All the cosmeceuticals that we carry are manufactured according to GMP Rules. These are the same rules and regulations that the pharmaceutical companies must follow when they make prescription drugs. These companies voluntarily adhere to the regulations and guidlines set out by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. So these are products of the highest quality, and most of them are only available through doctors' offices.

Manufacturers include Skin Medica, Cellcosmet, Biologique Recherche, Vivier Pharma, Obagi, Elta, and NeoCutis.

No. Any of our staff will be glad to help you when you drop in, but for great advice about issues specific to your skin, you can book a free consultation with our Medical Esthetician.

There are too many ingredients on the market to completely answer this question. New substances are being investigated and introduced at a dizzying pace.

Some of the ingredients are:

• vitamin C: Antioxidant, mild exfoliator 
• vitamin A derivatives (retinoids): One of the oldest cosmeceuticals, coming into common use in the mid-80s. Antioxidant, mild exfoliator 
• oligopeptides: Small protein molecules with multiple functions,
• argirilene: A topical muscle relaxant that is an offshoot of research into synthetic Botox,
• ceramides: moisturizers, copies of your body's natural oils,
• growth factors: Substances your body requires for the normal growth and healing of skin
• hydroquinone: Pigment inhibitor,
• alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs, eg. glycolic acid): Exfoliants