PCA Skin Blog | PCA Skin

Is Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation Effective?

A common skin condition characterized by dark spots and uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation often results from sun damage. Other contributing factors include hormonal fluctuations, acne, and inflammation. While many treatments (e.g., chemical peels)

Everyday skin health

Chemical Peels for Melasma: Do They Really Help?

Hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone affect most people at some point, often as a result of sun damage or post-acne scarring. But melasma is a more persistent form of discoloration—stubborn, recurring, and often challenging to treat. It can st

All about peels

Prevent and reduce discoloration

Tips for an even skin tone Discoloration, also called dark spots or age spots, is a challenging and often lifelong condition to combat. The trick to achieving and maintaining an even skin tone through the decades is to protect your skin from sun expo

Everyday skin health

A glass dropper releases serum onto a white surface.

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits

In the world of skin care, Hyaluronic Acid is considered a gold-star ingredient for its ability to hydrate and nourish all skin types—especially dry skin. Lauded by skin care professionals across the globe, it's included in many skin care produ

Everyday skin health

Two PCA Skin professionals smiling as they help.

Your best skincare friend

How to choose the perfect skincare professional for you Your professional is your closest skincare ally — the person you trust to help you put your best face forward every day. Finding a professional that will cater services to your specific ne

Everyday skin health

man admires clear complexion in a mirror

Cleanser vs. Exfoliator: Understanding the Difference for Healthy Skin

Cleanser vs. Exfoliator: Understanding the Difference for Healthy Skin Building the right skin care routine for your skin type and concerns isn’t rocket science, but it can be confusing—especially when some products have similar benefits.

Ingredient education

close up image of a facial product being applied via brush

What Is a Chemical Exfoliation and How Does It Work?

What Is a Chemical Exfoliation and How Does It Work? The skin is your body's largest organ, and it works hard to protect you from ultraviolet (UV) exposure and other environmental harms. Cell turnover is your skin’s self-defense, replacing old,

Scientific articles

close up image of pulling skin tight above eye

Dehydration Lines vs. Wrinkles: What's the Difference?

If you're seeking smooth, youthful-looking skin (and let's face it, who isn't?), recognizing dehydration lines vs. wrinkles is vital. While both can impact your skin's overall appearance, knowing the difference between dehydration lines and wrinkles

Scientific articles

A smiling woman applies a moisturizer to her face.

Microneedling Aftercare Tips to Support the Best Results

It seems counterintuitive that controlled damage can benefit your skin, but that's exactly what microneedling does. When you go in for a microneedling treatment, a licensed professional uses an electric-powered device to push tiny needles evenly into

Scientific articles

A woman receives a microneedling treatment

Understanding the Benefits of Microneedling

If you're looking for a noninvasive procedure that can help boost your skin's health and overall appearance, microneedling is a top-notch option. The benefits of microneedling are plentiful and varied, and you don't have to go under the knife to get

Scientific articles

Close-up of a woman receiving a microneedling treatment on her forehead

Microneedling for Acne

Chemical peels and laser and light-based therapies are among the most recognized acne treatments, but is microneedling for acne on your radar? This safe, minimally invasive technique was introduced in the mid-90s for facial rejuvenation. However, it'

Scientific articles

A woman applies a collagen cream to her cheekbone.

Can Collagen Be Absorbed through the Skin?

Collagen is a major buzzword in the skin care world—and for good reason. It's vital for maintaining healthy joints and skin, helping your complexion look firm, plump, and youthful by providing structure to your skin's layers. However, collagen

Scientific articles

older woman smiling with glowing, clear skin.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

There's no denying it: acne-prone skin can be frustrating. The good news is a growing list of ingredients can help prevent and heal breakouts—the trick is to know what to look for. You may already be familiar with targeted ingredients like Sali

Scientific articles

overhead shot of PCA Skin vitamin b3 brightening serum

Niacin vs. Niacinamide: Breaking Down Vitamin b3

It can be challenging to keep all of the top skin care ingredients and their benefits straight—especially when some have similar-sounding names. For example, is Niacinamide the same as Niacin? While both forms of Vitamin b3 are essential for sk

Scientific articles

A woman applies a facial cream under her eyes

Retinol vs. Tretinoin: What's the Difference?

If you like to keep an eye on trending skin care ingredients, there may be times when you need to pause and dig a bit deeper. It's understandable—skin care is its own world, and that world is always growing. Two ingredients that might've come u

Scientific articles

A woman poses with an orange next to her skin

Does Vitamin C Help Acne?

Acne affects roughly 85 percent of people aged 12 to 24 and anywhere from 12 to 25 percent of adults in their 40s. If you fall into one of these groups, you may still be searching for a treatment that works for you. And if you're already familiar wit

Scientific articles

Do I Need a Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Want plumper, smoother, healthier-looking skin? Talk to any Dermatologist or skin care expert and chances are they'll tell you to add Hyaluronic Acid (HA) to your arsenal. This highly lauded ingredient is revered for its ability to intensely hydrate

Ingredient education

A close-up of a black woman with clear, shining skin.

Best Skin Care Routine for Black Women and Men

Building a solid skin care routine depends on several factors, including your skin type, your location, your sun exposure, and your skin tone. And while most of these may seem fairly intuitive, you might be wondering why skin tone matters. You can tr

Scientific articles

A woman examines her forehead for dehydration lines.

What Are Dehydration Lines?

Aside from wearing sunscreen, keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most important ways to ensure your complexion stays healthy and youthful-looking—regardless of your age. Hydrating skin topically with serums and moisturizers is key. Howeve

Scientific articles

What to Expect from a Facial

Hoping to maintain optimal skin health and keep your complexion clear, radiant, and resilient despite daily exposure to environmental aggressors? Consider getting regular facials. They're like a reset for your skin, providing a deep clean, ample hydr

Scientific articles

A closeup of a person applying a dab of Retinol to their finger from a pump bottle.

Types of Retinoids and How to Choose

So you want to know more about the types of Retinoids—those mighty skin care ingredients you've probably heard everyone from Dermatologists to social media beauty gurus rave about. And for good reason. These Vitamin A derivatives do it all: smo

Scientific articles

A woman receives a professional microneedling treatment.

What Is Microneedling?

From addressing visible signs of aging to reducing the appearance of acne scarring, there are few better minimally invasive treatments than microneedling. (Just ask your local Esthetician or Dermatologist.) But what is microneedling, exactly, and how

Scientific articles

4 Tips for Treating Hyperpigmentation on Black Skin

While hyperpigmentation may not be as prevalent as other skin conditions like acne (the most common skin condition in the US), it's still pervasive. Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, but studies suggest that

Scientific articles

Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

When it comes to skin care products that help you age gracefully, few ingredients can compete with Niacinamide and Retinol. But while both are skin care superstars in their own right, can you use Niacinamide with Retinol to maximize the benefits of y

Scientific articles

A side view of a woman with clear skin and dark hair against a white background with striped shadows.

What Is Niacinamide in Skin Care?

There's no shortage of skin care products that address fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, large pores, dryness, dullness, and texture. However, did you know one notable ingredient tackles all of these common skin woes? It's called Niacinamide,

Scientific articles

What to Know about Chemical Peels for Acne

You may have heard that chemical, or professional, peels can improve your overall complexion, but did you know that many people use chemical peels for acne? Acne can pop up regardless of your age or stage in life. Sometimes it strikes teens getting r

Scientific articles

A close-up of a woman's face showing discoloration.

Understanding Hyperpigmentation Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

Your skin goes through many changes as you get older, and it can be helpful to understand what's in your control and what's out of your hands. Aging is an inevitable physiological process you can't avoid. But lifestyle habits and environmental factor

Scientific articles

A jar of PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask being held right above clear water.

Facial Mask Moisturization Study: Case Report

A Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask, a combination of HA of varying molecular weights, was tested in-vivo immediately after use and at the eight hour time point in order to show the increase in moisture in human skin and also the maintaining of moisture

Scientific articles

PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum bottle sitting in ice.

Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging

A topical hyaluronic acid facial serum used twice daily in conjunction with sunscreen was tested clinically on forty females. The dermatologist investigator evaluated smoothness, plumping, hydration, fine lines/wrinkles, and global appearance. Corneo

Scientific articles

Woman's face having a peel applied via cloth squares.

Professional-Grade TCA-Lactic Acid Chemical Peel: Elucidating Mode of Action to Treat Photoaging and Hyperpigmentation

This research was conducted in order to understand the mode of action of a commercial professional chemical peel with the purpose of treating hyperpigmented and photoaged skin. The in-vitro experiments show that the peel prevents the enzymes behind t

Scientific articles

PCA SKIN C&E Advanced laying next to an orange.

A novel skin brightening topical technology

This study investigates a topical facial test formulation containing hexylresorcinol, silymarin, 20% vitamin C, and 5% vitamin E in a proprietary anhydrous vehicle by clinical means as well as in skin explants for UVB photoprotective effects. The cli

Scientific articles

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Skin Brighting

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Skin Brightening/Anti-Aging Cosmeceutical Containing Retinol 0.5%, Niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, and Resveratrol

A 10 week clinical study was conducted on 25 subjects having the prerequisites of moderate to severe hyperpigmentation as well as other cutaneous aging indicators.The study focus was on a one time, nightly applied test product that contained retinol

Scientific articles

Water pouring onto hands and spilling out and over them.

Dry or dehydrated?

Some people use "dry" and "dehydrated" to describe their skin interchangeably, when these conditions are actually quite different.The simple difference is skin type versus skin condition. Dry skin is a skin type — you were born with it and it&r

Everyday skin health

Two close up images of red, dry skin indicating sensitive and sensitized skin.

Sensitive vs. sensitized skin

Sensitized skin is often mistaken for sensitive skin. The distinction can make all the difference in how you care for your skin.Sensitive skin is a condition that is part of your DNA, while sensitized skin happens as the result of daily habits and en

Everyday skin health

A collection of makeup products with SPF in them.

Is the SPF in your makeup enough to protect your skin?

Raise your hand if you use makeup with an SPF in it. Now, raise your hand if you don’t apply sunscreen under your powder or foundation. You’re not alone – 70% of women don’t wear sunscreen every day, many of them assuming that

Everyday skin health

Two young women in hats sitting beside the pool.

Are higher SPF sunscreens better?

The answer may surprise you You’re shopping for sunscreen and the numbers flash before you in the aisles: SPF 5, SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 45, SPF 75... If you’re looking for optimal protection, you go with the highest SPF you can find,

Everyday skin health

Woman running into the ocean through the sunlight.

How to protect your skin from sun damage

Are you doing enough to protect your skin from sun damage? Hello sunshine, hello blue skies! It’s officially spring, which means it’s time to shed those winter layers and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Before you don this sea

Everyday skin health

African American woman's face in the sun with UVA and UVB rays represented on her.

Skin cancer and darker skin tones

What you need to know to prevent skin cancer It’s a common myth that people with darker skin tones don’t need to wear sun protection, but harmful UVA/UVB rays from the sun penetrate all skin tones and types. This is a dangerous mis

Scientific articles

Peptides

What are they? Here at PCA SKIN, we talk a lot — a lot — about peptides and all the magic they do for your skin. But, what are peptides and why are we so obsessed with them? Essentially, peptides are thinkers. They tell our cells what to

Scientific articles

Diagram representing a chemical function for retinol.

The history of retinol

Retinol has a deeper history than you might expect Retinol has a deeper history than you might expect Retinol has been touted as a superhero ingredient for your skin and it’s no wonder why. When used in skincare, retinol promotes healthy cell t

Scientific articles

A bottle of PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum resting in clear water.

Three advanced actions for instant and long-lasting results

Taking hyaluronic acid to the next level Hyaluronic acid (HA for short) is a molecule that naturally occurs in your skin – it helps your skin to hold onto moisture and maintain elasticity, keeping wrinkles at bay. As we age, our natural

Ingredient education

Diagram of a DNA helix on a blue background.

What Strength of Retinol Gives the Best-results?

It's all about the delivery system When shopping for skincare, many people think the more of a healthy skin ingredient, the better. The reality is that skincare still falls under this general rule: everything in moderation. Instead of looking for mor

Ingredient education

Scientist reviewing a clear skincare product in a test tube.

How delivery systems change skincare effectiveness

The next generation of ingredients delivery Delivery systems are how key ingredients in your products are distributed into your skin. Advanced delivery systems can dramatically change how effective your product is, keeping ingredients inside protecte

Scientific articles

Two oranges representing the vitamin c in PCA SKIN products.

The power of C

Anti-aging and UV protection with Vitamin C Turns out, mom was right. Your morning glass of orange juice is essential to get your body going and keep it healthy. Orange juice is packed full of the essential antioxidant L-ascorbic acid (also known as

Ingredient education

Woman with psoriasis on her skin scratching her arm.

Psoriasis 101

What is psoriasis? And how do you treat it? Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes recurring raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. An outbreak of these patches is often accompanied by itchiness, irritation, redness and hypersensit

Everyday skin health

Woman smiling while shading face with a sun hat.

Melanoma Monday

Reducing your risk May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, five million people are treated for skin cancer annually; in the last 30 years, more people have had skin cancer than every other type of cancer combi

Everyday skin health

Learning the signs of melanoma

What to watch for For people with moles, learning to identify clues that indicate melanoma is vital. These markings are generally harmless, but occasionally can become cancerous. However, with proper education and a quick self-check a few times a yea

Everyday skin health

Filtered image showing discoloration in a woman's skin on her face.

Causes of discoloration

Age doesn't have to come with spots Discoloration, often referred to as hyperpigmentation, is uneven dark spots or patches (not freckles) on your skin. These skin discolorations can be caused by acne breakouts, hormonal shifts, birth control or sun e

Everyday skin health

A trail of smoke across a plain, black background.

The effects of smoking on the skin

Your habit impacts more then you may think The effects of cigarettes reach nearly every organ of the body, including the skin. The sooner a smoker puts down the cigarettes, the sooner the body will begin healing from the damage of the nicotine and va

Everyday skin health

A woman tanning inside of a tanning bed.

The truth about tanning beds

No tanning bed is safe Myth: Tanning booths are safe as long as they don’t contain UVB rays.Indoor tanning is a highly dangerous activity that increases skin cancer risks dramatically. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harva

Everyday skin health

Smiling blonde woman laying her head on her arms.

Science is beautiful

Scientific support across the board Keeping skin youthful, healthy and beautiful is a science. Each person’s skin is a unique combination of their DNA, lifestyle choices and skin care habits. By treating each patient as an individual and

Scientific articles

A grape sliced in half showing the inside of it.

Plant stem cells

Bring new life to your skincare Stem cells are a huge trend in skincare, but what do they really do for your skin? Stem cells are often called “blank” cells because they are undifferentiated, meaning they can be duplicated and made

Ingredient education

A tree branch full of healthy, green leaves against a bright green background.

The green scene

Dedicated to being environmentally friendly PCA SKIN not only strives to be forward-thinking in the innovation and development of our products, but also in how we source our raw materials, the packaging materials we choose as well as the

Ingredient education

PCA SKIN professional helping explain skincare products to a customer.

Customized daily care for optimal results

Tailored to your unique needs PCA SKIN daily care products are carefully formulated to work together in a cohesive regimen. Since each person’s skin represents a unique combination of their DNA, environment, lifestyle choices and pr

Everyday skin health

A woman with clear, beautiful skin sleeping on her pillow.

Sleep your way to healthy skin

Your nighttime Z's do more than just help rest your mind and body Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to skin health; not getting enough sleep actually ages your skin. A lack of sleep causes puffiness, dark circles under the eyes,

Everyday skin health

A woman smiling and applying facial skin products next to a chemical diagram representing retinols.

What is retinol?

The superhero ingredient for skincare Retinol gets a lot of attention for its skin health benefits, including the increase in your skin’s natural cell turnover rate, removal of dead skin cells that clog pores and an increase in collagen

Ingredient education

What is rosacea?

The top 4 questions answered! What is Rosacea? Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause sensitivity, excessive flushing, persistent redness, broken capillaries and breakouts. Often times this condition is mistaken for allergie

Everyday skin health

A woman looking concerned at her skin for acne in a mirror.

Why you shouldn't pop pimples

At-home popping can create a slew of problems, making professional care vital in acne treatment We all hate breakouts when they occur, and it can be very tempting to squeeze them in an attempt to get rid of them quickly – but there are p

Scientific articles

Tips for the acne-prone

Dealing with acne is hard, but we're here to make it a little easier Ways to help prevent acne1. Change your pillowcase every other day, as pillowcases can house dirt and oil that can get into your pores as you sleep, leading to breakouts.2. Clean yo

Everyday skin health

A bottle of PCA SKIN Sensi Peel being held in front of someone currently getting the peel treatment.

The truth about professional peels

Everything you need to know before your first treatment Professional peels are an important part of skin health. As an effective treatment option for most skin types and concerns, they improve tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts

All about peels

A PCA SKIN peel being applied to someone's face with a brush.

You don't have to peel with a peel

Get the results, not the downtime Myth: You have to peel with a professional peel. It is not necessary to see visible peeling with a professional peel. Improvements in the texture, tone and overall appearance of the skin take place whet

All about peels

Jessner's solution and PCA SKIN

What is a Jessner's peel? One of the keys to achieving healthy, beautiful skin is understanding the science behind the professional treatment products your clinician may use during your appointment so that you feel comfortable with them pushin

All about peels

Skin care blog

Is Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation Effective?

Chemical Peels for Melasma: Do They Really Help?

Prevent and reduce discoloration

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits

Your best skincare friend

Cleanser vs. Exfoliator: Understanding the Difference for Healthy Skin

What Is a Chemical Exfoliation and How Does It Work?

Dehydration Lines vs. Wrinkles: What's the Difference?

Microneedling Aftercare Tips to Support the Best Results

Understanding the Benefits of Microneedling

Microneedling for Acne

Can Collagen Be Absorbed through the Skin?

Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?

Niacin vs. Niacinamide: Breaking Down Vitamin b3

Retinol vs. Tretinoin: What's the Difference?

Does Vitamin C Help Acne?

Do I Need a Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Best Skin Care Routine for Black Women and Men

What Are Dehydration Lines?

What to Expect from a Facial

Types of Retinoids and How to Choose

What Is Microneedling?

4 Tips for Treating Hyperpigmentation on Black Skin

Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

What Is Niacinamide in Skin Care?

What to Know about Chemical Peels for Acne

Understanding Hyperpigmentation Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

Facial Mask Moisturization Study: Case Report

Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging

Professional-Grade TCA-Lactic Acid Chemical Peel: Elucidating Mode of Action to Treat Photoaging and Hyperpigmentation

A novel skin brightening topical technology

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Skin Brightening/Anti-Aging Cosmeceutical Containing Retinol 0.5%, Niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, and Resveratrol

Dry or dehydrated?

Sensitive vs. sensitized skin

Is the SPF in your makeup enough to protect your skin?

Are higher SPF sunscreens better?

How to protect your skin from sun damage

Skin cancer and darker skin tones

Peptides

The history of retinol

Three advanced actions for instant and long-lasting results

What Strength of Retinol Gives the Best-results?

How delivery systems change skincare effectiveness

The power of C

Psoriasis 101

Melanoma Monday

Learning the signs of melanoma

Causes of discoloration

The effects of smoking on the skin

The truth about tanning beds

Science is beautiful

Plant stem cells

The green scene

Customized daily care for optimal results

Sleep your way to healthy skin

What is retinol?

What is rosacea?

Why you shouldn't pop pimples

Tips for the acne-prone

The truth about professional peels

You don't have to peel with a peel

Jessner's solution and PCA SKIN