1a. I have sensitive skin, is the kit suitable for me?
The kit is designed with sensitive skin in mind, using the ingredients least likely to cause irritation overall, so it is suitable for most people with mild/moderate sensitive skin. However, if you have VERY sensitive skin i.e. easily react to other treatment products in the past, it would be best to avoid this kit.
Please note, although rare, side effects may occur in any individual, with normal or sensitive skin. Therefore, you are advised to please patch test this product in a discreet area 2-3 times before using on the main target area.
1b. Is this kit suitable for dark circles and lip pigmentation as well?
Not for use under/around eyes, or on the lips; please consider our Dark Circles Kit or Lip-X Kit for those areas.
1c. Is this kit suitable for melasma, sun spots, age spots, freckles?
Yes, these are all different names for hyperpigmentation which the kit is designed for.
However if freckles are from childhood, they will not be suitable for treatment. Only spots which have emerged over time as an adult are potentially suitable.
The marks should NOT be raised, indented or red, they should be smooth and brown/grey/black.
2. I have pigmentation from previous Eczema, is the kit suitable for my skin?
It would be suitable for you to try the product, if there is NO ACTIVE eczema and the skin is otherwise healthy for at least 1 MONTH. You would need to discontinue other treatment products (if applicable) for 1 month before usage as well.
However, if you prone to RECURRING Eczema which is easily triggered by treatment products, it would not be advisable to try this kit. Also, if you have a DAMAGED skin barrier from a long history of eczema or other reasons, we would advise you to not use the kit either.
3. Will the kit block my pores and cause Acne?
The kit is non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not block pores on its own. However, in acne-prone individuals, already blocked pores can come to the surface quicker & at the same time, when you first start using the kit. This may cause pimples or ‘purging’ as we call it.
Furthermore, if you are on Acne medication and stop using this to use our kit, the Acne may recur as it is no longer being controlled.
4. I am taking Antibiotics for Acne or other conditions, can I use this kit?
Yes it is ok to use in conjunction (as long as it is not prohibited by your doctor / the manufacturer). However, avoid application directly on the Acne or broken skin. It may be preferrable to wait until the skin condition subsides for better results and lower risk of side effects.
5a. What cosmetic products/treatments can be used at the same time as the kit?
Please note, the kit creams cannot be used with any other form of skin treatment, so please wait until 1 month after completion of those products before commencing the kit, or 3 months after a professional treatment such as a chemical peel / laser.
Prohibited products/treatments include third party facials, exfoliating washes, vitamin serum, essential oils, toners etc. In general, only a basic moisturiser, sunblock & cleanser can be used in conjunction. Please see the more detailed 'directions' tab also.
5b. How long after other cosmetic procedures can you use this kit?
Please wait 1+ month after chemical peels, laser, other professional treatments to use our hyperpigmentation kits, and only if the skin has fully healed and usage is permitted by the treatment service provider.
5c. Can you use the Daily Range with Dr. V Facial Pigmentation kit?
The products can be used but NOT the 'Exfoliate to Glow' at the same time.
In general, exfoliating washes/scrubs should not be used with anti-pigmentation treatments.
You can take 1 day off the Facial Pigmentation kit in the week to exfoliate, in which case 'Exfoliate to Glow' can be used.
Apply the Antioxidant Power Serum a few mins. after the Facial Pigmentation Kit creams are applied, or avoid if the skin is feeling sensitive.
The other Daily Range products should be used at the normal timings they are in your general skincare routine / Facial Pigmentation Kit program i.e. cleanse, moisturise as appropriate.
6a. For oily/acne prone skin, can you use Benzyl Peroxide with the Dr. V Facial Pigmentation kit?
Yes you can use Benzyl Peroxide in the mornings, and the Facial Kit creams at night.
6b. For normal/dry skin & occasional spot
Optional for user, can do nothing and allow spot to heal naturally, or use same protocol as 6a above.
7. Is hair waxing permitted?
We would not recommend waxing whilst using our kit, please use threading as the preferred method of hair removal if on the same area of skin as the treatment.
8. Is it normal for the product colour to change over time?
The whole product turning a slightly darker colour can happen after a few months of usage due to the plant extracts and high strength anti-oxidants used. This does not affect the safety or efficacy of the product.
9. I have recently started using the kit and noticed my skin getting darker, is this normal?
If you are following all usage guidelines & restrictions correctly, then yes it can be normal for pigmented skin to appear darker in the first few weeks of usage, before gradually fading after 10-12 weeks.
However, please do check you are only applying a very THIN layer of product, only on the pigmented areas (not surrounding skin), only applying at NIGHT - 2 hours before bed (not during daylight hours), applying SPF50 sunblock every 4-6 hours (1-2 hours in direct sunlight), applying moisturiser every 4-6 hours (if dry skin), and not using PROHIBITED products such as exfoliants and drying alcohol toners.
If you find you are doing any of the above incorrectly, please stop usage of the kit for 5-7 days, rectify the problem, and then restart the kit if the skin is otherwise normal.
10. Is it normal for the skin to sting, become slightly red, peel?
Stinging/redness is rare but normal if for a few minutes. However, please reduce the amount you are using just in case (to a ‘grain of rice’ amount per large dark patch). It may also sting more if the skin is dry, so please keep the skin well moisturised and/pr upgrade your moisturiser to an emollient cream such as Cetraben.
Skin peeling / flaking is normal due to the exfoliating properties of this kit. This is why we do not recommend using additional exfoliating scrubs, washes etc as well.
11. I'm finding this kit drying and/or irritating on the skin, what should I do?
If symptoms are mild, it may be due to too much product being applied on the skin or inadequate moisturisation or moisturiser.
Please discontinue the kit for 5-7 days and switch to a recommended moisturiser (e.g. Cetraben, Cera Pep) or similar emollient cream and apply EVERY 4-6 hours.
Once the condition of the skin has improved / normalised, you can try using the kit again but please use less quantity than before per area and only target the dark pigmentation (not normal surrounding skin).
12. What should I do if I have a reaction? (rare)
Please discontinue usage, wash the product off with cold water and apply an occlusive such as Vaseline or moisturiser. Please contact sales@skincarebydrv.com for advice if symptoms are mild/moderate, or contact your doctor if severe (all reaction types are very rare).
13. It has been 3 months and I have not seen any results yet?
We say it may take minimum 6 months of usage and timings/results vary by person. It could mean that you need to use the kit (or a new one) for a few more months in most of these cases. Please note, a small percentage of users may not respond to treatment.
