Dr. Schlesinger’s Product Philosophy

Why use a professional skin care regimen? As a board certified dermatologist trained in the structure, function, science and treatment of the skin, I recognize the importance of professional skin care. Essential to restore the skin to balance after damage by the sun, wind, temperature extremes and aging, a properly designed skin care regimen is a “must have”. Over the counter products purchased at drugstores or department stores do not and cannot have the strength of ingredients necessary to produce the desired result. Research has shown us that there are certain key ingredients that are the most important to use. They are:

1. Antioxidant – Vitamin C such as CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF
2. Retinoid – Retrinol 0.1, Deroseal or Deacneal
3. Growth Factor – SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
4. Alpha or Beta Hydroxy if exfoliation is desired – SkinMedica 15% AHA/BHA Cream
5. Cleanser based on skin type
6. Sunscreen based on needs. Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum and effective against UVA and UVB rays. Minimum SPF of 15. SPF 20-45 for increasing sun exposure

We only carry products that have sound laboratory and clinical research to support their claims. Some products have been studied our own research center. The types of studies we look for are rigorous, expensive and time consuming. On the other hand, they are necessary to prove the products work. Some examples of the types of studies we look for include:

1. DNA Repair Studies: Show how the product reverses the effects of skin damage at the DNA level.
2. Penetration Studies: Show how deep the product is able to penetrate through the skin’s barrier to the areas where it can best work.
3. Longevity or Half-Life Studies: Show how long the product stays in the skin before dissipating. Products that stay with the skin longer can have an effect even if one or more days of application are missed.
4. Photoprotection Studies: Some products have intrinsic sunscreen properties, even though they are not classified as sunscreens. The reason is that some products block ultraviolet light and others absorb it. Still others are anti-inflammatory and prevent damage that way.

So, products are very helpful when the right ones are chosen for the right reason. They prepare the skin for procedures, protect it and reverse damage, and help to maintain the results from procedures that have been done. Here’s to Happy and Healthy Skin!

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