PCA Skin Care | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Jan 13, 2009

PCA Skin Care Purifying Mask

January 13, 2009 By Carleenp 8 Comments

Every time that I try a PCA Skin product I end up impressed. So of course I loved PCA Skin (pHaze 9) Purifying Mask when I gave it a try. This came in my first edition of Beauty Fix (read review), and is one of just many products in the kit that I love, proving once again that the editors there have great taste.

What is great about the PCA Purifying Mask is that it really does double duty as an acne treatment, pore cleansing type of mask, and as a scrub. This fascinating mask (yes, fascinating!) has general the texture of a clay mask, but it contains pumice as a scrub. So when you apply it, it does all those great things that a purifying mask should do, and then when you wash it off, you get a nice little exfoliating scrub as well. I truly love the concept!

The active ingredient list is quite nice, with treatments for acne and ingredients for general brightening and protection:

Algae
Pumice
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
Wine Extract
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Olivate

When I used this mask, it left my face bright, and between the active ingredients and the scrubbing action, it left my skin quite ready for serums and moisturizers. One item of note: The pumice in this gives a medium to slightly heavy scrub, so sensitive skin types might was to rinse the product off without rubbing. Those who like a heavier scrub can get one by firmly removing the mask with circular motions. So it is rather flexible in that aspect.

This one very well might make the best of 2009 list in December (yeesh that is a long way off, I just finished the 2008 one!) along with another product or two from the Beauty Fix kit. They sure can pick em!

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Filed Under: Acne Products, Skin Care Tagged With: Acne Treatment, Masks, PCA Skin Care, Skin Care

Dec 31, 2007

PCA Skin Care Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Treatment Products

December 31, 2007 By Carleenp 7 Comments

I have been using PCA's products for melasma and hyperpigmenation for over a month now and give them a big thumbs up!

The star of the two products is the PCA SKIN pHaze 13 Pigment Gel. This serum, with azaleic acid, kojic acid, lactic acid, Vitamin C, and hydroquinone has been the most effective serum that I have used on my melasma. Using it twice daily in conjunction with Renova (aka Retin-A, Trentinoin) at night, and with a morning scrub, I had noticeable lightening after a couple of weeks. I was previously using a hydroquinone cream, with less results.

The combination of the treatment actives in this serum is the key. Plus I tend to feel that serums deliver the actives better than creams do. Yes, this does contain hydroquinone, so if you have concerns about that, it isn't for you. PCA does make a hyroquinone free version as well.

The PCA SKIN pHaze 13 Pigment Bar is a unique treatment product. This glycerin type soap comes in a jar with an exfoliating pad. The soap contains azealic and kojic acids to treat, plus adds the combination of glucosamine and niacinamide, which has been shown to be an effective pigment inhibiting combination. I was happy to see that in this product since those are fairly cheap actives to add, yet are still not included in many melasma treatments. The pad gives some extra exfoliation. I liked this product quite a bit, but I did not always use the pad simply because I already use a scrub in the shower.

The combination of these two products left me quite impressed. For anyone looking for an over the counter melasma treatment, I suggest giving these a try, especially if you can add some prescription Tretinoin, or a strong over the counter retinol to the mix.

Update: I am now combining use of these products with home microdermabrasion (link is to our buyer's guide) and getting great results! The microderm seems to really help with the effectiveness of the PCA products in terms of overall lightening of melasma spots for me.

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Filed Under: Melasma Treatment, Skin Care Tagged With: Anti-Aging, Melasma Treatment, PCA Skin Care, Skin Care

Dec 10, 2007

PCA Skin Care Anti-Aging Products

December 10, 2007 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

I have been using some PCA Anti-Aging Skin Care items for awhile now and am very happy with the brand so far.

My favorite is the PCA pHaze 25 ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum . Peptides have worked well to minimize fine lines for me in a variety of products. But I prefer serums and finding peptide serums is often more difficult than finding creams. This serum was just what I was seeking. Somewhat moisturizing, it smooths on well and absorbs fairly quickly, allowing for application of your favorite moisturizer or sunscreen over the top. I have been using it morning and evening for some time now and have noticed a change in the appearance of fine lines around my eyes and on my forehead.

PCA's Skin Care Collagen Hydrator is a nice facial moisturizer, suitable for dry, aging skin. This includes shea butter, so it has a pretty good moisture kick. I like it on my upper cheeks when they are feeling particularly dry. I would not recommend this one for oily or acne prone skin, but for those with dry skin or dry and sensitive skin, it is great.

The PCA Skin® Rejuvenating Serum - pHaze 24 is another serum appropriate for aging skin. With vitamins, amino acids, growth factors and osmoprotectants, this serum helps the skin retain moisture. I particularly like the feel of this serum. However, if on a budget and only buying one serum, I would recommend the peptide serum first.