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
Do I Need a Hyaluronic Acid Serum?
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
Vitamin B3 Benefits for Skin
While it's true that what you eat can impact your skin health, food isn't the only way to reap the benefits of vitamins like Vitamin b3, commonly known as Niacinamide in the skin care world. In fact, topical application is one of the best ways to lev
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
How to Apply Moisturizer the Right Way
As the body's largest organ, skin health is an important part of your overall well-being. Your skin protects you from the outside world, keeping you insulated from environmental aggressors.
You can support this function with a strong, consistent skin
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
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
Is Niacinamide Good for Rosacea?
If you're one of the 16 million Americans with rosacea, you may already know that it can be challenging to decipher, let alone treat. Thanks to steadfast clinical research and modern-day social media prowess, skin care concerns are in the spotlight m
How to Prep Your Skin for Makeup
Ask any professional makeup artist what the secret to flawless makeup is, and they'll say the same thing: skin care prep. Why? Because skin care before makeup is a game-changer. It's simply impossible for your makeup to look its best when the skin un
Types of Chemical Peels: Choosing the Best One for Your Skin
It's no secret that professional peels can elevate your skin care game. Think deep exfoliation that stimulates healthy skin cell and collagen production, controls and improves the appearance of acne, and reduces dark spots. In short, professional che
Your Guide to How to Choose Sunscreen
In the ever-evolving world of skin care, one product stands out as an absolute essential: sunscreen. Whether you're a skin care enthusiast or minimalist, daily sunscreen use is non negotiable for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. But if you're unsu
Are Chemical Peels Harmful? Busting Common Myths
Professional peels are a bright beacon of hope if you're dealing with acne, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or a lackluster complexion. However, for every benefit peels have, there are just as many—if not more—miscon
Can You Use a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation?
Have you noticed your complexion isn't as even as it used to be? You may have hyperpigmentation, an umbrella term for small patches of skin over large areas of the face and body that are darker than the surrounding skin. The leading causes of discolo
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
Types of Face Masks for Skin: How to Find the Best One for You
Sure, they look fun, but what does a face mask do for your face? From hydrating to purifying, masks can enhance your skin care routine with targeted ingredients, and you can find ones for all skin types and concerns. Plus, a face mask is more than ju
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
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
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
Pore-Minimizing Tips for Your Skin Care Routine
You've probably heard that you can't shrink your pores, but does that mean you're out of luck if you're concerned about the size of yours? Everyone has pores, and they're on your face for a reason. However, if you aren't feeling your most confident,
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
What Is a Professional Chemical Peel?
Building a solid skin care routine that targets your individual concerns and skin type is vital to achieving and maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. But suppose you've been adapting your products to your age, lifestyle, and climate and you're
How to Use Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
Isn't it amazing how the beauty and skin care scene is always finding new and exciting ingredients to keep your skin looking fabulous? Plenty of ingredients have compelling benefits, but two undeniable stars of the show are Vitamin C and Hyaluronic A
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.
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
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
Professional Chemical Peel Aftercare and Prep
Professional peels, also known as chemical peels, are one of the best ways to treat various skin concerns, from acne and discoloration to fine lines and wrinkles. While you still need to stick to a solid skin care routine, get enough sleep, and adopt
When to Use Serum vs. Moisturizer
If you're looking for a surefire way to boost your skin health, hydration is the answer. But with so many different products on the market, it can be difficult to decipher what's actually worth adding to your routine. Case in point: serum vs. moistur
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
Building the Perfect Winter Skin Care Routine
As the seasons change, so do your skin care needs. Case in point: During the summer months when humidity is high, you may get away with using lighter products and less hydrating formulas. But come winter, your skin starts to crave more moisture. Not
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,
4 things to do everyday for your skin
Healthy, glowing skin is the result of daily habits
1. Wear a broad spectrum SPF: Wearing a sunscreen every day is one of the best things you can do to maintain youthful skin. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays is the biggest contributor to prematur
Everyday skin health
Read MoreEye products 101
The importance of eye products and how to use them
It’s common beauty knowledge that skincare professionals list eye products as a staple in daily care, especially as you get older. While many people may have heard this recommendation, f
Everyday skin health
Read MoreChemical 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
Read MoreWhat is broad spectrum SPF?
Protect against the entire UV spectrum
The number one cause of premature aging is sun exposure. The good news is there’s a simple daily preventative measure that is proven to dramatically reduce skin cancer and visible signs of aging lik
Ingredient Education
Read MoreWhat 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
Read MoreHow To Treat Dehydrated Skin: Your Ultimate Guide
How to Support Dehydrated Skin: The Ultimate Guide
Dealing with dull, rough skin that appears less stretchy or elastic than usual? Or perhaps you’ve noticed your fine lines look more prominent than they normally do. Chances are you&rsquo
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
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
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'
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
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
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
Hydrating vs. Moisturizing: What's the Difference?
Skin care has its own language, and if you're unfamiliar with the terminology, you may end up using the wrong product for your skin type. Take "hydrating" and "moisturizing." These words are frequently used interchangeably, but they have different me
Building a Skin Care Routine for Rosacea
If you have sensitive skin or tend to flush easily, a little redness likely isn't anything new. Redness is a symptom of many skin issues, including acne and sunburn. It's also a key characteristic of rosacea, a lifelong skin condition that can worsen
How to Brighten Skin: 6 Tips for a Glowing Complexion
Your skin can start to look dull and lackluster for many reasons, including exposure to environmental stressors, dead skin cell buildup, and a diet lacking essential nutrients. The good news is that most of these causes have solutions.
If your comple
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,
How to Use Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine
Considered a gold-star skin care ingredient among Dermatologists and Estheticians alike, Retinol can aid in treating a variety of skin concerns—from acne and discoloration to premature signs of aging. For this reason, many experts agree it's wo
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
Read MoreTips 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
Read MoreJessner'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
Read MoreHow Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract Can Benefit Your Skin
When it comes to skin care ingredients, Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract tends to fly under the radar. But this powerful ingredient can be beneficial for the skin. After all, there's a reason it's a star ingredient in PCA SKIN's best-selling Pro-Max Age R
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
Everyday skin health
Read MoreSeasonal product swaps
Transitioning from winter to spring
As the colder winter months lead into the warmer spring months, some may not realize that the moisturizers in their daily regimens might need to transition along with the seasons. While a heavier moisturizer
Everyday skin health
Read MoreWhy 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
Everyday skin health
Read MoreWhy you should wash your face before you go to bed
Fall asleep with a clean slate
Myth: It’s not a big deal if I go to sleep before I take off my makeup.It’s incredibly important to wash your face before you go to sleep at night – keeping makeup on overnight can clog your por
Everyday skin health
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreWhat 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
Read MoreWhat 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
Read MorePsoriasis 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
Read MorePeptides
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
Ingredient Education
Read MoreA 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
Read MoreTop 3 caffeine benefits in skin care
Protect, prevent and refresh
Caffeine is a regular part of most people’s morning routines, “Ok, but first coffee.” However, caffeine is being found in another part of your morning routine more and more – your skincare products
Ingredient education + 1 more
Read MoreDry skin tips
Soothe and hydrate your dry skin on your face with these six, simple pointers
6 of the best things to do for dry skin from PCA SKIN1. Moisturize daily. Moisturizing morning and night keeps your skin hydrated every second of the day. Your skin can be
Everyday skin health
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreThe 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
Ingredient Education
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreTake control of how you age
It's not all about genetics
Myth: You have no control over how your skin will age – it’s all genetics. While it’s true that genetics play a role, there are many other factors in determining how your skin will age. Things like sun ex
Everyday skin health
Read MoreThree 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
Read MoreSkin 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
Everyday skin health
Read MoreSkin cancer at a glance
Things everyone should know about skin cancer
Melanoma is the second most common cancer found in adolescents.
Five or more sunburns in a lifetime can double the risk of melanoma.
Just one severe burn as a child could double an adult’s l
Everyday skin health
Read MoreSensitive 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
Read MoreHow 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
Read MoreProfessional-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
Summer skin prep
Is your skin ready for warmer weather?
As the weather slowly starts to heat up, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about prepping your skin for the warmer summer months before the season is in full swing. By preparing the skin appro
Everyday skin health
Read MorePlant 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
Read MoreMelanoma 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
Read MoreMake SPF a part of your daily routine
Protecting your skin: rain or shine
Myth: You don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day.
You should wear sunscreen every day. Ninety-five percent of the UV exposure the average person receives is able to pass through clouds, glass and clothe
Everyday skin health
Read MoreLearning 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
Read MoreIs 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
Read MoreEfficacy 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
Read MoreYour 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
Ingredient education
Read MoreSleep 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
Read MoreFacial 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
Read MoreEfficacy 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
Read MoreDry 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
Read MoreYou 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
Read MoreHow 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
Everyday skin health
Read MoreUVA vs. UVB rays
Both UVA and UVB rays cause damage to your skin, but in different ways. UVB rays penetrate the top layer of your skin, while UVA rays penetrate deeper layers of your skin. There’s a simple trick to remembering your rays in the letters themselve
Everyday skin health
Read MoreChoosing effective sunscreen
Wearing a sunscreen every day is one the best things you can do to maintain youthful skin. Equally important is understanding what type of sunscreen you are applying. For optimal protection against the sun’s harmful rays, choose a broad spectru
Ingredient education
Read MoreCauses 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
Read MoreCan my skincare products stop working?
The myth about tolerance and what to do about it
It’s happened to the best of us — we buy products that initially work almost miraculously well. After a while, though, results seem to taper off and be less dramatic. So, is it true?
Everyday skin health
Read MoreAre 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
Read MoreScience 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
Everyday skin health
Read MoreThe 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
Everyday skin health
Read MoreCustomized 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
Read MoreAdult acne is real
Nighttime use of vitamin A for clear skin
Myth: You'll eventually outgrow acne.Not necessarily. Acne is a real concern for many adults. Just because you had acne as a teen, doesn’t mean you’ll have acne as an adult; and just becaus
Everyday skin health
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