Now more than ever, we’re hearing skincare recommendations from everyone - From the latest trending video on Tik Tok, from beauty influencers, and from our peers who are more informed than ever about
skincare. The most recent buzz surrounds the world of medical-grade skincare.
With all the noise in the beauty world, why is medical-grade skincare the one we should be taking note of?
In this article, we’ll explain what these products are, what makes them different, and how to incorporate them into your routine based on your skin’s unique needs.
What is medical-grade skincare?
We’ve all heard talk of these products, but what are they really?
Medical-grade skincare consists of products with a higher concentration of active ingredients. This is due to it being FDA regulated to have at least 99.9% pure ingredients that are backed by science and data.
These products are designed to target specific skin issues like anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne for example.
They’re products that have been created for both medicinal and cosmetic benefits to your skin.
How does medical-grade skincare differ from over-the-counter products?
We oftentimes get the question of what makes medical-grade skincare different than over-the-counter products. Beauty products can be very confusing, especially with the glossy packaging and the
benefits promised. Let’s understand what medical-grade skincare actually is, and what your over-the-counter products are not.
Here are some key differences:
- The over-the-counter products you get from Shoppers or Sephora do not have to adhere to any regulated testing, so they don’t have to go through testing their products or passing standards of safety with the FDA.
- Over-the-counter products tend to sit on the skin’s surface and are not designed to penetrate the skin with the same effectiveness that medical-grade skincare does. Medical grade is designed to reach the deeper levels of the skin due to advanced absorption.
- While popular, the over-the-counter products do not generally pack the same punch when it
comes to the efficacy of their ingredients. For example, if you purchase a retinol from your medical aesthetician, you can see results within 8-12 weeks. For some popular beauty brands that aren’t medical grade, it can take up to 8 months to see any benefit – and that’s if you’re using it consistently. - Medical-grade skincare features longer lasting and higher quality ingredients. Not only do they work better, but they also last longer on your shelf.
How to use medical-grade skincare for anti-aging.
Anti-aging is top of mind for our clients, and it’s important to always feel you look your best. As we age, our confidence can sometimes be bolstered when we take that extra self-care step to maintain our skin.
Aging happens to our skin naturally for variety of reasons:
- Collagen and elastin in our skin naturally breaks down over time, causing wrinkles and sagging skin. Your skin gets thinner and less oily, making it appear older.
- A little bit of sun exposure goes a long way in damaging the skin, causing wrinkles and age spots to occur.
- Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol can prematurely age the skin. Not getting enough sleep and a stressful lifestyle can also factor in.'
- Environmental factors like air quality, toxins and smog affect the skin negatively over time.
The list goes on!
But with medical-grade skincare, you can invest in effective products that work better and faster for your skin’s needs.
We recommend fighting the signs of aging before they even begin with a great sunscreen. Our favourite is the Vivier Sheer Tinted SPF 30 Sunscreen as it protects from UVA and UVB damage, and has added antioxidants/extracts provide added hydration and anti-aging benefits for complete sheer protection. It’s also a mineral sunscreen, which we always recommend.
We suggest keeping your skin hydrated in the morning and while you sleep at night. Our clients love the Skinceuticals’s Triple Lipid Restore cream, as it helps restore the skin's external barrier and
support natural self-repair. It’s been proven to nourish dry skin and reverse signs of aging.
Helping your skin while you sleep with a great retinol product is also beneficial. Retinol helps to improve the visible signs of aging and pores, while minimizing breakouts. We recommend the Skinceuticals Retinol 0.3 to apply at night, so you can wake up to radiant skin.
How to choose the right skincare for you.
The benefits of medical-grade skincare are backed by evidence, federal regulation, and the medical community.
Now that we know this is a great choice for our skincare routine, how do we know which products are best for us for other skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, etc.? The ideal way is to have a complementary skin analysis at the clinic, and our team
of experts can assist you. We offer this free service with the use of our Visia Skin Analysis tool, that scans the face and shows diagnostic results of any skin concern you may have.
We also carry a variety of products in the clinic itself, or you can order online on our website once you’re ready to make a purchase.
We look forward to seeing you in person to chat more about your medical-grade skincare options!