In our fast-paced lives, we do our best to eat healthy and take care of our bodies but sometimes we don’t consider the products we pat, rub and force into our skin. Deciding what product to choose can be confusing but making the choice between medical grade skincare or over the counter products should not.
OVER THE COUNTER SKINCARE PRODUCTS:
Over the Counter (OTC) Skincare Products may seem like a bargain to your bank account, can easily be found in department stores, come in attractive packaging and always smell so so good! BUT, have you ever analyzed the ingredients or really read what the product claims to do?
OTC skincare products are designed to sit on the top layer of your skin and contain low concentrations of active ingredients so just about everyone can use it without adverse side effects. They are not able to molecularly penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin -where real changes occur! With such low concentrations of active ingredients, fillers, fragrances and dyes are added to fill up that attractive packaging. And don’t forget, those artificial fragrances and dyes can cause skin irritation and even worsen allergies.
Carefully read the claims of these products. My favorite is: reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I don’t know about you but I want to STOP those pesky lines and wrinkles from forming not just reducing their appearance! Most of these products work by moisturizing your skin or acting as an occlusive to prevent water loss. Moisturizing and preventing water loss will of course temporarily minimize the appearance of those lines and wrinkles BUT it will not correct the underlying problem. And what about, “minimizes the appearance of pores”. Any product you use to “fill” your pores is going to minimize their appearance but is not going to make your pores smaller.
MEDICAL GRADE SKINCARE PRODUCTS:
Medical grade skincare products may seem expensive but don’t get “sticker shocked” when you see the price. I have learned that a little really does goes a long long way, making the cost per application extremely affordable. They are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients that are able to penetrate below the skin’s surface and are able to change the structure and function of cells. Since medical grade skincare products are regulated by the FDA, they have undergone scientific research and studies and have proven their efficacy.
Medical grade skincare products cannot be purchased at department stores and must be purchased through a medical office. Having an educated and informed professional diagnose your skin and recommend products suitable to your skin and condition is invaluable!
My personal goal is to change the structure and function of my cells and force my skin to act younger. I’ll take smooth, fresh and wrinkle free over dull, rough and wrinkled skin EVERY day! It’s a no brainer and medical grade skincare is definitely the place to start!
No product can change your skin overnight but when used regularly and as directed, you will see and feel the changes that medical grade skincare products can provide. Give us a call and schedule a time to meet with one of our medical aestheticians to discuss your skincare products and options.
Now is the time to revamp your skincare diet! You won’t regret it!
By: Cheryl Cloninger, Medical Aesthetician
