INGREDIENTS
Want to learn more about the contents of NeoStrata products?
This section will answer your questions concerning how our products work to improve your skin.
Please click here for more questions and answers
APPLICATION
What is the optimal way to use NeoStrata products?
This section will help you apply and combine NeoStrata products to achieve maximum results.
For any layering information, please visit our Application Tips section.
Please click here for more questions and answers
PRODUCTS
What are the benefits of using NeoStrata products?
This section will explain why NeoStrata’s wide variety of products is right for you.
Please click here for more questions and answers
- How do Alpha Hydroxy acids work?
Alpha Hydroxy acids work as exfoliants. They accelerate the skin’s natural shedding process (which slows down as we get older) and encourage the skin to shed the surface coating of dead cells and replace them with new ones at a faster rate. Alpha Hydroxy acids are discriminatory exfoliaters, since they only remove the dead cells and allow the live, healthy ones to remain. The difference between physical exfoliants, such as scrubs or loofahs, and chemical exfoliants, such as AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy acids), is that the former apply force to physically remove dead cells from the skin’s surface, while the latter exfoliate by breaking up the intercellular glue that causes skin cells to stick together. In the first few weeks of use you may experience a slight dryness or flakiness; as your new healthier skin cells surface, the flakiness will be replaced with radiant new skin. Your skin will feel softer, smoother and fine lines will begin to fade. Glycolic acid is the AHA of choice.
- What are the benefits of using Alpha Hydroxy acid products (glycolic acid is the AHA of choice)?
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve skin texture and tone
- Effectively moisturize dry and severely dry skin over time
- Help manage oily and acne skin problems
- Minimize pore size
- Help reduce hyperpigmentation and age spots
- What should I avoid while using AHA/glycolic acid products?
- Avoid the use of alkaline (pH of 7 or higher) cleansers, foundation, etc. in conjunction with an AHA product. It will negate the acid component within the AHA, thus making it less effective. If you must use an alkaline product, wait 15 minutes before or after application of your AHA
- Avoid the use harsh scrubs and cleansing grains
- Avoid or minimize prolonged sun exposure (tanning) as it tends to negate the positive effects of AHA's
- How do I choose an effective AHA/glycolic acid product?
- Type of AHA: Glycolic acid is the AHA of choice. Its small molecular size makes it effective in removing the build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin.
- The percentage of AHA/glycolic acid should be in the range of 4% or higher
- Glycolic acid formulation should be acidic - pH 3.5 to 4.0 is optimal
- Can I use NeoStrata products if I am pregnant or nursing?
Most of NeoStrata products are safe to use while you are pregnant or nursing. The use of glycolic acid with levels up to 10% on a daily basis during pregnancy or nursing is considered to be very safe by the medical community. However, during this time, your body is going through significant changes and your skin may be more sensitive to glycolic acid. Do not use products containing hydroquinone, salicylic acid or retinol while you are nursing, pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant within 3 months of use as these ingredients may be harmful if used in high concentrations or over large areas of the body during pregnancy. These ingredients are found in the following NeoStrata products: HQPLUS Lightening Cream, HQPLUS Lightening Gel, HQ Lightening Gel,Blemish Spot Gel, Toning Solution level 2, Anti-Wrinkle Night Complex, Wrinkle Repair, Daytime Wrinkle Repair, Anti-Wrinkle Lip Enhancer and Dark Circle Night Serum. If you want to address hyperpigmentation while pregnant or nursing, the NeoStrata Spot Lightener is safe to use, since it is formulated with botanical ingredients.
- How will I know when a product is expired?
In order for a cosmetic product to maintain its optimal efficacy it should be used within one year after it has been opened. Most products do not have an expiry date; however, Health Canada does require products containing active ingredients, such as a sunscreen, to have an expiry date.
- Is retinol the same as retin-A?
- No, it is not. Retin-A (a drug) works at the deeper levels of the skin (the dermis) whereas retinol, the purest form of vitamin A, works on the epidermis helping to keep the skin radiant and clear. Many patients and consumers cannot tolerate retin-A as their skin becomes too sensitive. Retinol is a widely recommended and effective alternative.
- I have just started using products with retinol, is it normal that my skin is dryer?
Yes, this is normal. Gradually introduce retinol to your skin care regimen so your skin can build tolerance. You may also choose to layer products containing retinol with moisturizers from the category that best suits your skin care concerns: FIRMING, ANTI-WRINKLE, EXFOLIATING or MOISTURIZING.
- Why is the toner unnecessary while using the NeoStrata skin care line?
A toner is a cosmetic step that is used for two reasons:
- To normalize the skin’s pH, if you have used a cleanser whose pH is Alkaline. NeoStrata cleansers have an acidic or neutral pH, so this step becomes unnecessary.
- If you have used a tissue-off cleanser to remove makeup and are concerned that extra residue may be left behind.
- Are NeoStrata products tested on animals?
NeoStrata does not test its products on animals. However, our products are composed of raw materials that come from international suppliers; therefore, we cannot guarantee that the raw materials were not tested on animals. This is the case for all cosmetic companies.
