Heat regulation – the skin regulates body temperature by sweating, which is the production of moisture by the sweat glands (suderiforous glands). The evaporation of this moisture enables the body to cool itself.

Absorption – the epidermis layer of the skin contains an acid mantle layer which limits the amount of substances entering though the skin that affect the body to a minor degree.

Secretion – the sebaceous glands excrete oil to lubricate and maintain the health of the skin.

Protection – fat cells provide insulation and protection against trauma to the internal organs. The skin also protects itself from the harmful effects of light and acts as a barrier against the invasion of bacteria.

Excretion – perspiration is the process by which the sweat glands excrete waste materials.

Sensation – nerve endings in the skin allow us to feel heat, cold, touch, pleasure, pressure and pain.

LimeLight Facial or Solar Genesis are light-based procedures which address problems right at the skin’s surface - redness, mottled complexions, freckles and sun damage.

Laser Genesis utilizes a laser to soften fine lines and wrinkles, shrink pores and decrease or eliminate redness found deeper in the epidermis. Laser Genesis has been proven to stimulate the creation of new collagen, giving your face a more youthful appearance.

Titan is the newest category for skin fitness. The Titan uses infrared light to heat tissue in the deep dermis.

Together you can have a 3D Skin Rejuvenation experience!

Common Questions

Who can be treated?

Men and women of any age who wish to improve their skin can be treated. Skin which is lax, has surface wrinkles, redness, brown spots, or enlarged pores are the most common conditions to treat.

What areas can be treated?

The most popular areas for treatment are the face and neck, but other body parts such as the hands, arms and abdomen, are also frequently treated.

What do the treatments feel like?

LimeLight Facial and Photo Genesis deliver a series of pulses of light. When each pulse of light is delivered, you may feel a mild, brief pinching sensation.

Laser Genesis treatments are gentle and soothing. During the session you will feel a series of warm pulses along your skin.

With each Titan pulse, you will first feel cool, then a brief heating sensation followed by a cool feeling. Most patients are comfortable without taking any medication; a few prefer taking a mild pain reliever beforehand.

How many treatments will I need?

Each treatment regimen is different and customized to an individual patient’s needs. Most patients can expect between 2 and 6 treatments.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effect is a slight redness or mild swelling in the treated area that disappears within a few hours.

When will I see results?

Immediate results are observed by some patients. More typically, you will see results in two to four weeks and improvements will continue for several months.

How does 3D Skin Rejuvenation compare with other laser treatments?

Most lasers treat only one or two aging conditions. They may diminish red or brown spots; they may just reduce lax skin. Only 3D Skin Rejuvenation from Cutera addresses all of the most common conditions of aging – age spots, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles and lax skin.

All alpha hydroxy acids have the effect of dissolving the bonds between skin cells, to allow for exfoliation that will bring newer cells to the surface. Each AHA also has additional benefits:

Lactic Acid – hydrating and helps even skin discoloration

Malic Acid – hydration

Glycolic Acid – fast penetration [which can be a negative] and oil control

Citric Acid – prevents and corrects the thinning of the skin associated with aging and aids in hydration

Tartartic Acid – antioxidant action from grapes

Mandelic Acid – possible effect on evening skin discoloration

Many of the PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products contain a blend of lactic and citric acids which promotes healthy cell turnover and allows the products to remain pH balanced.

Antioxidants

Antioxidant – A group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help repair and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for premature aging by damaging cells and breaking down collagen and other proteins within the skin.

Green Tea- Tea is an excellent source of antioxidant polyphenols and anti-inflammatory agents. EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which is a component of green tea, is considered the most powerful polyphenol of them all. It offers skin soothing benefits, protects the skin from UV induced damage and is being studied very carefully for possible anti-tumor and anti-cancer capabilities.

Tocotrienols and Tocopherol (Vitamin E)- these forms of vitamin E have superior antioxidant benefits due to their exceptional ability to penetrate the skin cells.

Grapes –The flesh, skin and seeds of the grape all contain polyphenols that offer many skin health benefits.

Olives – a great source of antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin E.

Retinol (Vitamin A)- has strong antioxidant properties along with the ability to increase cell turnover for healthier and brighter looking skin.

Soy – the isoflavones found in soy are potent members of the polyphenol family. They work to plump and hydrate the skin. They fight aging and wrinkle formation by building the collagen matrix. They also effectively quench the free radical damage that speeds the aging process.

Cherries- help to fight free radicals and acts as potent anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Citrus Fruits – are a great source of polyphenols. A number of citrus fruits not only have antioxidant value but also increase the amount of vitamin C within the cells.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing antioxidants:

pHaze 24 Rejuvenating Serum

A powerful epidermal growth factor formulation with a full complement of antioxidant polyphenols.

pHaze 15+ C-Quench® Antioxidant Serum

A stable and effective ascorbic acid serum with the addition benefit of a well-rounded blend of polyphenols.

pHaze 16 C-Strength 15% (L-ascorbic acid) with 5% Vitamin E

A stable and effective topical cream utilizing the superior antioxidant properties of both vitamin C and E.

pHaze 16+ C-Strength 20% (L-ascorbic acid) with 5% Vitamin E

A stable and effective topical cream utilizing the superior antioxidant properties of both vitamin C and E.

Pigment Control

Hydroquinone -the only ingredient currently approved by the FDA as a skin lightener. HQ works primarily by bleaching existing skin discoloration and also prevents future pigment from occurring.

Kojic Acid –an antibacterial and antifungal agent that evens skin tone.

Licorice – a very effective ingredient for gently evening skin discolorations that also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Lactic Acid – (sour milk) evens skin discoloration, hydrates and reduces the build up of dead skin cells.

Ascorbic Acid- (primarily citrus fruits) acts as a natural skin brightener.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing pigment control ingredients:

pHaze 23 A&C Synergy Serum

Formulated with a blend of skin brightening, strengthening and antibacterial ingredients.

pHaze 13 Pigment Gel® Dyschromia Controller

The gold standard in the treatment of skin discolorations. An artful blend of pigment control ingredients (including hydroquinone) combined with AHAs to provide maximum results.

pHaze 13 Pigment Bar

The cleansing companion to our pigment control program designed to enhance and maintain results.

Peptides

Peptides are synthesized protein fragments designed to perform specific functions in the skin and body.

Here are a few peptides of note:

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)- works by relaxing facial muscles that cause repeated facial expression.

Dipeptide-2 - improves lymphatic circulation to more effectively remove toxins in the skin. Improved lymphatic flow will help to minimize dark circles and puffiness by having fresher healthier looking skin and less pooling of fluid and blood under the eyes.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3-increases skin firmness and elasticity while diminishing eye area puffiness

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide – Palmitoyl Tetrapatide-3 (Matrixyl 3000™) a blend of two advanced peptides that provide visible anti-wrinkle activity.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 (Matrixyl®) has been proven to increase collagen production to strengthen and firm the skin, and dramatically reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing peptides:

pHaze 12 eyeXcellene

A peptide eye remedy designed to soothe and hydrate the eye area while strengthening the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces under-eye puffiness.

pHaze 25 ExLinea™ Peptide Smoothing Serum

A wrinkle reducing serum designed to hydrate, smooth and firm the skin with a blend of powerful peptides and skin strengthening agents.

PCA® MEN Total Strength Line & Pore Minimizer

A peptide serum designed specifically for men that leaves the skin clear, firm and younger looking.

Acne Control

Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)- reduces the number of skin surface bacteria and acts as an oxidizing agent, making it appropriate for clearing comedones or blackheads and disabling the acne causing bacteria, p. acnes.

Salicylic Acid- works to dissolve dead skin cells and impurities within the skin. Salicylic acid also helps break down and reduce blackheads and whiteheads.

Sulfur- acts as an antibacterial agent that softens blemishes and blackheads to reduce the occurrence of acne related scarring.

Azelaic Acid- has gentle yet effective antibacterial properties, making it suitable for most acne suffers. Also can help to reduce skin discolorations often left behind following breakouts.

Examples of PCA SKIN® Daily Care Products containing acne control ingredients:

pHaze 31 BPO 5% Cleanser

A gentle cleanser containing 5% benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial properties.

pHaze 32 Blemish Control Bar

An excellent antibacterial cleansing bar containing layers of salicylic acid and sulfur. Can be used to cleanse areas of breakouts on the face or body.

pHaze 33 Acne Cream

A benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment that effectively delivers oxygen into the follicles to help kill the bacteria responsible for acne.

pHaze 35 Acne Gel

A gentle yet effective spot treatment for acne that combines salicylic and azelaic acids to reduce and treat acne breakouts.

Aging – Aging of the skin is a result of many different factors that can be broken into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic or uncontrollable aging is chronological and genetic. Facial wrinkling, expression lines and drier, more sensitive skin may be a result of intrinsic aging. The extrinsic or more controllable factors of aging refer to exposure to the sun and/or pollutants which cause a breakdown of the skin’s structure, leading to discoloration, wrinkles, skin growths and even cancer. Many skin scientists believe the extrinsic factors are to blame for 90% of the visible signs of aging. When attempting to correct signs of aging, it is important to use products that not only treat, but also prevent future damage from occurring.

Hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) – Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin. Causes of hyperpigmentation range from sun damage caused by UV exposure, hormone fluctuations due to pregnancy or menopause, and skin injuries such as acne scarring. Certain skin types can also be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. It is important to consult with a skin care professional prior to using products to even skin discoloration as high percentages of strong ingredients can cause further irritation and lead to more discoloration.

Rosacea – Rosacea is a somewhat misunderstood skin condition. Currently, there is no known cure or cause. Rosacea is generally characterized by persistent redness and/or breakouts on the central areas of the face, commonly affecting the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Although there is no cure, there are many different methods of controlling rosacea symptoms. There are medical therapies that work well in conjunction with cosmeceuticals and professional treatments to control rosacea symptoms. Consult a physician for a diagnosis.