How Do Medical-Grade Skincare Products Differ from Cosmetic Counter Products?

For most of us, our introduction to skincare products began with over-the-counter (OTC) or department store products. Why? It was probably all we could afford in our youth. Our skin care routines likely started with moisturizers, toners, and masks. Soon, we needed something more specific such as acne or spot treatments. And as we got older, we started to dive into the world of exfoliants, trendy clay masks, and serums.

Cosmetic counter products probably worked for you for years; however, the reality is that they may not be as effective today. In fact, they were never really as effective as you thought. When you were younger, your skin healed faster; collagen production was good, and skin renewed itself quickly.

As you get older, you may begin to notice those OTC products aren’t working as well as they once did. There are two reasons why. The first is that your skin isn’t as young and healthy as it was. The second reason is that department store products aren’t potent; they don’t boast high-quality ingredients, nor have they been clinically tested.

Now that you’re keen on having a more serious skincare regimen that delivers real results, you should start integrating medical-grade products into your routine. Here’s how medical-grade skincare products differ from over-the-counter products:

Quality and Concentration of Active Ingredients

The biggest difference between medical-grade and department store products is their potency and the quality of the ingredients. Medical-grade or pharmaceutical-grade products will contain a high percentage or higher concentration of active ingredients.

OTC products have such a low percentage of the active ingredient that it’s typically barely enough to have any real impact. The packaging on many department store products may say “clinically proven;” however, this is a marketing phrase often used to mislead consumers into believing the product has undergone clinical studies.

Higher Standards and Extensive Testing

Pharmaceutical grade products undergo the rigorous testing that is regulated by the FDA or Health Canada, while OTC products can make claims without any clinical studies or research. With medical-grade products, you have the peace of mind that you’re using a product that has undergone years of studies, research, and testing; science and third-party clinical studies can back the claims of its effectiveness.

With medical-grade products, it’s typical to have teams of experts conducting extensive testing, research, and documentation. Depending on the purpose of the product, this may mean years worth of studies, data, and trials.

Product Penetration

Medical-grade products boast a more effective delivery method compared to OTC products. Because pharmaceutical grade products are designed using advanced technology for better product delivery, they address and correct deeper skin issues directly at the source.

OTC products only work on the epidermis or the skin’s outermost layer. Because they sit on the surface, they don’t penetrate deep into the skin and therefore, don’t work deep enough into the dermis to do anything extraordinary.

You want your products to penetrate deeply because that’s where the collagen-producing cells live; therefore, if you want products that have a real impact of your skin, you need something that does more than sit on the surface of your skin.

At CüR Laser and Skin, we only use products that have been clinically tested and approved by government health departments and authorities. We are an aesthetic medical centre that is physician directed. We have the highest standards of care available, provided in a hygienic and professional environment.