Based on the American Academy of Dermatology, skin types have been categorized as Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination and Sensitive Skin. Identifying the type of individualized skin type one has, is the key to starting your skin care journey with choosing the most suited products. One of the ways to identify your skin type is:  

The "Bare Face" Method:

 

• Cleanse and Dry: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry with a soft towel.
 
• Wait: Allow 30 minutes to an hour for your skin to return to its natural state without any products.
 
• Observe: Look in the mirror and assess your skin's appearance and feel.

 

Identifying Skin Types:

 

Normal Skin:

 

• Feels comfortable, neither too oily nor too dry.
 
• Has a healthy, even texture and tone.
 
• Pores are typically small and not very noticeable.

 

Dry Skin:

 

• Feels tight, rough, or flaky.
 
• May appear dull or have visible patches of dryness.
 
• Pores are usually small and less noticeable.

 

Oily Skin:

 

• Appears shiny or greasy, especially in the T-zone.
 
• Pores may appear enlarged and clogged.
 
• May be prone to breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.
 

 

Combination Skin:

 

• Oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) but dry or normal in other areas (cheeks).
 
• May have a mix of pore sizes and textures.

 

Sensitive Skin:

 

• May feel itchy, burn, or sting.
 
• Can become red, inflamed, or irritated easily.
 
• May react negatively to certain products or environmental factors.
 

Medical-Grade Skincare:

 

• Definition: Medical-grade skincare products are typically sold through licensed healthcare professional Medical Doctors or Product qualified Aesthetic spas. These products are often considered more potent because they contain higher concentrations of active ingredients.
 
• Regulation & Standards: They are formulated to provide specific treatment for skin concerns like acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, aging, etc. Medical-grade skincare products are backed by clinical studies and scientific evidence that support their effectiveness. They have been approved by relevant medical councils.
 
• Formulation: They tend to have a higher percentage of active ingredients (such as retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, growth factors, etc) that are designed to address skin concerns more directly. These products often undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy.
 
• Prescription vs Over-the-Counter (OTC): Some medical-grade skincare products may require a prescription (e.g., higher-strength retinoids), while others can be purchased without one but are still sold in professional settings.

 

Cosmeceuticals:

 

• Definition: The term "cosmeceutical" is a blend of "cosmetic" and "pharmaceutical." Cosmeceuticals refer to skincare products that are formulated to have both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. They contain active ingredients that may provide improvement to the skin but are not necessarily as potent or heavily regulated as medical-grade skincare.
 
• Regulation & Standards: Unlike medical-grade skincare, cosmeceuticals are not strictly regulated by the FDA in the U.S and other Medical councils. They may not have clinical trials or studies to back up their claims.
 
• Formulation: Cosmeceuticals can have Low to moderate levels of active ingredients and often target general skincare concerns, such as moisturizing, anti-aging, or skin tone improvement. They are available without a prescription and can be found in department stores, online, and in some spas or skincare salons.

 

Key Differences:

 

1. Regulation: Medical-grade skincare products are more heavily regulated, often requiring professional guidance for usage, whereas cosmeceuticals are more loosely regulated.
 
2. Active Ingredients: Medical-grade products tend to have higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to cosmeceuticals.
 
3. Purpose & Potency: Medical-grade skincare products are often designed to treat specific skin conditions, while cosmeceuticals focus more on general skincare with some therapeutic benefits.
 
4. Availability: Medical-grade skincare is typically only available through professionals, while cosmeceuticals can be purchased over the counter at stores or online.

  Both types of products can offer benefits, but the best option depends on your skin concerns and how much you want to invest in a skincare routine. If you have specific skin conditions or are looking for targeted treatments, medical-grade skincare is the way to go.

Generally, it's recommended to start in your 20s to early 30s. Unfortunately, our collagen and elastin production starts to decline in our early twenties, and these are the building blocks of young, bouncy skin.  

Prevention is Key

 

Starting in your 20s helps prevent early signs of aging, like fine lines and loss of skin elasticity. Skin naturally begins to lose collagen and starts showing signs of aging as early as your mid-20s, though it's not always visible to the naked eye at first.

 

Targeting Specific Concerns

 

In your 30s, you may start noticing more noticeable changes like fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in skin texture. At this point, incorporating anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can help with these concerns.

  Skin Maintenance  

Even if you don't see aging signs yet, using antioxidants, moisturizers, retinols and sun protection (SPF) in your 20s can significantly help in maintaining skin health and delaying the need for heavier anti-aging products and treatments later.

 

Key products to consider:

 

• Sunscreen: This is the most important, as sun damage is a major cause of premature aging. Minimum SPF 50 with zinc oxide is preferred
• Antioxidants: They help neutralize free radicals and prevent damage.
• Retinoids/Retinol: This helps with cell turnover and skin texture.
• Hydrating products: Moisturizers and serums to keep the skin plump.
• Visit an Aesthetic Medical Doctor: Getting advise from an Aesthetic Trained Doctor is key to starting your journey with the correct products

Using medical-grade sunscreen can offer several distinct benefits over regular sunscreen. It has been proven that specific sunscreens not only protect skin for hyperpigmentation, but also Anti-Aging.  

Higher Potency and Effectiveness:

 

• Medical-grade sunscreens often contain more potent and effective ingredients compared to over-the-counter options. They are formulated to provide broader-spectrum protection, which means they shield against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays more effectively.
 
• Infrared (IR) Protection: Infrared radiation (IR) makes up a significant portion of the sun's rays. While it doesn't cause sunburn, it can penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to collagen breakdown, inflammation, and skin aging over time. Recent research suggests that infrared radiation might play a role in photoaging and skin damage, even in the absence of visible sunburn. Infrared-specific filters: Some newer sunscreens now contain ingredients specifically designed to block or absorb infrared radiation
 
• Blue Light (HEV) Protection:
  • Blue light, which is emitted by electronic devices (like smartphones, laptops, and TVs), as well as artificial indoor lighting, is a form of high-energy visible (HEV) light. This type of light has been linked to skin aging and hyperpigmentation because it can penetrate deeper into the skin compared to UV light. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to blue light can contribute to oxidative stress, which accelerates aging and can worsen dark spots and pigmentation.
 
• These sunscreens often include higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are physical blockers that provide superior sun protection compared to chemical sunscreens.

 

Clinically Proven Formulations:

 

• Medical-grade sunscreens are typically backed by clinical studies and research, ensuring that they perform as promised. Many of these products undergo extensive testing to prove their effectiveness and safety.
 
• Some medical-grade sunscreens are developed to not only protect your skin from UV damage but also to prevent further skin damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution.

 

Specialized for Sensitive or Compromised Skin:

 

• These sunscreens are often formulated for sensitive or compromised skin, such as post-procedure skin (after chemical peels, laser treatments, etc.). They are designed to be gentle and non-irritating, providing an extra layer of protection without exacerbating existing skin conditions like rosacea or acne.
 
• Some medical-grade sunscreens are designed for people who have conditions like melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or other pigmentary concerns, as they help reduce the risk of UV exposure triggering flare-ups.

 

Better Absorption and Application:

 

• Medical-grade sunscreens are often designed with better texture and absorption than some over-the-counter options. They might feel lighter, non-greasy, and better suited for daily wear, making them more pleasant to use.

 

Reduced Risk of Skin Aging and Damage:

 

• Broad-spectrum protection provided by medical-grade sunscreen helps to prevent premature aging of the skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. UV exposure is one of the leading causes of photoaging, and medical-grade sunscreens are specifically designed to combat this by offering superior protection.

 

Customization to Your Skin Type:

 

• Many medical-grade sunscreen brands offer a range of products tailored to different skin types and concerns. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, acne-prone, or aging skin, there is likely a medical-grade sunscreen that caters to your unique needs.

 

Longer-Lasting Protection:

 

• Medical-grade sunscreens may offer longer-lasting protection compared to drugstore sunscreens. Some formulas are designed to stay effective throughout the day, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

 

No Compromise on Ingredients:

 

• Medical-grade sunscreens typically avoid using certain fillers, fragrances, or harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin. This makes them ideal for those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause adverse reactions.

 

Conclusion:

Medical-grade sunscreen offers enhanced protection, better quality ingredients, and is often tailored to more specific skin concerns. If you're serious about protecting your skin from UV damage and other environmental aggressors, opting for a medical-grade sunscreen could be a worthwhile investment for long-term skin health. Daily use and reapplications are vital. An SPF of 50 is the minimum recommended. Medical Grade make-up, like Colorescience, has also been specifically formulated as sunscreen make-up.