1. What skin types will benefit from Derma Diagnostic products, and how will these products improve the health of my skin?

All skin types of all ages will benefit from Derma Diagnostics products due to the fact that they promote the natural restoration of health and natural beauty of the skin, regardless of age or damage incurred. The benefits to be seen from using our products include a more even skin tone, a silken smoothness to the touch, a decrease and elimination of breakouts or problem blemishes, and a diminished appearance of fine lines.

2. Why are Derma Diagnostics products superior to other skin care products?

Derma Diagnostics offers products of the highest possible purity and quality, at the best prices. We believe that all products will completely satisfy your needs and improve the look and feel of your skin in a matter of weeks. We utilize the finest ingredients found in nature and couple that with the most up-to-date research the medical community has to offer. Derma Diagnostics has become the preferred choice for many in Professional and Private Sectors.

We are proud to say that when our customers look for Variety, High Quality, Outstanding Service and Ethical Standards, they find it at Derma Diagnostics!

The result is a professional, spa-quality product that is exceptionally safe and never animal-tested.

3. How long will it take to see results from using high quality Derma Diagnostics products?

Any user of our products should feel smoother, softer skin within two weeks. By four to six weeks, noticeable change such as more even pigmentation coloration and a lessening of fine lines caused by sun-damage and aging can be seen. Many people who elect to have a series of cosmetic peels in a doctor's office or at home notice an even greater improvement in their skin.

4. Who can benefit from using Derma Diagnostics products?

Most sun-damaged skin occurs with sun exposure before age 18, although the visible effects from that damage may not manifest until later in life. Skin cell turnover time is about two to three weeks in a 14-year-old child. As we become older, this turnover time decreases until age 60 when it could take as long as 12 to 13 weeks. Our cosmetic peel system is designed to restore skin cell turnover time to a healthier, shorter time by utilizing the exfoliation process of nature. Thus, if begun at an early age, our skincare system will benefit one's complexion and appearance for life.

5. What is a peel?

A peel is a process by which old-dead skin cells are brought to the surface of the skin in a more rapid manner than normal. These dead cells are then gently sloughed off the surface of the skin to reveal new, fresh skin.

6. What shall I expect?

Our peels can restore sun-damaged, wrinkled, blemished, acne scarred or blotchy skin to its original youthful appearance. The result is normally a smoother more even toned textured skin. The skin will look younger, tighter and fresher than before although it cannot remove all facial flaws. Deeper lines, wrinkles and other flaws may require additional treatments or techniques.

7. What is the difference between alpha and beta hydroxy acids?

A lpha and beta hydroxy acids are very different from each other in structure, and therefore have different effects upon the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as the lactic and glycolic acids are more effective as exfoliating agents. A beta hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid, is as an effective acne medication.

8. What is the difference between a glycolic acid peel and a lactic acid peel?

Glycolic acid peels are formulated from sugar cane, while lactic acid peels are derived from either sour milk or bilberries. Both peels remove dead skin cells, and promote healthier, softer and more radiant skin. While both peeling agents have equivalent results, lactic acid is gentler on the skin and there is better control of the peel without burning and there is minimal chance of adverse effects.

9. Are lactic acid and glycolic acid the same?

Both are alpha hydroxy acids. However, lactic acid is the only alpha hydroxy acid that occurs as a natural human metabolite - it occurs naturally as a very essential part of the human metabolic system and, as such, is actually produced by our bodies in the metabolism of glucose under certain conditions. Therefore, lactic acid has no toxicity in humans. Although lactic acid and glycolic acid both have similar characteristics that cause exfoliation, lactic acid is a three-carbon chain, whereas glycolic acid is a two-carbon chain. Therefore, due to the smallness of the glycolic acid molecule, it reacts more rapidly, is usually harsher and more irritating to the skin, and thus more likely to cause unwanted complications.

10. What is a trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel?

TCA is the main component used in the popular The Obagi Blue Peel. TCA peels help to correct fine lines, superficial scars, and pigmentation problems. It is beneficial to persons of all skin types. Concentrations higher than 35% are not recommended because of the high risk of scarring. TCA is a keratocoagulant that produces a frost or whitening of the skin, which is dependent on the concentration used. Vigorous rubbing of the agent, as compared to blotting, yields a deeper penetration. This technique is not time dependent, and the agent does not require neutralization.

TCA application is associated with an intense burning that usually resolves within 30 minutes. Comfort may be improved by having a fan to cool the face and by applying sponges soaked in iced saline prior to moving from one facial region to another. The application of topical lidocaine 4% immediately following the peel decreases the burning sensation and increases comfort. Once completed, exfoliation proceeds for several days, and peeling is complete within 10-14 days.

11. Should I precondition the skin before a peel?

We would recommend it. Preconditioning the skin is a useful adjunct in order to improve results. Transretinoic acid (Retin-A, Renova) an exfoliant agent is believed to facilitate uniform penetration of the peeling agent and promote more rapid re-epithelialization. This may be applied nightly or every other night for several weeks prior to peeling, depending on the degree of skin irritation caused and tolerance level. This promotes a thinning of the skin.

Also note that AHA products containing 3-10% glycolic acid or other naturally occurring organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid) cause exfoliation over several weeks and actually may be used as a pre-peel primer to decrease or eliminate the effects of application of higher concentration.

12. Is it necessary to use your pre-peel balancing toner before a peel?

Yes. Prior to a peel, you should thoroughly cleanse the face with a nonresidue soap (see our Pre-peel Purifying Cleanser ) on the evening before and morning of the procedure. The skin is cleansed immediately prior to the procedure to remove any traces of makeup or oils. Our Pre-peel Purifying Cleanser, acetone or isopropyl alcohol may be used for this purpose. This step is absolutely essential to prevent uneven penetration of the peeling agent.

13. Is it safe to use cosmetic peels during pregnancy?

Always check with your doctor before starting any peel procedure. Due to the fact that lactic acid is a normal human metabolite, there is no toxicity and therefore no potential problem during pregnancy or lactation. Since TCA and salicylic acid may be contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy, you should not use TCA and salicylic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy.

14. Will your low concentration lactic acid peels help psoriasis and eczema?

Yes. Though differing in nature, both of these conditions are an abnormality in the external skin layers, or the epidermal layer. In the case of psoriasis, there is a buildup of excessive thickness of the dry, dead keratin cells often imparting a whitish cast (due to the thickness of dead cells which have no color). Our 5% lactic acid peel, used on a daily basis, and in conjunction with a series of our 10-20% lactic acid peel is often effective in treatment of psoriasis. Our Post-peel Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is exceptional in softening these often-irritated areas and providing more pliability, thus, there is less cracking of the skin with psoriasis lesions. Eczema, an inflammatory disease of the skin, will also benefit from using our 5-20% lactic acid peels. The 5% lactic acid peel used on an every day or every other day basis, will often times improve the flakiness and itching associated with eczema. The Our Post-peel Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer can then be used to assist in decreasing itching due to the dryness of the skin.

15. Should a person who is prone to cold sores take medications such as Valtrex or Zovirax prior to using peel products?

Peels should not be used while a person has an active herpes lesion (or cold sore/fever blister). If you are prone to cold sores and are scheduled to have a cosmetic peel, then you should begin taking Valtrex or Zovirax for two days prior to the peel itself. Other than the actual time that the cold sore or fever blister is present, you should continue to use our cosmetic peel products.

16. Should I use Hydrocortisone cream following a chemical peel?

It is not necessary to use Hydrocortisone cream following our cosmetic peels. However, if over-peeling has occurred with resulting irritation, then Hydrocortisone cream, available over-the-counter in 1% concentration, does have a significant beneficial effect in decreasing inflammation and promoting healing of irritated post-peel skin.

17. Why do I need to use sunscreen?

Ninety (90) percent of the aging appearance of skin is a result of sun-damage by way of ultraviolet light bombarding our skin. "Sunscreen" is a term used for chemicals that absorb ultraviolet light from the sun or from tanning lights that would, otherwise, cause free radical damage in the skin as part of the oxidizing process. The term "sunblock" is used for a category of chemicals that block the entrance of both alpha and beta UV rays and actually gives better protection for damaging UV rays than older sunscreens. We recommend that a sunscreen or sunblock be used on a daily basis as part of the makeup routine.

18. Exchanges and Returns?

If you are not completely satisfied with your results you simply return your product for a full refund. Please include suggestions or recommendations on how we can better serve your needs. More information can be found here under our TERMS OF SERVICE section

19. Do you offer sample sizes?

Yes, we do. Please see our SAMPLES page.

20. How long does it take to process my order?

Due to our recent overwhelming number of inquiries and internet orders, you can expect an order to be processed for shipping in 1 to 4 working days. We will call or e-mail you about any back orders or problems with your order. Please give us your daytime phone number when you sign in to the shopping cart.

21. When will I receive my order?

We understand most of our orders go to businesses and need an “estimated time of arrival”, in general that would be between 2 to 14 days of placing the order. Save yourself money and “order in time”. We'll do the rest.

22. Can I pay for faster shipping?

If you want to pay for expedited shipping, there is a $10 rush charge to insure that your order is shipped the day we receive it. All orders must be placed by 10:AM EST. We are closed on weekends.

23. How do you ship orders?

We ship UPS ground/air and add actual freight charges to your order. For orders to Hawaii and Alaska we ship “Priority Mail” insured return receipt.

24. Can I request USPS shipping?

All orders requesting USPS as a method of shipping are delivered to the post office for shipment on Friday of each week. The USPS does not provide a daily pick up service of large packages to us. If your order requires immediate shipping, please indicate "RUSH" when checking out (please note that a $10.00 service fee will be added to your order for this service). We will deliver your order to the Postal Service on a "RUSH" provided that the order was received by 10:00 AM EST and that the ordered goods are in stock. Shipments to Alaska, Canada and Hawaii are shipped via USPS unless requested by other means.

UPS ground provide daily pick up service and have an excellent tracking service. We strongly suggest the use of this carrier for shipments in the continental USA.

25. What do I do if my order is damaged from shipping?

Take caution of what you sign for when receiving your order. All orders are insured with UPS and USPS. Check your order on receiving. If it is damaged, contact the shipper and file a claim. Save all of the packaging until the adjuster has been contacted. When receiving freight by truck, carefully check out your order before you sign the paperwork. We have very few damages considering the quantities that we ship.

26. What is your return policy?

All returns must be made within the first 10 days of receiving your order. There is a 50% charge of the value of the item to cover disposal (as we do not sell or repackage returns). If we pack and/or ship your order and somehow you do not receive it or refuse it, handling or shipping charges will still apply. Please order carefully.

27. Do you export your products?

Exports beyond the continent of North America are subject to a $10.00 handling fee.

28. Do you accept credit cards?

We handle all major credit cards and debit cards available at most banks. You may enter them on our secure Shopping Cart and speed up your order. Credit cards will be processed when actual goods are shipped.

29. Do you accept paypal?

We now accept paypal.

30. Do you accept checks?

We accept cashiers checks or money orders (no personal checks) made out to Derma Diagnostics; orders will not be processed until the check is received. No C.O.D. or credit sales.

31. What happens if my order is declined?

All declined orders will be held for (5) five days before restocking. A $10.00 restocking fee will be charged and collected before any future orders can be made.

32. How do I register as a member?

First click on the register button on the home page. Then choose a username and password to activate your account and begin shopping. Be sure to print a copy of your user name and password when you register. Please don't use apostrophes in your user name or password. We do not sell your name to any other organization.

33. What are your business hours?