FAQ
Q: What exactly is Dermabreak?
Dermabreak is specialized skincare for people who are quitting nicotine—or have already quit—and want to address the specific toll it takes on the skin. We call it "Recovery Gap" because we focus on reversing the look of the dullness, dehydration, and "tired" texture that often follows years of nicotine use.
Q: Is this just a regular anti-aging cream?
Not quite. Most anti-aging products are broad-spectrum. Dermabreak was formulated for a very specific set of concerns: the loss of vibrancy and the fine "etched" lines (particularly around the mouth) that are unique to current and former smokers. We prioritize deep barrier repair and brightening without using the harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive, recovering skin.
Q: Why does a former smoker need a special product?
Nicotine constricts blood vessels and depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients. Even after you quit, the skin can look "grey," thin, or perpetually thirsty. Dermabreak is designed to "wake up" the complexion by flooding it with the specific nutrients it’s been missing.
Q: What is “Smoker’s Face”?
It’s a term used in dermatology to describe the visible pattern of long-term tobacco use: sallow or greyish skin tone, deep expression lines, and a loss of elasticity. We don't see this as a permanent "stigma"—we see it as a skin condition that can be significantly improved with the right topical support.
Q: Does this "detox" my skin?
Let’s be clear: your liver and kidneys handle detoxing your body. When we say "detox" in skincare, we mean clearing away the environmental buildup, pollutants, and surface debris that make skin look muddy. We’re cleaning the "canvas" so the active ingredients can actually do their job.
Q: What is the “Smoker’s Dividend”?
It’s the money you’re no longer spending on nicotine. We believe that "reclaiming" that money and spending it on self-care—like high-quality skincare or better nutrition—is a powerful psychological tool to help you stay quit.
Q: How does the 90-Day Program work?
Skin takes time to turn over and rebuild. We broke it down into three simple stages:
Month 1 (Refresh): We focus on stopping the "thirst." You'll notice better hydration and a calmer skin barrier.
Month 2 (Revitalize): This is where we work on texture. You’ll start to see a smoother surface and a softening of those fine lines.
Month 3 (Radiance): By now, the "grey" should be fading, replaced by a healthier, more consistent glow.
Q: What should I expect in the first month?
Most people see a "plumping" effect fairly quickly as the skin finally holds onto moisture. If you are currently in the middle of quitting, your body is under stress, which can sometimes make skin feel a bit reactive. We’ve kept the formula gentle to account for that.
Q: Will this cause breakouts?
It shouldn’t. Dermabreak is non-comedogenic and focused on repair. However, when you change your routine or your lifestyle (like quitting nicotine), your skin might have a brief adjustment period. If you’re prone to acne, just start slow.
Q: Why use Niacinamide?
Think of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) as a multi-vitamin for your skin barrier. It helps even out blotchy tones, shrinks the appearance of pores, and strengthens the skin’s outer layer so moisture doesn't leak out.
Q: What’s the deal with Bakuchiol?
Retinol is great, but it can be incredibly irritating (peeling, redness, sun sensitivity). Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative that offers the same smoothing and anti-aging benefits but is much kinder to the skin. It’s perfect for the "recovery" phase.
Q: Is this a moisturizer or a treatment?
It’s both. It provides the daily hydration of a high-end moisturizer while delivering the active ingredient punch of a serum. It’s a "one-and-done" step for your morning and night routine.
Q: How long until I see a real difference?
You’ll feel the hydration almost immediately. Visible changes in skin tone and those "smoker’s lines" usually take about 6 to 8 weeks to become really noticeable. Consistency is the secret ingredient here.
Q: Will this work if I quit 10 or 20 years ago?
Absolutely. The damage nicotine does to collagen and elastin persists long after the last cigarette. It’s never too late to start feeding your skin what it needs to repair itself.
Q: Who created Dermabreak?
Dermabreak was founded by Essam Hadwan. As a Mayo Clinic–trained Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Essam spent years helping people quit nicotine and saw firsthand how much the "visible" damage to their skin affected their confidence. He created this to help people feel as good as they look.
Q: How do I use it? Keep it simple.
AM: Wash your face, apply Dermabreak, and always—always—follow with SPF.
PM: Wash your face and apply Dermabreak.
Q: I’m still using nicotine. Can I start now?
Yes. In fact, we encourage it. Starting a skincare routine while you’re transitioning is a great way to commit to your "new self" and protect your skin from further damage while you work on the habit change.
Q: Is it normal to feel a tingle?
A light, brief "warmth" or tingle can happen, especially if your skin is very dry. It should fade in a minute or two. If it burns or stays red, your barrier might be compromised—back off to using it once every other day until your skin gets stronger.
Q: Is it safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding?
While our ingredients are generally considered safe and much gentler than retinoids, we always recommend showing the ingredient list to your doctor before starting anything new while pregnant.
Q: Is it cruelty-free?
Yes. We are 100% vegan and never test on animals. We also follow all MoCRA safety standards to ensure every bottle is stable, safe, and effective.
Q: Is this only for people who have already quit?
A: It is designed for those who have quit or are actively in the process. It’s a tool to support your new healthy lifestyle!
Q: Why Bakuchiol instead of Retinol?
A: Quitting is stressful enough. Retinol can cause peeling and irritation. Bakuchiol gives you the same anti-aging benefits but is gentle on skin that is recovering its natural balance.
Q: How long until I see results?
A: Most users report a "brighter" complexion within 7 days as circulation improves. Collagen benefits from Bakuchiol typically show after 4-6 weeks of consistent use.
