Q. What specifically does Vitamin C do for the skin? I always heard that using vitamins topically wasn�t very effective.
A. Regular use of Vitamin C has been clinically proven to stimulate collagen production and improve skin density. Vitamin C is also a highly potent antioxidant, which means it counteracts the skin-damaging effects of free radicals. It is true that, until recently, applying vitamins to the skin had very little effect. But the problem wasn�t the efficacy of the vitamins � it was that the vitamin molecules were much too large to penetrate the skin. Advances in cosmetic chemistry have resulted in the creation of Vitamin C molecules that can penetrate into the skin. MD Skincare products with Vitamin C such as Anti-Aging Vitamin C Gel and the Firming Body Lotion with Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 8 all take advantage of this new technology.

Q. Can any MD Skincare treatment product truly help correct eye-area problems, such as dark circles and fine lines?
A. Dark circles and fine lines are typically caused by thinning of the delicate eye-area skin, which naturally happens over time. The thinner skin allows dark, underlying capillaries to become more visible in the under-eye area, and the lack of support structure results in fine, eye-area lines. For many of MD Skincare's patients, Firming Eye Lift and Lift & Lighten Eye Cream have alleviated dark circles and fine lines. Because Vitamin C works to stimulate collagen production, the formula actually helps to thicken eye-area skin, effectively diminishing the visibility of fine, under-eye blood vessels � and helping to plump up fine eye-area lines.

Q. Can MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Peels be used by pregnant women?
A. Absolutely. The Peel does not contain any ingredients that would affect a pregnancy in any way. The Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel followed by the Anti-Aging Vitamin C Gel will actually help to treat melasma which is a hyper-pigmentation condition that pregnant women may experience. It is also good to wear a sunscreen as melasma is very sun sensitive. There IS CONFLICT over what�s safe for pregnancy. Glycolic and OTC strength salicylic acid are safe but MD Skincare recommends not to use salicylic acid even at OTC strength (which maxes out at 2%) more than once a day. Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone whitening creams should probably be avoided during pregnancy.

Q. Is the MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel stronger than the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel?
A. Yes. Stronger acids are used because the skin on the body is thicker than skin on the face.

Q. Can I use MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel more than once a day?
A. Some individuals report better results when used twice per day, but it is not required.

Q. Is MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel compatible with other skin product brands?
A. Yes, MD Skincare products are compatible with other brands. However, it is important to remember that MD Skincare� products were developed to demonstrate optimal performance when used in conjunction with one another. Each product formulation compliments the next and there is a regime for everyone! Similar ingredients that have been proven to work best when consistently applied together are utilized in all product formulations.

Q. What is the youngest age MD Skincare recommendS to begin using Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel?
A. The Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is specifically formulated for all skin types and ages. It treats all types of acne with the exception of cystic acne - so is quite effective for young teenagers or those who are experiencing problems with breakouts. It improves the tone, texture and clarity of the skin. As this product is first and foremost an anti-aging product that boosts and stimulates collagen production in the skin, it is also very appropriate for women who are trying to prevent wrinkles, as well as those who are trying to �turn back the clock� and delay the onset of additional signs of aging.

Q. Will MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel help treat rosecea?
A. Yes. Rosacea is an inflammatory acne. To reduce inflammation, MD Skincare peel contains green tea. For acne, it contains salicyilic acid, glycolic acid and the peel is naturally exfoliative.

Q. Will using MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel cause my skin to break out?
A. Absolutely not. Sometimes tiny bumps occur within the first few days as the deep waxy oily plugs blocking the pores are purged and cleaned out.

Q. Why can�t I use the Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel on my face?
A. It is too strong.

Q. What is the percentage of Vitamin C in Anti-Aging Vitamin C Gel?
A. MD Skincare has a special delivery system and an enhanced penetration formula. Additionally, the air tight container keeps the product from breaking down. Overall, the product equals 10%.

Q. How does MD Skincare Auto-Balancing Moisture Sunscreen SPF 10 work?
A. Through formulation and ingredients that only adhere to skin surface bare of natural oils (and equally repelled by skin where oil is present) the product is able to moisturizer where it is needed most.

Q. Why is there only an SPF10 in Auto-Balancing Moisture Sunscreen rather than an SPF 15?
A. The reality of formulating skin products is that the SPF number increases so too must the greasiness. Ever notice that SPF 30 creams are greasier than SPF 15 creams? That�s because they are. Increasing the SPF compromises the aesthetic feel to its moisturizing function. Also, because it lays on the skin so well, people love using it and, at the end of the day, I believe more people will get at least SPF 10 on their face which is better than choosing a product with no SPF. One still may apply a higher sunscreen underneath (for example MD Skincare SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads) if they want more protection. But remember an SPF 15 blocks out approximately 92% of ultraviolet light vs. SPF 30 that blocks approximately 95%. So, SPF 10 still does a decent job.

Q. How does MD Skincare Chelating Complex� work in removing the heavy metals and minerals from the skin?
A. The MD Skincare Chelating Complex� encapsulates the heavy metals and minerals and gets them away from the skin�s surface. Heavy metals are free radicals that cause redness and irritation, enlarge pores, destroy collagen and lead to skin aging, even acne. Imagine a piece of paper on a table; if you were to put that piece of paper in an envelope and put it back on the table. The piece of paper is still on the table although it is not touching the table.

Q. What client concerns can MD Skincare Hydra-Pure� Intense Moisture Cream address?
A. Remember the acronym A.A.I.M.: Acne, Aging, Irritation and Moisturization.

Q. How does MD Skincare Hydra-Pure� Intense Hydrating Cream help with acne?
A. Heavy metals on the skin change the skin�s own natural oils and make them comedogenic. Imagine your skin�s own natural oils as Wesson Oil and the heavy metals change it to the consistency of Crisco. This creates a blocked oil gland which will lead to acne and clogged pores. MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Intense Moisture Cream is not recommended for extremely oily skins.

Q. How does MD Skincare Hydra-Pure� Intense Hydrating Cream hydrate the skin?
A. It hydrates the skin in three ways:

Utilizing the Chelating Complex� to help keep the moisturizer stable and allow complete hydration.
It is infused with essential oils which enhance nature�s own mechanism.
Contains a time-released humectant that attracts water from the atmosphere.

Q. The cleanser doesn't seem to remove my makeup completely. What am I doing wrong?
A. Make sure you are not using water with the application of the cleanser. Apply to dry face with clean, dry hands. MD Skincare cleanser works best by massaging gently over skin, - 10 seconds: dry skin; - 30 seconds � oily skin, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Q. If the MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel/ Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel are left on too long, will it burn the skin?
A. No. The formula provides a controlled exfoliating and tightening effect; leaving it on more than three minutes will not result in deeper penetration.

Q. Are these MD Skincare products good for acne?
A. Yes. One of the best uses for the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel is for acne conditions. Its active ingredients are very effective at unblocking pores and keeping pores and oil glands clear.

Q. Why did Dr. Gross create this Chelating Complex� and launch Hydra-Pure� Intense Moisture Cream first?
A. Dr. Gross noticed patients throughout the world with skincare concerns and realized the common element when they were changing their environment was the water. Furthermore, Dr. Gross believed his patients should not have to settle for less than perfect conditions for their skin. After extensive studies he found extreme levels of heavy metals and minerals in water systems across the country. He believes that 75% of people do not even realize that water may be causing problems with their skin. So he developed the MD Skincare Chelating Complex� to address these concerns. The reason for launching a rich and luxurious moisturizer first was because it is considered the most universal skincare product.

Q. What ingredients and/or technology causes MD Skincare Intense Hydra Mask heat up?
A. Magnesium aluminium silicate in a natural clay mask.

Q. Is the retail MD Skincare Intense Hydra Mask the exact same formula as the professional version?
A. Yes.

Q. Can a customer with eczema use Intense Hydra Mask?
A. MD Skincare recommends that any rash be evaluated by a physician who would then authorize the use of our products; the exception is acne and rosacea because our products have OTC medication for them.

Q. Why does Intense Hydra Mask seem to separate when on the skin?
A. The mask is a multi-phase product and each step has different densities which can look like separation. Step 2 is denser than Step 1. When step 2 is applied over Step 1, the heating process is actually causing the active ingredients in step 1 to penetrate into the skin.

Q. Can women use MD Skincare Men�s One-Step Daily Facial Pads to refresh at the gym?
A. Yes. Women can use this product, but was optimally formulated for men.

Q. Why should a customer buy MD Skincare Anti-Aging Vitamin C Gel and Antioxidant Firming Face Serum when both have Vitamin C in them?
A. Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients to improve the overall appearance of the skin. In fact, 2 pumps of MD Skincare's Anti-Aging Vitamin C Gel topically is equivalent to 100mg of Vitamin C taken orally. One would have to consume 100 Vitamin C capsules at 250 mg each to get the same level of Vitamin C that could be applied topically in a 10% Vitamin C Gel. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful and oldest known forms of antioxidants and it fights free radicals and also works to promote the collagen production in skin itself. Since each product is created for specific skincare concerns, MD Skincare often recommends using the Antioxidant Firming Face Serum during the daytime and the Anti-Aging Vitamin C Gel as a nighttime treatment. Also, the Antioxidant Firming Face Serum is the first �broad-spectrum� anti-aging product which contains a cocktail of antioxidants. Different types of antioxidants target different types of free radicals so it is important to have a broad-spectrum formula.

Q. What makes MD Skincare� different from all the other doctor/dermatologist brands?
A. MD Skincare� by Dr. Dennis Gross delivers immediate results for all skin types by combining the best of what nature and science have to offer! Our products are multi-functional providing dermatologist results without a prescription which saves you both time and money. All products work synergistically, of course we use medical grade ingredients! MD Skincare� by Dr. Dennis Gross is your surgical procedure alternative. Dr. Dennis Gross is a Manhattan dermatologist, creator of MD Skincare� and author of Your Future Face.

Q. Do all of the MD Skincare� products have to be used together as a system?
A. Since MD Skincare products are formulated with like ingredients they work synergistically, maximizing results when used together, however, it is important to note that these products are not dependent on each other to deliver complete results. Each MD Skincare� product stands alone as an effective treatment product, and can fit into any skin care routine.

Q. Can MD Skincare� products, including the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel, be used in conjunction with Retin-A�, Renova�, Differin�, Avita� or Accutane�?
A. Absolutely. The only caution is that if a client wishes to use the MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel and Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel, they should stop using prescription retinoic acid products for two nights prior to their initial application of the product as there is a small chance the combination could be irritating. Once they have used the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel and/or Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel for a day or two with no irritation, they can resume their normal schedule of Retin-A� or other retinoic products.

Q. How can a single product, such as the All-In-One Facial Cleanser with Toner, work for all skin types?
A. The chemistry behind such products is quite complicated, but the basic concept is that certain substances naturally seek others. MD Skincare All-in-One Facial Cleanser with Toner, for example, contains an ingredient that searches for and dissolves facial oil. Therefore, on oily skins, it would find many molecules that fit its target profile; on dry skins, very few. It's this ability to seek targeted substances that makes a product's ingredients able to "self-adjust" to the needs of all types of skin.

Q. I know dermatologists recommend wearing a sunscreen every day, but is it really a necessity for those with dark skin?
A. The number-one thing anyone can do to keep skin looking vibrant and healthy - no matter what their skin color - is to wear a sunscreen every minute they're outdoors, and to limit direct, prolonged exposure to the sun. What we consider the normal signs of aging - wrinkling, pigmentation changes, loss of elasticity - are, in fact, evidence of the photo-aging damage produced by the sun's UVA and UVB rays. While these effects tend to be more pronounced in lighter skin tones, those with darker skins will certainly see the same results over time, especially if they submit their skin to extended, unprotected exposure in the belief that their natural pigmentation is sufficient protection.

An SPF of 10-15, considered the bare minimum by many dermatologists (myself included), is my recommendation for daily wear to protect against incidental sun exposure. For those who spend most of their day outdoors or live in a very sunny or high-altitude area, as well as for times of prolonged sun exposure, MD Skincare recommends Water Resistant Sunscreen with Vitamin C SPF 30.

Q. Is there any way to make pores look smaller?
A. Yes. MD Skincare patients have seen remarkable results in diminishing large pores through the use of the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel. Until Dr. Gross observed these effects in his patients, the widely held view was that nothing could reduce pore size - but the alpha and beta hydroxy acids do indeed produce a marked refining effect.

Q. May I safely use MD Skincare� products if I am allergic to aspirin?
A. If you suffer from an allergy to aspirin, it is always recommended to consult your physician before using any skincare products.

Q. Do the MD Skincare� products contain fragrance?
A. No.

Q. Is there anyone who should not use MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel or Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel use these products?
A. Anyone with an active facial rash should not use either the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel or the Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel. If you are prone to rashing or excessively dry skin, you will be advised to start every second or third day and build to a comfortable schedule.

Q. If the MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel/Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel are left on too long, will they burn the skin?
A. No. The formula provides a controlled exfoliating and tightening effect; leaving it on more than three minutes will not result in deeper penetration.

Q. How does MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel/Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel stimulate collagen?
A. The pH fluctuation from step 1 (the acid) to step 2 (neutralizer) stimulates fibroblasts cells in the skin to produce collagen. Also, the 2nd step has antioxidants and collagen stimulators such as green tea extract.

The second step of the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel contains Genistein �which is an active ingredient found in soy extract that stimulates collagen production and diminishes collagen breakdown. It can also be very soothing to the skin and is helpful in providing that radiant after-glow, a dewy but not greasy feel to the skin.

Q. If you have oily skin and are acne prone, do you need to use a moisturizer after MD Skincare Alpha Beta� Peels?
A. No! Moisturize only if your skin feels dry. But, if after washing your face and toweling dry you feel "tightness" then applying a moisturizer is a good idea because you are beginning to dry and preventing dryness is a good idea.

Q. Do the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel/Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel lighten pigmentation?
A. Yes, both products can be a very effective tool for improving skin tone, texture and clarity and this means it can also help to correct hyper-pigmentation problems.

Q. After using the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel/Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel, how long do you have to wait to apply Sunscreen Pads with Vitamin C SPF 30?
A. Until skin is dry and full absorption of step 2 is complete - usually about 2 minutes.

Q. Will the Alpha Beta� Daily Face Peel/Alpha Beta� Daily Body Peel make me photo sensitive?
A. With normal sunscreen protection, which we advise (SPF 30) applied immediately after the peel, then you should not experience any photo sensitivity.