FAQ
GENERAL SKINCARE FAQS
Q: Why do I have acne?
A: 85% of teens will experience acne at some stage of their lives. Unfortunately, acne has many causes, the most relevant of which are hormonal changes and hyperkeratinization. Don't let this word intimidate you: "hyperkeratinization" simply means that the top layers of dead skin cells don’t fall off during the natural, 28-day skin renewal cycle. Instead, they get "sticky" and block pores, tiny openings in the skin which allow sebum (yellowish oil) to flow out.
Q: How do I get rid of acne?
A: Million dollar question! A good skincare regimen should address the problem of hyperkeratinization. By using a gentle cleanser, an anti-acne product, and a reliable sunscreen one can minimize the effects of hyperkeratinization. This can also help with post-acne pigmentation and scarring. Diet helps with keeping the skin hydrated; avoiding too much sugar helps the skin's reparative mechanisms. Unfortunately, teenage hormones fluctuate regardless of topical treatments; this is why the skin will flare up and settle down periodically. See your doctor for ways to help manage the hormonal aspect of acne.
Q: Should I pop a zit?
A: The best answer is no. Most often, the pressure required to "pop" forces the contents of that zit—bacteria!—deeper into the pore. This can result in subcutaneous ruptures, redness, and a bigger blemish than you originally had!
Q: What can I do if I suffer from acne scarring or dark spots?
A: Firstly, do not pick spots! There are numerous treatments available for acne scarring. The first and mildest is a combination of products and serial, light chemical peels. The combination of Vitamin A and Vitamin C will help stimulate normal collagen production instead of scar tissue. The light chemical peels will not only help with exfoliation and drying up of existing pimples, but the H+ ions stimulate collagen production deeper in the skin and help even out scarring. This peel-technique requires repetition; results will take about 6 months to manifest, with the final results visible after 18. (There is no quick fix.) Other options that yield good results include medical needling, laser therapy, and under the right circumstances, microdermabrasion.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation also takes up to 18 months to disappear permanently. Daily sunscreen is the first step in treating brown spots. (Again, it is crucial to resist "picking.") Products containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Licorice extract, Vit B3 (Niacinamide), and Paper Mulberry are also effective.
Q: Why is having the correct pH in skincare products important?
A: The skin is the largest organ in your body, and it is designed to protect us from invading bacteria. The slightly acidic defense layer of our skin, called the "acid mantle," develops at puberty and activates the sebaceous glands. This changes the skin's pH to between 4.5 and 5.5, which is the normal range for skin. Using other products that contain an alkaline pH (between 9 and 11) can throw off your skin's pH balance, creating an environment ripe for breakouts. Our products have the same pH as your skin and keep your skin's "eco-system" in balance.
Q: Do I have to use Screen everyday, even if I am indoors most of the day?
A: Yes, we highly recommend it. It is very important to wear a daily sunscreen even if you aren't outdoors. The sun can have cumulative effects on your skin that range from premature aging to skin cancer risks—so don't forget to Screen!
GR8 SKINCARE FAQS
Q: How are GR8 Skincare products different from other products on the market?
A: While GR8 Skincare products can help battle acne and scarring, they are designed to accommodate a variety of teenage skin profiles. The five products can be combined in various regimens to treat oily skin, to hydrate dry skin, or to maintain an already-healthy complexion. Most importantly, they achieve their results without the use of irritating chemicals like Benzoyl Peroxide.
Q: At what age is it safe to start using GR8 Skincare products?
A: During early teenage years, the body begins producing more hormones, which cause sebaceous glands to become more active, ultimately leading to blackheads and pimples. We generally recommend using GR8 Skincare products from the early teens. Even the "tweens" who are using sunscreen on their faces need a good cleanser that will not dry out their skin and affect its barrier function.
Q: Is GR8 Skincare packaging recyclable?
A: Yes, our packaging is recyclable and uses post-consumer materials.
Q: What is the shelf-life of the products?
A: Our products have a general shelf life of ~2 years. Our products are vacuum-filled and use an airless pump to keep out light and oxygen, so your products stay fresh and effective. (It's like the skin of an apple that keeps the inner flesh from turning brown.) This allows our products to be stabilized with minimal preservatives.
Q: Do I have to be a teen-to-twenty-something to use your products?
A: Our products have been specially designed for the specific needs of young skin, though we have much older customers who also benefit from using them. Adult acne is increasingly becoming a problem, and our products are equally suited for adult acneic skin. Adults generally need more moisture, as their skin is generally dehydrated. GR8 Skincare does not address that part of adult acne; a suitable vitamin cream with additional Vitamin C and peptides should therefore be added to the range.
Q: Can I use GR8 Skincare products with other acne treatments/medications?
A: In general, it is safe to use our products with other acne treatments. However, we recommend speaking with one of our product specialists who can offer advice regarding product compatibility. Contact us if you would like more info!
Q: Are your products tested on animals?
A: No, we do not test our products on animals. GR8 Skincare uses mostly natural ingredients with minimal preservatives that ensure the highest quality skincare to our customers. Our products are tested and developed in a laboratory environment to ensure the highest standards.
Q: Do your products contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
A: Our products avoid benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. The FDA has recently warned that the use of certain over-the-counter acne products containing these active ingredients can cause rare but serious (i.e. potentially life-threatening!) allergic reactions or severe irritation. Instead, we use gentler ingredients like tea tree oil and willow bark, which offer many of the same benefits without the side effects.
Q: How long will it take for me to see results?
A: Using Clean and Clear (the latter applied to blemishes 3-4 x a day) in a regular routine should clear a spot within 3 days. Consistent use of one of our skincare regimens will produce visible results (e.g. healthier-looking, less inflamed skin) in 12 weeks. Remember, our products are also designed to keep skin healthy in the long run, and, as acne is a multifactorial condition, can only address the problem superficially. With resistant acne, a consultation with a dermatologist is always recommended.
Q: How do I know which GR8 Skincare products are right for me?
A: The front page of our website has a "Shop Skin Type" link. Use that guide as a jumping off point for personalizing your skincare routine. Additionally, we can create a personalized regimen just for you: Contact us and one of our experts will talk to your about your individual needs.
Q: Why do your products contain Vitamin A? What are the benefits?
A: Our products contain all face-friendly forms of Vitamin A: Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Propionate, and Retinol.
Here are a few of the benefits of Vitamin A:
-
It can help reduce breakouts by regulating sebum production (i.e. makes less sebum).
-
It helps speed up the natural exfoliation process and reduces hyperkeratinization. This stops the pores from becoming blocked and pimples from forming.
-
It can prevent wrinkles (You’ll thank us when you’re 30!)
-
It can combat uneven pigmentation (With a new and even complexion, you will no longer have to worry about your face looking like a map of North America!)
-
It can give you that sought after “glow” without spending big bucks on pricey bronzers.
Q: Do your products contain fragrances?
A: No, we use things like rosemary, lavender, and watermelon extracts to endow our products with a clean scent. GR8 Skincare products use botanical extracts; no harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances are added.
Q: The pump on my bottle stopped working, what should I do?
A: Sometimes an air bubble gets into the pump and prevents it from working. The following method should clear the air from the pump: Hold the bottle upside down with the lid on and bang the bottle down against a hard surface 2-3 times. This should clear the air bubble. Sometimes a reverse vacuum occurs within the pump head; just gently lift the pump head up and away from the bottle to release the vacuum. This generally only happens with the Clear, and we are looking to replace those bottles with newer technology. If the problem persists please contact us.
ORDERS & PAYMENTS FAQS
Q: Where can I buy GR8 Skincare products?
A: Our products are available by shopping www.gr8skn.com. Our products can also be found in select spas and retailers. See our Spas page to find your nearest supplier.
Q: What method of payments do you accept?
A: We currently accept payments by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and PayPal on www.gr8skn.com.
SHIPPING FAQS
Q: Do you ship overseas?
A: We currently ship overseas to select countries. Shop Here!
