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PCA Skin® |
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Introduction & Overview |
PCA Skin® is a clinical skin care company that has developed professional chemical peels and advanced topical products for almost twenty years, according to the company’s website. The website states that PCA Skin® was “the first cosmeceutical company” to provide daily care products and professional treatments that have been scientifically researched and acknowledged in textbooks as “the originator of advanced blended chemical peel formulations.”
The company was founded in 1990 by licensed aesthetician, Margaret Ancira, who began partnering with physicians and scientists to create the formulas. Currently, the chief scientist with the company is Jennifer Linder, M.D., and the products are available exclusively through doctors and skin care professionals in 60 countries around the world. We will look at these products more closely below.
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| Products at a Glance |
The PCA Skin® product line includes a number of daily care products, such as cleansers, toners, moisturizers and masks, plus products specifically formulated for men. The company also offers professional treatments, like TCA peels, retinol treatments and salicylic acid treatments. Additionally, several “advanced treatment” products are available that are meant to assist those with dehydrated, aging skin, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
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| Products in Focus |
The product that intrigues us the most is the pHaze 25 ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum, available in the “advanced treatment” section. According to the website, this “technically advanced” serum is formulated with Argireline®, a proven peptide that relaxes facial tension and reduces the depth of existing lines.
Other ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid and plant polysaccharides to increase intracellular moisture, and several antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage. All of the ingredients listed come from basic sources.
The company advises individuals to use this serum daily after cleansing and toning, and to concentrate on the areas surrounding the eyes, mouth and forehead; it is suggested that users apply the “appropriate PCA Skin®” moisturizer afterwards.
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| Website |
The PCA Skin® website is informative and easy to navigate; we like that the products are pictured, the design is simple and all the necessary details are given for each product. Unfortunately, no prices are listed at this time, since the products are only available from licensed skincare professionals and doctors.
Individuals may easily search for products on this site, and links are provided for “skin education” and “PCA professionals.” Those interested in learning more about the skin may learn about the functions of human skin, common skin conditions, myths, sunscreen facts and key ingredients that are necessary to maintain skin health.
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| Positives |
• Company contact telephone number is posted
• Many basic extracts are used in the products
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| Negatives |
• Company suggests using additional products with the serum
• Products cannot be purchased online
• No clinical trials reported at this time
• Anti-aging serum does not contain Matrixyl 3000®
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| Final Thoughts |
The formula for the pHaze 25 ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum contains some popular and important elements for aiding in wrinkle reduction. Like a variety of other products, this one includes antioxidants to prevent the skin from free radical damage, increase moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. All of these elements are important in restoring the skin to a healthier appearance. A popular ingredient that it does not have, however, is Matrixyl 3000®.
Matrixyl 3000® stimulates production of Collagen in the skin; Collagen production naturally depletes as the skin ages, causing the skin to thin and wrinkles to develop more easily. In our experience, women who have tried products containing this ingredient have noticed positive results fairly quickly, and we suggest that others give it a try. Fortunately, there are such formulas available online directly from the manufacturer that offer a fair price and the opportunity for a full refund to ensure your satisfaction.
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