Cosmetics are a multi-billion-dollar industry. Every day, tens of millions of individuals spend their hard earned money on products that promise to make them look younger, make their skin feel healthier and give them a vibrant, attractive appearance.
What may come as a surprise to many individuals is that a good portion of the over-the-counter cosmetics currently being sold are full of colors, fillers and fragrances.
Once consumers learn this, they often opt to purchase medical-grade cosmetics as opposed to over-the-counter products.
What Does It Mean When Something is Medical-Grade?
Medical-grade cosmetics are described as pharmaceutical; they are commonly referred to as medicine. These skincare treatments are prescribed by a physician.
They are often used in conjunction with advice received from a medical professional. They are formulated to match your skin type. Due to their medical nature, topical medications/cosmetics are highly regulated by the FDA.
Understanding Cosmeceuticals
There is another group of products that are available over-the-counter and claim to offer biological benefits. These are referred to as cosmeceuticals. These include antioxidants, proteins and vitamins that are sold for skin health.
These products are not reviewed by the FDA. As a result, they may be full of filler ingredients and other ingredients that come from unregulated sources. These cosmeceuticals are used without referral from a physician and can lead to some undesirable consequences.
Over-the-Counter Cosmetics
Over-the-counter cosmetics are what you see when you go into a retail store at the mall or when you walk into a drugstore. They are in beautiful displays and are set on counters in a way to grab your attention. Often, these products are endorsed by celebrities and promise unbelievable results.
Here’s the thing; since the majority of clients decide for themselves whether or not they have dry skin, oily skin or sensitive skin, the products themselves must be made safe for general use. This means that cosmetic companies cannot use large amounts of any active ingredient in their products.
At the end of the day, the product smells good and feels good, but it does not do anything to actually improve the condition of a person’s skin. They are designed to be irritation-free for a broad customer base.
Unlike medical-grade cosmetics, over-the-counter cosmetics are made in huge batches and have just as much preservatives as their active ingredient.
As a result of the preservatives, fillers, fragrances and colors that are added to over-the-counter cosmetics, many people have a bad skin reaction. Something to remember is that just because an over-the-counter cosmetic product has one really good active ingredient, the active ingredient on its own is not enough to provide the desired results.
Active ingredients produce good results because of the synergy they create when working with the right mixture of other ingredients together with skin type. This perfect mixture is impossible to attain by purchasing over-the-counter cosmetics designed to be a one-size-fits-all product.
Learn More Today
Located in Lynnwood, the Cosmetic Surgical Arts Center offers various medical-grade cosmetics, including Clarisonic®, a sonic skin cleansing system. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how medical-grade cosmetics can benefit you.