Skincare

Tretinoin is a prescription cream that belongs to a class of medications called retinoids.  Tretinoin minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen which is a protein that provides a powerful support network for your skin. Collagen production drops by about 1% every year after you enter your 20’s and this contributes to aging skin.  Tretinoin also stimulates the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. The VIP of skin care products!

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3.  It reduces inflammation and helps with the production of ceramides (which are like the bricks that build your skin barrier).  Additionally, it improves the smoothness of your skin and reduces dark spots. It’s a true skincare multitasker!

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body that’s great at retaining moisture. Think of it as a hydration superhero for your skin. When used in skincare products, it helps keep your skin plump, hydrated, and youthful by attracting and holding onto water molecules.  A must for skin care!

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This compound works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. In simpler terms, it can help lighten those pesky dark spots, sunspots, age spots, or acne scars.  Works wonders!

Hydrocortisone is a topical, mild steroid that helps reduce inflammation, swelling, redness and itching.  An added boost if needed!

Tretinoin has a few precautions that you should be aware of.  A brief sensation of warmth or stinging may occur immediately after applying the medication.  Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling or mild burning may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using the medication. These effects usually decrease with continued use.

Topical Niacinamide is generally well-tolerated but may cause mild burning, itching, or redness.

Hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated since it is already produced in the body. Rarely, a topical allergic reaction may occur.

Common side effects of Hydroquinone include redness, dryness, and irritation. Hydroquinone has the risk of producing a condition called exogenous ochronosis which is a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin. This risk is more common in darker skin types, with use of Hydroquinone strengths greater than 4% and when treatment is prolonged beyond 3 months without breaks in therapy; however, this adverse effect can also develop at any time during treatment with Hydroquinone. The occurrence of any signs of blue-black darkening of the skin should prompt immediate discontinuation of therapy with Hydroquinone. Studies of Hydroquinone in animals have demonstrated some evidence of carcinogenicity, but the carcinogenic potential of Hydroquinone in humans is unknown.

Topical Hydrocortisone may cause burning, itching, irritation, redness or dryness of the skin.