Find the answers for the most frequently asked skincare questions straight from Dr. Graf!
FAQs – Frequently Asked Skincare Questions
Why do some people break out with blemishes or rashes after using products containing glycolic acid?
Why do some people break out with blemishes or rashes after using products containing glycolic acid? Breakouts from products containing glycolic acid and related products are generally caused by irritation which can lead to breaking out. Try using a more gentle peel that’s buffered to lessen the irritancy while getting the exfoliating benefits of glycolic [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
If I am concerned about breaking out, should I use only products which are labeled as “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic?” There are many terms used in marketing skin care products. The most commonly used are “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic.” In fact, these terms are not regulatory and no federally regulated test dictates their use. The terms “oil-free” [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
Can we use any preservatives labeled as “natural?” The use of natural preservatives in skin care is one of the most actively researched areas among scientists and cosmetic chemists. Unfortunately, none of the natural preservative systems to date are nearly as effective as parabens.
Posted on November 13, 2012
What if skin care products don’t contain parabens or preservatives? The consequences of excluding parabens can be far worse. If we do not include parabens in formulations the resulting overgrowth of bacteria, fungi and parasites can be far more dangerous. If any of these pathogens are applied to the skin and we do not have [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
Aren’t parabens dangerous? Do they cause cancer? In fact, parabens are used in very low concentrations and at these levels are deemed safe by the FDA. They have been used as preservatives for over 40 years in both foods and cosmetic and drug formulations, and have an excellent safety profile. There has never been a [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
What are parabens, and why are they used in skin care products? Every skin care product must undergo very stringent and vigorous testing methods in accordance with standards defined by both international guidelines as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In order to ensure a stable two-year shelf life of a product, [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
If I use “hypoallergenic” products does that mean I won’t have an allergic reaction? When a product is labeled as hypoallergenic, it means that it has been formulated without any known allergens, such as fragrance and/or coloring agents. But you may have a reaction to other ingredients—even if they are “natural.” According to the U.S. [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
Is there such a thing as over-exfoliating? How would I know? Absolutely! Remember that the reason we exfoliate at home is to replace the natural process that our skin’s enzymes are no longer able to perform. If we exfoliate at home to the point of redness and/or irritation, then we have over-exfoliated. While a [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
Once you are in your teens, chances are you require some form of exfoliation, especially if you are experiencing clogged pores and breakouts. As we get older, there is less moisture within our outer skin layers and our natural exfoliating enzymes are unable to perform their desquamating function because they lack the level of hydration [...]
Posted on November 13, 2012
Exfoliation is a natural process that is normally performed by enzymes naturally found in the skin. These enzymes trigger dead cells on the surface of the skin to flake off, revealing fresher, smoother skin. Unfortunately, as we age our skin loses the hydration needed to activate these exfoliating enzymes. That explains why a five-year-old child [...]
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