Simple * effective * affordable * long-lasting dry skin care

The secret to ProKera's effectiveness is glycolic acid, the alpha hydroxy acid with the smallest molecule so it is readily absorbed by the skin. It has been clinically proven by independent research that the alpha hydroxy acids do the following:

1. Facilitate absorption of other ingredients it is mixed with through the stratum corneum (skin's outer surface) layer.
   
2. Slow evaporation of hydration (water) off the surface of the skin.
   
3. Speed up exfoliation (sluffing) of the stratum corneum layer by dissolving adhesives that bind skin cells together.
   
4. Cause the collagen layer of the skin to swell temporarily, giving the appearance of a reduction in fine wrinkling.
   

When skin gets dry, it doesn't exfoliate itself the way it is supposed to, causing the outer layer to thicken over time, get rough and sometimes crack because the thickened dry skin loses its flexibility. The solution is to keep it moist so it can work the way it was designed. That's easy to do if you live in a humid climate. But if not and you are genetically disposed to dry skin, are over 50, live in extreme weather conditions, low humidity, work in an inhospitable environment or with harsh chemicals, wood, paper products or are in water a lot, thick, rough, cracked dry skin can become a painful and chronic reality for you.

ProKera Dry Skin Protection for Hand & Body is a highly effective barrier cream with free glycolic acid, 3%. It penetrates quickly, is not greasy or sticky and makes the skin feel smooth and silky. It stays on hands through several hand washings and on the body from shower to shower. A little bit goes a long way and once you start using it, there's not the need to apply as often as other lotions because of its residual effect. Our customers with dry skin swear by it. Read the testimonial page.

ProKera is recommended by Northwest dermatologists, allergists, general practitioners and podiatrists for such conditions as dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, pruritis (itching), psoriasis, ichthyosis, keratosis pilaris (bumps), callous and general dry skin resulting from work conditions, lifestyle, ageing, allergies, diabetes, lupus, Crohn's and Sjogren's diseases. It is also helpful for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy to prevent and relieve deep burning and excellent for exfoliating dryness after cast removal. ProKera can ease the pain of burns and sunburns. Users may also notice fading of age spots after extended usage. Being completely fragrance free and containing no common sensitizers allows even the most sensitive individuals to use ProKera without fear of sensitivity reaction. ProKera Dry Skin Protection has a pH of 3.5.

***Get over the idea that you need a tan. Use of tanning beds is just as harmful as sun exposure and tanning before vacation doesn't reduce the chances that you'll burn. Sun damage is cumulative. If you are genetically disposed for basal cell carcinoma or melanoma, it won't matter if you got it from a tanning bed or the sun: you're risking your life.

…that is ultimately most bothersome with eczema. The majority of cases start off with a dry skin condition. In Northern climates, this is typically much worse in the winter. Hence, the term "winter itch" is often used. When the skin stays dry long enough, eventually patches become red and inflamed. This is eczema. Often before this stage, it begins to itch. People who interrupt the cycle at this point are able to avoid the inflamed eczema stage. This is where good topical skin care is very important. Frequent bathing, particularly with hot water, exposure to irritants, (deodorant, hot tubs, swimming pools) will definitely exacerbate the dry skin condition.

Ideally, one should bathe in warm water no more than once a day, if that often. Use a mild moisturizing soap (Dove) and a moisturizer on the skin immediately after bathing while the skin is still wet. Créme-based moisturizers are preferable over lotions because they tend to last longer. Prevention is the key because if the process proceeds to eczema, normally you will need a prescription medication from your dermatologist to get the situation back under control.

Moisturizers such as ProKera, containing the AHA, glycolic acid, have shown considerable effectiveness in protecting, maintaining hydration of the skin and exfoliating accumulated dry itchy scales of the skin in this condition.

Our skin is the largest organ of the body charged with the task of protecting what it holds "inside" from the outside environment, helps regulate body temperature, eliminates byproducts of metabolism by sweating and lubricates itself with sebum from oil producing pores. A combination of oil and sweat from the skin produces a slightly acidic pH of about 5.5. This "acid mantle" is the body's first line of defense against invading bacteria because it provides a hostile environment for outside bacteria to propagate and helps keep the growth of normal body bacteria (p. acnes) under control.

The pH of normal, healthy skin is between 4.5 to 6. This varies with age and with the individual. A baby is born with a neutral pH of 7 but it soon turns acidic to protect them. At puberty, we produce hormones, develop more hair growth on the skin and sebaceous pores become more active. By the late teen and early 20's, our 'acid mantle' is well developed, providing protection against external invaders. Our skin looks great, repairs itself quickly when injured, taking care of itself and us. As we age, hormones dissipate, skin becomes more neutral and more susceptible to bacterial growth and thus more infections.

The acidity of the skin is further compromised by internal diseases (such as diabetes) and some skin diseases (eczema), allowing the pH to rise past 6. We further compromise the effectiveness of our 'acid mantle' by things we do and the products we put on our skin. Water is pH neutral at 7. Soap is alkaline at pH 9. Constant bathing, use of soaps and exposure to chemicals at work can severely alter the acidity of the skin, making it less effective as a protective armor and setting us up for bacterial infection. In this day of the "super bug" it is critical for us to be aware of how our behavior and activities compromise our body's natural defenses.

What can we do to allow our skin to do its job? While water is the very best moisturizer, it leaves us feeling dry after immersion because it removes lubricants from skin and is often used with alkaline soaps, severely altering the skin's acidity. When we are young, our bodies correct this imbalance quickly, but as we age, it takes much longer for the skin to replace its lubricating oils and adjust its pH. To counter this effect, reduce the amount, duration and heat of bathing, use mild, super-fatted soaps (Dove, Tone, Caress, ProKera Botanical Body Bars). Avoid deodorant soaps. Moisturize after every washing to replenish lubricating oils on the skin. When purchasing skin care products, look for labels indicating that they are pH balanced "for the skin" (that's lower than "pH balanced" at 7). If you're not sure about the pH of the products you are using, call the company.

Reduce exposure to swimming pools and spas which use harsh chemicals for safety. Shower thoroughly and moisturize after each immersion. Be aware of work related exposure that affects your skin such as contact with wood, cement, abrasives, chemicals, paper, fabric, dirt & dust, insulation, water, extreme temperatures, low humidity, wind, etc. Do what you can to reduce exposure such as wearing gloves or other garments, adjusting technique or using tools to eliminate direct contact. See the Extreme Dry Skin Care Regime.

1. At pH 3.5, ProKera helps maintain the skin's acid mantle by counteracting the effects of water and alkaline soaps. Each time you apply ProKera, you reduce the pH of your skin closer to its natural, ideal level.
   
2. Most common bacteria (E coli, salmonella, staph aureus) flourish at pH 7 and, depending on other mitigating factors such as temperature and moisture, propagation can range from pH 4.5 to 9. Lab tests have shown that bacteria colony numbers injected in ProKera decrease over time. Application of ProKera (with a pH of 3.5) lowers the pH of the skin to create a hostile environment for bacteria to propagate. ProKera can be an effective deterrent to bacterial growth on the skin surface and be especially helpful for people who are susceptible to the drying effects of alcohol-based anti-bacterial aids/soaps.