Alumier FAQs
Q & A – General AlumierMD
How is AlumierMD different from other skin care lines?
We assembled a team of top scientists and physicians to bring you the most effective formulations using optimal medical-grade ingredients.
With over 100 years of combined skin care experience, our experts understand the physiology behind different skin types and conditions to help your clients achieve a youthful glow.
Because we focus on the science behind great skin, we know that it starts with identifying and understanding each of your client’s skin profiles. Our comprehensive medical skin care line includes state-of-the-art, science-based, luxurious formulations with innovative delivery systems. These products address multiple skin concerns, deliver results and perform progressively over time.
AlumierMD products are free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, artificial colors and chemical sunscreen filters. We do not test any of our products on animals.
What is “angel dusting”?
Angel dusting is a misleading marketing practice of including a minuscule amount of an active ingredient in a cosmetic, cosmeceutical, dietary supplement, food product, or nutraceutical, insufficient to cause any measurable benefit.
At AlumierMD, we don’t just “dust” our products with expensive ingredients to make marketing claims. We research the optimal ingredients and concentrations to create prescription-strength formulations optimized for your skin profile. Our products undergo independent clinical testing to ensure safety and efficacy.
What’s the difference between AlumierMD products and products sold at drugstores?
The products at a department store or drugstore are often diluted and manufactured for general concerns. AlumierMD products combine a variety of medical-grade ingredients, including AHAs, BHAs, retinol, antioxidants, vitamins and peptides, as well as innovative new components. The concentrations of these ingredients are generally much higher than in drugstore brands, and work synergistically to improve skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, dry skin, hyperpigmentation and aging skin.
Where can I buy AlumierMD products?
AlumierMD products are sold exclusively through your AlumierMD skin care professional. You’ll also be able to replenish your products through our online e-commerce platform with a unique access code given to you by your professional. And your products will be delivered to your doorstep at no additional cost!
Our AlumierMD professionals are at the top in the industry. We believe only a personalized and professional consultation can accurately assess your skin and address your individual concerns.
Does AlumierMD sell online?
AlumierMD manages all online sales through our online e-commerce platform - ask Cathy for your special login today!
You will never find our products on a reseller’s site which maintains product and price integrity.
What clinical testing was performed on AlumierMD products?
Tests on stability, use, SPF, preservatives, and sensitivity were performed.
Does AlumierMD test products on animals?
No, AlumierMD does not conduct product testing on animals.
Are AlumierMD products environmentally friendly?
Yes. AlumierMD product containers and boxes are recyclable, and we don’t wrap our boxes in cellophane to reduce waste.
What is the shelf life of AlumierMD products?
The shelf life of AlumierMD products depends on the specific formulation. Please refer to product packaging for details.
What if I react to a product?
We work very hard to source only top quality medical grade ingredients and take product reactions seriously. Please contact your skin care professional if you experience a reaction to receive appropriate and specific information.
Can I use AlumierMD products if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Please consult a medical professional regarding skin care product choices if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Actually Cathy Awad IS one - a Nurse Practitioner and she can provide expert advice on this topic! Full Ingredient Lists for each product can be found on each product page under Ingredients.
In what order should I apply my skin care products?
Using your products in the correct order is crucial because layering products gives you the benefit of more specialized ingredients. You should apply thinner serums and gels first, followed by thicker and creamier formulations. If you do the opposite, the heavier creams will prevent absorption of the lighter ones.
Can I use AlumierMD formulas with other products that I have?
AlumierMD products are created to work synergistically, so we recommend using them together for best results.
Why must I cleanse my face in the morning?
While you sleep, your skin repairs itself, excreting toxins and sebum that can prevent morning products from absorbing into the skin and working optimally. Also, washing your face in the morning removes nighttime products, which may contain ingredients that are not recommended for daytime use, including retinol and acids.
How would I start using retinol safely and effectively?
You must consult with Cathy Awad, NP, a certified AlumierMD skin care specialist prior to purchasing any home care products. Since our products are created using medical grade ingredients, it is important to us that you receive the appropriate recommendations for both in clinic treatments and your home care regimen. This is to ensure that you will receive the most optimal results.
Mild redness, peeling and irritation may occur when using retinol products. We always recommended conditioning the skin by starting with a low-percentage retinol product like Retinol Resurfacing Serum 0.25 or 0.5. You can start using it two or three nights per week if you are initially unable to tolerate nightly applications.
Do not use retinols if you are pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant. Use AlumierMD sunscreen during the day and limit sun exposure while using retinol products, and for a week following discontinuation.
What home care products can I use to exfoliate my skin?
Exfoliation refers to the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Exfoliation can be mechanical (e.g. scrubs) or chemical, whereby acids are used to loosen the connections between dead skin cells.
At AlumierMD, we offer a selection of effective exfoliating home care products to reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion. The best products for you depend on your skin type and condition. Please consult your AlumierMD skin care professional.
Which cleanser should I use?
All AlumierMD cleansers gently and effectively clean the skin by removing impurities and excess oil, while hydrating and soothing to keep skin smooth and soft.
We offer a variety of cleansers for your specific skin concerns:
Purifying Gel Cleanser is a refreshing and foaming cleanser ideal for normal to oily skin types. HydraBoost Cream Cleanser is intensely hydrating for dry to normal skin types. To calm sensitive or redness-prone skin, choose SensiCalm Cleanser; to improve acne-prone skin, try Acne Clarifying Cleanser.
Meet with Cathy Awad, NP first, an AlumierMD skin care professional, for a full skin evaluation and expert recommendations.
Which moisturizer should I use?
All of AlumierMD’s luxurious moisturizers are loaded with powerful antioxidants, stimulating peptides and soothing ingredients to hydrate, strengthen skin, improve elasticity and protect skin from free radical damage.
AlumierMD offers a selection of moisturizers for your specific skin concerns:
HydraLight Moisturizer is a light hydrator ideal for normal to oily skin types. HydraDew Moisturizer is rich and intensely hydrating, making it perfect for normal to dry skin types. To calm and hydrate sensitive or redness-prone skin, choose HydraCalm Moisturizer; to improve acne-prone skin, use HydraSmooth Moisturizer.
Which serums should I use?
We have a collection of specialty serums with innovative delivery systems; they contain vitamins, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, brighteners, peptides, retinols and other unique, cutting-edge ingredients. Serums can be layered to increase skin benefits.
Which sunscreen should I use?
We have created a wide variety of elegant sunscreens to suit your skin profile – sunscreens you’ll want to wear every day. Backed by science, our sunscreens are luxurious formulations with tints to suit your skin tone.
Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen is moisturizing and uses purely physical filters, making it ideal for normal to dry skin types and those with sensitive and redness-prone skin. Moisture Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen also uses purely physical filters; its smoothing and mattifying properties make it perfect for normal or oily skin. Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Sunscreen is non-comedogenic, light and soothing, so it is ideal for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Alumier MD’s sunscreens do not contain chemical sunscreen filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene.
How can I treat the skin on my neck and décolleté?
Don’t forget about your neck and chest! The skin on these areas is thinner with a less rich blood supply than the face. Protect these, often neglected, areas with nourishing and firming products like Alumier MD’s Neck & Décolleté Firming Cream, followed by one of our broad-spectrum sunscreens. Be careful with retinols and exfoliants on these areas; they might initially cause some irritation before your skin gains tolerance.
What skin types benefit from AlumierMD skin care products?
AlumierMD products are specifically formulated for different skin types and conditions, including dry, oily, sensitive, aging and acne-prone skin. We recommend asking your skin care professional which products and regimen would best address your individual concerns.
Can AlumierMD products be used on skin of all ethnicities?
AlumierMD products were formulated with all skin in mind. AlumierMD products may be used on skin of any ethnicity for the appropriate skin concerns, including visible signs of aging, sensitive skin, acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
Are AlumierMD products suitable for those with sensitive skin?
AlumierMD products are formulated with all skin profiles in mind, including sensitive and redness-prone skin.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that consists of comedones, papules, pustules and cysts. Acne most commonly develops on areas of the body that contain a lot of sebaceous (oil) glands, including the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. Acne usually begins (and is most common) in puberty, but many adults also develop the condition.
What products do you recommend for acne?
Our Acne Solution Series is an innovative regimen that helps you achieve clear skin using naturally powerful ingredients, each targeting acne by different mechanisms without drying out your skin. This advanced series reduces blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, leaving you with a clearer complexion.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial flushing, redness, telangiectasias (visible vessels), and papules and pustules (small red bumps or pimple-like lesions). Rosacea is most often seen in fair-skinned people over the age of 30, and typically affects the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
Which products do you recommend for redness?
Our redness/calming series helps you improve the look of redness and sensitive skin using naturally powerful ingredients. This advanced regimen reduces redness and irritation, boosts hydration, and protects your skin from environmental triggers, leaving you with a calmer and clearer complexion.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess and uneven melanin causes a darkened appearance to the skin in either small or large areas, resulting in dark spots, dark patches or an uneven skin tone.
Which products do you recommend for hyperpigmentation?
Our Pigment Solution Series helps you improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a brighter and more even-toned complexion. This advanced regimen reduces brown spots and discoloration by exfoliating existing pigment, brightening skin, and protecting against future damage caused by UV rays.
Cathy Awad, NP - your AlumierMD skin care professional can help you decide which products are best for you.
How will I know which AlumierMD products will be right for my skin?
We highly recommend booking a FREE CONSULTATION with Cathy Awad, NP, an AlumierMD skin care professional, for the best and individualized product and treatment recommendations.
Can I combine professional treatments and home care products?
AlumierMD professional treatments and home care products were specifically designed to complement one another and boost results. Your skin care professional will recommend the optimal combination for you.
I’m interested in AlumierMD professional treatments. What are your recommendations?
AlumierMD offers a full range of safe and effective professional treatments for skin concerns, including pigmentation, textural issues, acne, rosacea and aging skin.
Will AlumierMD chemical peels cause unsightly redness and peeling?
No. Clients sometimes expect to peel throughout the entire treated area, but post-treatment peeling is often similar to peeling after a tan. In some cases, exfoliation occurs on a cellular level and is not apparent to the naked eye. The exfoliation a client will experience varies depending on the peel strength and individual skin profile. AlumierMD chemical peels are light- to medium-depth, and are formulated to reduce irritation and redness.
What can I expect right after a chemical peel?
The skin is initially tender and more sun-sensitive as the epidermis renews itself. After the peeling takes its course (usually 3-5 days after the treatment), fresh new skin emerges and ingredients in home care products start to work more effectively. You will be given instructions from your skin care professional for pre and post-treatment care. It is very important that you follow these directions to ensure optimal results.
What are peptides?
Peptides are chains of amino acids that occur naturally in the body, or are synthesized in the laboratory. Different types of peptides are used in skin care because they have different functions. For example, there are anti-redness and antimicrobial peptides, as well as peptides that reduce the visible signs of aging and hyperpigmentation.
What are alpha hydroxy acids?
Alpha hydroxy acids (known as AHAs) are naturally occurring acids. They are used to exfoliate dead skin cells and increase cell turnover by loosening the connections between skin cells. They firm and strengthen aging skin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin feels smoother and looks more radiant after AHA use. Lactic acid (originally derived from sour milk) and glycolic acid (originally derived from sugar cane) are two examples of AHAs.
What are beta hydroxy acids?
Salicylic acid is the only beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Related to aspirin, it is an exfoliant with anti-inflammatory properties. It is also oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate pores to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and target excess sebum build up.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and antioxidant that increases cell turnover and strengthens skin, which improves tone and texture. Retinol minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. There are more than 700 published studies on anti-aging and retinols.
Have more questions? — book a FREE CONSULTATION with Cathy Awad @ Awad Medical!