Skin Care Product FAQ’s

Ada West Dermatology sells a limited selection of cosmeceuticals.

Our inventory includes products from three reputable skincare brands, all of which have been clinically tested: SkinBetter Science, Epionce, and Elta MD. The charts below showcase their usage and pricing.

Our providers emphasize that effective skincare doesn’t necessarily have to come with a hefty price tag. Apart from retinol products, excellent care is readily available locally, over-the-counter, or online. Nevertheless, some patients lean towards a more luxurious experience or products with a scientifically proven track record.

Given the vastness of the skincare industry, each of our providers has their own set of favorites. You can explore their preferred products on their individual bio pages.

The skincare product questions we are asked most frequently are:

How do I make my skin look more youthful? What is the best anti-aging treatment for my face?

When it comes to a skincare routine, sunscreen is the best anti wrinkle cream. Retinoids are the 2nd best. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C serums, are next in line for topical wrinkle treatment. (Note, sensitive, rosacea types and stinging skin types should be cautious when trying Vitamin C, an acid, and retinoids, as it may irritate some patients).

Learn more about all anti-aging skin care ingredients in this library.

We sell AlphaRet Overnight Cream by SkinBetter Science which improves the appearance of lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture.

We recommend that you have your dark spots checked by a dermatologist if they are raised, growing, changing, asymmetrical, larger than 1 cm, an unusual color, or feel rough. Keep in mind, dark spots on different skin types, darker and lighter skin tones, may need different types of treatments..

Hyperpigmentation on the skin (aka age spots, sun spots, liver spots) are usually caused by inflammation, sun exposure, or even hormones (melasma). Sunscreen is a crucial part of treating hyperpigmentation because it prevents UV rays and visible light from making these conditions worse. Sunscreen, especially physical sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, also helps keep heat off the skin to minimize darkening melasma and reduce hyperpigmentation over time.

Seek out an under-eye cream tailored to address specific concerns such as wrinkles, crepiness, inflammation, eye bags, or dryness. Often, one cream can effectively target multiple issues in the under-eye area.

Our selection includes the Renewal Eye Cream by Epionce, formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and botanical extracts. Epionce products undergo clinical testing against industry standards to ensure noticeable enhancements. It is infused with Hyaluronic Acid and potent botanical active compounds, to combat visible signs of aging and help maintain youthfulness.

Discover more about selecting the ideal eye cream for your skin type and addressing under-eye concerns by exploring the Skin Care Solutions Library.

Nearly every dermatologist will say the best sunscreen is the one you will use. Everyday. On your face. Even in the winter. Yes, we’re looking at you, Idahoans!

At Ada West Dermatology, we carry a few sunscreens from Elta MD and Epionce. Some are mineral only and some use a blend of Zinc Oxide and Octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens are often better tolerated on sensitive skin because active ingredients ( titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) rarely cause an allergic reaction or irritation. Mineral sunscreens are also better suited for those with acne-prone skin.

For the face:

Many of our patients like the tinted sunscreens from Epionce and Elta MD that provide sheer protection in just the right amount of color to let skin look bare. Untinted versions are available as well. For patients that want sunscreen touch ups over makeup, or don’t like the feel of creams, powder sunscreen is another great option to keep your skin protected. Brush on Block is a staff favorite because it is easy to keep in a purse, won’t melt and can be used on scalp parts, hands, and neck. Lip Balm with mineral sunscreen is harder to find and Elta MD makes a great zinc oxide product that protects from the sun and moisturizes at the same time.

For the body:

We carry one mineral-only SPRAY sunscreen by Elta MD. It sprays on as a thin mist which still needs to be rubbed into the skin. However, this product stands out against other mineral sprays because it leaves no sticky white cast, is easily blended and uses Zinc only, is water resistant and contains antioxidants as well. The AOX Mist has a 360-degree sprayability for easy application from any angle — even upside down for hard-to-reach places, Our other Body/face lotion by Elta MD is a great all-body moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 30, good for the entire family.

The moisturizer we sell in-office is Renewal Facial Cream by Epionce. This clinically tested moisturizer can be used 1-3 times a day and is infused with botanical extracts, formulated to reverse the signs of aging and provide hydration.

Many of our providers also endorse over-the-counter moisturizers such as Cerave, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay. These options are fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic. For optimal moisturizing benefits, it’s recommended to apply them immediately after a shower. After gently patting your skin dry, apply the moisturizer.

A gentle cleanser by Cerave, Cetaphil, Elta MD is a good bet. These manufacturers cater to sensitive skin and provide cleansers that hydrate and maintain the epidermal barrier function.

The most common causes of loose sagging skin are aging, genetics, pregnancy, rapid weightloss, and sun damage. When these problems crop up, they tend to zap away a key skin ingredient called elastin. Basically, we lose elastin and there is no way to get it back. Elastin is what gives your skin its stretchiness and ability to snap back into place. When elastin takes a hit, your skin can end up feeling loose and saggy.
Sagging skin is best treated with CO2 or Fraxel laser, but if you want to learn more about face creams, visit this page.