When it comes to skincare treatments, it often seems like it is always about what is new and trendy. However one of the most popular chemical peel treatments, the Jessner’s peel, has actually been around for over 100 years. This combination peel was available in different concentrations until the dermatologist Max Jessner set a standard formulation. The original formulation included salicylic acid, resorcinol, and lactic acid in alcohol. It has…

There are many skincare ingredients available now with numerous claims of efficacy. There are a few ingredients however that have been studied extensively for many years and have clearly demonstrated their skincare benefits. Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide or NAM), which is the physiologically active form of the essential vitamin niacin or vitamin B3, has been shown to effectively treat various dermatological conditions. This ingredient has been shown to have antioxidant…

Tretinoin is a vitamin-A derivative that has been available for many years. It is known for being able to treat a variety of skin conditions effectively and safely. Most frequently it is prescribed for acne but it may also be used to treat melasma, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, fine lines/wrinkles, and more. One of the more difficult-to-treat skin complaints – stretch marks – may also be helped with topically applied tretinoin…

While lightening treatments like tranexamic acid cream are gaining in popularity, hydroquinone remains the standard treatment for hyperpigmentation of various causes. Certain over-the-counter products like Porcelana cream contain hydroquinone in low concentrations – usually around 2%. The higher concentration creams with 6%, 8%, or 10% hydroquinone in combination with other ingredients can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. In addition, a compounding pharmacy can make customized creams with several…

Skin lightening pads are most frequently used to treat hyperpigmentation of the face, especially melasma. Melasma is a common skin condition among women that results in brown patches of skin on the face. Age spots (also known as sun spots) can also be treated with skin lightening products. Skin lightening pads made by a compounding pharmacy can contain a mixture of ingredients for lightening hyperpigmentation and improving skin tone. These…

Our benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine anesthetic cream is used by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals throughout the country. In the majority of cases this cream is applied correctly and there are no serious adverse effects. However, negligence does occur in some cases when proper precautions are not followed. It is important to understand BLT cream before using it on a patient and understand the symptoms of anesthetic toxicity. What is BLT…

Radiofrequency microneedling, also called RF microneedling, has become increasingly popular with patients seeking skin rejuvenation. The treatment uses a combination of technologies that have been used individually for many years. When used together they are intended to have synergistic effects to increase collagen production and improve skin tone and texture. While not as painful as some more invasive treatments, RF microneedling still requires a numbing cream to get the best…

Microneedling is one of the most common cosmetic treatments performed by dermatologists. It is used to treat acne, scars, sun-damaged skin, hyperhidrosis, and to reduce wrinkles. Studies have shown that the transdermal delivery of drugs might be enhanced by the use of microneedling to improve penetration in the skin. Why Use Microneedling? Microneedling is often used in combination with chemical peels and medications to treat acne. The exfoliating effect allows…

Melasma kits are sold under a variety of brand names but all have similar ingredients. These kits come with a combination of chemical peels, creams, and cleansers. A compounding pharmacy can make a melasma kit with the same ingredients but in unique combinations and higher strengths. Commercially Available Melasma Kits: Melanage and Cosmelan MD Combining multiple ingredients into one chemical peel is not new. These ingredients have been used by…

Products that Are Not Commercially Available Dermatologists are frequent prescribers of compounded creams. There are many combinations of ingredients that can be made by a compounding pharmacy that are not commercially available. Higher-strength ingredients can be used including in hydroquinone creams and chemical peels. A compounding pharmacy makes medications that have been discontinued, are experiencing shortages, or are not available in the United States. Combination drug products are available to…