Premium Skincare VS. Mainstream: Who Comes Out On Top?

Premium, medical-grade skincare is a specific category of skincare products that offers several major benefits over the traditional OTC brands that you can get at any drug or beauty store. But there are some considerations you should look at before settling on these premium beauty products. We are going to review those here and discuss the pros and cons of various skincare categories so you can make an educated decision on what the best choice is for you and your uniquely beautiful skin.

Results are Guaranteed

One of the big differences between mainstream and these top-quality skincare products is the concentration of the active ingredients. While you can get a Vitamin-C serum at any beauty supply store down the street, it is likely quite diluted; sometimes even to the point where it is almost… invisible. Choosing a premium alternative, however, will ensure a more concentrated serum. Using the Vitamin-C example, this means you will usually have a minimum of 10% concentration versus a common 2% concentration for mainstream brands.

In addition to the concentration of the active ingredients that actually provide results, these premium skincare products are also reviewed and approved by the FDA. This means that they are put through specific tests for efficacy and have to prove results before reaching the marketplace. When a product is FDA approved, you can feel more confident that the messaging on the bottle is actually accurate, since they are restricted from making claims that cannot be backed up by evidence. So, if your favorite Obagi serum says, “Proven to reduce fine lines in 7 days” and the drugstore alternative says “Reduces wrinkles in one week” only one of those statements is actually tested and true. Marketing versus truth can be a tricky thing to navigate as a shopper, so with the FDA backing, you have that assurance and can eliminate all of the guesswork.

Visible Results, Quickly

On the same line as the certification and truth of their statements, you will often see premium skincare options claiming that their products will show visible results in as little as 7 to 14 days. This may sound too good to be true, but when you remember that the concentration is far more powerful and that they penetrate deeper into your skin for true saturation, you shouldn’t be surprised by the quick turnaround for results.

Mainstream beauty and skincare products may claim that “users report” results in 14 days, but there is actually no evidence to back up that claim. We’re not saying that none of them work, but we are saying that the only options out there that have been scientifically proven to provide the results claimed on the bottle are the professional options.

Results Last Longer & Can Prevent Future Skin Issues

Our skin is incredibly complex, absorbing some materials while blocking others. It protects us as it ultimately attempts to prevent the absorption of unnatural products. Because of the research that goes into premium skincare, the delivery method of the active ingredients is intelligent and efficient, utilizing bioavailable ingredients that your body can immediately put to use. This combination leads to longer-lasting results.

It plays a bit into the concentration aspect as well, because a lower concentration may not allow any of the ingredients to actually penetrate the dermis, while a higher concentration with smart delivery ingredients will. For example, using the same Vitamin-C complex from before, an ideal product will be in a bioavailable form (like L-ascorbic acid) at a high concentration (15%) in a solution that has a lower pH (no more than 3.5) for the most efficient delivery into your skin.

Consult with a Professional

Most distributors of these high-grade skincare products offer some form of free consultation with a trained professional. Whether this is a dermatologist, a doctor, or a cosmetic professional, this is an amazing opportunity to get expert advice on an individual basis before you buy a product. They can help guide you to the best options for your specific skincare concerns, which you will be able to discuss with them. Visiting a professional like this in their office would cost hundreds of dollars, but a consult is included before you even place an order for a luxurious skincare product.

Premium Skincare is More Expensive... or is it?

The only bad thing about premium skincare products is that they are more expensive. But are they really? The upfront cost will be more, there is no getting away from that. A Vitamin-C serum from a drugstore can be as cheap as $15, whereas a Vitamin-C serum from a premium brand can be closer to $100. But lets’ look at this critically…

When you choose the mainstream option, you are not getting the efficacy that you are guaranteed to achieve with the alternative. So, you are paying less at the register... but will it even work?

You are also paying for a lower concentration, which explains the lower price. Perhaps only 1% versus 15%. This concentration means you can use less and get results, so the bottle will last much longer.

The absorption is also different; without FDA approval, traditional skincare brands are not actually allowed to penetrate the skin past a certain level, while professional skin care can offer deep penetration and saturation into your dermis. So, when you look at all of these considerations, is the extra upfront cost really unreasonable?

Accessibility is Better than Ever

Finding premium, proven skincare products used to be a difficult task. You could usually only find them at dermatologist’s office, so only passed them when leaving or entering for an appointment. But with the web, accessibility has grown as these high-end brands are able to distribute their premium products to authorized sellers for easier access by all. They are more accessible than ever, making the daunting task of finding skincare products that actually work a thing of the past. Now it is as simple as visiting an authentic seller, placing an online order, and waiting for your shipment to arrive at your doorstep.

At the End of It All... Which Comes Out on Top?

It should come as no surprise by now that we really love the professional skincare options on the market today. They come with a deep trust that the products actually do what they say they will do, they provide quick and long-lasting results, and even though they may be a larger investment upfront, the investment is being placed into the health and beauty of your skin. They can save you money in the long run, they are easy to find, and they are often paired with a professional consult to be sure you are investing in the best product for your individual skin type and issues.

Bar none, medical-grade skin care is the best skincare out there. And with the scientifically proven results, we can confidently say that an investment like this into your skin is worth it; YOU are worth it.