Ask The Doctor

Treatment

Dr. Abdullah - I want my skin to look its best, but I get confused when I listen to all the commercials and the salespeople at the cosmetic counters. How do I know what to believe and who to trust without spending a small fortune?

Your best choice is always a medically trained professional. You rarely hear a salesperson at a cosmetic counter inform you about the latest FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient or risk of over-moisturizing. A trained medical professional will review your medical history, customize your treatment plan and follow up by monitoring your treatment and progress regularly.

Dr. Abdullah - What are the advantages of Aloe?

Most skin problems are inflammation based. Aloe is a natural anti-inflammatory that is widely known for its healing properties, which have been around for centuries and withstood the test of time. Plus, Aloe penetrates skin very well, making it a natural and optimal fit.

Lexli uses high concentrations of pharmaceutical-grade Aloe as the base for all of our skincare products in order to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the environment and provide daily care and rejuvenation.

Dr. Abdullah – I’m confused. I thought water was good for your skin.

The ingredients on the back of any skincare product must be listed in order of concentrations. If the first ingredient is water, stated in any manner, then the product is water-based. The problem is that water cannot be absorbed by your skin!

That’s why the Lexli skincare collection is not only Aloe-based, but our concentrations of Aloe Vera far exceed what is found in other products containing Aloe Vera.

Skincare

Dr. Abdullah – I’m 25 and my skin is still pretty nice. Should I be using an exfoliant?

Prevention is the answer. Even at the age of 25, using an exfoliant is a good idea. Sloughing off dead skin can make room for plumper, healthier skin cells to come to the surface. This helps in keeping and preserving that youthful, fresh-faced look.

Dr. Abdullah - How long should I wait after using an exfoliant before applying another product such as foundation?

Fifteen minutes is fine. This avoids neutralizing the effect of the acid component of the exfoliant.

Dr. Abdullah - Are there any side effects from using an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to exfoliate?

Most people will experience a tingling or a stinging sensation when they begin to use an AHA. Dryness, flaking, slight redness or temporary breakouts may also occur within the first to second week of use. These symptoms are quite normal and will usually disappear as the skin builds up tolerance. Use a moisturizer regularly because dryness can occur, and always use a sunscreen when exfoliating.

Dr. Abdullah - Do you think eye creams are necessary?

No. Eye creams are marketing ploys for you to buy multiple bottles of product. The eyelid skin is the same as the skin on your cheeks. Skin around the eyes should be treated like the rest of the skin on the face. However, be sure to avoid getting any product into your eye.

Dr. Abdullah - Is it okay to use bar soap on my face?

No. The ingredients that keep these soaps in bar form can clog pores, contributing to breakouts. Proper cleansing sets the stage for everything else that occurs on your skin. I recommend a pH balanced liquid cleanser.

Dr. Abdullah - Is it true that sun damage is cumulative?

Yes. Damage by UV light to the DNA of your cells accumulates over time. The wrinkles, fine lines or hyper pigmentation that appear at the age of 40 are the results of sun exposure as a child.

Skin Problems

Dr. Abdullah - What is hyper pigmentation?

Hyper pigmentation refers to a change in skin color. Brown patches of skin occur as a result of increased melanin production due to sun damage, birth control pills, pregnancy or estrogen replacement therapy. Regardless of the source, the issue is the same: increased melanin production or decreased melanin breakdown, which usually leads to hyper pigmentation.

Dr. Abdullah - Is the Lexli skincare collection effective in treating acne?

Yes, the Lexli Acne Kit is designed to completely treat all causes and aspects of acne formation and progression. It contains the highest quality ingredients, each with a special function to target the four factors that cause acne. All the ingredients are bioactive and Aloe-based to control inflammation, allowing for a more powerful combination of effective ingredients.

Dr. Abdullah - I have oily skin, so I use ‘oil free’ products, but I’m still oily. Why?

I cringe when I hear someone with oily skin being told to use alcohol-based toners or an abrasive facial scrub. Never rely on the term ‘oil-free.’ Many ingredients that aren’t oils can still clog pores, causing breakouts and oily, greasy skin. Consult your skincare professional for further details on your specific skin characteristics and useful products.

Dr. Abdullah – What causes the dry patches on my face?

There are a number of reasons why your skin can develop dry patches, from make-up left on overnight to using the incorrect skincare products for your skin to allergic reactions. If the patches are chronic or itchy, you may have a type of topical dermatitis that requires treatment by a physician. Some dry patches may indicate the onset of Actinic, Seborrheic Keratoses or Dermatitis. If these occur and you are older than 40, consult your dermatologist or a plastic surgeon immediately for further evaluation of the problem.

Dr. Abdullah – When my skin becomes drier in the winter, is there something I can do or use to prevent my legs from chafing after I shave?

Living in a cold climate, your skin is constantly attacked by exposure to the wind, the cold, dry heat and low humidity. When we shave, we remove some natural barriers that protect moisture loss. Apply Lexli’s Tone and Balance five minutes prior to and immediately after shaving, followed with Lexli’s Hand and Body Lotion, to protect against moisture loss and leave your legs and feet wonderfully soft and smooth. Also, try using the Lexli Cleanser as a shaving lotion. It’s amazingly efficient, soft and soothing.

Dr. Abdullah - I have combination skin. Do I require two different cleansers, two different moisturizers, etc?

No. Combination skin does not require special products, but it does require treating each area differently. Dry areas should be moisturized twice a day, oilier areas less often.

Lexli Products

Dr. Abdullah - What kind of results can I expect to see in my skin while using Lexli?

Depending on your skin type and your complexion, noticeable results can be immediate. The appearance and textural improvements are quite visible from the start. The longer you use Lexli, the healthier your skin will be and look.

If using AloeGlyC®, exfoliate with it continuously for at least three months for optimal results.

Dr. Abdullah - Is it important for me to use the Lexli Make-Up Remover even if I’m using a Lexli cleanser?

It’s very important. Lexli cleanser is designed to clean your pores. Without removing your make-up before you cleanse, you are not receiving maximum benefits from your cleanser. Make-up contains intense, heavy opaque pigments and other ingredients that are made to last all day. Lexli Make-Up Remover prepares your face for your next step of proper skincare — the cleanser.

Dr. Abdullah - Can I use Lexli’s Makeup Remover to remove my eye make-up?

Absolutely. Lexli’s Make-Up Remover complements your nighttime skin regimen. It is a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that liquefies at the touch to melt away eye and facial make-up. Plus, it works great for the delicate eye tissue without drying the skin. To apply, gently massage around your eyes and wipe off with a soft, warm washcloth.

Dr. Abdullah – Does the Lexli SPF 15 sunscreen provide sufficient protection?

A common misconception is that the higher the SPF value in a sunscreen, the better the protection. This is not true. The difference between SPF 15 and SPF 100 is only 4% added protection. The FDA considers all sunscreens with SPF 15 and higher in the same category. Practicing safe sun exposure requires more than just applying sunscreen — it requires common sense. As good as some sunscreens are, they are not the total answer. Activities such as fishing or going to the beach for the day are not a problem as long as you have total quality protection. This means investing in hats, visors, sunglasses and protective clothing as well as an SPF 15 sunscreen.

Dr. Abdullah - Why does the Lexli Hand and Body Lotion feel sticky when first applied?

While water-based products tend to dry up as the water evaporates, the Lexli Hand and Body Lotion feels sticky due to the high concentration of Aloe. This is characteristic of all products that have high concentrations of quality Aloe Vera.

Dr. Abdullah - There’s been a lot of talk around the safety of 'parabens'. Should I be concerned?

Parabens are highly effective preservatives in skincare products that have been used for many years and shown to be safe by all good scientific studies. They prevent bacterial growth to help give the product a longer shelf life, whether in the store or in your home. Recently, due to safety questions raised by consumers, the FDA has revisited the question and concluded that the safety of these molecules is valid and the use of parabens is very appropriate.

Dr. Abdullah - You say that microspheres in other exfoliants don’t work. Yet, there are microspheres in Lexli AloeGlyC®. What gives?

Good question. Unlike other exfoliants, the microspheric beads in AloeGlyC® are not there to scrub/mechanically exfoliate. They are there to prevent the Vitamin C from oxidizing in the cream, which causes the product to turn brown. Exfoliation requires more muscle than microspheres can give.

Other

Dr. Abdullah - What is the difference between “Natural” and “Organic” skincare products?

“Organic” means grown in soil that is free of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. The FDA divides organic into three categories: 100% Organic, Certified Organic (containing 95% organic ingredients) and Made with Certified Organic Ingredients (containing at least 70% organic materials). “Natural” refers to a product created from a botanical source, without additives or preservatives.