PCA is known for their peels, but their skincare is next level. Clear, glowing skin is in, and we all just want to know how to achieve it. One of the most common questions I get is about my skincare routine (and I’m not just saying that). But, it was finally time to share in-depth look about one of my tried + true skincare brands, PCA.
I first discovered PCA about 3 years ago at a press event where they showed us a ton of before and after results that caught my attention. I left the event with a few products including the Broad Spectrum SPF and Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum and never looked back. Fast forward to October 2018, and I found myself attending a press trip at PCA Skin HQ in sunny Arizona!
PCA stands for Physicians Care Alliance and is targeted medical-grade skincare for every skin concern. Most importantly, it was started in 1990 by an aesthetician and developed by a dermatologist…the best combo. They’re well-known for their peels, and have product innovation down to a science.
Now onto my current routine! I’ve been using PCA for 3 years now, and it’s the one brand that I never get rid of in my routine. It’s my job on this platform to test out skincare and beauty products to recommend what works (which I love). But even when I add in a new brand of serum, eye cream or face wash, I keep the rest of my PCA routine the same. In addition to using these products, I also get regular PCA peels at a licensed spa. I go about 3x per year, and the peels really jumpstart any healing that your skin needs. I added my full skincare routine, both AM + PM, along with adjustments for anti-aging and acne prevention routines.* Check them out and let me know what you think!
PCA Skin Routine | Normal/Dry Skin
This is my daily skincare routine that’s best for normal to dry skin. It might seem like a lot, but I mix all of the serums together into a “cocktail” as my aesthetician would say. In an effort to keep this post easy to read, each product is linked so you can learn more about them by clicking.
AM:
- Creamy Cleanser
- Hydrating Toner
- Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
- C+E Advanced Formula
- Collagen Hydrator
- Sheer Tint Eye
- Sheer Tint SPF 45
- Peptide Lip Therapy
PM:
- Creamy Cleanser
- Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
- Intensive Brightening Treatment (retinol)
- ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum
- Ideal Complex Eye Cream
- HydraLuxe Moisturizer
- Peptide Lip Therapy
Other Additions:
PCA products that I use either weekly or monthly, but not every single day.
- Pore Refining Treatment (1-2x per week)- This is great for exfoliating and helping clear your pores without being too harsh.
- Hydrating Mask (3-4x per month)- A simple mask that locks in moisture. I’ll use it at night and then apply the rest of my serums when I rinse it off.
- Intensive Clarity Treatment (retinol, as needed)- If I feel a breakout coming on I’ll switch to this retinol to really clear up my skin.
PCA Skin Routine | Anti-Aging
Alright, I’ve definitely gotten my mom hooked on PCA too 🙂 Here’s the routine that her aesthetician recommended.
AM:
- Creamy Cleanser
- Nutrient Toner
- Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
- C+E Advanced Formula
- Total Strength Serum
- Revitalizing Eye Gel
- Weightless Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- ReBalance Moisturizer
- Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
PM:
- Creamy Cleanser
- Resveratrol Restorative Complex
- Intensive Age Refining Treatment (retinol)
- ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum
- Revitalizing Eye Gel
- HydraLuxe Moisturizer
- Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
PCA Skin Routine | Acne
Some slight additions and substitutions that are geared toward clearing skin and preventing acne. PCA also recommends the detoxifying mask and blemish control bar as needed to treat acne. This kit from Dermstore is a great option for trying out a few top products.
AM:
- BPO 5% Cleanser
- Smoothing Toner
- C-Quench Antioxidant Serum
- Acne Gel
- Acne Cream (spot treatment)
- ClearSkin Moisturizer
- Weightless Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- Revitalizing Eye Gel
- Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
PM:
- BPO 5% Cleanser
- Intensive Clarity Treatment (retinol)
- Acne Gel
- ClearSkin Moisturizer
- Revitalizing Eye Gel
- Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
*Finally, please keep in mind that I am not a licensed aesthetician, and I recommend asking your dermatologist about any specific skin or product concerns. But after a three-day crash course at PCA Headquarters, several peels, consults with PCA team members, and experience using the products myself, I definitely have a strong understanding of the brand!
xx,

Hey! Can you go into more detail on your steps for the anti aging? What do you mix exactly?
Hi, Paulina! Of course! For anti-aging, you definitely want to have a retinol in your routine and PCA’s Ex-Linea and Total Strength Serum.
Best,
Lauren
Hello there!
I really love the information here and will definitely be finding what I can add to my PCA skin routine.
Right now
I use
Facial Wash
Nutrient Toner
Rejuvenating Serum
Clearskin
Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum spf.
I omit the SPF at night, but that is my daily routine. What you have listed is vastly different and I was wondering what is my regimen actually targeting? I don’t have bad skin, or acne. I do get the occasional flare ups but I don’t know if I should add more via another consultation with someone else! Thank you for your time!
Hi Jason,
Thank you so much for your comment, and I’m so happy you’re a PCA fan too! I would definitely recommend talking to your aesthetician, but maybe you could try adding the Hyaluronic Acid Serum into your routine. https://rstyle.me/+Lu-Cn4WbN75PjaUf5ZP47A It’s very hydrating, especially for the winter! Other than that, it seems you have a great routine going on. You could also try using Hydraluxe for a richer moisturizer: https://rstyle.me/+kt3sy_53ihX9oM2FnCg0Bw
Thank you,
Lauren
Hey Lauren,
Thank you for the information. I have been using the hyaluronic acid overnight mask after my retinol. Have you used it? Should I used my serum before the mask? I need anti aging.
Love that! It’s such a great hydrating mask. You can definitely use the serum too.
Hello Lauren,
After a PCA peel, what is your routine?
Thank you for the information.