In the world of skincare, choosing products to purchase for yourself is like expecting a toddler to decide on a treat in the candy store – the colors are bright, the choices endless, and the whole experience can be dizzying, overwhelming, and more expensive than you bargained for.
Still, when it comes time to cash out, you want to get the best bang for your buck. Stop scrolling TikTok and letting influencers dictate your choices!
Medical-grade skincare is a luxury your skin needs more than the latest Drunk Elephant fad product (although we do like their stuff, we’re here to tell you that you’re paying for packaging more than product efficacy).
The debate between medical grade skincare and over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products is a tale as old as Neutrogena herself. While it’s not quite a rivalry, per se, understanding the differences can help you make informed decisions for healthier, more radiant skin – and we’re debunking the main myths the beauty industry doesn’t want you to know.
Understanding Definitions
Before we go MythBusters on you, let’s start with what exactly medical grade and OTC mean.
Medical grade skincare products, also known as cosmeceuticals, are a category of products formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients. They are prescribed and recommended by dermatologists and designed to target specific skin concerns.
OTC (Over the Counter) products, on the other hand, are the items you see at Sephora, Ulta, Amazon and the drugstore. They’re widely available in retail and online.
Now grab your dermaplaner and hyaluronic acid, because it’s time to dive in deeper.
Myth 1: OTC Skincare Products Are Just as Effective as Medical Grade Skincare
Medical grade skincare products are the GOAT. They’re quite literally formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients, making them more effective for treating specific skin concerns. Medical grade products, such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or the Obagi Nu-Derm System, undergo rigorous clinical testing to prove they work. These potent products have proven they address what they claim: helping you work through hard-to-treat concerns like severe acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.
OTC products are designed for the general public and thus contain lower concentrations of active ingredients to ensure safety, but also to meet FDA regulations for mass production. Brands like The Ordinary might have an appealing price tag, but it’s like buying a dupe lululemon Scuba Sweatshirt that falls apart after one wash.
Myth 2: All Skincare Products Penetrate the Skin Equally
Medical grade skincare products just hit differently. They’re formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver the active ingredients where they’re most needed.
OTC products primarily affect the skin’s surface, which can limit their effectiveness for deeper concerns. Products like HA5 from SkinMedica are designed to reach deeper layers of the skin, providing more significant and long-lasting results.
Like Shrek says (sort of), we all have layers. Just addressing the first one is barely scratching the surface.
Myth 3: OTC Skincare Products Are More Affordable and Just as Good
Okay, we’ll hand it to the OTC crowd. They are generally more affordable. However, with big box beauty stores stocking more and more brands, even OTC prices have gone up. Don’t spend your hard-earned cash on something that looks cute on your #shelfie, but doesn’t boast any benefits. Medical grade skincare products offer better value because not only are they effective, they have longevity.
And if the OTC product does work, great! You’re still getting ripped off in the long run. The lower concentration of active ingredients means you’ll need to use more product over time to see results. Though initially more expensive, medical-grade products provide faster and more noticeable improvements, ultimately offering better value for money.
Myth 4: You Don’t Need a Medical Professional for Effective Skincare
Our ears are burning! Expertise matters! We can provide personalized skincare regimens with recommended products tailored to your exact skin’s needs. Not your mother’s, not your BFF’s little cousin, not the Instagram model you hate-follow — YOURS.
Say it with us: skincare is not one-size-fits-all. Consulting with a trained and trusted medical aesthetician or an aesthetic RN/MD can help you understand your skin type and specific concerns. Not only that, but we can literally prescribe products that you can’t purchase (what’s up, .5% tretinoin?). As with most things in life, trusting the science and those who study it is your best bet.
Myth 5: OTC Products Are Safer Because They Are Milder
Your skin wants a word with you. Medical grade skincare products are formulated to address specific skin concerns including sensitivity with the highest impact— that means something just for you, Ms.Sensitive!
While OTC products are formulated to be mild and suitable for a broad audience, medical-grade products are designed to be both potent and safe. They undergo extensive testing to ensure they can treat the conditions they claim to without causing harm. For example, the Obagi Nu-Derm System is well-known in the aesthetic world for its safety and effectiveness in treating hyperpigmentation. You won’t get that same guarantee with Sunday Riley, no matter how delicious their Vitamin C serum smells.
In the ongoing rivalry between OTC skincare products and medical grade skincare, we’re team medical grade for the proven advantages. It’s your skin and you deserve all the information to make informed decisions to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Remember, great skin is a journey, not a destination. With the right information and products, you can tailor your skincare routine to meet your unique needs and enjoy the benefits of healthy, beautiful skin. And if you need help for that ride? Give us a call – Skin MD will be your ride or die!