Do your eyes glaze over when you think about what skincare product to use? There are so many options to choose from but knowing what product to use, when to use it, and how much are questions we get asked a lot.
To start, you need to know what condition we’re treating. The best way to do that is to have your skin analyzed by a skincare specialist. At CaTara Med Spa our aesthetic appointments start with a skin analysis so we can help you better understand your skin and how to protect it. We will then advise you on what products to use, and how to use them.
Advising the right product is largely done by knowing the active ingredients in different products. Over-the-counter products are formulated to be used by the majority of people in the population and rarely treat specific skin conditions. This means that active ingredients will have low concentrations so as to limit negative effects. OTC products are made to sit on the skin. Medical-grade products are designed to penetrate the epidermis, thereby affecting the deeper layers of the skin. Medical-grade products can only be purchased at facilities with a physician. This is because the active ingredients are purer and have a higher concentration. Higher concentrations of active ingredients allow products to actually penetrate and change the skin.
Then there’s the cost of the product. While medical-grade products may cost more on the front end, the higher concentration and quality of active ingredients also means a little goes a long way so you don’t need to purchase as often as you would OTC.
Buyer beware. So where do you purchase medical-grade products? Some may think an option is to purchase medical-grade products from third-party sources on your own, but be wary of this. First, you need to be careful when using medical-grade products because they are stronger. A professional at CaTara Med Spa will help you learn what, when, and how to use them properly without harming your skin. Second, you can’t trust that the product is not expired, hasn’t been tampered with, isn’t contaminated, or hasn’t been repackaged when you purchase it from an unauthorized seller. This means a product from unauthorized, third-party sellers may not work as it should or may not even be the product you think it is.
So, make the most of your skincare investment by working with a trained professional to analyze your skin and develop a custom regimen for your unique needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more about our medical-grade lines: CMS MD, Epionce, Glymed, HydroPeptides and ZO Skin Health.