FAQ: Dr. Groot’s Medicated Creams

What are Dr. Groot’s Formulas made of?

Dr. Groot’s Formula #3 contains 8% hydroquinone, 5% kojic acid, 0.025% tretinoin and 1% hydrocortisone in an antioxidant vanishing cream base. It is used for fine wrinkles, texture changes and pronounced irregular pigmentation.

Dr. Groot’s Formula #4 is extremely potent, and is reserved for those people who have not achieved optimal benefits from Formula #3.

These formulas are compounded using a unique anti-oxidant base, which is the key to stabilizing the active agents and ensuring their effectiveness and freshness. The Crestwood Apothecary ensures that the active ingredients are not neutralized, leaving them fully active and thereby making them more effective.

Because these creams are very potent, care must be taken to not use them in excess to avoid irritation of the skin.

How are Dr. Groot’s Formulas best used?

Morning:

• Cleanse the face with a mild soap or cleanser (such as Cetaphil). Let the skin dry for 20 minutes, to give it a chance to replenish its natural oils.
• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 45. Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, according to the amount of time spent in the sun, or after sweating or swimming. Dr. Groot usually suggests Anthélios “L” SPF 60 or Neutrogena’s Health Defense or Ultra Sheer. The latter tends to be better for acne-prone skin but must be reapplied frequently.
• If the skin still shows signs of dryness, apply a moisturizer such as:

-Dr. Groot’s #1 Moisturizing Cream: a lighter moisturizer for mild to moderate dryness.
-Dr. Groot’s #2 Moisturizing Cream: a heavier moisturizer for moderate to severe dryness.

• Avoid using astringents or toners as they contain drying agents, such as citrus fruits (lemon or lime) and alcohol. These agents aggravate, dry and irritate the skin.

Evening:

• Cleanse the face with a mild soap or cleanser (such as Cetaphil). Let the skin dry for 20 minutes, to give it a chance to replenish its natural oils.
• Apply Dr. Groot’s Formula #3 cream (or Formula #4 cream) sparingly over the entire face. If the cream is used in excess the skin will become irritated, dry
  and red.

Dr. Groot’s formulas should be replaced every eight weeks as they oxidize and become less effective.