the skin.
Active ingredients: resveratrol, retinol palmitate, collagen-boosting copper tripeptide, niacinamide (Vitamin B-3), tocopherol (Vitamin E);
Skin type: all skin types
Skincare concerns: acne, dark spots, eczema, dermatitis, rosacea
Pros: instantly brightens and illuminates skin; minimizes the effects of oxidative stress
Cons: causes burning sensation to people with very sensitive skin
Price: $195.00
The Revoderm Illuminous Antioxidant Serum is exceptional for dark spots, and acne scars — the high potency of resveratrol almost instantly renews and replenishes skin after continuous use. It is fast-absorbing and gives the skin a pleasant tingle.
It also acts fast due to the same natural compound resveratrol — reducing inflammation, improving free radical immunity, and protecting the skin from environmental toxins in record time.
Revoderm's glowy antioxidant serum has remarkable anti-aging properties.
A great blend of antioxidants protects skin cells from harmful free radicals leading to premature aging and other skin issues.
The Revoderm’s daily skin serum helps hydrate dry skin due to Vitamin B-3 in niacinamide, keeping it glowy with improved skin texture.
Continuous use minimizes pores, so this serum is especially effective for acne-prone skin or combination skin with an oily T-zone.
Active ingredients: AHA, cactus extract, salicylic acid (BHA), raspberry fruit extract;
Skin type: normal, oily, combination
Skincare concerns: breakouts
Pros: gives skin a youthful-looking glow
Cons: potent AHA/BHA blend can cause irritation
Price: $134.00
Drunk Elephant TLC Night Serum is the perfect serum for anyone looking to give their skin an extra boost of radiance. Since it is a night serum, it brightens, renews, and restores skin complexion without irritation or over-drying.
It's great for oily skin and a potent antioxidant serum for combination skin. While AHAs work on the skin's surface to remove dead cells and speed up cell renewal for a more radiant, even tone, BHAs penetrate the pore walls for more thorough exfoliation, reducing the look of clogged pores and improving the skin's clarity.
The raspberry extracts soothe skin while fighting free radical damage.
Vitamin C Serum for Fine Lines and Wrinkles | SkinCeuticals
Active ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 1% alpha-tocopherol (pure vitamin E), and 0.5% ferulic acid
Skin type: dry, normal, combination, sensitive, oily
Skincare concerns: sensitized, dehydration, discoloration, aging
Pros: minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Cons: chemical smell, drys out the skin
Price: $169.00
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic antioxidant serum is a multi-use product made to boost the skin barrier, protect it from damage caused by the environment, and make the skin look brighter.
Three key ingredients – vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid work together synergistically to protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UVA/UVB radiation, reduce inflammation, and improve discoloration.
Silymarin CF | Blemish + Age Defense | SkinCeuticals
Silymarin CF active ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 0.5% silymarin, 0.5% ferulic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid
Blemish + Age Defense active ingredients: 2% dioic acid, 0.3% LHA, 1.5% salicylic acid, 3.5% glycolic acid, 0.5% citric acid
Skin type: combination, oily
Skincare concerns: acne, aging
Pros: reduces oiliness, refines skin texture, improves skin clarity and fine lines
Cons: chemical smell
Price: $265
This dual product by SkinCeuticals is clinically proven to reduce blemishes by 36%. It works well in combination with hyaluronic acid, retinol, and SPF.
The fusion of vitamin C and salicylic acid serums creates the best antioxidant serum for oily skin - it reduces acne and clogged pores but works wonders for aging skin. SkinCeuticals' serum duo improves skin tones, fines line, and wrinkles.
Phloretin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum for Discolouration 30ml
Active ingredients: 2% phloretin, 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 0.5% ferulic acid
Skin type: normal, oily, and combination
Skincare concerns: premature aging (free radicals from UVA/UVB, infrared radiation, and ozone pollution)
Pros: protection against atmospheric skin aging
Cons: chemical smell
Price: $150
SkinCeuticals' synergy of antioxidants improves the appearance of discoloration, fine lines, and uneven skin tone when used regularly. It contains no parabens, dyes, or artificial fragrances.
Active ingredients: 10% niacinamide, 1% hyaluronic acid, citric acid
Skin type: all skin types
Skincare concerns: excess oil production, redness, large pores
Pros: affordable, pregnancy-safe
Cons: it doesn't work for some people
Price: $9.99
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing facial serum formulated to help improve skin texture, enlarged pores, and dullness.
Active niacinamide (vitamin B-3) in The Inkey List serum is the antioxidant doing the legwork: it controls excess oil, combats blemishes, and prevents redness, while hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin.
The product is a customer favorite due to its affordable pricing. It has a gooey formula, and it's fragrance-free.
It feels like a hug to the skin and layers well under moisturizers. But only apply a small amount of the product to the skin because it can get chalky if applied too thick.
Active ingredients: baicalin, vitamin C, vitamin E, dimethicone, thermal spring water
Skin type: all skin types
Skincare concerns: photo-protection, sun damage, sensitive skin, wrinkles, fine lines, radiance, dark spots
Pros: has SPF 50 protection, improves fine lines, dark spots, and skin texture, allergy-tested
Cons: sunscreen smell, doesn't have a standard serum feel
Price: $42.99
Anthelios AOX Antioxidant Serum is a silky, lightweight product with quick absorption. Even though people have reported that they don't like the sunscreen smell of the product, the serum doesn't suffocate the skin as some SPF lotions do.
It is a weightless-feel serum and can be worn alone, with a moisturizer, or under makeup due to its potent antioxidant complex of baicalin, vitamin C, and E.
Like most La Roche products, Anthelios AOX is one of the best antioxidant serums for sensitive skin because it has vitamin E, which feeds and nourishes the epidermis.
Active ingredients: pre-tocopheryl (vitamin E), ascorbyl glucoside (vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, GP4G, thermal spring water
Skin type: all skin types
Skincare concerns: sensitivity, dehydration
Pros: shields, boosts, and hydrates the skin, gentle product
Cons: not fragrance-free
Price: $46.00
Avène's A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum is a fast-absorbing, lightweight but potent antioxidant serum that helps protect the skin against visible signs of aging produced by free radicals in the environment.
It was noticeably plumping the skin when used daily, both day and night. Skin appears reduced in pores, fine lines, and wrinkles with the Avène antioxidant serum.
Vitamin E protects from free radicals, and vitamin C works toward a more radiant complexion.
Active ingredients: ferulic acid, tocotrienols, THD (a highly stable form of vitamin C), peptides, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (a stable, hydrating form of vitamin C), green tea extract, Curcuma longa root
Skin type: all skin types
Skincare concerns: premature aging, sun-damaged skin, dullness
Pros: easy to apply, skin is noticeably younger after regular use, stable vitamin C
Cons: some people have a bad reaction to the product
Price: $43.00
Paula's Choice Antioxidant Serum has great creamy consistency - it's very easy to apply. With six different antioxidants that create a delightful blend of benefits, this serum stands out for its skin renewal and sun damage protection properties.
This is a remarkable product because it has loads of stable vitamin C, which is very difficult to achieve in cosmetics production.
Use it twice a day after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating. Apply moisturizer after the RESIST Super Antioxidant Serum for a full day of hydrated and plump skin.
Active ingredients: vitamin C, ferulic acid
Skin type: all skin types
Skincare concerns: dark spots, dullness, anti-aging, wrinkles
Pros: unique formulation, high potency, powder form makes it longer-lasting
Cons: not practical for traveling, can require more products for application
Price: $90.00
Even though it isn't a serum per se, Topical Vitamin C Booster Powder works exceptionally well for all skin types because it is in powder form.
If this sounds odd, you may find it interesting how vitamin C is most stable in powder form. Besides, this antioxidant starts to degrade when exposed to liquid - so keeping it in an air-tight, light-safe container in powder makes it long-lasting and worth the hefty price.
Due to a combination of vitamin C and ferulic acid in this product, you witness dramatic brightening results when you mix one to two shakes of the Vitamin C Booster with your favorite serum, cream, or moisturizer.
Use it for all parts that show signs of aging - face, neck, décolleté, hands.
Active ingredients: retinol, bakuchiol, licorice root extract, black leaf extract
Skin type: normal, dry, combination, and oily
Skincare concerns: anti-aging, dark spots, dullness, pores, fine lines
Pros: a blend of antioxidants retinol and bakuchiol works together superb
Cons: avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, a hefty price
Price: $300.00
Dr. Lara Devgan's antioxidant serum pairs well with ferulic and hyaluronic acids and vitamins C, B, and E.
The active ingredient retinol is the gold standard for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other indications of aging. A perfect mix with bakuchiol combats fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores.
It's NOT the best antioxidant serum for sensitive skin. To avoid irritating sensitive skin with retinol, try using the product every other day or every third day at first, and work up from there.
Active ingredients: THD (vitamin C), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10)
Skin type: all, but ideal for dry, oily, or combination
Skincare concerns: sun damage, redness, fine lines
Pros: supports skin's natural production of vitamins C and E, makes skin glowy
Cons:
Price: $170.00
C+ Correcting Complex 30%® 1 fl oz supports long-term skin health, illuminates, refines, and rejuvenates the skin of the face, neck, and hands and décolleté.
Apply one product pump on the face, spreading it evenly on wanted areas. You can apply another pump on the neck and chest.
When shopping for antioxidant serums, it's essential to do your research and make sure you're getting the most effective ingredients for your skin type. Some active ingredients from plants may not be as effective or safe as other forms, so always check the ingredients list before you buy.
Find what works for you and get an antioxidant serum that suits your skin's needs!
Retinol is commonly used in serums, a vitamin A derivative touted as an effective anti-aging agent. However, it can irritate some people's skin, and overuse may cause irritation and sensitization.
When used in high concentrations, vitamin C can cause mild stinging or burning sensations and increase sun sensitivity. You should use a daily SPF when using this type of serum.
Overusing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) could result in dryness, irritation, redness, and burning sensations. AHAs can also make your skin more prone to sunburns due to their exfoliating properties. Usually not the best antioxidant serum for sensitive skin.
Synthetic fragrances often found in many skincare products may irritate sensitive skin types or trigger allergies in some people. If you notice any irritation from these ingredients, look for fragrance-free alternatives.
Revoderm Pharma was founded by a triple-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and laboratory medicine specialist Dr. Ken Alanen and skincare and medical cosmetic specialist, Ildiko Juhasz, with 20+ years of clinical experience.
Together, they have created a unique fusion of clinical dermatology and laboratory medicine — a medical-grade luxury skincare line — ensuring that our products are backed by solid scientific research.
Revoderm Pharma has been trusted by patients and clients at Derm.ca, a leading dermatology and laser cosmetic practice, for over a decade. Our products are not only tested, but have consistently delivered real results in clinical settings, giving you peace of mind knowing that a proven track record backs your skincare.
]]>The good news is that there is hope for healing these pesky scars!
You and your skincare routine can take a breather because there are specialized products, medical procedures, and natural alternatives to heal scars from acne.
By consistently implementing one or a combination of the treatments we offer in our clinic at derm.ca, in combination with the right skincare routine, you will see results quickly.
You can schedule online consultations with us here.
A scar is your body's natural technique of recovering a wound and sealing the skin. (source)
Not all acne turns into scars, but those that do are either caused by too much collagen or too little collagen production in the skin. Scars form when inflammatory acne, such as red pimples, pus pimples, and cysts, can't adequately heal.
The pimple forms in the root of the hair follicle, gets bigger and more swollen with time, and eventually — explodes, destroying the healthy dermal tissue. The pus spills out into the surrounding tissue, further damaging the skin.
As a core structural protein in skin, collagen fights the rupture of acne in the dermis (the second layer of skin under the epidermis).
Collagen repairs the tissue to an extent, but this process is imperfect, and often, the body doesn’t produce enough collagen to mend every inch of skin.
Acne scars leave a mark on your skin by destroying the dermal tissue. The worse the inflammation of acne, the worse the scar!
All skin can scar due to various factors. Each type of scar requires dedicated scar therapy to bring back the power to the skin:
Silicone Gel for Scars | Best Silicone Scar Gel | Revoderm
Silicone gels are very effective in treating acne, burn, keloid, hypertrophic and cesarean scars. They reduce redness, itching, and further development of scar tissue.
Silicon gels hydrate your skin tissue, smoothen your skin and flatten the scar.
For best results in treating scars, you should consistently use silicone gel for about three months to see scars fading.
The key ingredient in silicone gels for treating scars is medical-grade silicones. They are practical and known for their durability - they have no expiration date and a gentle approach to the skin, making them suitable even for children.
Silicone gels are generally safe, but you can be allergic to them. If you feel itchy sensations followed by skin redness, wash it off with cold water and consult your dermatologist for further use of silicone gel.
For best results, we recommend a combination of Revolux silicone gel, Vitamin K cream for redness relief, and retinol for skin regeneration. Mineral sunscreen is a must for successful scar treatment as it prevents sun damage and protects skin that has undergone various scar removal treatments.
Further down, you can read more about scar removal treatments that we practice at our professional clinic derm.ca.
Laser therapy is the best way to treat atrophic scars, hypertrophic, and keloid scars. This method can't remove scars altogether, but it's proven to help treat injury, burn, acne scars, dark spots, age spots, and other types of hyperpigmentation.
It uses focused light therapy to remove the first skin layer and encourage the production of new skin cells.
Laser therapy is effective in skin healing within 3 to 10 days after the procedure.
After laser therapy, avoid direct sunlight, apply a cold cloth to the treated area to reduce swelling, take some pain medication if needed, and wash and hydrate the skin regularly.
Avoid direct sun exposure and use SPF with moisturizers and serums with antioxidants that help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Costs of these treatments vary from 200$ up to 3000$.
Laser therapy is very effective and has minimal adverse side effects. It is, however, a costly treatment.
Steroids are injected directly into a hypertrophic or keloid scar to help prevent further scar tissue growth.
Steroids slow collagen production and further flatten the scar tissue, helping it blend into the healthy skin surrounding it and even shrink the scar.
You may see treatment results after only two weeks, but some have different experiences, seeing results after a couple of months. Keloid and hypertrophic scars often require multiple steroid injections for weeks or months.
With steroids, there is a risk of delayed reactions. Reactions can be white or brown marks on the skin, increased hair growth in the treated area, and steroid-induced acne.
Steroid injections cost from about 75$ to 250$ per session.
Chemical peels are skin treatments to treat acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and discolored skin.
The chemicals burn the top layers of the skin, revealing a fresh skin layer, removing superficial acne scars, and minimizing the appearance of deeper scars.
Chemical peels offer dramatic results but also require a long time to recover. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes; however, the chemicals work on your skin in the following days.
Chemical peels can be intense, so a professional, certified dermatologist must perform this treatment on you. There are risks involved, like skin discoloration and worsening of existing skin problems.
With stronger chemical peels, you can expect an increasingly uncomfortable stinging sensation, a tight feeling, and a red appearance of the skin in the first three days, after which the skin starts to peel. During this time, generously use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe and minimize the pain.
Four to 10 days after your skin peels, you will start to see fresh, healthy skin forming. Resist the urge to pick and peel the skin, as you can prolong the healing process.
Professional chemical peels cost 500$ on average but can go up to 6000$!
Microneedling is a treatment that uses miniature needles to micro-puncture the skin, which causes slight injury to the skin. The skin then responds with new collagen production that makes the skin smoother.
It helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. Microneedling is for the face, thighs, and abdominal area.
Microneedling is known for minimal downtime, unlike some procedures. It can be performed on any skin tone, and your skin will be more sensitive after the treatment.
You can expect mild side effects like skin irritation and mild redness. Contact your doctor in case of severe side effects such as bleeding, infection, skin peeling, or bruising.
You shouldn't undertake this treatment if you have active acne, open wounds, psoriasis, or eczema. It is advised you stop using medications such as ibuprofen, as well as retinoids and exfoliants.
Costs of microneedling start at 150$ and go up to 800$ per session.
Derma filler therapy is a treatment in which a collagen-stimulating chemical is injected directly into the scar to fill up the dented area.
Results with filler are almost instant. After injection, you may notice some swelling that fades in a few hours.
Filler therapy is effective for soft tissue scars, rolling, and boxcar scars -- for facial atrophic scars.
After injection, you may notice swelling, redness, irritation, and bruising. These are expected reactions and will fade from the skin quickly. Test if you are allergic to the chemicals before injecting!
These procedures do not heal the skin but temporarily fill it and require touch-ups every year. Depending on your metabolic rhythm, in some cases, your body can biodegrade the filler in only a few months, and frequent touch-ups may be expensive.
The filler cost varies depending on the chemical and amount needed for your scar. One syringe of hyaluronic acid filler costs around 600$.
OTC creams combine healing ingredients, all working together to boost collagen production and hydrate the skin.
OTC creams can heal minor, topical scars. They help with itching, irritation, and dryness that scars and scar treatments can cause.
Results with OTC creams take time and effort. Consistent use of these products will show fading of scars after a few weeks of routine application.
OTC creams come in various shapes, like creams, gels, and serums, and their prices start at 10$.
Remember that even though these creams help heal scars, they don't protect them from sun damage. Sun exposure can worsen the appearance of scars, so combining OTC scar removal creams with an SPF cream is essential.
While OTC creams are very accessible, they do require consistency and patience to notice significant results.
You can treat scars with topical creams or plastic surgery, but natural remedies sometimes do the same job. With natural remedies, you must be consistent and repeat the process as often as possible to see results.
Among the most effective natural treatments for acne scars are:
1. Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which is why it’s a powerful natural acne treatment.
How to use: Dilute a few drops of tea tree in carrier oil (both coconut oil and jojoba help treat scarring).
This way, you create a mild face toner that you can use to spritz your whole face.
Or apply tea tree oil directly to pimples with a Q-tip.
2. Lemon juice: due to high levels of vitamin C, lemon has anti-pigmentation effects and can be safely applied a few times a week. Be cautious if you have sensitive skin; perform a patch test first.
How to use: Dab a cotton ball in lemon juice and spread gently on the face. Keep on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
3. Cucumber and yogurt face mask: Cucumbers have vitamin E naturally, so they reduce the redness and pain of scars due to cooling anti-inflammatory properties. Yogurt has Zinc (vitamin B2) that naturally reduces dark spots, heals wounds, and promotes new cell growth.
How to use: blend cucumber and yogurt in a runny paste and keep it on for as long as possible.
Anything concerning your skin, body, and health is unique to you, so the best approach for acne scars is to research and try different treatment options.
Start with the least invasive methods, topicals, and medicine to prevent further skin damage.
Always wear sunscreen to avoid melanin production (the driving cause of hyperpigmentation), and never pick your pimples, acne, or wounds, as that could prolong the healing process.
Age, genetics, and overall health affect how effectively wounds heal and how scarring occurs.
Revoderm Pharma was founded by a triple-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and laboratory medicine specialist Dr. Ken Alanen and skincare and medical cosmetic specialist, Ildiko Juhasz, with 20+ years of clinical experience.
Together, they have created a unique fusion of clinical dermatology and laboratory medicine — a medical-grade luxury skincare line — ensuring that our products are backed by solid scientific research.
Revoderm Pharma has been trusted by patients and clients at Derm.ca, a leading dermatology and laser cosmetic practice, for over a decade. Our products are not only tested, but have consistently delivered real results in clinical settings, giving you peace of mind knowing that a proven track record backs your skincare.
Schedule consultations with us for a personalized skin program based on your skin type.
]]>Depending on your skin type, different masks have different effects.
But, there are a few key ingredients in every facial mask that are beneficial for every skin complexion. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and natural ingredients such as fruits and vegetables are those ingredients.
We’re all familiar with the fact that fruits and vegetables, when consumed daily, provide significant benefits for our health. Well, the same thing goes for our skincare routine — fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins that leave our skin feeling regenerated and firm.
In this text, we will cover:
There are several scientifically proven reasons why pumpkins serve as a great ingredient in our skincare routine:
DIY pumpkin masks also include other natural ingredients such as honey, eggs, and apple cider vinegar.
The main difference between DIY facial masks and professional ones is the ingredients.
Professional pumpkin masks are more potent and effective because of the concentration of ingredients that can’t be DIY made. They can also be customized to suit your personal skincare needs and concerns, while DIY masks are more generic.
Most DIY masks, however, tend to do more harm than good for your skin. Every skin functions on a certain pH level that makes the skin look optimal if the level is correct.
Unfortunately, homemade facial masks that use ingredients commonly found in your kitchen can very easily disrupt the average pH level of your skin, thus leaving it feeling rough and irritated or prone to pimples. With every new experimentation with DIY face masks, your skin is more prone to have an unwanted reaction.
Revoderm’s Pumpkin Mask has these four active ingredients that can’t be homemade:
Because of its ingredients, it provides aftereffects that work on a cellular level and are suitable for all skin types. It brightens, firms and hydrates, leaving a warming sensation and soothing scent on the skin.
Revoderm’s pumpkin mask also absorbs excess oil and sebum, thus helping reduce the pores’ visibility. It compliments OTC or prescription for acne, eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea.
The dangers of disrupting your natural pH levels and skin oil with DIY masks are avoided when using Revoderm’s pumpkin masks.
However, DIY masks can be a quick fix in certain situations:
Things that you eat and drink heavily affect the outlook of your skin. Better skin complexion comes with a balanced diet, but it can also be achieved by treating the skin with professional products.
Regardless of your skin condition, the best route is to consult with your doctor and opt for clinically proven products, rather than doing it yourself.
Long-term effects of applying pumpkin facial masks are linked with overall better skin complexion, hydration, and alleviated redness. Other effects are:
If you really want to do it yourself, here’s how to do it right.
What type of pumpkin do you choose?
For the most benefits, use fresh, cooked pumpkin.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Advice:
Revoderm’s Pumpkin Mask leaves the sensation of warmth on your face. This soothing effect is what differentiates it from the others the most, but there can also be some differences in effects and ingredients.
Suitable for all skin types.
Medical-grade formulation, administered by a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ken Alanen.
Ingredients: Pumpkin Fruit Extract, Vitamin E, Silver, Jojoba Beads, colloidal silver, vitamins A, C, E, Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and the antioxidant lycopene.
Side-effects: Overuse of the product can irritate the skin.
Long-term and immediate results: Jojoba beads provide you with a warm exfoliating immediate effect. It revitalizes aging skin, brightens, firms, and hydrates, absorbs excess oil and sebum, and helps reduce and refine pores. It compliments prescriptions for acne, eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis.
Expert advice:
Ingredients: Pumpkin Enzyme, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Aluminum Oxide Crystals. Free of sulfates, SLS and SLES, parabens, and phthalates. This product is also gluten-free.
Side-effects: Bad for sensitive skin if using a lot of other activities — it leads to itchy and irritated skin.
Long-term and immediate results: Smoothens the skin’s surface, gives radiant-looking skin, polishes the skin’s surface to improve the look of uneven texture.
Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree full of fruit enzymes and AHAs, Lemon and Rice Powders, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Shea Butter.
Side-effects: If you have extremely sensitive skin, sodium hyaluronate can cause redness, itching, or rashes.
Long-term and immediate results: Loosens and dissolves loose skin cells, stimulates skin’s renewal process for a fresh surface, exfoliates and reenergizes the skin surface, and is excellent in combating dryness and flaking.
Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Lactic Acid, Cinnamon Bark, Oregano, and Rosemary extract.
Side-effects: Lactic acid can cause noticeable peeling and itching.
Long-term and immediate results: Exfoliates and prevents clogged pores and can serve as a retinoid acid substitute.
Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Manuka Honey, Vitamin C
Side-effects: If you’re allergic to bees, this product can lead to an allergic reaction.
Long-term and immediate results: Sweeps away dry surface cells, evens the tone, and smoothens the skin's texture.
Ingredients: Kaolin, Bromelain, Willow Bark Extract, Salicylic acid
Side-effects: May cause skin irritation due to Bromelain
Long-term and immediate results: Detoxifying mineral clay absorbs the excess oil and cleanses clogging surface cells, reduces the look of irritation after exfoliating, and provides soothing relief for reddened skin.
Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Glycerine, Corn Starch, Lime oil, Kaolin, Wild Orange Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance.
Side-effects: Linalool and Limonene can cause allergic reactions and irritation.
Long-term and immediate results: Softens the skin and enriches it with vitamins A, C, and E, exfoliates and leaves the skin looking radiant.
Revoderm’s Pumpkin Mask leaves the skin looking fresh and smooth, it alleviates redness and provides a soothing warm sensation on the skin. Its key ingredients are soothing for all skin types, which makes it a more trustworthy choice than a DIY mask.
DIY pumpkin masks are good for correcting minor skin conditions such as dryness or oiliness, but for treating them long-term, we advise using a professional product.
Revoderm Pharma was founded by a triple-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and laboratory medicine specialist Dr. Ken Alanen and skincare and medical cosmetic specialist, Ildiko Juhasz, with 20+ years of clinical experience.
Together, they have created a unique fusion of clinical dermatology and laboratory medicine — a medical-grade luxury skincare line — ensuring that our products are backed by solid scientific research.
Revoderm Pharma has been trusted by patients and clients at Derm.ca, a leading dermatology and laser cosmetic practice, for over a decade. Our products are not only tested, but have consistently delivered real results in clinical settings, giving you peace of mind knowing that a proven track record backs your skincare.
Schedule consultations with us for a personalized skin program based on your skin type.
]]>But, when it comes to chemical exfoliants or exfoliating acids, people fear that the ingredients won’t suit their skin type and then avoid using them altogether.
Decades of working as dermatologists and medical cosmetics specialists led us to believe that the main reason for this is a lack of understanding of what the word chemical stands for.
To tackle the myth of “chemicals are bad for your skin,” we wrote this extensive guide backed by research on chemical exfoliants to help you choose a better product for your everyday skincare routine.
In this text, we will cover:
Chemical exfoliants are cosmetic products designed to remove dead cells from the skin's surface.
Our skin has natural cycles that allow regeneration of the skin’s surface. But, certain environmental factors, like sun exposure, exercise, aging, and stress, can slow the process of regeneration.
Exfoliants are a remedy to this problem. They represent a simple and quick way of removing dead skin cells, which can improve the glow, complexion, and brightness of the face. They help remove sun spots, scars, and blemishes that visibly age the skin.
Chemical exfoliants use acids that are often plant-derived to cause a mild chemical reaction in the skin.
Physical exfoliants also remove dead skin cells, but it’s done by exfoliating skin cells off.
Chemical exfoliants layer of skin that is clogging cells that we refer to as “cement,” which keeps dead skin cells attached to the skin surface.
Our skin is mildly acidic since sweat and oils are full of acids. Those acids help form a protective layer — acid mantle, which keeps out bacteria and free radicals.
A well-balanced acid product is designed only to attack the “cement,” preventing further clogging.
Chemical exfoliants break the bonds that hold skin cells together. By doing so, the top layer of the skin sheds and reveals regenerated and brighter skin underneath. This shedding comes in different cycles that often depend on environmental factors.
Chemical exfoliation aims to leave the skin looking evenly toned, reduce the visibility of pores and unclog them, fade the signs of aging, and treat acne — all without damaging the skin.
There are different levels of aggressiveness that a chemical exfoliator can reach. The basics of formulating a chemical exfoliator are to include an effective yet not irritable amount of acids alongside the proper pH levels.
Skincare scientists work on finding the perfect balance between these elements, but it’s up to users not to apply too much product or too many different products and to properly follow the instructions.
How often you should use exfoliating acids depends highly on your skin type and other circumstances, but the general idea is not to use it more than two or three times a week.
Using chemical exfoliants daily can lead to over-stripping the skin of its essential, natural oils.
Typically, exfoliating acids should be used after cleansing and be the first one of the leave-on products of your skincare routine. It’s usually recommended to use exfoliants before going to sleep.
For example, after cleansing the face with Detox Facial Cleanser, gently apply the chemical exfoliant best suited for your skin type.
Remember to apply SPF after exfoliating your skin.
All three of these acids — AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs — are acid exfoliators that serve to renew skin cells and remove different types of clogging oils and dead cells from the skin’s surface.
AHAs are water-soluble and quickly penetrate the skin.
They work exceptionally well for dry, normal, and hyperpigmented skin types. These acids come from fruits and milk, and they make your skin firm by prompting collagen production and blood flow.
AHAs trap the moisture in your skin, thus making it moisturized. Therefore, they are helpful in treating dry or mature skin in a way that reduces pigmentation and sun damage effects. They minimize the appearance of fine lines and scars, giving you radiant skin.
Common variations of AHAs are:
BHAs are most commonly known as salicylic acids. They naturally occur in white willow trees and are used for their excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
BHA dissolves the oils in your skin, thus reducing clogged pores. Since they are oil-soluble, they penetrate deeper past the oil barrier, which helps prevent acne and blackheads. Its anti-bacterial properties reduce redness in different skin areas where its caused by irritation.
PHAs are acids with larger molecule structures than AHAs, which means they penetrate the skin slower. They don’t exfoliate as powerfully as other acids, but they are equally effective in trapping moisture, making your skin more hydrated.
PHAs work like antioxidants and are ideal for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
For combined skin, any acid exfoliator can do the trick. You might find that salicylic acid works best for your t-zone, while lactic is better for the rest of your body, especially your chest, and hands, and for preventing sun damage.
Our Lactic Exfoliating Lotion is great for keratosis pilaris, exfoliating ingrown hair, skin softening and smoothening, discolorations, and preventing and protecting cracked and chapped skin.
To help you combat various skin conditions, we designed Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Scrub based on volcanic pumice stone, fruit acids, sugar cane, green tea leaf, and apple extracts.
This formula eliminates dead skin cells, impurities, and makeup residue, and restores your skin to a smooth, healthy glow. Infused with natural ingredients, it promotes youthful, radiant skin, and the inclusion of glycolic acid makes it a great addition to anti-aging and acne routines by dissolving dried oil and cellular buildup.
For dry skin, any AHAs can help reduce irritation and sun damage, but lactic and mandelic acids work best
Lactic and mandelic acids have larger molecules than the others, which means they don't penetrate the skin as deep and don’t cause as much peeling. Azelaic acid is the best if your skin is red and irritated.
Our 10% AHA Lactic Acid Exfoliating Lotion is designed to help you treat even the roughest and driest skin, sun-induced damage, pesky ingrown hairs, and the familiar "chicken skin" often seen on the upper arms.
Absorbing quickly, this lotion boasts an abundance of antioxidants and deeply hydrates, establishing a protective barrier for a silky, smooth complexion that radiates youthfulness and brightness.
Oily skin is often prone to acne, meaning salicylic acid works best. Salicylic acid has the ability to unclog pores and eliminate blackheads and other forms of congestion while also reducing sebum and shine.
Mandelic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it most suitable for this skin type. It also hydrates the skin, which is very important since most sensitive skins are also dry type.
Glycolic acid is perfect for skin types prone to visible aging. It reduces fine lines, prevents acne, fades dark spots, and thickens the skin.
All AHAs have the property of dealing with scarred skin types. Azelaic, glycolic, and mandelic work the best since they penetrate deeper into the skin. Scars are usually postinflammatory pigmentations, and retinoid acid can reduce their visibility.
Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid can work best for hyperpigmentation. Mandelic seems to be the most recommended one. All AHAs are high in Vitamin A, which is a big help when it comes to regulating hyperpigmented skin.
Salicylic acid is perfect for treating any skin surface irregularities, whether it’s spots, congestion, or sun damage. Vitamin C is recommended for regular use to protect and heal sun-damaged skin.
Combining different chemical exfoliants is usually advised against if it comes from two different products. Combining chemical exfoliants and Vitamin C can irritate your skin since it can lead to excessive redness and itching.
But it’s fine to combine AHAs and BHAs as long as they are from the same product. Products with both AHA and BHA in their formula usually have a balanced percentage of both acids, which is suitable for all skin types.
Many skincare brands combine AHA, BHA, and PHA in their products, so it’s safe to use a few times per week in your skincare routine. It also reduces the chances of over-exfoliation if they’re all combined within the same product.
Vitamin C can have exfoliating effects, and that’s why it’s not recommended to be used alongside AHAs and BHAs. If it’s used a couple of times per week alone, it can serve as an excellent exfoliator for treating redness and inflammation, while when it’s used in combination with other acids, it can cause irritation.
Dry skin types shouldn’t often exfoliate, especially not with combined acids. However, oily or acne-prone skin types should exfoliate a couple of times per week, and it would be helpful to use products that include both AHAs and BHAs.
Revoderm Pharma was founded by a triple-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and laboratory medicine specialist Dr. Ken Alanen and skincare and medical cosmetic specialist, Ildiko Juhasz, with 20+ years of clinical experience.
Together, they have created a unique fusion of clinical dermatology and laboratory medicine — a medical-grade luxury skincare line — ensuring that our products are backed by solid scientific research.
Revoderm Pharma has been trusted by patients and clients at Derm.ca, a leading dermatology and laser cosmetic practice, for over a decade. Our products are not only tested, but have consistently delivered real results in clinical settings, giving you peace of mind knowing that a proven track record backs your skincare.
Schedule consultations with us for a personalized skin program based on your skin type.
]]>Face serums are potent must-have products in your beauty arsenal and essential to your nourishing regime.
From exfoliation and protection to skin cell renewal and deep hydration, it is essential to know how to apply face serum for maximum effects, the best serum combinations, and how to use them responsibly.
Welcome to our exclusive walkthrough – learn everything there is about using face serums right away!
Too busy to read everything? Here’s a TL;DR:
Regarding the proper order of skincare product application, there are general rules to follow regarding the purpose of the product and its texture. You always want to clean and exfoliate first and moisturise and nurture after.
When it comes to product texture we always want to progress on the product's viscosity or thickness. The thicker the consistency of the product, the later you should place it in your application order.
Compare your products and tailor the order of application to your sense of touch.
The proper order of product application goes as follows:
You should generally follow this order of application. However, with the wide variety of products available on the market, you will find that sometimes the properties of your products may overlap. For example, if you are using a serum with exfoliating properties, you can skip your physical exfoliator.
There is no need to use exfoliating products every day, as long-term chemical treatment can damage the protective layer of your skin. Use spot treatments only when you notice blemishes.
Your daytime routine and night-time routine will differ. Focus your morning on hydration and preparation for the day and night for hydration and relaxation. Some cleansing products you use at night to remove makeup and buildup from the day, like harsh cleansers and exfoliators, you really don’t need in the morning, as they can unnecessarily stress and irritate your skin.
There is no need to use exfoliating products every day, as long-term chemical treatment can damage the protective layer of your skin. Use spot treatments only when you notice blemishes.
Always apply the product to a clean and soothed face to ensure you are receiving the best of your serums. If you don’t cleanse before applying your serum, built-up oil and bacteria will block the active ingredients from working to their full potential. After removing your makeup, cleansing, exfoliating, and refreshing your skin with a toner, mist, or essence — it is time for serum application.
Although toners aren't a necessary part of a routine, they help your skin soak up and retain the beneficial properties of serums and other skin products.
Hydrating serums, exfoliating serums, hyperpigmentation serums, and antioxidant serums all have their specific purposes, orders, and ways of application.
The reason for so many? Serums are products with a high concentration of active ingredients designed to target specific skin needs. Needs like healing acne scars, renewing skin cells, treating hyperpigmentation, and minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles.
If there are multiple issues you would like to tend to with serums, you can layer serums, in the appropriate application order, from thinnest to thickest.
Always allow enough time between applying serums to ensure your skin fully absorbs the product. However, if you are using multiple serums, limit your use to no more than three serums at once, as the contrasting ingredients can clash with each other and be abrasive to the skin.
Instead, opt for serums with multi-capable active ingredients, like retinol, that treat acne, hyperpigmentation, scars, and fine lines all at once. Discovering the benefits of each active ingredient will help you choose your perfect serum.
The Revoderm Illuminous Antioxidant Serum is packed with active ingredients like salicylic acid that boosts skin renewal and retinol that minimizes fine lines. This product is fantastic to add to your routine if you want your skin to look youthful and energised while feeling healthy and natural to the touch.
In addition to knowing which one, it is also important to know how to apply the serum on face.
Serums usually come in glass containers with glass droppers. You can apply the product from the dropper directly onto the skin of the face. If you decide to do so, glide the dropper horizontally to avoid the product dripping down your neck and chest, potentially ruining your clothes.
However, this method makes it harder to control the amount of product you’re using. Serums are packed with active ingredients and have a very potent effect on the skin, which is why a small amount is enough to use.
Try not to rub the product between your fingers when applying any serum, as all serums penetrate the skin deeply and quickly. You will most likely end up wasting product on the skin of your hands.
Rather, measure a few drops onto your palm, press your palms together once, and gently spread the serum across the skin, lightly pressing in.
Knowing how to apply vitamin C serum on face properly is crucial to its effectiveness.
Vitamin C is most commonly used for skin hydration but is even more known for its brightening abilities — helpful for ruddy spots that remain after blemishes have healed.
Vitamin C benefits all skin types, so feel free to add one to your skincare routine. Remember that serums with a higher concentration of Vitamin C have a higher potential for irritation for those with slightly more sensitive skin.
Use vitamin C serums and SPF to protect the skin from UV light harm.
Never replace your sun protection products with vitamin C — combine their powerful properties. Due to its protecting properties, it is best to use vitamin C serum in your morning routine while preparing your skin for the day.
It helps fade hyperpigmentation, especially if your skin is prone to it. Due to its antioxidant capacity, vitamin C has proven as a great anti-inflammatory agent.
Vitamin C serums also stimulate collagen production; collagen synthesis isn't possible without this vitamin, making it one of the anti-aging serums for a more radiant, smooth, youth-full-looking appeal.
You can add vitamin C to the topical skincare regime for any skin type, as the benefits are multi-faceted. However, various vitamin C serums have additional substances, so their application may vary. Always make sure you read directions for the use of the specific product.
Measure out a few drops of the product onto your palm, directly transfer it to the skin, gently pressing the serum in, without rubbing.
Retinol serum is one of the first to fight against skin aging, and it helps accelerate skin renewal and reduce fine lines. Therefore, include Retinol serum in your everyday skincare routine to maximize anti-aging results.
Retinol increases skin cell production and helps unclog pores, affecting skin texture and evening skin tone. It encourages the production of collagen, which results in fresh, healthy skin, keeping it clean and glowing.
It is vital to add retinol to your routine gradually. Start with once or twice a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin adapts.
Apply retinol at night since sunlight reduces the efficiency of retinoids, but also retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Always remember to put sun protection on in the morning, no matter the weather, at least 30 SPF.
Salicylic acid is excellent for treating oily skin or skin prone to recurring acne breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. It exfoliates pores, makes the skin less oily, and decreases sebum production, reducing pimple spreading.
Read more about acne healing in our blog post — the truth about acne.
Apply salicylic acid serum only in the area where the skin needs treatment. Sometimes frequent use might dry out the skin. Your skin absorbs this substance quickly, removing dead skin cells from the first layer, so only use a small amount of this serum.
Knowing how to apply the salicylic acid serum on the face with SPF with crucial, like with any other exfoliating treatment.
The same application rules apply if you want to know how to apply the salicylic acid serum on the face. Gently spread the product across the skin, lightly pressing in without rubbing.
Hyaluronic acid is an incredible substance that our bodies naturally produce. It is in charge of our skin's elasticity, smoothness, and hydration. It retains water and keeps your skin moist for a long time.
Hydration helps the skin stretch, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Oily skin must also be hydrated. And poorly hydrated skin is more likely to be damaged by external sources. Long-term use of hyaluronic acid can benefit overall skincare.
Hyaluronic acid pairs well with vitamin C, especially in treating dark spots. Apply it as your second step of skincare, right after the cleanser: one or two drops while your face is still damp. Once you press it in, wait until it is absorbed and continue your routine.
With hyaluronic acid serum, if your question is how many times to apply serum on face, the answer is once, at night-time. Avoid using this serum during the daytime, especially when you are out in the sun.
If you are spending time in the sunshine, it is of utmost importance, especially with hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, to apply SPF after the serum.
Always consult your product's instructions to be sure how to apply face serum correctly.
Oil serums provide exceptional nourishment, usually rich with antioxidants, making skin soft and healthy. You can use them on your whole face or cover only dry parts.
Oil serums are oil-based, thick in consistency, absorb slower than serums, and should be applied after or instead of a moisturiser, depending on your skin type.
All skin types can find oils beneficial; you must find the right one.
Apply oil serums twice a day onto the face, neck, and chest. Apply at the very end of your routine. Look for non-pore-clogging oils for a natural, hydrated look.
Silk and satin pillowcases have a clean surface and absorb less dust, which helps treat acne and decreases its spreading. They are very gentle on the skin, protecting it from wrinkles and fine lines.
Combining this practice with a great serum is the perfect anti-aging method.
Make sure you wash your pillowcases regularly. For best results, change pillowcases once every couple of days.
Revoderm Pharma was founded by a triple-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and laboratory medicine specialist Dr. Ken Alanen and skincare and medical cosmetic specialist, Ildiko Juhasz, with 20+ years of clinical experience.
Together, they have created a unique fusion of clinical dermatology and laboratory medicine — a medical-grade luxury skincare line — ensuring that our products are backed by solid scientific research.
Revoderm Pharma has been trusted by patients and clients at Derm.ca, a leading dermatology and laser cosmetic practice, for over a decade. Our products are not only tested, but have consistently delivered real results in clinical settings, giving you peace of mind knowing that a proven track record backs your skincare.
]]>Blue light is so pervasive we hardly even notice it. It pours off our computer screens. It radiates from our phones and tablets. Whenever we snap a selfie, we get a brief, powerful flash of it. It even comes from our lighting fixtures. Blue light is so omnipresent that we hardly ever think about it, but it affects us profoundly. Maybe it’s time we took a closer look at blue light.
“Blue light is a part of life, and it is not inherently harmful. Still, there are some things you can do to get the most out of blue light while minimizing its disruptive effects.”
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
But first, what is blue light? Technically, it is a portion of the visible light spectrum characterized by high energy and short wavelength — typically, light waves in the range of 380-500 nanometres. Blue light is also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light. It’s next to ultraviolet light on the spectrum, and it has similar wavelength and intensity.
Blue light is abundant in nature, coming first and foremost from the sun. But our modern inventions, like cell phones, tablets, televisions, computers, fluorescent lighting, and LED bulbs, also add lots of blue light to the mix.
With so many sources of blue light, it’s only logical that our exposure to it is also high. Natural sources of blue light, like the sun, are not new. But what has changed recently is the amount of blue light we receive from artificial sources. A recent Nielsen study found that Americans are spending more than 11 hours per day using digital media. We also spend lots of time indoors, where fluorescent lighting and LEDs are common.
Scientists are still investigating the effects of blue light on human beings, and there is no cause to be alarmed. After all, we have been living with sunlight since the dawn of humanity, and in moderation, it doesn’t harm us.
Still, there is plenty of reason to treat blue light with respect. Blue light affects sleep in several ways. For this reason, it’s a good reason to switch off your phone or computer an hour before you go to bed. Ophthalmologists have also linked blue light to dry eye, eye strain, and age-related vision conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Blue light can also accelerate the aging process in your skin, bringing on fine lines and wrinkles. It seems to generate reactive oxygen species as it penetrates skin, causing the breakdown of collagen and elastin. It also contributes to brown spots and hyperpigmentation such as melasma. If you’re already struggling with pigmentation issues, blue light can increase them.
But the story is not all bad when it comes to blue light. It has several helpful clinical applications. In clinic, we use blue light in highly controlled photodynamic therapy to treat non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. We also use it to treat precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis.
We don’t want to frighten you into taking drastic action about blue light. There is no reason to panic — blue light is a part of life, and it is not inherently harmful. Still, there are some things you can do to get the most out of blue light while minimizing its disruptive effects. Keep a healthy distance between you and your digital devices — about a foot ought to do it. Turn down the brightness while you’re at it. Take periodic breaks from technology to rest your eyes and skin. And here's two other things you can do.
Use a retinol-based anti-aging product to undo the aging effects of blue light. Two of our favourites are Revoderm’s Illuminous Antioxidant Serum and Retinol 0.5% Night Cream.
Use a mineral sunscreen to block blue light, even when you're indoors. Revoderm Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 with Antioxidants is perfect for this purpose. Don’t forget the lips, either — put on some Zinc Oxide SPF Organic Mineral Lip Sunscreen too.
And that's the bottom line on blue light. There's no need to fear it — but add some blue light protection to your skin care regimen.
Read the text of the interview below:
Hi, Marc and Mandy. If you ever received a treatment for a skin condition, sometimes it can be confusing what kind of skin care products to use at home.
Revoderm is really helpful for the patients and for us as well. Every patient has a separate skin care condition, so we diagnose your condition and then you go home and you have an individual treatment plan based on your condition.
So, Revoderm was designed in-house with the mindset that revolutionary dermatology, which indicates that we want to be on top of the ingredients and making sure that all the conditions combined. And we have individual treatment plans based on your treatments and how to manage your conditions even every day at home and get the best results out of the ingredients and the product.
For example, if you have acne, then we have a full acne line. And same as the scars, we do lots of skin cancer. And then we have a scar gel that is silicon-based. And we have a product for rosacea, for hyper pigmentation, for sun damage, for every condition, and that's how it's tailored, the whole skin care line.
Revoderm is a professional skin care line, which means most of the ingredients are a little bit stronger than what you can find over the counter, and it's really individually planned for your skin conditions.
We usually take before and after pictures, and we are making sure that the results are there. And if we need to do anything else as a treatment of prescriptions, we are always happy to do that too.
Thank you, Marc and Mandy. And, hopefully, this will give you a little bit more knowledge about our skin care products.
]]>Dr. Alanen and I often recommend 10% AHA Lactic Acid Revolac Body Exfoliating Lotion. It's the perfect treatment for this condition.
K.P. is most common in young people, and it often clears up by itself with time. It occurs more frequently in dry climates and in winter time — precisely the conditions we see every year here in Calgary.
The best natural treatment for keratosis pilaris is a combination of regular exfoliation and moisturizing. Exfoliate your skin at least 3-4 times each week, using Revoderm Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Scrub or a mechanical exfoliant such as a loofah or dry brush.
Follow up immediately with a lactic acid lotion such as Revolac. I also recommend using a humidifier in your house to create more moisture in the air.
Unlike other products, Revolac lotion immediately brings rapid relief from the dryness, irritation, ingrown hair and redness associated with keratosis pilaris.
With its breakthrough formulation of potent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), Revolac lotion also helps with ingrown hair because it sloughs off dry skin, which helps exfoliate and unclog hair follicles. It prevents irritation, dryness, ingrown hair, sun damage, brown spots and K.P.
The high lactic acid content moisturizes and hydrates dry skin. It also brightens the skin and helps reduce sunspots and brown spots. Your skin will feel smoother, softer, brighter and hydrated all day long.
Revolac lotion contains allantoin, an extract from the comfrey plant that regenerates heathy skin. The lotion also contains a safe form of silicone that protects your skin from further damage and provides a smooth and silky touch with skin barrier properties.
Revolac's safety and effectiveness are backed by science and years of clinical experience. Our dermatologist Dr. Ken Alanen and Revoderm founder Ildikó Juhasz are skin care and laser experts. They help thousands of patients at the Derm.ca dermatology clinic with keratosis pilaris and other skin conditions.
Revolac lotion is available without prescription. If you experience temporary stinging on application, it is normal due to prior exfoliation. If you shave, wait 20 minutes before applying Revolac.
Keep in mind products and treatments may work more successfully together since many types of KP need individual customized approach and prescription. If you have a stubborn or advanced form of K.P. and Revoderm Revolac lotion doesn't help solve your problem, you might need to see us at our dermatology clinic for help. In that case, book a consultation at info@derm.ca.
Glutathione is a healthy antioxidant that protects you from stressors like pollution and helps you stay young and beautiful. Read our post to find out how you can make the most of glutathione.
We’ll tell you in a moment how you can get more glutathione (and how Revoderm products can help). But first, let’s look at the science behind glutathione and how it helps you achieve that wonderful glow.
One of the key culprits in aging is oxidative stressors — chemical nuisances like smoke, car exhaust, alcohol, or sunlight. We encounter these criminals constantly, yet we hardly ever give them a thought.
Whenever your body encounters these oxidative stressors, it releases a class of unstable molecules called free radicals. Free radicals break down tissue over time, causing premature aging. Antioxidants ride to the rescue, protecting us from the destabilizing effect of free radicals. You could say that antioxidants are the good guys, free radicals the bad guys. If you look at it that way, glutathione is one of the good guys.
Most of the time, our bodies produce glutathione all by themselves, and we don’t need to pay attention to this process. We do produce less of it over time, however. That’s a natural consequence of growing older.
Luckily, we can delay this process through good nutrition (and perhaps a few supplements). Revoderm also has a few glutathione-rich products you can apply directly to your skin and hair.
Your body requires sulfur to create glutathione. Beef, fish, and poultry are rich in sulfur. So are broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and watercress, to name a few foods. Other foods are just naturally rich in glutathione. Spinach, avocadoes and asparagus belong in this category.
Glutathione also works best in the presence of selenium. Beef, chicken, fish, cottage cheese, brown rice, and Brazil nuts are all good sources of this mineral. Supplements can provide selenium too, but too much of it can be harmful, so don’t go overboard. Consult your health care provider if you have questions on this one.
The foods named above help your body create and use glutathione. They’re also just plain delicious, so stock up. Supplements like whey protein, milk thistle, and turmeric extract can also help. You’ll find the details on glutathione at the Healthline page 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your Glutathione Levels.
You can also take glutathione directly as a supplement, but it’s not clear whether our bodies effectively absorb it in this form. It’s probably better not to waste your money on supplements.
Free radicals break down cells and tissue, causing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Applying glutathione directly to these trouble spots can help. We recommend Revoderm Illuminous Antioxidant Serum for this purpose. Use this brightening serum to combat dullness and the effects of oxidative aging. It promotes firmness and skin elasticity while minimizing acne, acne scars, rosacea, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Revoderm’s Revitalizing Hair Serum is another glutathione champion. Use it consistently to restore hair, improve density, strength, and thickness, and to prevent further hair loss. The serum combines glutathione with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to help the antioxidant penetrate your skin. It also contains sodium DNA, which penetrates cell membranes to promote cell repair and tissue regeneration.
For best results, use Revitalizing Hair Serum in conjunction with Revoderm Revitalizing Shampoo and Revitalizing Conditioner, all available together in our convenient Hair Loss & Thinning Hair / Hair Stimulating Kit. Rub the serum in after using the shampoo and conditioner and simply leave it in place.
]]>by Dr. Ken Alanen and Ildikó Juhasz
Patients often ask me about home treatments for acne that are based on popular, but incorrect, myths. Acting on these myths can, unfortunately, do more harm than good. To clear the air, I want to share the truth about acne.
This information is based on research and decades of clinical knowledge. If your acne treatment is based on medical science, you will get better results.
I am often asked in clinic if it is okay to “pop” a pimple. Unfortunately, this is not the case. When a pimple is “popped,” it often ruptures deep inside your skin. This can lead to acne scarring, which can be permanent.
It's much better to use a concentrated benzoyl peroxide to help dissolve the surface of the clog so that all of the material within the pore can drain out. Revoderm Acne Spot Treatment was designed specifically for this purpose.
Acne is caused by many factors including genetics, thick makeup, many comedogenic sunscreens and simple misfortune – but it does not reflect bad hygiene. In fact, if you wash and scrub your skin too much, it will often make the problem worse. That's why you shouldn’t use rubbing alcohol on your skin – it certainly “de-greases” the skin, but it leads to secondary overproduction of oil, making a bad thing worse.
The ideal cleanser is acneBeta Cleanser, which removes excess oil, sebum and debris from your skin without excessively drying it out. I am a fan of 2% salicylic acid with natural plant-based skin-calming extracts. Do this once or twice per day, but not more.
Contrary to popular belief, applying toothpaste to acne does not help. In fact, it makes it worse.
Toothpaste is basically a detergent and in that regard, it is not formulated for your skin. Ultimately, it is too irritating for acne.
Just as you should NOT excessively cleanse your skin, you should also avoid excessive exfoliation. Too much scrubbing ultimately worsens complexion.
Loofahs and coarse sponges are to be avoided, especially if you are using them in the shower every day. Using them only reintroduces the bacteria and sebum and oil from the previous day.
Most scrubs on the market today are made from charcoal or are sugar-based. The particles in charcoal scrubs in our experience are too fine and ultimately add to the clogging tendency. Sugar scrubs are not ideal as they can ultimately “feed” bacteria within pores.
Revoderm Microdermabrasion Scrub is the ideal ingredient for an acne scrub. It's made with micronized pumice stone, which helps remove clogs and it is not comedogenic. Scrubs set the stage for everything else that you do for your skin care routine: pores are opened so that toners, prescription creams etc. can get to where they need to go – i.e., into the pores where the oil is made.
Diet can have a big effect on acne. It has been demonstrated in the recent past that pro-inflammatory diets and high carbohydrate diets are associated with acne. See (The relationship of diet and acne) and (Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris) for more information.
Happily, there is no association of chocolate and acne.
There is a justifiable desire to cover your pimples with makeup. However thick, oil-based preparations essentially “fill up” your pores, leading to more pimples and making a bad thing worse.
Many of us are not keen to give up makeup and so when you wear makeup, ensure that it is a mineral-based line. We love Jane Iredale for acne-prone skin.
This is a big one. While it is absolutely true that ultraviolet light from tanning beds (and the sun, for that matter) helps minimize the inflammation within acne lesions, it also damages the DNA of your skin, which can increase the risk of skin cancer in the years to come. Excessive ultraviolet light also leads to wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and broken capillaries.
Many adults pursue anti-aging skin care and procedures to undo the damage caused by ultraviolet light incurred many years prior. Keep your skin young and healthy; avoid tanning beds completely and minimize ultraviolet light damage from sunshine by using a non-comedogenic zinc oxide, chemical-free sunscreen. We developed Age Defy sunscreen with this dilemma in mind.
Acne skin is very often oily, which makes it feel moisturized. But touch can be misleading. Acne skin is quite dry in most cases.
When you are thirsty, you drink water, not olive oil. This analogy is perfectly applicable to oily skin. Acne therapies are designed to slow down oil production. Many of the prescriptions (most creams and Accutane, for sure) for acne therapy add to the drying tendency. So, you should use a gentle non-comedogenic moisturizer and ideally a hyaluronic acid serum to hydrate your skin.
There is an understandable desire to minimize antibiotic use for treating acne. Doxycycline, Tetracycline and Minocycline are commonly used, and they are typically highly effective for treating this condition. The criticism that they “work great when I am on them, but the acne comes back as soon as I stop” is legitimate.
We completely agree and often call antibiotics “the illusion of cure.” When antibiotics are in the therapeutic regimen, they should be viewed as a temporary measure. They hold the scar risk tendency at bay, which buys you the necessary time for the skin care and topical prescriptions to kick in.
Once the active acne is under control, however, the pills can be stopped and the topical regimen minimizes the relapse risk.
We commonly hear that “you’ll grow out of your acne,” and yes, this is often true. But acne can be psychologically devastating, and untreated acne all too commonly causes scarring. Acne is not just a teenage issue, either — it often persists into middle age.
The ideal regimen is one that minimizes oil production, keeps the pores open, keeps the acne bacteria population in the skin to a minimum and is not irritating for your skin. An ideal acne regimen can prevent (or minimize) pimples and, by extension, acne scars. Reversing acne scars can be a very difficult and extensive process. The best scar, is the one that you never get. Think of your skin care routine as a scar prevention routine.
So there you have it — the truth about acne. Follow it, and your skin will look much better.
Share the truth about acne with your friends (and on social media).
Stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ken Alanen
]]>There is a difficult balancing act for cleansers: strong enough to remove what must be removed but gentle enough so that the skin is not left harshly dry, raw and desiccated. Happily, we now have remarkable products for cleansing all skin types.
Skin cleansing needs to reflect several things including age, skin type and sun exposure history. In addition, many common skin conditions have their own cleansing requirements. A few of these will be highlighted here:
Revoderm is based in the Rocky Mountains; the climate here is especially harsh for skin. It is a cold, dry climate and the effects of chronic ultraviolet light are more acute given the high altitudes of western North America. With increasing age and sun damage, the skin becomes thinner, loses its ability to retain water and is easily irritated by pollutants, irritants and allergens because the barrier function of the skin becomes progressively compromised.
For dry and sun damaged skin, fragrances are a no-no; they smell pretty but can leave you with a red, itchy peeling face.
Revive Cleanser was envisioned with these realities in mind. This novel cleanser contains ultra pure sodium hyaluronate, which is a natural body molecule that acts as the ultimate “sponge” for your skin. Sodium hyaluronate recruits water from your bloodstream as well as from the outside environment. Acetyl Octapeptide (a small protein complex) is added to help boost skin hydration through its water binding properties. In addition, this cleanser has many soothing botanical extracts including:
Cucumber Fruit extract – to firm and protect the skin
Orange oil – a natural astringent and antiseptic that produces calming effects on the skin
Allantoin – an extract of the comfrey plant which helps promote the growth of healthy new skin cells
Clary Sage extract – as with Orange oil, this is a natural astringent and antiseptic
Sweet Almond oil – helps clean prominent pores; also helps with puffy loose skin around the eyes
Vitamin B 5 (panthenol) – an excellent lubricant and emollient
Of note, hyaluronic acid serums are combined beautifully with good moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid serums should go on before the moisturizer – they “seal” the moisture in the skin... And finally, when a skin condition is treated, or when the weather changes, a person’s cleansing needs often change. If you have questions, please talk to us.
Here’s to healthy, beautiful skin!
Sincerely,
Ildikó Juhasz
It’s Never Too Late To Start Wearing Sunscreen!
If you’re like me, I grew up in a generation where we didn’t wear sunscreen religiously. I didn’t have computers or the Internet growing up, nor did I have readily accessible information about sunscreen.
Our summer always started with my brother and I playing in the street, skipping, playing ball and hanging out in the blistering sun all day, right until the sun went down. The first few days of summer would find us sitting on a big towel in the living room and peeling burnt skin off of our backs, legs, arms and faces. We were so burned that at night we couldn’t sleep, so my mom would apply homemade cold sour cream onto our beet red bodies. The third week of summer was when we would start to maintain what we thought was a “healthy tan”! All that shedding of blistered skin prepared us for our annual family vacation at The Black Sea… and who could forget to bring the baby oil!
Flash forward… Many years later, I’m in Tofino on a cloudy, windy overcast day. I fell asleep, fully clothed on the beach. My face was the only part of me that was exposed. Incredibly, I had the worst burn of my life to the point of having the shivers, “probably third degree burns” on my forehead I thought and guess what?? My first melasma – irregular, (maddening, stubborn splotchy hyperpigmentation…) showed up on my face in a few days but thanks to Revoderm skin care products, you can’t see it anymore.
We got back from my Tofino vacation and the dermatologist I worked with at the time said to me ”You have 24 hours to wash off your colour from your face if you want to work in this clinic” and I learned my lesson for rest of my life.
So began my interest and research into skin care, which lead to the development of Revoderm, a medical grade skin care line, including chemical free sunscreen and dermatology treatments...
The following information will educate my readers on the import facts of chemical free sunscreen.
On May 1st, 2018, Hawaii became the first state in America to pass legislation banning the sale of sunscreen containing chemicals believed to be harmful to the ocean and coral reefs.
According to research published in the New York Times, 14,000 tons of sunscreen is washed off in oceans every year, and its effects are proving to be devastating. Scientific studies have found that chemicals typically included in mass-market sunscreens contribute to coral bleaching, which essentially means that the ability of coral reefs to sustain life and maintain environmental balance is being eroded by the sunscreen people slough off in the ocean every day. In short, our oceans are dying due in part to the ingredients found in chemical sunscreens.
Now think about this: if chemical sunscreens are contributing to the destruction of our oceans and the overall health of the planet, what are they doing to your skin and your body?
Your epidermis is like a sponge. It soaks up whatever we slather on it and absorbs whatever external elements it’s exposed to. So when it comes to sunscreen, two important things need to be considered:
UVB burns you and causes about half of skin cancers whereas UVA burns essentially do not exist. However, all of the signs of aging – wrinkles, capillaries, brown spots etc. – are from UVA. Half of the skin cancers are caused by prolonged UVA exposure. Since you cannot rely on an “SPF number” for UVA, you need to be well-informed and look on the label for zinc oxide content: it should be at least 20%.
Go ahead and read the ingredients listed on the sunscreen you have at home. Chances are you’ll see words like these: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone – all chemical compounds designed to provide UV protection. Are they effective? To varying degrees, yes, depending on the concentration and quality of the ingredients. But just how safe are the ingredients in chemical sunscreens? And how do you know if the ingredients in your sunscreen are of quality?
Protecting our skin from the sun is important – there is no disputing that. Rates of melanoma have been on the rise for 30 years. The Mayo Clinic reported that two types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) went up an astonishing 145 percent and 263 percent respectively from 2000 to 2010. Cosmetic concerns have become more common too. Melasma, which gives the skin a blotchy appearance, is a very common complaint in dermatology offices, and a sign of skin damage that can be quite unsightly. For all these reasons and countless others, choosing (and properly using) a good sunscreen is essential. Daily use of sunscreen will prevent future damage, but any existing sun damage needs to be professional diagnosed and removed.
For starters (other than the damage that chemical sunscreens are doing to our oceans) it’s becoming more and more well documented that chemicals used in synthetic sunscreen are connected to a long list of health issues. Oxybenzone, for example, has been linked to a higher risk of endometriosis, skin allergies, hormone disruptions, reduced fertility in men, and cell damage. The strength of these associations is unclear, but most people feel justifiably queasy about these possibilities.
Are chemicals like these something you really want to put on your skin? Are they something you’d feel good about putting on a baby’s skin?
Mineral sunscreens are considered safer and more “natural” for both your body and the environment as compared with chemical sunscreens. High quality zinc oxide will help not only guard against sun damage, it will help reduce inflammation and prevent skin irritation as well.
There are three – and only three - mineral sunscreen ingredients out there: Zinc, titanium, silica. In terms of effectiveness, Zinc is the clear cut “gold medalist”. Why ? because it blocks out the entire spectrum of ultraviolet light, lasts long (up to the full day, although we encourage regular re-application) and is natural. Titanium and Silica preparations (what we regard as the “silver” and “bronze” medals) aren’t as ideal as they don’t block out the full UV spectrum.
It is true that most people do not get skin cancer – even those at risk. However practically everyone gets wrinkles, brown spots, broken capillaries etc. with chronic sun exposure. Thus, the right sunscreen preserves your youthful look and protects your cosmetic investment (i.e. all of the benefits from your laser, filler sessions are preserved with the right sunscreen).
While these ingredients are highly effective in mineral sunscreen, just as with chemical sunscreen, the quality of the ingredients matters. The best zinc sunscreen is micronized (i.e. smaller zinc particles) and colour matched for your skin.
Traditional Zinc oxide sunscreens are very thick which can make it difficult to put on and spread evenly. That said even thick zinc preparations are actually highly effective, but look ugly and feel quite “thick” on your face. That is in fact the only reason why they dwindled in popularity up until recent years. Now, we have the technology to produce highly effective but cosmetically agreeable preparations. Dr. Alanen and I are now of the opinion that there is no real reason why there should ever be a sunscreen that is not “zinc based”. That said, high quality zinc oxide sunscreen should be light and non-sticky, and many product lines, including the Revoderm Age-Defy, are tinted – providing a colour boost and shimmery glow to the skin.
Remember that many sunscreen manufacturers are catching on to this concept; the term “zinc oxide” is on many labels, but it is simply too dilute to be effective. Once more, you need at least 20% zinc for it to be effective.
No matter what you choose, remember that any sunscreen is better than none. Avoid sprays if possible though – most of those products dissipate in the air before they land on your skin, and inhaling the chemicals in aerosol sunscreens can cause all kinds of respiratory issues. Also, it is much more difficult to assure that all of your skin has been covered by aerosol sunscreens; studies show that there are many unprotected areas on the skin when this approach is used as compared with application of a regular liquid sunscreen application.
Slather up at least 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply every couple of hours if you’re spending extended time in the sun. And the SPF in your makeup? It’s not nearly enough to do an adequate job of protecting your skin. So no matter what plans you have for the day, whether you’re vacationing or are just going about your regular routine, a top quality sunscreen should always be the first thing you put on every morning.
Here’s to healthy, beautiful skin!
Sincerely,
Ildikó Juhasz
Retinol is vitamin A. Pure vitamin A, in fact. Retinol is formed when beta-carotene (the molecule that give carrots its yellow colour, is cut in half). Vitamin A has many super-important roles in the skin, and it remains the cornerstone of most skin care routines – it is usually in an acne regimen for a teenager, as a therapy for large prominent pores or as a prominent part of an antiaging protocol for an adult.
There are many forms of vitamin A in the skin including retinaldehyde, retinoic Acid and retinyl esters. Retinoic acid is the “active” form of vitamin A but it is very irritating. Retinol, on the other hand is much better tolerated and it is converted into retinoic acid soon after it is applied to the skin.
Retinol has many, many roles in normal skin function, including slowing down oil production, thickening epidermis and repairing DNA damage from years of sunshine. It also helps regulate epidermal cell turnover and therefore it helps keep your pores from being clogged. Retinol stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin in the dermis.
Type “A” people are society’s hard working keeners, goal oriented, and love consistent attention to details. In short you need to be “type A for vitamin A”. Sun exposure – even minimal amounts of sun - depletes vitamin A from your skin and in that regard, it is the Achilles’ heel for your skin’s vitamin A. Even on cloudy days. Even if you are behind a window or inside of your car. Even if it is not especially hot, sunshine is degrading your vitamin A. Your best skin will come from protecting your vitamin A (sunscreen; see our other blog) and replacing it at night time (retinol cream) and plenty of great vegetables (e.g. carrots, broccoli, spinach, peppers) as well as eggs.
Vitamin A metabolism plays very important roles in practically everything that a dermatologist treats: acne, sun damage, wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and many skin cancers and pre-cancers. These are all vitamin A deficiency states, in fact.
If you have really pronounced acne or a pre-cancerous type of sun damage, prescription strength retinols e.g. tazarotene (Tazorac), tretinoin (Retin A), adapalene (Differin) are often prescribed. These are typically too harsh for most people as they can cause peeling, redness and irritation; indeed, the “cure can be worse than the disease”. These are the side effects of retinol ; all retinol creams have this side effect profile. There can be too much of a good thing when it comes to retinol.
Acne is by far the most common disease of humans. Over 90 % of people experience this condition at some point in their lifetime. The strongest retinol therapy for acne is isotretinoin pills (AccutaneTM, EpurisTM) and the results can be truly dramatic and life-changing. However, there is no free lunch – retinol pills invariably produce high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hair thinning, aches and miserably dry skin. Thus, retinol creams are far preferable for most of us; in essence, you can have your cake and eat it too.
Retinol can be a standalone cream or part of a more complex acne care regimen. The only real downside of topical retinol therapy is a tendency for drying and redness. These side effects are predictable and thus manageable by easing into the therapy (every second or third night with increased frequency as your skin tolerates the cream….). We typically add hyaluronic acid serum as it restores the epidermal barrier, treats the dryness and irritation.
Epidermal and superficial dermal wrinkles are caused in part by chronic ultraviolet A depletion from the skin. The earlier you start using topical retinol, the healthier your skin will ultimately be. Retinol is safe – very safe. In fact, we here at Revoderm actually think that there should be a “recommended daily dose” of topical retinol.
Again, because it breaks down very easily on skin that is not protected by great sunscreen, clothing or shade. It’s not bad for your skin if you use it in the morning, but you may be wasting your time if you are out in the sun soon after you put it on your face.
Over time, chronically sun exposed skin becomes thinner (epidermis and dermis), due in part to persistent vitamin A depletion. There is a common misconception that retinol this the skin – this is absolutely untrue. In fact, Vitamin A / Retinol cream thickens epidermis and dermis and this results in a younger, healthier appearance. Vitamin A / retinol exfoliates away sun damaged cells as well as irregular pigmentation.
The end result of a consistent retinol cream skin care routine results in less pigmentation, fewer wrinkles, restoration of supple skin and a more uniform, youthful appearance of your face. Retinol is also beneficial for the hands, upper chest and neck.
As a Mohs' skin cancer surgeon, I love the skin cancer prevention aspects of retinol. Do you know that a recent study showed that 100% of non-melanoma skin cancer patients were vitamin – A depleted? This important vignette is really hard to read about in online blogs, but it is one of the most important aspects of retinol. I will cover this more in an upcoming blog.
The best retinol cream is minimally irritating and co-formulated with an antioxidant such as vitamin C. I am a fan of encapsulated retinol as this delivery system gets the ingredients to where they need to go (into the nucleus cells of the epidermis and dermis), thereby maximizing efficacy and decreasing irritation and redness. Encapsulation means that a lower concentration of retinol can be used; therefore 0.5% Retinol can be as good as a 1% retinol.
So, in summary, if you want the best possible skin in the long term, retinol cream with vitamin C is indispensable. Use it at night time and be fairly generous with hyaluronic acid serum to prevent redness and irritation, eat a diet rich in carotene and, wear zinc sunscreen. And remember, be “Type A for Vitamin A” — your skin will thank you.
Stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ken Alanen
Sources
Andersson E et al. Ultraviolet irradiation depletes cellular retinol and alters the metabolism of retinoic acid in cultured human keratinocytes and melanocytes. Melanoma Res. 1999 Aug;9(4):339-46.
Tang G et al Epidermis and serum protect retinol but not retinyl esters from sunlight-induced photodegradation. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 1994 Feb;10(1):1-7.
Sorg O et al Oxidative stress-independent depletion of epidermal vitamin A by UVA. J Invest Dermatol. 2002 Mar;118(3):513-8.
Mandeville JS et al Structural analysis of DNA interaction with retinol and retinoic acid. Biochem Cell Biol. 2010 Jun;88(3):469-77
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True! Did you know that emerging data shows that everyday low grade heat can cause accelerated aging of the skin including surface wrinkles, enlarged pores and brown spots ? What we traditionally call “sun spots” may not be entirely from sunshine but from heat exposure. Indeed, these findings are more common in kitchen workers, firefighters and even hot yoga aficionados...
For years, it has been universally accepted that ultraviolet light (from natural sunshine or tanning beds) damages DNA and generates free radicals that is harmful to the skin and leads to wrinkles, brown spots, broken capillaries, loss of skin tone. Only recently have we become aware that infrared light (i.e. heat) can cause similar damage. This is likely why really good sunscreen – certainly a critical component of any skin care regimen – does not fully protect against all of your cosmetic concerns.
Traditional sunscreens are ONLY designed to filter out damaging UV light but do nothing when it comes to infrared light protection. Nothing.
Scientists have wondered for years how certain species of bacteria can survive (and even thrive) in environments that you’d think to be hostile to life. These are memorably referred to as extremophiles. Thermus Thermophilus is one such beast. It is an incredibly resilient bacterium which lives around the incredibly hot thermal vents at the bottom of the ocean floor. It makes a series of natural proteins that consistently repair the cellular damage which occurs as a result of unending high temperature.
You might wonder “How on earth can an ocean floor bacterium help my skin” ? Quite simply, actually. Scientists at Sedamed Laboratories in France have developed a stable extract from Thermus Thermophilus (known as Venuceane TM) which has been found to prevent harmful effects from heat on your cells. It prevents cell membrane damage, oxidative stress and DNA damage. In practical terms, it means that there is now protection from everyday low grade thermal injury to your skin.
Revoderm has now added Venuceane TM to our everyday zinc sunscreen (Age Defy). We anticipate that you will find this thin, micronized sunscreen indispensable for your daily environmental defense. It has beautiful, thin cosmesis and is easily colour matched for you. This has already become a very “hot” (no pun intended) item and we suspect that you will love it.
Here’s to healthy, beautiful skin!
Sincerely,
Ildikó Juhasz
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Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a normal body molecule, found in most tissues, in fact. In the skin, it is most abundant in the dermis.
by Ildiko Juhasz and Dr. Ken Alanen
What is hyaluronic acid ?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a normal body molecule, found in most tissues, in fact. In the skin, it is most abundant in the dermis. HA is a natural “cushioning” molecule and it also acts as a natural antioxidant. In addition, Hyaluronic acid is involved in normal tissue regeneration. In the skin, deep HA provides natural volume and within the skin surface, HA helps the skin retain normal moisture and texture, given its remarkable property for binding water molecules. Because HA is a “normal” body molecule, it is not surprising to hear that it is safe in pregnancy.
It is absolutely worth the hype and yes, hyaluronic acid is good for the skin. HA injections and topical creams and serums are merely replacing what HA that has been lost over time. Hyaluronic acid is not in the strict sense of the term a “moisturizer” but it is a “humectant”. Humectants are molecules which hydrate in the primary sense of the term but they also absorb water; they keep the moisture (and any moisturizer that you apply) in your skin longer. When you think of Hyaluronic acid think “mother nature’s skin sponge”, and you’ll get the idea. In fact, hyaluronic acid molecules can absorb water up to one thousand times their weight. Much of my dermatology career has been spent in dry climates (Colorado and Alberta) and practically all of the patients that I see in these harsh dry locations benefit from HA, particularly in the winter.
Yes indeed. Hyaluronic acid is one of the many molecules that is made in smaller and smaller quantities the older a person gets. If you are even remotely considering an HA injection for deep tissue folds, you will almost certainly benefit from Intense Hydration Serum. This helps neutralize the harmful free radicals which are generated in your skin as part of inevitable daily encounters with pollutants and irritants. Plus, by helping with water retention, the skin regains its youthful, supple appearance. For practically everything that you “do” to improve your skin (laser, microneedling, chemical peels, filler injection), Hyaluronic acid serum helps maintain the benefits of these procedures. Not only will your skin look better, you will be protecting your cosmetic investment.
Absolutely yes. Hyaluronic acid is almost always an ideal part of an acne regimen. We have a very busy acne practice in our clinic and we live in a cold try climate – the Rocky Mountains; this is the ideal “proving ground” for hyaluronic acid. The Revoderm Intense Hydration Serum is NOT comedogenic as the main active ingredient is sodium hylauronate, formulated to be big enough to hold water (lots of it) but small enough so that it does not clog pores. Consider that practically all acne topical therapy (be it prescriptions, topical retinol creams, benzoyl peroxides etc) dry out the skin, sometimes dramatically so. The body responds by making more oil and by extension, more pimples. Revoderm Intense Hydration Serum mitigates these risks and can help maintain skin in an acne free state.
Another yes. The term “sensitive skin”, reflects a defective epidermal barrier. In practical terms , this means that the allergens, irritants and environmental pollutants can get though more easily than intact skin and this appears as redness, itch and scale as well as flare of allergy. Revoderm Intense Hydration Serum seals off this epidermal defect - a “crazy glue” for skin so that the fire in the epidermis can subside.
You bet. The driest skin I’ve encountered is in the Rocky Mountains and it is a constant battle for us here at Revoderm as well as for our patients. As you likely imagine, sealing off a defective epidermis (which is the major reason why a person develops eczema) can calm down the skin and minimize the need for topical steroids (cortisones). This is a highly desirable property; consider that steroids are effective to treat inflammation and redness, but they cause skin thinning (as well as pimples) and they should therefore be used as little as possible. Intense Hydration Serum is a very important part of our eczema treatment regimen.
By definition, rosacea (redness and capillaries of the face) is associated with a poorly understood dysfunction of the epidermal barrier. It has been the experience of us and others that epidermal barrier restoration with hyaluronic acid helps control this condition. Sodium hyaluronate serum (Revoderm Intense Hydrating Serum) is typically part of our rosacea skin care routine. In fact, some patients can use this agent alone to hold their rosacea in remission.
Hyaluronic acid became very well known to the public almost twenty years ago when it became available as a no-downtime wrinkle therapy (Restylane was one of the very first; Juvederm and Teosyal are other well know products). Most dermatologists (myself included) love HA fillers as they are natural and they break down slowly (and the normal enzyme hyaluronidase can be used to “erase” hyaluronic acid injections if necessary). They provide deep soft tissue augmentation and are most commonly used for volume restoration of the central face.
This is a very common question (I get it almost every day, in fact). It’s a case of apples vs. oranges. Botox and other neuromodulators are muscle relaxants (and thus they work well for treating muscle-induced wrinkles of the forehead, upper nose / glabella area and beside the eyes. The mid face wrinkles that come with time are caused mostly by volume loss, not muscle over-activity. I commonly tell people: “over time, a grape becomes a raisin. Fillers reverse that problem, so the raisin becomes the grape”.
Apart from normal hyaluronidase activity within tissue, ultraviolet light (UV) is the main reason why HA breaks down. Not only does UV break down hyaluronic acid, it also turns on the hyaluronidase enzymes as well as your body’s collagenase and elastase enzymes (which breaks down normal collagen and elastase). Zinc oxide sunscreens help to prevent degradation of hyaluronic acid as well as elastin and collagen; it’s a major reason why the right sunscreen keeps you looking young…..
This is another very common question. As an injection, HA can last as long as a few months to over a year, depending on the issue that is being treated. Deep soft tissue augmentation of the upper face with thick, extensively cross-linked HA fillers can last as long as two years whereas thin, pliable fillers for lips can be noticeably reduced in several months. Hyaluronic acid serum for the skin needs to be applied daily, however.
Ideally, Hyaluronic acid serum goes on last in your skin care regimen. It will prevent excess evaporation of your moisturizer and all of the other ingredients (antioxidants, vitamin C etc.) that you have applied can penetrate deeper into the skin.
HA serums are ideal as post-procedure adjunctive therapies. All procedures that cut the skin surface (microneedling, fractional laser, resurfacing laser etc.) cause controlled injury to the with temporary disruption of the barrier function of the skin. HA serums are not surprisingly excellent to accelerate healing. In our own clinic, Revoderm Intense Hydration serum is used on practically all of our patients and clients after these procedures, in fact. It is our experience that healing is accelerated and downtime after laser procedures is minimized.
In the not too distant past, serums made from hyaluronic acid were quite commonplace, not surprising given their remarkable hydrating qualities. However, HA serums were limited by their very large molecular size, meaning that absorption into the epidermis was limited. However, sodium Hyaluronate is a smaller molecule as compared with Hyaluronic Acid. In that regard, sodium hyaluronate is better for topical skin care products as it is absorbed deeper into the skin (it gets into the superficial dermis, in fact) and it does not block pores. The latter quality is highly desirable as it means that Sodium hyaluronate can be used safely as part of most acne treatment regimens (sodium hyaluronate does not clog pores – it is not comedogenic). Intense Hydrating Serum, one of the lead products of the Revoderm line, is based on purified sodium hyaluronate.
This is a common question. In short, the answer is no. Hyaluronic acid is a very large molecule. When it is ingested as a supplement (or when you eat it in your food), it is broken down into tiny fragments in the small intestine but it does not spontaneously “reassemble” itself in your body’s tissues. This is the reason why hyaluronic acid must be injected into the skin as a filler or applied as a serum – there is no other way to get the fully formed molecule into the skin.
It is made within tissues as a physiologic (i.e. normal) phenomenon. Did you know, that you lose one third of your natural hyaluronic acid every single day ? This break down occurs in part from the action of the normal enzyme hyaluronidase. Also, over time, the ability to form HA is reduced as you age. In the skin, hyaluronic acid is depleted with chronic sun exposure. Injectable and topical HA molecules, so very common in the “cosmetic toolkit” of dermatologists are slightly modified so that they last longer in the skin than your body’s own HA.
We believe that Revoderm Intense Hydrating Serum is one of the most important tools for your skin; it should be on the “top shelf” in your medicine chest. It is a potent antioxidant, it is a great free radical scavenger, it seals off your epidermis and yet does not cause pimples or feel heavy, it is easy to use, it is immediately absorbed and provides prolonged hydration, and a little bit goes a long way. Try it today - we are confident that you will love it.
Stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ken Alanen
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding this condition that can lead to confusion and frustration for those living with it.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common myths about rosacea and provide evidence-based information to help debunk them. By separating fact from fiction, we hope to empower individuals with rosacea to better understand their condition and take control of their skin health.
Rosacea is a very common skin disease; on average, ten patients per day seeing Dr. Alanen and Ildiko treat about 8 patients per day for the past 20 years with this condition in our clinic and in our online consultations. The myths listed below reflect everyday patient interactions. You'll find that the best rosacea treatment is laser rosacea treatment.
No. This is untrue. While there is no question that most people don't like the appearance of a red, flushed face with telangiectasias ("broken capillaries"), the condition can be quite disabling.
Untreated, rosacea can be uncomfortable with recurrent episodes of flushing and burning. Regrettably, these symptoms tend to worsen with time.
Acne and rosacea are similar as often the patient's skin feels dry and dehydrated despite their acne breakouts. Both are characterized by inflammation of pores on the head and neck skin.
However, rosacea differs from acne in that it is associated with blood vessel overgrowth and it does not scar (unlike acne). Also, the triggers are different. For example, ultraviolet light flares rosacea whereas acne is temporarily improved by exposure to ultraviolet light.
Many of the conditions that we see in day to day dermatology and our cosmetic practice resolve spontaneously (e.g. hives, some rashes, folliculitis) but rosacea is essentially always progressive (it worsens in the majority of cases if it is not treated).
Therapy depends on the severity of the rosacea, and this includes topical skin care, prescription pills and / or laser rosacea and facial redness. No topical prescription or oral medication can improve the redness or facial veins without laser treatments.
I often use 2-3 different lasers to treat the background redness and also different lasers for the capillaries.
Rosacea usually manifests after age 30 but it is still seen in patients much younger than that. We commonly teach patients and clients that any capillary or red area of the face is usually present years before it becomes obvious.
Why? This is because the blood vessels of the skin that give rosacea its red appearance start deep in the skin (i.e. not yet visible to the naked eye) but these tiny blood vessels grow inexorably toward the skin surface as a response to low grade sunshine (particularly the UV-A wavelengths).
It is one of the reasons why zinc oxide sunscreens are so incredibly important for young patients: not only are the risks of skin cancer, wrinkles and brown spots reduced, the risk of rosacea is also minimized.
Rosacea can also affect the neck and the chest (confusingly referred to as "poikiloderma of Civatte" - don't be misled - it is the same thing…) as well as the eyes and in severe cases, the deep soft tissue of the nose (called rhinophyma).
No, but this is a very common misconception. Many people with rosacea do not drink alcohol at all. However, alcohol, like spicy foods, excess heat, aspirin, caffeine and psychological stress can flare rosacea, but none of these actually cause the condition.
All of these risk factors lead to temporary rosacea flares (i.e. the red face) because they temporarily dilate pre-existing blood vessels. They don't actually stimulate the growth of brand new blood vessels.
This statement is remarkably false. However, rosacea patients correctly observe that chemical sunscreens actually flare their condition. This is decisively true. Look for, and avoid, the common offenders: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.
Moreover, chemical sunscreens do not block out enough of the UVA portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum.
No. There is no cure for rosacea, despite many, many claims to the contrary on the internet. Rosacea can (and should, in our view) be put into remission, but a permanent "cure" does not exist.
Laser treatment for rosacea is the only way to keep the condition under control, prevent flares, and improve the look of the skin without looking blushed, flushed with deep facial redness. There is a very strong genetic predisposition to rosacea (especially in people with Northern European genetics) and no therapy will "cure" your genetics, of course.
Rosacea is always seen on the "sunniest parts" of the body - the cheeks, nose, chin, lower forehead as well as the neck and upper chest; any regimen which clears rosacea will ultimately fail if you don't use a UVA-filtering sunscreen (zinc oxide based sunscreens are our favourite).
Sustained remission is possible (almost as good as "cure") with the right skin care regimen (see Myth #4). The chemical sunscreen will make the worst of the Rosacea fleer up. Quite often I am recommending the mineral Age Defy sunscreen for sun exposure. This will help limit both the short term and long term symptoms of rosacea.
The zinc component hasgreat anti-inflammatory properties. It is a light product and often is 50% better than sunscreen, especially when used with a hydratign product such as Intense Hydrating serum.
No; this is absolutely untrue. There is no evidence to support this notion. In fact, we have witnessed many, many examples in the clinic over the years (and recently in online consult whereby rosacea was actually flared by excessive face washing. That said, rosacea patients often have the most "finicky" skin care routine needs.
The ideal regimen for rosacea typically includes a good gentle cleanser, a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid serum, an anti-inflammatory sulfur mask and zinc oxide sunscreen. The final words: Rosacea is not curable but it could and should be managed. There is no one single perfect regimen that works for everyone.
Please contact us to learn more about rosacea laser treatment for reducing redness and sensitive skin.
Here's to healthy, beautiful skin!
Sincerely,
Ildikó Juhasz