Skin Recovery System

It depends on how much eye or face makeup you are using or if you are wearing waterproof mascara, waterproof makeup, or other hard-to-remove makeup. Otherwise, this cleanser effectively removes most types of makeup.

How does Skin Recovery Cleanser differ from the other Paula's Choice Cleansers-how do I know which one is best for me?

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Cleanser is slightly more emollient than our One Step Face Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin, which makes it preferred for someone with dry to very dry skin.

I have normal to dry skin on my cheeks but my T-zone is oily - would Skin Recovery Cleanser work for me?

While it is an option, your best bet would be to try the One Step Face Cleansers for Normal to Dry or Normal to Oily/Combination skin first.

I have normal to dry skin that gets noticeably drier in the winter - would Skin Recovery Cleanser be a good seasonal choice?

Yes! This would be a very good choice for normal to dry skin during the winter months.

Will this cleanser make me break out?

This cleanser is extremely unlikely to cause blemishes. However, normal to oily and blemish-prone skins will find this cleanser too emollient for their skin type.

Skin Recovery Toner:
What do toners "tone"? I thought Paula didn't recommend toners!

Paula has always recommended toners that are well-formulated. Toners can be a great after-cleansing step to be sure you've removed all your makeup. When properly formulated, they soothe skin and add hydrating ingredients to make skin softer, not to mention they're another leave-on source for antioxidants and other ingredients that improve skin's healthy functioning.

How do I know which toner is right for me? Besides skin type, what are the main differences between the four Paula's Choice toners?

All of our toners restore skin, help remove last traces of makeup, are alcohol- and fragrance-free, and contain no unnecessary irritants such as menthol, peppermint, and citrus oils. They are great as an adjunct to a more thorough cleansing routine, especially post-workout or in hot/humid climates. Even more significantly they go beyond the basics by offering skin benefits you can see and feel.

Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is an excellent choice for normal to oily/combination skin. It provides a weightless finish, and although it feels very light, it supplies skin with potent antioxidants and anti-irritants. Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is a great option for those who want more protection and a soothing, soft, feeling on their skin, particularly those with sensitive skin. To get the benefits of both toners for normal to oily/combination skin, you may want use Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner in the morning and Skin Balancing Toner in the evening.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner contains ingredients that help soothe and restore normal to dry skin, plus it includes a greater amount of glycerin, a key ingredient to make dry skin look and feel better. It also contains a broad range of ingredients that aid the barrier repair process so those with dry skin (or normal skin with occasional dry patches) will receive even more benefit from their Paula's Choice moisturizer and/or specialty product. Moisture Boost Hydrating feels lighter than our Skin Recovery Toner, yet still provides an array of antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin-protecting ingredients. To get the benefits of both toners for normal to dry skin, you can use Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner in the morning and Skin Recovery Toner in the evening.

Skin Recovery Toner for normal to very dry skin is an excellent choice for those who need more help protecting their skin from environmental damage or dryness. Skin Recovery Toner has a richer texture than any of our other toners and contains more plant oils and other emollients than our Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner. This is a great option for dry to very dry skin, extremely sun damaged skin, or those dealing with eczema or rosacea accompanied by dry skin. Skin Balancing Toner for normal to oily/combination skin is excellent for protecting skin from environmental damage or dryness. In addition, its cell-communicating ingredients can, in theory, help balance skin so its oily areas do not worsen or lead to reddened or blemished skin. Skin Balancing Toner uses a more complex formulation than our Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner, and helps restore normal cell function.

Can the AHA and/or BHA products be used during pregnancy or while lactating?

Although topical exfoliants should not pose a problem for pregnant woman, we do recommend asking your doctor before using any product you are concerned about.

Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum:
What is the difference between Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and the other Super Antioxidant Concentrates?

Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate contains several plant oils and a greater variety of antioxidants known to be especially beneficial for normal to very dry skin than our original Super Antioxidant Concentrate. Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate contains special dry-finish silicones and absorbent ingredients that make it ideal for normal to very oily skin. The anti-irritants in Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate were specially selected to minimize redness and inflammation resulting from blemishes. Our original Super Antioxidant Concentrate is an option for all skin types looking to supplement skin with several antioxidants.

What does this product do?

The primary purpose of Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate is to supply the skin with a selection of effective and potent antioxidants and anti-irritants. It has a silky silicone base that efficiently delivers the antioxidants into the top layers of skin and helps enhance the product's stability.

I use a prescription product with tretinoin (i.e. Retina-A, Renova, Tazorac). Since Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate contain retinol, is it OK to combine them?

We are not aware of any contraindications surrounding the use of tretinoin and retinol and believe this combination is beneficial to skin. Because this question concerns a prescription drug, we recommend consulting your physician and following his or her advice.

Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion:
SPF 15
Should I reapply Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion during the day?

For casual wear, meaning less than four hours total time out in the sun, it is not necessary to reapply sunscreen as you will be protected all day. If you are perspiring or just spending a longer period of time outdoors, it should be reapplied.

Skin Recovery Moisturizer:
My skin is dry. Which moisturizer do you recommend?

Several Paula's Choice moisturizers would work well for you. Choosing the perfect moisturizer has a lot to do with personal preference and trying a product to determine which one works best on your skin. A good place to start is with our Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer but if you want a richer texture, try our Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream. Our most emollient moisturizer is the Skin Recovery Moisturizer. It is also helpful to use our Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant in combination with (on top of or underneath) any moisturizer you apply. You may also wish to treat your dry skin to frequent applications of our Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask.

I have very dry skin. Which moisturizer should I use?

Our Skin Recovery Moisturizer is designed for dry to very dry skin.

Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask:
I thought Paula didn't like masks of any kind. Did Paula change her mind?

It is true that Paula is not a big fan of most masks but mostly because so many contain irritating ingredients or are poorly formulated. Paula decided to formulate a superior moisturizing mask that not only softens the skin but also soothes and boosts skin's moisture reserves. The emollients, water-binding agents, anti-irritants, and antioxidants are an essential element of keeping normal to very dry skin healthy and radiant.

For best results, how often do I need to use Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask?

Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask can be used as often as needed. How often you use it depends on your skin type and personal preference. Those with normal skin can use this mask once per week. Those with dry skin will enjoy using this mask more frequently, preferably 2–3 times per week, with one of those times being enjoyed as an overnight treatment. Someone with very dry, dehydrated skin should use this mask (or a very emollient moisturizer) once per day, morning or evening, until his or her dryness has improved.

What is the difference between Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask and Paula's moisturizers for normal to very dry skin? Couldn't I just use Skin Recovery Moisturizer as a moisturizing mask?

Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment mask has a thicker, creamier texture than Paula's Choice nighttime moisturizers. Since it is meant to be used as a mask (occasionally being left on the skin overnight if the customer prefers or their skin needs this), it has a more slippery, emollient feel than most moisturizers.