Medical Grade Skincare

There are so many products to choose from when it comes to skin care. It can all be so confusing. Then along comes medical grade skin care and blows our minds even more. So, what is the difference between medical skin care and cosmetic skin care? Medical-grade skincare is a term given to products that are made to a higher specification than over-the-counter products. The active properties they contain will penetrate the skin at a cellular level where they make a change to your skin (for the better). Medical grade skin products are extremely effective, not only their anti-aging properties, but also for specific skin conditions such as melasma, chloasma and sun damage. Some treatments within our medical grade skin care range are only available with a prescription, which Lesley will be able to issue to you following your consultation. They are specifically formulated to provide both aesthetic and medicinal benefits. We stock Obagi Medical Skin care in our clinic.

How do I know if a product is medical grade?

A medical-grade skincare brand has clinical research that backs up their claims of the reported benefits. The best way to ensure a brand is medical grade is to talk to a skin care expert.

Can medical grade skin care treat hyperpigmentation and age spots?

Although many high street brands lay claim to being able to remove hyperpigmentation and age spots, however, this would generally require a medical approach to be effective. Special skin cells produce a substance called melanin which helps to protect us from UV light and photodamage. Over production of melanin causes it to deposit unevenly in our skin, leading to age spots and hyperpigmentation. Medical grade skin products contain active inhibitors which reduce and fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots.

What’s all the fuss about Retinol and does it work?

Simply put, yes. Retinols are the absolute hero of skin in our opinion, and have been used in skin care since the 70’s. Originally used in the treatment of acne, retinols are a form of Vitamin A that penetrates the skin to the dermal layer. Retinol then converts into retinoic acid where it becomes active. Once in the skin, retinoic acid prevents the breakdown of collagen making retinol a fabulous anti-ageing product. As if that isn’t enough, due to its ability to stimulate the metabolism of skin cells, retinol also contributes to the reduction of enlarged pores and evens out skin's texture.

Which Retinol is best?

There are many retinols to choose from, but as high street products contain a lower concentration of retinols than medical grade skin products, they may not be as effective. Retinol needs to be converted to retinoic acid in the skin, therefore, much of the active ingredients are lost when using high street creams. The reason for this is because, as retinol converts to retinoic acid in the skin, much of the active ingredients are lost when using high street creams. Pure retinoic acid is only available on prescription, but no need to worry, if we feel this would be suitable for you, Lesley will be able to prescribe this for you.