The Truth About Professional Skincare vs. Medical and Over The Counter Products
- Genelle Holub
- Feb 17
- 8 min read
In the quest for healthy skin, many people explore skincare products, diets, and home remedies. While these methods can be beneficial, professional skincare treatments and products offer unique advantages that can elevate your skincare routine. From targeted treatments to expert advice, professional services and products help achieve long-term skin health. Let’s delve deeper into the benefits of true professional skincare.
Why Choose Professional Skincare?
Professional skincare is not just a luxury; it is an investment in your skin's health, and it doesn't need to be super expensive. Professionals possess knowledge of skin anatomy, common conditions, and effective treatments. They can also assess your skin type and tailor approaches specific to your needs. This customized care leads to more effective results than random over-the-counter products from Amazon, Target, TikTok, or Walmart typically provide. Where's the direction or education for the individual?
For instance, a dermatologist or licensed esthetician can identify issues such as acne, pigmentation, or aging signs and recommend the best treatments. Several studies show that individuals who receive professional skincare treatments report significant improvements in their skin condition. Regular professional treatments can also complement at-home skincare routines, maximizing their effectiveness.
What is considered a professional skin care product?
Professional skin care products are developed and sold for spas, physician’s offices (medical spas), or skin clinics. Some of the things that differentiate them from OTC products are:
They are made in small batches, allowing for better quality control.
They go through extensive ingredient testing. (see below about Face It Skin products)
The quality of the ingredients is usually higher, and they have a higher percentage of active or active organic ingredients.
They are formulated to be used by licensed aestheticians and physicians who have years of experience and an understanding of the skin and its function.
Products range to target different types of skin and skin conditions.
Contain pH-adjusted ingredients designed to support the integrity of the skin’s protective barrier.
Don’t contain additives such as synthetic fragrances, colors, or preservatives such as parabens.
OTC (over-the-counter) skin care products are designed to be mass-produced. This means they contain more preservatives to allow for manufacturing and shipping times, and they can stay on the shelves for extended periods. They also have a lower percentage of active ingredients since they are designed to work on most of the population with minimal chance of the product causing irritation. Funny thing, I hear all the time how a clients skin was irritated or damaged because of a random OTC product used.
*Face It fact: Face It Skin products are regularly tested for effectiveness with each new batch, and we retest the formula every two years. This is important because our manufacturers source ingredients from different suppliers. Sometimes, we need to change suppliers if we can't get high-quality vitamin A (retinol) or if a supplier goes out of business. Mother nature also has a role in this because crops do vary from season to season. I only work with active organic ingredients.
So There is no Confusion, Here's the Scoop on "Medical Grade" Skincare
Although "medical grade" skincare is often marketed as such, it is not truly medical grade. Technically, "medical grade" is indeed medical grade because it requires a prescription, like prescription-strength vitamin A, known as Tretinoin; however, it generally refers to skincare products with higher concentrations of active ingredients, supported by scientific research, and often only available through a dermatologist or doctor-operated medical spa. This means they adhere to stricter standards than OTC (over-the-counter) options, leading many experts to consider them "professional-grade" or "clinical-grade." In summary, to avoid confusion, medical grade skincare is actually professional skincare unless you have a prescription, and the term "clinical grade" is equivalent to professional grade. Oh those clever marketing schemes!
How do you know? Let's say you're in a big fancy spa and you are purchasing a product while you are there. You're eyeing a $200 cream that is supposed to be "superb." Quickly see if it is on Amazon or other sources mentioned in this blog to be sure it truly is what they say. If you find it on sites selling to the masses, it's nothing more than OTC. Unless you are at your pharmacy with your prescription in hand it's not medical grade. If you are at a home party or an MLM function, know that you are buying OTC.
There are also individuals who claim to have created or developed their brand, but in truth, they bought unbranded products from a mass production line and simply added their own label. This process is known as "white labeling," and I believe it is very misleading to consumers, as they are not being honest with you. White labeling is a business strategy where a company purchases a product or service from another company and markets it under its own brand.
Benefits of Professional Skincare Treatments
Take-Home Professional Skincare Delivers Extended Results
Professional skincare treatments often utilize advanced techniques not available in home care. For example, chemical peels are designed to remove damaged layers of skin, revealing healthier skin underneath. They can address issues like acne marks and uneven skin tone. Did you know you can get professional products that have elements of a peel to take home? Check out Face It Skin Raspberry Clay Mask that contains glycolic acid!
Another professional treatment is microdermabrasion, which gently exfoliates and smooths the skin using fine diamond heads to promote cell renewal for fresh, firm skin. These procedures deliver faster and more noticeable results than typical scrubs and topical treatments available in stores. There are professional-grade products you can use at home to maintain this level of exfoliation for some time after the treatment. The advantage is that truly professional products aren't sold on Walmart.com. Just one of many brands, for example, is the brand Alastin. They say they are professional or clinical grade, yet are actively sold on Amazon and Walmart, yet claim to be professional only. Hmmm.
Access to Professional-Grade Products
Additionally, professional skincare clinics of all sizes offer products that may contain higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to OTC options. Professional-grade products can include potent antioxidants, organic actives, retinoids, and peptides that enhance the skin's appearance. For instance, a licensed esthetician might use a vitamin C serum with a stable 20% concentration during treatment. Such products can noticeably improve skin texture and brightness, showing results that regular brands may not achieve. A professional also carries higher or should I say, "top-shelf" products that maintain the treatment that was just done for you. Professional products are made in smaller batches, which can help ensure better effectiveness besides quality control.
With professional guidance, you can learn which ingredients work best for your unique skin concerns, ensuring a more effective skincare regimen which includes your lifestyle.
Education and Guidance
When you invest in professional skincare treatments, you also gain access to expert advice forming a relationship. Professionals not only perform treatments but also educate you about your skin. Common topics might include:
The importance of daily SPF
Professional skin check
Effective strategies for maintaining results
Your skin, products and the changing seasons
Tailored product recommendations for your skin type or the new stage in your life
This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your skincare routine at home.
Improved Skin Conditions and Skin Organization
Many individuals struggle with persistent skin issues, such as acne, eczema, melasma, or signs of aging. Professional skincare treatments can significantly improve these conditions. For example, clients with acne may benefit from specialized facials that use extractions and deep cleansing techniques to treat flare-ups effectively rather than 99 items purchased randomly.
Furthermore, ongoing treatments can help manage chronic conditions. Regular visits to a skincare professional can lead to clearer skin with fewer breakouts and reduced visibility of scars and pigmentation and give you relief of inflamed irritated skin. The proactive management of skin concerns often results in higher self-esteem and confidence with skincare organization. This is where you stop feeling overwhelmed.
An Added Benefit: Relaxation and Self-Care
Beyond the skin benefits, professional skincare treatments offer a much-needed retreat from daily stressors. Many treatments, like facials, promote relaxation through soothing techniques and a calming environment. This aspect of professional skincare is crucial, as stress can directly impact skin health, leading to breakouts and inflammation.
Carving out time for self-care not only improves your skin but also contributes to overall well-being. It’s a reminder to prioritize yourself and take essential breaks for relaxation and rejuvenation.
What are some Common Services in Skin Care?
Professional skincare encompasses various services designed to address diverse skin concerns. Here are some common offerings:
Facials: Tailored to your skin type, they can cleanse, correct, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin.
Chemical Peels: Use acids to remove dead skin layers, helping to reveal smooth rejuvenated skin.
Microdermabrasion: Gently exfoliates the skin, improving texture and tone.
Microneedling: One of the best treatments for targeting specific skin issues for natural stimulation of collagen production.
LED Light Therapy: An increase in the amount of collagen in the skin, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other stigmata of aging, besides addressing inflammation and clearing up acne.
Massage Treatments: Enhance circulation and relax the skin, often included in facial treatments.
Consultations: Assess your skin concerns and recommend personalized skincare plans.
Each service targets specific skin issues, ensuring that you can select the best options to meet your needs. Regular treatments or a combination of services can lead to the desired results.
Navigating Your Professional Skincare Journey
To embark on your professional skincare journey, start by assessing your skincare goals. Are you looking to treat acne, reduce signs of aging, or simply pamper yourself? Here are actionable steps to navigate this journey effectively:
Research: Look for local establishments that offer professional skincare services with professional products (you know what to look for now). Review their credentials, ask about their education and ensure they are licensed and have positive client testimonials.
Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your skin concerns. Be open about your skincare goals and any known allergies or sensitivities and your lifestyle. Ask what skincare they use and research their choices!!!!
Treatment Plan: Based on professional advice, develop a treatment plan that suits your needs. This may include a combination of in-clinic treatments and at-home skincare products.
Consistency: Commit to your skincare regimen. Regular treatments and consistent at-home professional skincare will yield the best long-term results.
Feedback: Keep the lines of communication open with your skincare professional. You are establishing a skin-ship with them. Notify them of any changes in your skin or reactions to treatments for optimal care.
By following these steps, you can create a professional skincare regimen that promotes healthy skin and enhances your confidence for your lifestyle.
Embracing Professional Skincare
Investing in professional skincare treatments can lead to glowing, healthy skin. From truly professional grade products to personalized treatments, the benefits are profound and enduring. By choosing professional skincare, you're not just addressing the surface; you're adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes your skin’s health and well-being.
Remember to assess your skin as you age and see another season and seek professional guidance when needed. As your skin evolves, so should your skincare routine. Regular sessions with a qualified professional can serve as both an investment in your skin and a wonderful self-care experience at home.
For those interested in exploring skincare services, consider reaching out to a qualified skincare professional to guide you on your journey to healthier skin.
Embrace your skin's potential and enjoy the journey every time you cleanse—one product a time!
~ Genelle
Genelle holub
MUA, LE, NCE
Face It Skin
Founder
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