Skincare Q&A

Why does brown skin scar so easily?

Brown skin contains more melanin( dark pigment) than fair skin and is more vulnerable to irritation. “Melanocytes”( cells that make melanin) are located in the upper layers of the skin which tend to become more reactive in darker skin. When skin is exposed to any type of irritation such as scratching, acne, injury, ingrown hairs, poor laser treatments or sun damage, more melanin rises to the surface of the skin, resulting in dark spots (called hyperpigmentation) which can lasts for months.

Common misconceptions:Men and women of color especially with darker skin tones, often believe that they don’t need to use sunscreen, since they rarely complain of sunburn, but this is false. Dark skin also needs sunscreen protection from damaging UV rays every day, especially when using any lightening or brightening skincare products.

What is Melasma and how can I minimize these dark spots?

Melasma is a skin condition with dark brown patches resulting from pregnancy, oral contraceptives or hormonal changes usually seen on the lip, cheeks and/or forehead. People with brown skin are more vulnerable to Melasma and should always try to avoid the sun especially when using a brightening/lightening treatment. Exposure to the sun can photosensitize the skin causing these specific areas such as lip, cheek and forehead to darken quicker, making pigmentation worse. This skin condition can take up to 6-8 months or more to completely fade. For best results, try our lightening creams formulated with Hydroquinone, a more aggressive lightening ingredient. Another option is to consider seeing a dermatologist for a deep chemical acid peel. This will help to accelerate results.

I suffer from stubborn brown spots on my knuckles, knees and elbows. How can lightening/brightening skincare help me lighten these stubborn dark areas?

Our Fading products are formulated with intense lightening and brightening ingredients such as Hydroquinone (most aggressive) Alpha or Beta Arbutin all designed specifically to inhibit melanin production, while visibly fading dark stubborn areas, resulting in lighter, brighter and a more even skin tone. For best results, apply to affected areas, preferably twice a day until results have been achieved. It is a must to follow up with a minimum SPF 25 gel for oily skin or lotion for normal to dry skin every day in order to avoid further pigmentation problems.

How fast can I expect to see results?

Lightening/brightening skincare is formulated to work on all types of skin as well as different ethnicities. Of course results vary; most see a dramatic improvement within 2 -3 weeks. Others with darker skin may see results in 4-6 weeks. If no improvement is seen after 4-10 weeks, discontinue product usage.

Are there side effects when using Lightening/Brightening products?

Side effects will occur only if instructions are not followed correctly. Lightening products should always be applied as a thin layer to affected area, preferably at night until results have been achieved, then maintained 3 days a week with any of our less aggressive ingredients such as Complexion Enhancement and Nourishing Complex. It is a must to follow up with our minimum SPF 25 Gel( for oily skin ). Try our SPF 70 Lotion (for dry/sensitive skin) in order to avoid further pigmentation problems.

Do any of your lightening/brightening products contain sunscreen?

No, our lightening/brightening products do not contain sunscreen. It is best to use sunscreen separately which is more effective. No cosmetics should ever be used in place of a good broad spectrum sunscreen. Many make-up companies claim to have an SPF 15 or 20. This is great in theory, but SPF can only refer to UVB blockers. In addition, moisturizers and foundations are absorbed by the skin, so they are by nature less effective at sitting on the skin’s surface as sunscreens are. For best results, it is imperative to use minimum SPF 25 Gel( for oily skin) and Lotion or Cream( for dryer skin) every day to maintain even skin tone and to protect from further skin discoloration.

Is there anything else I can do to speed up the lightening process?

Yes, to enhance lightening/brightening results, use our Deep Facial Cleanser, Cleans deeply and thoroughly improves skin texture, feels smooth and soft. Skin is left clean, no pore-clogging residue before applying fade cream or moisturizer for acne prone skin. For oily and combination skin, use Lactic Acid Cleaner A foaming gel cleansing formulation that does a thorough job of removing dead cells and impurities using many NATURAL ingredients. Dissolves dirt and makeup effectively while it gently exfoliates due to it's active ingredients.

Caution:Too much exfoliation can dry and irritate the skin causing inflammation, leading to more dark spots, especially ethnic skin.

Additional usage of a minimum SPF 25 is highly recommended with broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection every day, during and after treatment as well as limiting sun exposure. Try our SPF 25 clear transparent Gel (for oily skin) non sticky and leaves no white residue and for sensitive/dry skin, try Isispharma, SPF 70 Lotion. A wide brimmed cotton woven hat is also highly recommended to prevent further pigmentation spots. This will help to maintain clear, even toned skin.

I have very oily, patchy, sun damaged skin. Is there a specific lightening/brightening regimen recommended for oily skin?

Absolutely, oily, sun damaged skin fares better with lighter textured products such as oil free moisturizer

See suggested regimen below:

1 Our Deep Facial Cleanser Foaming gel (am & pm )

2. Our Toner, help to eliminate surface bacteria ( am & pm )

3. Facial Nourishing Fade moisturizer oil Free ( am & pm )

4. SPF 25 or 70 lotion am

Are lightening products safe to use during pregnancy?

No, it is not se to use during pregnancy or while nursing.

Why are lightening/brightening skincare products recommended for nighttime use?

Lightening products are recommended for nighttime use only because when using a lightening/brightening skincare regimen during the day, sunlight causes your skin to become more sensitive, resulting in brown spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkling. Thus, following up with a minimum SPF 25 sunscreen every morning will help to prevent further skin discoloration. Try our SPF 50 Lotion (for dry/sensitive skin) in order to avoid further pigmentation problems.

Which products are best for my oily/acne prone skin?

Our Acne Prone skin Regimen ( deep facial Cleanser,Toner and Anti-acne treatmet ) 3 step clarifying system is one of the only non- irritating and non- drying regimens designed to stop blemishes before they begin.

· dissolves excess oil and impurities

· unclogs pores and guards against surface bacteria

· prevents against future breakouts

· absorbs and regulates oil absorption

Can you recommend a regimen that will help me to even out my skin tone and reduce brown spots?

Yes, please see suggested regimen below:

**Remember that creams and lotions are better suited for dry complexions, especially in the winter.

AM

1. Deep Facial Cleanser

2. Lactic Acid Cleanser

3. SkinProtect SPF 25 lotion or SPF 50 + highly recommended if you have melasma

PM

1. Purifying Foaming Gel (Omic)

2. Toner

3. Nourishing Fade Lotion, or cream (for dryer skin) or Facial Fade moisturizer (for oily skin)

I have problems with acne scarring. Will lightening/brightening products help to lighten these spots?

Yes, but it is important to not pick at pimples because this will often leave unattractive scarring and black skin is much more prone to keloids (scar tissue caused by trauma). And consistently following a lightening/brightening regimen is extremely important to achieve effective results in fading acne scars. After a few weeks of everyday usage, scars will appear less noticeable, resulting in a lighter, more even skin tone. Be sure to follow up with our SPF 25+ lotion (for oily skin) or SPF 50+ Lotion (for sensitive/dry skin) daily to avoid further pigmentation.

I have a very oily complexion with large pores and constant shine. Do you have any products that will hide my large pores and take away shine?

Yes, try our OMIC® PoreFree,™ pore refiner. STOPS shine instantly, absorbing oil and diminishing the appearance of large pores and tiny imperfections.

Why is it important to stay out of the sun?

Sun exposure has the greatest impact on how our skin ages-

1. 95% of skin aging changes are caused by sun exposure and most of the skin damage is attributed to UVA (aging rays) compared to UVB (burning rays). Our risk of skin cancer greatly increases with each tan or sunburn.

2. Long wavelength UVA, which comprises the vast majority of UV Rays is very close in wavelength to visible light. A simple rule of thumb: when you are outside in daytime, you should protect against UVA even if the sun isn’t hot or doesn’t shine. UVA comes through clouds, car windows and windshield as you drive.

***For this reason, an SPF of 25 or higher during and after treatment is recommended every day to prevent from further skin discoloration. Try our SPF 25 lotion (for oily skin) or SPF 50+ Lotion (for sensitive/dry skin) daily to avoid further pigmentation.

What is the difference between UVA / UVB?

UVA rays are constant during dayting hours and are responsible for wrinkles and aging skin.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and are responsible for pigmentation/brown spots.

pores and take away shine?

Yes, try our OMIC® PoreFree,™ pore refiner. STOPS shine instantly, absorbing oil and diminishing the appearance of large pores and tiny imperfections.

Why is it important to stay out of the sun?

Sun exposure has the greatest impact on how our skin ages-

1. 95% of skin aging changes are caused by sun exposure and most of the skin damage is attributed to UVA (aging rays) compared to UVB (burning rays). Our risk of skin cancer greatly increases with each tan or sunburn.

2. Long wavelength UVA, which comprises the vast majority of UV Rays is very close in wavelength to visible light. A simple rule of thumb: when you are outside in daytime, you should protect against UVA even if the sun isn’t hot or doesn’t shine. UVA comes through clouds, car windows and windshield as you drive.

***For this reason, an SPF of 25 or higher during and after treatment is recommended every day to prevent from further skin discoloration. Try our OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 25 clear Gel (for oily skin) or Isispharma SPF 50 Lotion (for sensitive/dry skin) daily to avoid further pigmentation.

What is the difference between UVA / UVB?

UVA rays are constant during dayting hours and are responsible for wrinkles and aging skin.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and are responsible for pigmentation/brown spots.

Why is exfoliation so important?

Exfoliation is an important step to add to your daily skincare regimen because it will immediately improve skin’s texture, allowing for better penetration of lightening/brightening products. This extra step will result in the skin looking smoother and brighter, restoring an even tone, much quicker.

Can you recommend a specific product for mature aging skin?

Yes, one of our best one is the Facial Illuminating moisturizer with Vitamin “C” (a light moisturizer texture) which is one of our biggest sellers to prevent aging and highly recommended for fine lines and wrinkles. Designed to strengthen skin’s elasticity and stimulate collagen production, keeping skin looking healthy, younger and well hydrated for all skin types.

I’ve been using lightening/brightening products for a long time but seem to be getting more brown spots!

One of the more common reasons is not applying sunscreen every day. Just a few minutes of daily sun exposure that occurs while driving to work, sitting by a window or walking outdoors is enough to cause an uneven skin tone or more brown spots along with premature aging over time. Also, the indoor lighting (florescent and halogen bulbs) also break down collagen and can cause the same aging as UVA rays, wrinkles and skin discoloration.

The skin on my legs always looks ashy. What do you recommend to combat dryness?

Premium Hydrating Body lotion is a popular favorite for dry/ dehydrated ashy skin as well as Nourishing Body Lotion. These potent anti-aging formulas are also recommended it absorbs dirctly into your skin, leaving it rejuvenated, replenished and healthy with-out a sticky or greasy residue.

Is it necessary to wear sunscreen every day?

Yes, driving to work, sitting by a window or just walking or running outdoors is enough to cause uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation and premature aging over time. Indoor lighting such as florescent and halogen bulbs can also break down collagen and cause the same aging as UVA. Mitchell group recommends using broad spectrum UVA & UVB high protection every day. This will protect your skin from premature aging.