Skincare Questions from Customers and More

Sometimes skincare questions come fast and furious from our customers who, like us, want to make sure that their products are effective and suitable for their individual needs. Here are a few of the latest:

1. Is there anything in Preparation H Cream that would thin the skin?

As far as we can tell, Preparation H with BioDyne does not contain anything that would thin the skin. A version of Preparation H cream containing 1% hydrocortisone does exist, which is meant to provide relief of itching and discomfort. However, the Canadian formula we carry contains as its active ingredient BioDyne, a live yeast cell derivative, a mixture of several peptides.

2. I started using the Canadian Preparation H about a month ago for sagging skin under may neck. I use it basically as a night cream. Thus far, I have noticed a very pleasant improvement! Will the sagging return if I stop using the preparation H? I am also doing facial exercises.

Thank you for your question. We are pleased to hear that the Preparation H Cream with BioDyne is working for you. It’s a customer favorite here! Although skin reacts very individually, in general, maintenance is usually required to keep up the results when it comes to healthy skin. Permanent results with no maintenance often involve more invasive procedures.

3. I am from the Carribbean, with brown skin tone, would I benefit from Fractional 1540 laser treatment for dermal melasma, I have tried numerous prescriptions and products nothing seems to help.

Fractional 1540 laser treatment is a series of non-ablative (does not remove the top layer of skin), non-surgical resurfacing procedures that boast minimal-to-no downtime and only mild discomfort during the sessions. The laser’s deep penetrating beams stimulate collagen production and can purportedly improve fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks and scarring. As a retailer of skin care products, it’s inappropriate for us to give advice regarding medical procedures. We recommend you consult with your dermatologist or medical provider as to the suitability of the procedure for your concerns and skin type.

4. Do you also think that vitamin C lotion or moisturizers can help to get rid of linea nigra, the dark line in the belly during pregnancy?

The linea nigra that appears on the belly during pregnancy should fade within a few months of giving birth. Although vitamin C can help brighten skin tone, the linea nigra should fade on its own. We would not, however, suggest using any skin lightening or hydroquinone-based products during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

5. I would like to know do all La Roche Posay sunscreen contain Mexoryl SX AND Mexoryl XL? I’m looking for a sunscreen that would have both Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL, will you be able to help to recommend them?

Not all of La Roche Posay’s Anthelios sunscreens contain both Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL. Much of it depends on where you live, actually. In the US, Mexoryl XL (also known as Drometrizole Trisiloxane) is currently still awaiting FDA approval. Until that is achieved, the sunscreens manufactured for the American market will not contain this sun filter. At PhaMix, we carry sunscreens that have been made for the Canadian or European market. As such, brands like Anthelios and Ombrelle (which are both owned by the same parent company, L’Oreal) are able to use Mexoryl XL and Tinosorb S as part of their sun protection formula as both have been approved in Canada and Europe. We do our best to include a full list of ingredients on our website but would be happy to help you select one that’s right for you.