Physician's Choice
On Pigment Control...
The Most Commonly Asked Questions
Q There are four formulas of Pigment Gel.
Which one should I use?
A That's easy! For the face, there are two versions: pHaze 13 Pigment Gel dyschromia controller (original formula) with 2% hydroquinone and the same formula without hydroquinone, pHaze 13 Pigment Gel HQ Free dyschromia controller. For the hands and body where the skin is thicker and more resistant, pHaze 13 Pigment Gel Forte dyschromia controller (a more potent version) can be used. The Forte formulas are also available with or without hydroquinone.
Q Can I use the Forte formulas on my face?
If not, why?
A The Forte formulas are usually too aggressive on facial skin and may cause redness and irritation. However, if the skin is particularly thick, oily or sun damaged, it might be acceptable. If you try this method, begin with one daily application to test for sensitivity and then increase to two daily applications (morning and night).
Q How do I fit Pigment Gel into my daily skin care regimen?
A Pigment Gel dyschromia controller would be step 3: cleanse with pHaze 1 Facial Wash, tone with pHaze 2 Smoothing Toner or pHaze 5 Nutrient Toner (depending on skin type), apply Pigment Gel dyschromia controller and lastly, cover with your choice of sunblock moisturizer; either the pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF 15 or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 15. Before bedtime, follow the same steps but cover with the appropriate Physician's Choice nighttime moisturizer.
Q How important is it to use sunblock?
What if I forget?
A Applying one of the Physician's Choice sunblock products is necessary to achieve optimum results. Real improvement is seen only when you make a commitment to avoid and protect against sun exposure. For some patients remembering to use sunblock is not easy. If this seems to be a constant problem for you then choose the *HQ Free formulas.
Q What if I am allergic to sunscreens or cannot seem to find one that doesn't make me break out? Does this mean I shouldn't use Pigment Gel?
A Not necessarily. You may use the *HQ Free formulas and avoid direct sun exposure. A visor or some type of head covering which shades the face is needed when daytime exposure is unavoidable. Occlude your Pigment Gel dyschromia controller application with the pHaze 12 Eye Wrinkle Cream which has an emollient base.
Q Will rubbing Pigment Gel into the skin make it penetrate more deeply to get quicker results?
A NO. Rubbing is definitely not recommended. This could actually stimulate your melanocytes to react and turn brown. Just smooth the gel over the affected area and spread it lightly. Let it penetrate on its own. Then cover the area with pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF 15 or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 15 during the day and the appropriate Physician's Choice moisturizer in the evening.
Q Can I put Pigment Gel on while my face is still wet from washing and toning?
A NO. This will dilute Pigment Gel dischromia controller. The skin needs to be completely dry before applying the gel.
Q I've tried to use bleaching creams before and I couldn't get my makeup to spread evenly over them. Is this going to happen if I use Pigment Gel?
A Pigment Gel dyschromia controller has a clear fluid gel base which provides smooth and easy "slip". After the gel penetrates into the skin, makeup or other creams will glide over it.
Q I want FAST results! Can I mix my Pigment Gel with Retin-A to speed things up?
A This is not recommended. All pHaze 13 Pigment Gel dyschromia controllers are designed to work on their own. Mixing with other products is unpredictable and could be excessively aggressive. The only time this might work well without sensitive side effects would be on very sun damaged (keratinized) thickened skin. Do this only on the advice of your physician.
Q I have been using products that contain glycolic acid. I find that when I use Pigment Gel with them, my skin becomes irritated. Any suggestions?
A Yes. Lactic acid based products are natural and "user friendly" to human skin. Chances of redness aand itching are greatly reduced when using lactic acid based products like those from Physician's Choice. Generally speaking, moderation in all things, is a good motto when referring to AHA based products.
Q What about using Pigment Gel for occasional pimples? With AHA's in them, wouldn't they be good for drying up breakouts?
A You bet! Pigment Gel dyschromia controller serves as an excellent combination therapy for drying up active skin problems while simultaneously controlling possible discoloration that can appear.
Q I am really anxious to use this product.
How many applications can I do in one day?
A More is not necessarily better. Too many applications could prove irritating to delicate facial skin. Pigment Gel dyschromia controller is designed for twice daily applications; in the morning under sunblock and at night before retiring. Multiple applications on thicker skinned areas such as the hands and legs could probably be tolerated.
Q What are the advantages of using the *HQ Free formulas?
A The regular formulas of Pigment Gel dyschromia controller contain hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a bleaching ingredient that will oxidize when exposed to air and light causing the product to turn dark brown. When this happens, the product becomes a stain (the very problem you're trying to correct) and must then be discarded. It is quite possible that topically applied hydroquinone products that have not been covered with an occlusive sunblock could turn brown directly on the skin's surface. So, if you are not compliant about applying sunblock, the *HQ Free formulas might be a better choice for you.
Q I am a person of color and feel that most people don't understand my skin's needs. I have dark spots, too, and my skin is extremely sensitive. How do you recommend I use Pigment Gel?
A It is recommended to feather the edges of the application. Only applying a circular drop and allowing it to dry could cause a visible halo effect.
Q I used Pigment Gel for two weeks or so... is it my imagination or did my spots get darker before they got lighter?
A You have a good eye! Yes, sometimes there is a preliminary surface exfoliation caused by sloughing off the dead skin cells that cover the hyperpigmented area. So it could seem that it gets worse before it gets better. However, after this initial unroofing of the dead surface layer it is especially important to continue to apply Pigment Gel dyschromia controller which targets the affected area with the active ingredients.
Q Can Pigment Gel be used for the dark circles under the eye area? Also, what should I do if the product gets into my eye?
A Pigment Gel dyschromia controller was not originally designed for this kind of hyperpigmentation disorder. We have had feedback, however, that patients have tried it and experienced positive results for this contiditon. You may try it to see if you have the same experience, but you need to know that this type of of dark pigment is quite different in nature than solar or hormonal discoloration. If Pigment Gel dyschromia controller gets into your eyes, immediately flush with water and do not rub them.
Q I am very sensitive to just about everything but I am excited to try Pigment Gel. What's the most conservative way to get started and test for a sensitive reaction at the same time?
A On your fingers, blend a drop or two of Pigment Gel dyschromia controller with a small amount of our pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF 15 or pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 15. This will reduce the potency of Pigment Gel dyschromia controller. Smooth this mixture over the area you want to treat. It may take a slightly longer time to see results, but it will also be potentially less sensitizing to you. We also suggest Light N' Block Pigment Cream SPF 25+ for sensitive skin types.
Q I noticed that the Pigment Gel I bought last year turned a golden/amber color. Is it still OK to use?
A Yes. This can happen to lactic and kojic acids. It can still be used and will still be effective. However, if the hydroquinone formulas become opaque and dark brown, discard them.
Q Pigment Gel comes in a small bottle. Is it going to be enough to get the job done?
A No problem. A little goes a very long way and a smal drop will cover a large area. Patients seldom need to purchase a second bottle.
Q How long do you think I will need to use Pigment Gel to get the results I want?
A Everyone's condition is unique and we all respond quite differently to the same treatment. Results are dependent on the type of discoloration, the location of the problem area, use of sunblocks, extent of the damage and many other factors. Use the product only as long as it takes for you to reach your desired level of improvement.
Q I use PCA vitamin C products following use of the Pigment Control products. My results seem to have accelerated... can you expllain this?
A Yes. Our vitamin C products do have a synergistic lightening effect with our Pigment Control products and, yes, they will definitely help to provide rapid results!
Light N' Block SPF 25+
Q Why would I use the cream instead of the gel?
A Our cream formula is more suited to very sensitive skin types, particularly newly resurfaced skin. It has a highter pH which eliminates possible stinging on freshly healing tissue.
Q I've been using Pigment Gel with excellent results. Now that I've achieved the results I wanted, is there a maintenance program?
A Yes! Light N' Block Pigment Cream SPF 25+ is ideal for maintenance and helps to suppress recurring discoloration.
Q Will Light N' Block work as fast as Pigment Gel?
A Due to the gentler nature of the formulation it may take somewhat longer to achieve the desired results. Do be sure to use twice daily --it is important to be consistent.
Pigment Bar
Q I have spots everywhere - my face, chest, arms and hands. Is the Pigment Bar the best choice to treat all these areas?
A Yes, the Pigment Bar is recommended when extensive treatment is needed. It enhances results when used with the other pigment control products.
Q Where does the Pigment Bar fit into my daily wash, tone, moisturize program?
A Use after cleansing with pHaze 1 Facial Wash as it is formulated to help lighten, not cleanse. The Pigment Bar does not replace the cleansing step in your daily program. Remember that the Pigment Bar is formulated as a companion to, not a replacement for, Pigment Gel dyschromia controller or Light N' Block Pigment Cream SPF 25+.
Q How long do I need to use the Pigment Bar?
A You should continue use until you achieve your desired results, then maintain with Light N' Block Pigment Cream SPF 25+. The Pigment Bar can then be used as needed.
Q If I'm only using the Pigment Bar, but not other products - is it still necessary to protect with pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 15?
A Most definitely. Guarding against UV sunlight is always wise.
Q I am considering having my skin resurfaced with laser to remove sun damage. Can I use the Pigment Bar to prepare my skin?
A Yes, the ingredients in the Pigment Bar will maximize and enhance your results. Also, it will serve to minimize possible rebound pigment reactions which can occur following laser treatments. A complete program of Physician's Choice products for laser resurfacing is available from your physician.
Q Does all this mean I can never go out in the sun again?
A To tan or not to tan? That is the question. Current public opinion seems to think that a tanned appearance is more aesthetically pleasing than a natural flesh skin tone. However, tanning and depigmenting the skin are at odds with each other. A decision to stay out of the sun will help to reduce your risk of skin cancer and will help to prolong a more youthful appearance of your skin's texture. It's a lifestyle choice that you need to make for yourself.
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