We’ve all seen celebrities and social media influencers talk about the skincare products that are helping them achieve flawless complexions. However, the general public may need to become more familiar with what makes these products different from what you can buy at the drugstore or online. Medical-grade skin products are formulated to treat specific skin conditions and produce positive cosmetic results. Here are the top reasons to consider upgrading your routine to medical-grade products:
Better Quality Ingredients
Unlike over-the-counter skin products, medical-grade skincare has more active ingredients. The ingredients used in these products are also formulated to ensure they are delivered to the deeper layers of the skin, providing effective results. They can help address many common skin issues, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, loose or sagging skin, and more.
Also, medical-grade skin products are often called cosmeceuticals, combining cosmetics with pharmaceuticals. The FDA regulates them to ensure they deliver both aesthetic and medicinal benefits.
In addition to a higher concentration of active ingredients, cosmeceuticals are usually formulated using premium-quality ingredients. This is one of the primary differences between medical-grade and over-the-counter skin products, which is why these products are generally considered better for your complexion. Finally, cosmeceutical products are often made using superior manufacturing practices. For example, a serum with vitamin C may be stored in a dark bottle to prevent it from degrading and becoming ineffective when you use it.
More Versatile
Medical-grade products offer a range of skincare solutions to address various skin problems. For example, there are eye cleansers for the delicate skin around the eyes to prevent fine lines and dark spots, neck creams for sagging skin, and chemical peels that remove damaged outer layers of the skin and treat scarring or hyperpigmentation.
In addition, many medical grade skincare products offer a higher ingredient concentration than over-the-counter options. This may benefit people who have not seen results with lower-concentration products or those with a more serious skin condition, such as severe acne or sun damage.
The higher concentration of ingredients also allows the product to penetrate more deeply into the skin, making it a more effective treatment. This is another reason why medical-grade products are often a better value than over-the-counter products.
A common ingredient in medical-grade skin care is retinol. Retinol is generally offered in a much higher concentration in medical-grade products than over-the-counter options.
It’s important to note that medical-grade products aren’t sold in your local drugstore or department store and are usually only available through a doctor’s office or medspa. You should also work with an experienced aesthetician when choosing a product to mix and use on your specific skin type properly.
More Effective
Unlike cosmetic-grade skin products on the outermost layer of your face, called the epidermis, medical-grade products penetrate deeper layers of the skin and deliver the ingredients to where they can make a difference. This allows them to address more concerns than over-the-counter skin care products.
The other benefit is that research and clinical studies back up medical-grade products, whereas over-the-counter products do not. This means that when a skincare professional recommends certain medical-grade products, you know you are getting the best formulas available with the highest quality and safety standards regulated by the FDA.
For example, a medical-grade serum with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) or stem cell peptides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In contrast, a medical-grade cleanser formulated with AHA can improve your skin’s texture and tone. Using a facial mask that targets your specific concerns can also help.
Safer
The products used in medical-grade skin care tend to be safe, wholesome, and effective. They are often fragrance-free, preservative-free, and highly stable in high temperatures (a big deal because many common skincare products lose their potency when exposed to heat). Medical-grade products are also tested at higher concentrations than those sold over the counter, ensuring they have the maximum efficacy and will not cause side effects, such as redness, irritation, or inflammation.
Medical-grade skin products are also formulated to target specific conditions and needs, such as acne or wrinkles. These products are called cosmeceuticals and are a great way to get more results from your skincare routine.
Another reason why medical-grade products tend to work better is because they are designed to reach the hypodermis, where collagen scaffolding and cell-producing cells reside. This is a major difference from over-the-counter products, which are legally only allowed to have a certain level of active ingredients, and that’s why many people don’t see dramatic results when using their products.
When investing in a medical-grade skin care regimen, it’s essential to stick with it and not go back to old habits that sabotage your progress. It’s also best to start slowly and slowly add new products as you get your skin accustomed to them to stay manageable.
