When you walk into Lumiere Laser Center, one of the first things you notice is our wall of skincare. We carry a variety medical-grade skincare lines, including SkinCeuticals, Biopelle, SkinBetter, Alastin, and SkinMedica. One of the most frequently asked questions we get is how the selection of medical-grade skincare we offer differs from the selections featured at department stores and specialty stores. There are three primary areas of differentiation between medical-grade and high-end skincare lines: quality and quantity of ingredients, product delivery methods, and scientific research.

• Quality and Concentration of Ingredients

One of the primary differences between medical-grade and over-the-counter skincare is the concentration of ingredients in each product. Since medical-grade skincare can only be purchased from a medical provider, it is understood that a product education will be provided to the patient, tailoring product selection to the patient’s specific needs and concerns. As a result, medical grade skincare lines are able to develop products with a higher concentration (dosage) of active ingredients. In addition, medical-grade skincare contains higher quality ingredients specifically sourced for these skincare lines. Finding the right ingredients takes time and research; some ingredients have to be harvested from various locations around the globe or specifically  developed by scientists and skincare professionals into proprietary patented blends.

• Product Delivery Method

Product delivery method is another way in which medical-grade skincare products differ from their over-the-counter counterparts. A product can be formulated with the highest quality ingredients, but without an effective delivery method, correct stable formulation, and proper molecular weight selection, the ingredients cannot penetrate the skin, thus rendering them ineffective. Over the counter products are designed to penetrate the outer surface of the skin (the epidermis) and cannot address deeper skin concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, and other issues that lie deeper beneath the surface. Medical-grade products are designed with advanced delivery technologies that have the capability to penetrate down to the deepest layer of the skin, correcting specific skin concerns directly at the source. To put it simply, over the counter products sit on top of the skin, while medical-grade products penetrate into the skin. True skin change happens at the dermal level, not the surface level, making medical-grade skincare the way to go for true results.

• Scientific Research

One of the most startling differences between medical-grade and over-the-counter skincare lines is the extent of scientific research and testing conducted. Medical-grade products are subjected to rigorous testing and clinical studies, while over-the counter lines do not subscribe to the same standard. Formulated by pharmacologists, geneticists, biologists, and physicians, medical grade products have years of research and data substantiating their effectiveness. This extensive validation process proves that medical-grade skincare lines actually work and create desirable changes in the skin.