Frequently Questions And Answers

Why does brown skin scar so easily?

Brown skin contains more melanin (dark pigment) than fair skin and is more vulnerable to irritation. “Melanocytes” (cells that make melanin) are located in the upper layers of the skin, which tend to become more reactive in darker skin. When skin is exposed to any type of irritation such as scratching, acne, injury, ingrown hairs, poor laser treatments or sun damage, more melanin rises to the surface of the skin, resulting in dark spots (called hyperpigmentation) which can lasts for months.

Common misconceptions: Men and women of color especially with darker skin tones, often believe that they don’t need to use sunscreen, since they rarely complain of sunburn, but this is false. Dark skin also needs sunscreen protection from damaging UV rays every day, especially when using any lightening or brightening skincare products.

What is Melasma and how can I minimize these dark spots?

Melasma is a skin condition with dark brown patches resulting from pregnancy, oral contraceptives or hormonal changes usually seen on the lip, cheeks and/or forehead. People with brown skin are more vulnerable to Melasma and should always try to avoid the sun especially when using a brightening/lightening treatment. Exposure to the sun can photosensitize the skin causing these specific areas to darken quicker, making pigmentation worse. This skin condition can take up to 6-8 months or more to completely fade. For best results, try our OMIC® LightenUp™ Kit formulated with Hydroquinone, a more aggressive 3-Step Lightening Kit. (Another option is to consider seeing a dermatologist for a deep chemical acid peel. This will help to accelerate results.

I suffer from stubborn brown spots on my knuckles, knees and elbows. How can lightening/brightening skincare help me lighten these stubborn dark areas?

Our lightening/brightening products are formulated with intense lightening and brightening ingredients such as Hydroquinone (most aggressive) along with Kojic Acid, Diacetyl Boldine and/or Advanced Arbutine Complex, all designed specifically to inhibit melanin production, while visibly fading dark stubborn areas, resulting in lighter, brighter more even skin tone. For best results, try OMIC® Expert Brightener™, our Intense Fading Gel specifically formulated to target stubborn areas. It is a must to follow up with sunscreen, a minimum of SPF 30. Try our OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin) or IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (normal to dry skin) every day in order to avoid further pigmentation problems.

How fast can I expect to see results?

Absolutely, it is specifically formulated to restore an even skin tone and brighten a dull complexion as long as directions are followed correctly and consistently. It is a must to follow up with sunscreen, a minimum of SPF 30. Try our Omic® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin) or IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (for dryer skin) every day, rain or shine, in order to avoid irritation or further pigmentation.

How fast can I expect to see results?

Lightening/brightening skincare is formulated to work on all types of skin as well as different ethnicities. Of course results vary; most see a dramatic improvement within 2 -3 weeks. Others with darker skin may see results in 4-6 weeks. If no improvement is seen after 4-10 weeks, discontinue product usage.

Are there side effects when using Lightening/Brightening products?

Side effects will occur only if instructions are not followed correctly. Lightening products should always be applied as a thin layer to affected area, preferably at night until results have been achieved, then maintained 3 days a week with less aggressive lightening/brightening products. Two great products to maintain skin’s even tone are:

OMIC® Expert Brightener™ (our Intense Fading Gel) or OMIC® BrightenUp™ (3-step Brightening Kit). It is a must to follow up with sunscreen, a minimum of SPF 30. Try OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin, included in BrightenUp™ Kit) or try our IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (for dry/sensitive skin) in order to avoid further pigmentation problems.

Do any of your lightening/brightening products contain sunscreen?

No, our lightening/brightening products do not contain sunscreen. It is best to use sunscreen separately, which is more effective. No cosmetics should ever be used in place of a good broad-spectrum sunscreen. Many make-up companies claim to have an SPF 15 or 20. This is great in theory, but SPF can only refer to UVB blockers. In addition, moisturizers and foundations are absorbed by the skin, so they are by nature less effective at sitting on the skin’s surface as sunscreens are. For best results, it is imperative to use sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30. Try our OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin) and/or IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (for dryer skin) every day to maintain even skin tone and to protect from further skin discoloration.

Is there anything else I can do to speed up the lightening process?

Yes, to enhance lightening/brightening results, exfoliate 1-2 times a week, always leaving 3-4 days between treatments. Try our Omic® SkinPolish™ Exfoliating Cream (for face or body). Soaps can be too harsh on the skin.

Caution: Too much exfoliation can dry and irritate the skin causing inflammation, leading to more dark spots, especially ethnic skin.

Additional usage of sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 is highly recommended with broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection every day, during and after treatment as well as limiting sun exposure. Try our OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin) non-sticky and leaves no white residue and for sensitive/dry skin, or try IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion. A wide brimmed cotton woven hat is also highly recommended to prevent further pigmentation spots. This will help to maintain clear, even toned skin.

I have very oily, uneven sun damaged skin. Is there a specific lightening/brightening regimen recommended for oily skin?

Absolutely, oily, sun damaged skin fares better with lighter textured products such as serums or gels which are absorbed easily and dry quickly.

See suggested regimen below:

1. OMIC® BlemishLess® Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser – removes oil and impurities without over-drying skin. Use it am & pm.

2. OMIC® BlemishLess® Antibacterial Pads – absorbs oil, killing bacteria and unclogs pores. Use it am & pm.

3. OMIC® Expert Brightener™ Intense Fading Gel – targeted to minimize brown spots and restore even skin tone. Apply to dark areas and let dry. Do not rinse (am & pm).

4. OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel* – maintains skin clarity and prevents further skin discoloration, am only.

*Our sunscreen, OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel leaves skin shine free with no white residue. Next, try NEW PoreFree™, a Pore Refiner that hides imperfections and controls shine. This will keep an oily complexion shine free.

Are lightening products safe to use during pregnancy?

No, it is not safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing.

Why are lightening/brightening skincare products recommended for nighttime use?

Lightening products are recommended preferably for nighttime use only because when using lightening/brightening skincare, the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in more brown spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkling. Thus, following up with a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen every morning will help to prevent further skin discoloration. Try our OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin or IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (for dry/sensitive skin) in order to avoid further pigmentation problems.

Which products are best to treat oily/acne prone skin?

Our BlemishLess® 3 -step clarifying system is one of the only non- irritating and non- drying regimens designed to stop breakouts before they begin. See benefits described below:

· absorbs excess oil and impurities

· unclogs pores and kills surface bacteria

· prevents future breakouts

· reduces inflammation, clarifying skin

Can you recommend a simple regimen to even out my skin tone and reduce brown spots?

Yes, please see suggested regimen below:
(Remember that creams and lotions are better suited for dry complexions, especially in the winter. Gels and serums are best suited for normal/oily/combination complexions).

AM
OMIC® BlemishLess® Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser – apply small dab to wet skin. Massage and rinse.
OMIC® Expert Brightener™ Intense Fading Gel – use only 1-2 times a week to enhance lightening/brightening results (see #17).
IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion – a must to maintain clarity and prevent future discoloration.

PM
OMIC® BlemishLess® Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser – same as above.
OMIC® SkinPolish Exfoliating Cream– cleansing pads reduce surface bacteria and calm irritation. swipe over oily areas and let dry.
OMIC® Expert Brightener™ Intense Fading Gel – targeted to minimize brown spots and restore even skin tone. Apply to dark areas and let dry.

I have problems with acne scarring. Will lightening/brightening products help to lighten these spots?

Yes, but it is important to not pick at pimples because this will often leave unattractive scarring and dark skin is much more prone to keloids (scar tissue caused by trauma). And consistently following a lightening/brightening regimen is extremely important to achieve effective results in fading acne scars. After a few weeks of everyday usage, scars will appear less noticeable, resulting in a lighter, more even skin tone. Try our LightenUp™ Kit, an aggressive lightening/brightening regimen formulated to fade dark spots, restore an even skin tone and brighten the complexion. Be sure to follow up with a sunscreen, a minimum SPF 30. Try OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin) or IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (for sensitive/dry skin) daily to avoid further pigmentation.

I have a very oily complexion with large pores and constant shine. Do you have any products that will hide my large pores and take away shine?

Yes, try our OMIC® PoreFree™ Pore Refiner. STOPS shine instantly, absorbing oil and hiding the appearance of large pores and tiny imperfections. Provides instant visible results!

Why is it important to stay out of the sun?

Sun exposure has the greatest impact on how our skin ages:

1. 95% of skin aging changes are caused by sun exposure and most of the skin damage is attributed to UVA (aging rays) compared to UVB (burning rays). Our risk of skin cancer greatly increases with each tan or sunburn.

2. Long wavelength UVA, which is the vast majority of UV rays is very close in wavelength to visible light. A simple rule of thumb: when you are outside in daytime, you should protect against UVA even if the sun isn’t hot or doesn’t shine. UVA comes through clouds, car windows and windshield as you drive.

For this reason, an SPF 30 or higher during and after lightening/brightening treatment is recommended every day to prevent further skin discoloration. Try our OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin) or IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (for sensitive/dry skin) daily to avoid further pigmentation.

Why is exfoliation so important?

Exfoliation is an important step to add to your daily skincare regimen because it will instantly improve skin’s texture, allowing for better penetration of lightening/brightening products. This extra step will result in the skin looking smoother and brighter, restoring skin’s glow instantly. Look for exfoliating creams rather than a bar soap because exfoliating soaps can be too harsh on the skin. Try our SkinPolish™ Exfoliating Cream - gently exfoliates your skin without irritation, leaving your skin soft, smooth and radiant.
Remember that too much exfoliation can dry and irritate the skin causing inflammation, leading to more dark spots, especially with dark skin.

I’ve been using lightening/brightening products for a long time but seem to be getting more brown spots!

One of the more common reasons is not applying sunscreen every day. Just a few minutes of daily sun exposure that occurs while driving to work, sitting by a window or walking outdoors is enough to cause an uneven skin tone or more brown spots along with premature aging, over time. Also, indoor lighting (florescent and halogen bulbs) also break down collagen and can cause the same aging as UVA rays, wrinkles and skin discoloration (see # 8).

What is the best way to eliminate razor bumps?

To cleanse and reduce irritation, start with OMIC® BlemishLess® Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser, an anti-inflammatory cleansing gel which will cleanse and calm irritated prone skin as well as dissolve excess oil without over-drying, reducing inflamed skin. Follow-up with Blemishless Fighting Lotion twice a day to instantly heal and eliminate razor rash, bumps and irritated prone skin. Can also be applied on the back of the arms, legs or bikini area where bumps may occur.

Does Mitchell Group do animal testing?

No, Mitchell Group is proud to say that we do not do animal testing or use animal derived ingredients in our product line.

Is it necessary to wear sunscreen every day?

Yes, driving to work, sitting by a window or just walking or running outdoors is enough to cause uneven skin tone, melasma, lines and wrinkles and dark brown spots, causing premature aging over time. Indoor lighting such as florescent and halogen bulbs can also break down collagen and accelerate the aging process. Mitchell Group recommends using broad-spectrum UVA & UVB high protection every day. This will protect your skin from premature aging.

I want to brighten my dull sensitive skin. Can you recommend a regimen for sensitive prone skin?

For best results, see OMIC® BrightenUp™ regimen suggested below for sensitive prone skin.

AM
1. Creamy Cleanser – for example: Aveeno Creamy Cleanser (drugstores). Use am and pm.

2. Brightening Serum – (included in OMIC® BrightenUp™ Kit) reduces brown spots and promotes luminous skin.

3. OMIC® SkinProtect™ SPF 30+ Clear Gel (for oily skin) or IsisPharma SPF 50 Lotion (for sensitive/dry skin) daily to avoid further pigmentation.

PM
OMIC® BrightenUp™ Kit.

1. Cleanser – same as above.

2. OMIC® BrightenUp™ Prepping Lotion (kit) preps skin for quick and efficient absorption of active ingredients into the skin.

3. OMIC® BrightenUp™ Serum (kit) – same as above. apply to entire face and let dry. Do not rinse.

How long before I see clarifying results when using your BlemishLess® kit?

You should see a difference in 7-10 days. Some people see a difference in 4-5 days. It’s important to follow directions & keep going until an improvement is seen. For best results, use all three products everyday as the ingredients have been formulated to work together. It is not advisable to use other acne products with BlemishLess® products as the scientific balance will not be right. Mixing will create an imbalance (a negative effect) so the products will not work as well. Remember, consistency is the key.

Are Mitchell Group products approved by the FDA?

Yes, all our products comply with FDA guidelines.

How do I know Omic Products are not counterfeit?

Mitchell Group continues to protect our brands by addressing damaging effects of counterfeit products, routinely monitoring online and in-store retailers with the help of private investigators researching throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

How can I check the status of my order?

Please call our toll free #1-888-726-6211 Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm