As a licensed skin care professional for nearly a quarter century (24 years and going strong), I can attest to the absolute fact that when you invest in the right products, you will get results and experience skin improvement. So how do we qualify ‘what are the right products’ for my skin condition? First it starts with getting a professional skin evaluation. A skin analysis is generally done at a first time visit to your esthetician. She can help you determine skin type, any underlying skin conditions (acne, rosacea, melasma) and recommend both a course of treatment as well as a home care program that will address and improve existing skin problems as well as aide in creating more clarity, smoothness, reduction in sun damage and a more vibrant healthier glow.
My philosophy has always been to research ‘best in class’ product lines that meet the following criteria:
Companies that manufacture their own product line You’d be surprised just how many companies-professionally sold as well as retail-that do not make their own products. They contract an a laboratory that they collaborate with on their formulations often with mixed results. By doing this they loose quality control over the products which can lead to inconsistency and variations in quality and loss of control on delivery.
Companies that invest, provide research and in some cases clinical trials to back up their claims on whatever benefits you should gain from the active ingredients. In my practice I currently work with three professional lines that have published clinical trials that I’m able to share with my clients to back up the benefits. They are produced in an FDA laboratory which means they manufacture under strict hygienic guidelines.
Active ingredients: How concentrated are they in their actives? Very important-when comparing ‘apples to apples’ or vitamin serums to vitamin serums. This is easy to decipher by looking at the list of ingredients that must be listed on either the product packaging or on the actual product. The farther down the line it’s listed, the less concentrated it is, therefore the less benefit you will gain from their claims.
Educational forums and newsletter updates to keep the professional or client informed. I value and love attending industry trade shows, seminars, and conferences. It lets me know the company is utilizing newly discovered anti-aging or anti-inflammatory ingredients, that they are investing in updating and improving their formulations. Sometimes this means removing ingredients like parabens and hydroquinone and other times adding new and improved ones like bakuchoil which is in my new ret-bright serum for targeting fine lines and collagen growth.
Product lines that require a professional license (aesthetician, doctor practice) to Carry the line. When you purchase your home care products from a skin care professional you’re more likely to get the right products that can help your skin, as well as be informed on the proper way to use them (day vs night serums, order of layering serums) and professional tips on proper cleansing and exfoliation. I always emphasize the importance of double cleansing and why a toner is useful as well as how to acclimate to a retinol serum. There is an art to it, and this is where building a relationship with your aesthetician can help you achieve a more satisfied outcome and healthier skin.
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