In recent years, the term medical-grade skincare has become a buzz word, but what does it mean and what makes it different?  Trust me, I bought “great” skincare from department stores from my teens through my 30s…(like C[inique)…but I still had acne…In my 30’s, I bought into multilevel marketing (like @rbonne) and again didn’t see results. Then there was R0dan & Fie[ds. It wasn’t until I purchased ONE medical grade skincare product (shout out to Jan Marini) at my first REAL facial at 50 that I understood the difference. The difference was the results!

Medical-grade skincare products involve medical research to evaluate the benefits and results. These products are formulated with higher concentrations of ingredients such as vitamin C, growth factors, chemical exfoliants, retinols, tretinoin or hydroquinone or hyaluronic acids that penetrate the skin barrier. They often require a licensed prescribing practitioner (NP, PA, or doctor) as they are not available over the counter. Plus, their newest products are cutting edge, studied and not just a fad. But best part is, they are elegant unlike prescription creams that you get from the pharmacy.

Many over-the-counter products treat the outermost layer of the skin; however, medical-grade skincare is designed to work at a deeper level. Again, the formulations are backed by clinical research and use delivery systems that allow active ingredients to reach the dermis, where collagen, elastin, and other structural components of the skin are located rather than just sitting on the surface of the skin.

Best part yet, medical-grade skincare from a clinic like ours involves expert advice and instruction after an evaluation from a professional trained to treat your skin concerns.

Yes! But I understand medical-grade skincare products cost more than over-the-counter options. That was hard for me to swallow at first. But I ask my patients… “how much have you spent on your skincare over the last year and was it worth it?” Or, “Is what you purchased from XYZ working for you?” Often the answer is “no” or “I don’t know” which means no. Time and time again, my patients after even 2 weeks on medical-grade skincare say that it’s a “game changer” and they won’t go back to store shelf skincare. When I started using medical-grade skincare, I found myself literally used up the last bits of every tube or jar and even cutting off the tubes to use the remainder.  That is when I knew the investment was worth it. You get what you pay for. This was my experience and why I went full in with my skincare. My skin has been the best in my entire life, and my only regret is not doing it sooner!

Here at It Must Be Kismet Medical + Aesthetics, we endorse and PERSONALLY use both Marini Skin Solutions (formerly Jan Marini Skin Research) and Obagi Medical and Suzan Obagi. However, I caution my patients from getting them from anyone who is not a licensed reseller of their genuine products. The reason is that if you purchase online from anyone beside Marini Skin Solutions or Obagi Medical, you may be getting counterfeit or adulterated products. Only buy from a documented reseller or from the company directly!

If you want to make your skin the best it can be…let us help you!