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Can drug-store skincare products really match medical grade products?

If you want the best results from your skincare routine, it’s always best to let an expert handle the job for you. Skincare products on the market can be split into two categories: ones that do an effective job and ones that don’t. Medical grade skincare products can be safely used at home, with the guidance of a professional. If you try to use products marketed as at-home skincare like drug store brands or MLM brands without enquiring about the ingredients, you risk permanent damage to your skin and yourself.


Think of it this way, would you consume McDonald's every day? Yes we know that junk food makes us feel full but it's not necessarily healthy for us. Usually, you would pick the healthier more nutritious option. This applies to skincare as well, purchasing products that have cheaply sourced ingredients is like consuming junk food 24/7. That's why medical grade products have so much value and are packed with antioxidants.


Cheaply sourced ingredients in drug-store skincare products

Drug store cosmetics are often cheaper than their counterparts, but they also often come with a catch. Cheaply sourced ingredients can lead to skin irritation or dryness, and this issue is only amplified when you use the product on a regular basis. Plus, while drug store brands are cheaper upfront, they're actually more expensive in the long run because you'll have to replace them more often. With medical grade products less is more, so you might be spending more for an item upfront but it'll definitely last you longer than a drug store bought product.


How much silicone or filler is in drug store skincare products

The FDA does not currently regulate the use of fillers and silicone in over-the-counter products, so the amount of silicone or filler in a product can vary. However, many drug store skincare brands have been found to contain high levels of these ingredients. One study found that 96% of tested silicone cosmetics contained more than 10% silicone. This is well over the FDA's legal limit for contact lenses and other medical equipment, which is 7.5%. Therefore if you purchase a medical grade product like iS Clinical, there will be less filler and more active ingredients which will be more beneficial for your skin.


MLM skincare products vs. Medical grade skincare products

MLM skin care products are expensive and have been shown to have little difference in quality of results when compared to medical grade products. In order for a product to be considered medical grade, it needs to go through FDA or Health Canada testing and rigorous research before it can be deemed safe for use on the skin. Don't fall for their "back by science" BS, if it was really proven to work, these products would be sold at doctors' offices, dermatologist and even medical spas. Most MLM products focus on cheaply source ingredients, in order to accommodate the commissions of 9 different downlines within the price of the product. The best option is to consult with a dermatologist or trained specialist on what they recommend, as they are able to provide you with the best advice based on your skin type and condition. Something that might work great for your neighbour, girlfriend at work or your kid's soccer coach might not work for your skin type. So stop taking skin care tips from TikTok or Instagram influencers that aren't qualified to asses your skin and make the appropriate recommendations.


How Do I Choose The Right skincare products For My Skin Type?

Skin care is an important aspect of anyone's beauty routine. However, it can be difficult to determine which skin care product is best for your skin type. Skin care products are formulated for specific skin types and are also made to target different concerns such as acne, age spots, wrinkles, dryness, oily skin or combination skin. Reach out to a professional, like a dermatologist or medical aesthetician, someone that works with different skin types on a daily basis.


To conclude this lengthy blog spot, we're not saying all drug-store products are bad or all MLM products are horrible, we're just saying to do your research and make sure you know what you're putting onto your skin. Find out where the ingredients come from, or how much filler is in the products? Here are some products we like from the drug-store:



CeraVe Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30. Face Sunscreen Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides for Women & Men. Non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) and Hypoallergenic.



La Roche-Posay Face Wash Gel Cleanser, Effaclar Gentle Purifying Foaming Gel for Oily and Sensitive Acne-Prone Skin. Alcohol-free, Soap-Free, Paraben-free, Non-Comedognic



La Roche-Posay Sunscreen Lotion, Anthelios Ultra Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum, Non Greasy, Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic, Water Resistant, Fragrance Free


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