As spring brings warmer temperatures and brighter days, many people pick their skincare regimen back up, undoing the damage that the cold, dry winter did to their skin. It can be easy to go for the drugstore skincare products, but if you have truly problematic skin, you may want to try a different route this season. Medical-grade skincare is generally more effective and has higher quality ingredients. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about medical-grade skincare so you can go into this spring with flawless skin.
What is Medical-Grade Skincare?
Medical-grade skincare, also known as cosmeceutical or professional-grade skincare, is skincare that is targeted to specific skin conditions or needs, like acne or wrinkles. Medical-grade skincare brands are often recommended by a dermatologist and typically have a higher concentration of active ingredients than you can find in over-the-counter products. This type of skincare has been tested to be effective on the skin and is meant to offer both medicinal and cosmetic benefits.
What Is The Difference?
There are a few key differences between medical-grade skincare and over-the-counter (OTC) products. Medical-grade companies will use highly stabilized ingredients that last longer and take longer to degrade. Many of them can also penetrate deeper into the skin as they use more involved mechanisms of absorption.
Mainstream OTC products often only contain a fraction of the active ingredients you’ll find in medical-grade products, even if a drugstore brand is labeled as “clinical strength.” This is because products that are sold without a supervising physician are not allowed to exceed a certain level of active ingredients. This ensures that it won’t harm someone whose skin isn’t suited for it, but it also means that the product can be too weak to achieve the effect you are looking for.
Medical-grade products, on the other hand, contain much higher concentrations of active ingredients, which means they are subject to FDA regulation. This benefits you because the products have to be proven safe and effective in controlled studies and third-party testing before being sold. Many of the over-the-counter brands are largely self-regulated, and they can not make claims that they treat skin conditions. Medical-grade products will work more quickly and effectively to treat specific skin problems and improve your overall skin health.
What Medical-Grade Skincare Should I Use?
No matter what kind of skincare product you are going to buy, you should check with your skin specialist or dermatologist before deciding to use a product. A few medical-grade skincare brands that are highly recommended and used in PURE Medispa skin treatments are:
- SkinMedica - SkinMedica offers a wide variety of beneficial skincare products and peels. It provides great results whether you need to treat sun-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, or if you just want a more radiant, youthful complexion. At PURE Medi-spa, we offer the SkinMedica Illuminize Peel, SkinMedica Vitalize Peel, and SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel.
- PCA Skin - PCA Skin offers solutions to address a wide variety of skin types and conditions, treating acne, aging, discoloration and more. At PURE Medispa, we offer the PCA peel with Hydroquinone and Resorcinol, the Ultra Peel, and the Sensi Peel.
Making the switch to medical-grade skincare can not only improve existing skin issues, but protect against future damage and slow the skin aging process. Ditch the mainstream over the counter products and give your skin the health and protection it deserves this spring. If you are interested in receiving medical-grade skin treatments, the esthetic team at PURE Medi-spa has got you covered.
Dr. Scott Mckenna, MD, and his highly experienced team of medical estheticians specialize in professional treatment options to help you feel and look your best. Schedule your free consultation online or call us at (570)-941-8460 for more information.
