Skin Care Products

In addition to her work as an oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Laura Phan is passionate about the nonsurgical side of her practice. After years of experimenting, she has developed and launched her own product line, LaFaceMD, to provide a more comprehensive and effective skincare solution. Learn more about medical-grade skin care at her Saratoga, California, practice below.

Meet the Face Behind LaFace

Originally trained in ophthalmology, Dr. Laura Phan has a deep passion for facial aesthetics and the intricate art of surgery. She has trained under world-renowned experts in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery and is one of only a few surgeons in her area with this specialist skillset. Whether she is designing personalized treatment plans or the interiors of her treatment rooms, Dr. Phan's refined aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail shine through.

Meet Dr. Phan

Medical-Grade Skin Care at Home

Dr. Phan only recommends products that she personally uses and trusts. When building your treatment plan, she recommends you consider the following:

Antioxidants and Sun Protection

As the single most important component of any skincare regimen, a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect the skin from photodamage and aging. A broad-spectrum sunscreen should include a physical blocker like zinc or titanium dioxide and a chemical blocker such as oxybenzone. An SPF of 30 or greater is optimal. In addition to sunscreen, topical antioxidants help remove free radicals in the superficial skin and prevent sun damage.

Dr. Phan recommends antioxidants such as vitamin C + E and ferulic acid for patients of all ages. These antioxidants brighten and even out the skin tone while repairing and protecting the skin from sun damage. They also help with collagen production and inhibit melanin production.

Cleansing and Exfoliation

Every skincare regimen should start with a mild cleanser. As most bar soaps are too harsh for the skin, Dr. Phan recommends washing with warm water and using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.

Adding an exfoliating cleanser 2 to 3 times a week promotes cell turnover. By sloughing off the top layer of the skin, you are also reducing blemishes and preparing the skin for other repairing and renewal products.

Dr. Phan encourages you to look for a cleanser with alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) and beta hydroxyl acids (BHA). Her LaFaceMD Glyco10 Wash is particularly effective at keeping the skin bright, smooth, and clear.

Growth Factors and Skin Regeneration

In addition to an exfoliating cleanser, Dr. Phan emphasizes the importance of growth factor products to renew the skin. Growth factors stimulate collagen production to fill in fine lines for more youthful, even skin. LaFaceMD Revital Plus combines growth factors with mild exfoliants and antioxidants for an all-in-one solution for regeneration.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Over the years, hydroquinone has been the gold standard for hyperpigmentation treatments, typically used in combination with retinoids. It bleaches the skin by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme needed to make melanin.

An alternative to hydroquinone is kojic acid, which inhibits tyrosine, another amino acid required to produce melanin. LaFaceMD’s K+L+C Compounded Cream contains arbutin and 4% kojic acid to inhibit melanin production, along with 8% lactic acid and 15% vitamin C for added benefits.

For more severe hyperpigmentation, Dr. Phan recommends using a stronger bleaching agent in addition to K+L+C. By using the LaFaceMD A+L+P Pad, which contains 7% azelaic acid, 5% lactic acid, and 3% phytic acid, once a week, your skincare routine will inhibit melanin production, reduce inflammation, exfoliate, and increase cellular turnover, resulting in a brighter, more even skin tone.

Nightly Routine

For nightly use, Dr. Phan advises using a retinoid to exfoliate the skin further and stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen and add volume and support to the skin. Retinoids also promote blood vessel growth, improving skin tone.

Retinoids are all-around skin rejuvenators that reduce fine lines and blemishes while improving skin texture and tone. Dr. Phan recommends LaFaceMD Ret 5 or 10 Serum and Cream over other vitamin A derivatives because they have strong exfoliating properties without causing dryness or flaking.

Moisturizing Regimen

Given the potential for exfoliants and retinoids to dry out the skin, a good moisturizing regimen is essential. Dr. Phan recommends topical hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 serum. Hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic, absorbing water up to 1000 times its weight, thus allowing the skin to retain moisture. Vitamin B5 has a similar moisturizing effect.

Dr. Phan’s LaFaceMD Revolumize Plus, which combines hyaluronic acid with peptides and antioxidants, serves as an all-in-one moisturizer that hydrates, smooths, firms, and protects the skin.