Over The Counter VS. Cosmeceutical Skin Care Products

Do You Know The Difference Between Over The Counter and Cosmeceutical Grade Skin Care Products?

I have been thinking about this topic for a while. I had to run errands one day last week and decided while I was in Costco I would look at all of the skin care products and the ingredients in them. Yes I know how boring right? Not to me...... I love this about my line of work..I am very serious about skin care! My patients, family & friends know this about me. 


I have tested almost every skin care line. I just like to know what's out there. I have people ask me all the time about skin care products, it's my job to know. So I just wanted to put this information out here so you would know the difference between Over The Counter and Cosmeceutical skin care products. I hope this helps if you are undecided on what is best for you and your skin! 

So here we go! OTC VS. Cosmeceuticals

Over the counter is any skin care product that can be purchased without a prescription. OTC's products do NOT have the same amount of active ingredients that cosmeceuticals have, They are NOT allowed to.

Cosmeceuticals are pharmaceutical grade products that are only available through doctors or licensed aestheticians!  Cosmeceuticals contain a higher amount of active ingredients than you could purchase OTC and they penetrate deeper into the skin the Dermis to be exact.


Why are active ingredients important? These are the ingredients that MAKE a change in the skin. Some of the conditions or concerns that most consumers are trying to correct: Hyperpigmentation, Melasma, Fine lines & Wrinkles, Hydration, Sun Spots ext. 


Ok.... So OTC products ONLY work with the outer most layer of the skin. This is the skin you see when looking in the mirror. So when you use OTC products you are applying the product and it just sits on the surface of the skin. It will not penetrate any deeper! Bummer RIGHT! I know. Think of all the money spent over the years on products that just work on the surface. OTC products have so many fillers, parabens, dyes, fragrance ext and they are most likely watered down. Look at your products, what is the first ingredient? This is what your product mostly consists of. 

  Epidermal & Dermal Layers Diagram #1

Medical Grade products work with the LIVE tissues in the Dermis !!!! Cosmeceuticals make changes in the dermis. THIS IS WHAT WE WANT!!!

Now when you use Cosmeceuticals they actually penetrate through the Epidermis all the way to Dermis where your collagen, elastin, and new skin cells reside... This is what we want to target with skin care products!!! We want to get rid of any unhealthy skin cells that cause pigmentation problems or uneven skin texture. You want to BOOST collagen, elastin and speed up cell turnover, this is what makes healthy skin. 


When our collagen and elastin are broken down we will not have that tight plump looking skin. It is very hard to replace collagen and elastin after it's been damaged, this is why you should be using a cosmeceutical on a daily basis so you can preserve and protect what you have!  

Cosmeceutical Skin Care Products Move Through Multiple Layers of Skin Penetrating The Dermis.

Epidermal & Dermal Layer Diagram #2

One the BIGGEST reasons consumers purchase OTC products are because they think they cannot afford medical grade cosmeceuticals. This is not true. Most OTC products you get from the drug store, department stores, independent cosmetic sales consultants or even a mall kiosk are often the same price or more expensive. You end up using more of the product and replacing it sooner. Which means more $$$$!  Also cosmeceuticals are more affordable because they have a higher concentration of great quality ingredients, they last longer because you do not use as much, and they don't pay for T.V. commercials or big advertising campaigns. 


So does this mean OTC products do not work? If you have never used a skin care regime before... maybe but only with a minimal result. They will only work superficially. And this is where you end up with multiple skin care products that you get tired of because they do not work and you throw them in a drawer or trash can. Again waste of $$$$. 


If you have any questions please feel free to email or post a comment and I will get back with you as soon as possible. 

If you would like a free skin consultation call for an appointment with me at Azalea Laser & Skincare 910-452-3666.

Winter Skin Care Tips!

The weather outside may be dreary but your skin doesn't have to be! 

For most of us the cold winter months can be damaging to your skin. Does your skin start to dry, flake, crack, ignite eczema and become uncomfortable during the winter months?

When the heat is turned up our skin starts to dry out, the outside elements will also cause us some issues. It is really hard to find a salesperson to suggest skin care products with you at the drug store, Target, or Walmart! It is really helpful if you have an aesthetician or doctor to help choose the right products for YOU!

Having a good skin care regime is key! Not only do you want to take care of your face, neck and décolleté you should take care of the whole body. 

   Here are some tips that will help fight the winter effects. 

Exfoliate

You should have an exfoliant handy for your shower. I like an AHA body wash (gycolic acid and lactic acid are great Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Gylcolic acids will exfoliate while lactic acid exfoliates and helps retain moisture. You can use a sponge with the body wash and it will leave you with a great polished look! You can use this all year! AHA's also help reduce the signs of cellulite, create cellular turnover, provide relief due to ingrown hair, KP and aide in collagen production! 

• Even though it is tempting to crank the hot water up try to use warm water or limit your time in the hot shower or bath to 10 minutes. Hot water will strip the skin causing extra dryness. 

•  If your skin is really dry, flakey or irritated oatmeal baths are a great way to sooth the skin! Just remember to use warm water or limit the time you are in the water.

• Stay away from moisturizers and astringents that have alcohol in them this will also strip your skin!

Moisturize

You may have a moisturizer that you use for spring and summer, but you may need a little extra during the cold months. I like a shea butter moisturizer for the body. Shea butter is very hydrating! I would suggest using a facial moisturizer with hylauronic acid, ceremide 3 and linoleic acid these ingredient's help reduce TEWL, which stands for transepidermal water loss. This will help protect the skin's natural barrier. 

Sunscreen

I know sunscreen is something you would think only needs to be used in the summer time, thats not true. During winter months you should apply sunscreen not only to your face but any skin that is showing. If you live in an area that has snow the suns UV rays will reflect causing more exposure. Applying sunscreen will protect you not only from harmful UV rays but also from other harsh elements. Reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes or at least every hour during extended sun exposure. You will thank me later for this little tip!

• Apply sunscreen and moisturizer to your hands as needed. Wear your gloves when you are out and about. 

• When you use heat in your home the air is very dry. If you have a humidifier set it up in the room you spend the most time in. Humidifiers will put moisture back into the air. 

• Warm your feet! Use a moisturizer for your feet as well. Wear a nice pair of warm socks or slippers afterward!

• Make sure you drink plenty of water! Hydration needs to be a priority! I know many people loose sight of the importance of drinking water during cold months, keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Limit caffeine you can always substitute coffee with a cup of warm herbal tea. Use honey if you like it! Honey is a great substitute for sugar and has a lot of benefits. I like to keep a bottle of water at room temperature at all times!