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…

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…

Hydroquinone is an effective lightening agent used by dermatologists and aestheticians. A hydroquinone cream is sometimes referred to as a “bleaching cream” because of its ability to lighten skin tone but there is no bleach in any of these products. While there are lower-strength versions of these creams available over-the-counter, the higher strengths are only available with a prescription. Additionally, the highest strength that is commercially available with a prescription…

Rosacea flare-ups are caused by certain triggers that can be environmental, chemical, or emotional. Sun exposure, spicy food, and blushing can all lead to prolonged facial redness but triggers vary between individuals. While finding these triggers and avoiding them is an essential part of managing rosacea, medications are usually prescribed as well to get flare-ups under control. A rosacea cream is the most commonly used treatment along with laser and…

Tretinoin, also called retinoic acid, is in a group of drugs called retinoids that have been proven to be effective at treating a variety of skin conditions and in reducing wrinkles. They are frequently prescribed by dermatologists for treating acne, psoriasis, skin damage, and signs of aging. Acne in particular is a common disease that accounts for much of tretinoin’s use in dermatology. It has been a mainstay in acne…

There are numerous acne creams, gels, lotions, scrubs, and more that are available as over-the-counter products at the local drugstore. While some of these products can be essential parts of a regular skincare routine, many individuals continue to suffer with acne even after consistently using them. When an acne sufferer is looking for alternative treatments from a skincare professional, chemical peels are often the first treatment offered. Chemical peels have…

One of the most common ingredients found in skin lightening creams is hydroquinone. This ingredient is frequently used by dermatologists to treat a variety of skin conditions. How Does Hydroquinone Work? Hydroquinone slows melanin production in areas where pigmentation has become darker than a person’s normal skin tone. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is needed to make melanin. The decrease in melanin from the medication lightens…

Chemical peels are one of the most common treatments performed by dermatologists and aestheticians. They can provide excellent results in a short time frame and are highly customizable. Peels are available with different ingredients based on an individual’s skin concerns and skin type. They can be made stronger or weaker depending on the severity of the skin problem and the patient’s tolerance level. Dermatologists are also able to have chemical…