PCA Skin Blog | PCA Skin

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is widely known as a hero skin care ingredient, lauded for its ability to treat many complexion concerns. What is Retinol exactly, though, and what does Retinol do for the skin? (Hint: a lot.) Discover how this all-star ingredient works, who

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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)

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How to Use Toner in Your Skin Care Routine

If you're looking to enhance your basic skin care routine, it might be time to consider adding a toner to your daily lineup. Toners can offer a wide range of skin benefits, from calming redness to reducing the appearance of pores. Keep scrolling to u

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How to Exfoliate Your Face

Exfoliating seems to be getting more attention lately—but why? This skin care step removes excess sebum and debris from the skin's surface to help unclog pores and maintain a clean, smooth, fresh complexion. But exfoliating doesn't mean using a

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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

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What 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

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Eye 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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

A smiling woman wearing a straw hat applies sunscreen to her face.

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

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Close up of a young woman applying moisturizer to her skin.

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

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A woman examines the irritated skin on her face.

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

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a professional chemical peel is applied to a woman’s face by a professional

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

All about peels

A smiling woman with clear skin touches either side of her face.

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

Ingredient education

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

Everyday skin health

Beautiful woman posing with Vitamin B3 products

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

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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

A skin care professional applies a professional peel to the forehead

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

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A woman with long dark hair and glowing skin smiles in a mirror.

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

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A smiling woman wears a white face mask while holding a grapefruit slice up to her eye.

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

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Mature women applying moisturizer to her face while looking in the mirror

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

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A facial brush sweeps across a woman's face, applying a clear solution to her cheek.

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

All about peels

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

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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,

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A smiling woman with dark hair touches her cheeks with her hands against a blue background.

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

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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

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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

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How 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

Ingredient education

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

All about peels

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

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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

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A smiling woman applies serum to her face with a dropper in a mirror.

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

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Close-up of a woman's face with fair skin and visible pores.

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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Take 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

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

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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

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Open moisturizer from a top down view into the jar.

Dry 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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A woman washing her face with water splashing around her hands.

Why 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

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

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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African American woman applying moisturizer to her face.

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

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Skincare product being placed on someone's finger tip.

Can 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

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

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Adult 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

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

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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

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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

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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

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Image of a tree with half depicted as being empty and snow covered while the other half is lush and green in warmer weather.

Seasonal 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

Two women enjoying the summer sun in sun hats and sunglasses.

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

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Highway street sign with the text replaced to say "skin cancer prevention."

Skin 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

UVA 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

Make 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

Choosing 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 + 1 more

Four of PCA SKIN's sunscreens standing side by side in front of a ring light.

Top 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

Skin care blog

What Is Retinol?

Is Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation Effective?

How to Use Toner in Your Skin Care Routine

How to Exfoliate Your Face

Chemical Peels for Melasma: Do They Really Help?

What is broad spectrum SPF?

Eye products 101

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?

How to Prep Your Skin for Makeup

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?

Your Guide to How to Choose Sunscreen

Hydrating vs. Moisturizing: What's the Difference?

Building a Skin Care Routine for Rosacea

Are Chemical Peels Harmful? Busting Common Myths

Is Niacinamide Good for Rosacea?

How to Apply Moisturizer the Right Way

Vitamin B3 Benefits for Skin

4 Tips for Treating Hyperpigmentation on Black Skin

Types of Chemical Peels: Choosing the Best One for Your Skin

Professional Chemical Peel Aftercare and Prep

How to Use Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid

How to Brighten Skin: 6 Tips for a Glowing Complexion

Can You Use a Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation?

Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

What Is Niacinamide in Skin Care?

How to Use Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine

Building the Perfect Winter Skin Care Routine

What to Know about Chemical Peels for Acne

How Kangaroo Paw Flower Extract Can Benefit Your Skin

What Is a Professional Chemical Peel?

Understanding Hyperpigmentation Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

Facial Mask Moisturization Study: Case Report

Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging

When to Use Serum vs. Moisturizer

Pore-Minimizing Tips for Your Skin Care Routine

Types of Face Masks for Skin: How to Find the Best One for You

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

Take control of how you age

The power of C

Psoriasis 101

Dry skin tips

Melanoma Monday

Learning the signs of melanoma

Causes of discoloration

The effects of smoking on the skin

The truth about tanning beds

Why you should wash your face before you go to bed

Science is beautiful