From facial cleansers to anti-aging serums, your bathroom cabinet is probably overflowing with over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products. But do any of these products deliver the results you’re looking for, or do you keep going back to find better alternatives? This is why it’s important to know the difference between over-the-counter vs. medical-grade skincare products, so you can make smart buying decisions.
Over-the-counter skin care refers to mass-market products that you can buy at your local drug store or beauty aisle. Medical-grade skincare brands, on the other hand, are professional solutions that are specially formulated to address specific skin concerns. In this post, we’ll discuss six reasons why you should consider medical-grade skincare products to get the results you want.
Highly Potent Formulations
Active skincare ingredients are key to achieving your desired results, but they can also be irritating if not used as directed. Since OTC brands are targeted at a general population, they use very low concentrations of active ingredients to make their solutions compatible with most people’s skin. As a result, OTC skincare products are often not potent enough to make a difference.
One of the biggest differences between medical-grade skincare vs. over-the-counter products is the strength of their formulations. Medical-grade products use much higher concentrations of active ingredients because they’re formulated for specific skin types and needs. This makes them highly effective skincare solutions that can deliver noticeable results within weeks.
Premium Quality Ingredients
Have you ever wondered why OTC products cost so much less than medical-grade skincare brands? In addition to using negligible amounts of active ingredients, OTC brands also use low-quality ingredients to make their products affordable. Adding cheap fillers like petrolatum and mineral oil is another tactic OTC skincare brands use to keep costs down.
An important difference between medical-grade skincare vs. over-the-counter products is the quality of ingredients used. Medical-grade brands, like Senté, use premium quality ingredients to maximize the efficacy of their products. Our solutions are formulated with patented heparan sulfate analog (HSA) technology, stabilized retinol, and natural lipids.
Designed to Go Deep
Active ingredients must have a low molecular weight and an advanced transdermal delivery system so the skin can absorb them well. But these skincare technologies are expensive and not cost-effective to use in most OTC products. As a result, OTC products just sit on top of your skin and cannot reach the deeper layers to impact the deeper layers that are responsible for skin health and appearance.
Another reason why medical-grade skincare products are more effective than OTC products is that they are designed to go beyond the skin’s surface. Senté spent over ten years developing a low molecular weight form of heparan sulfate that is easily absorbed by our skin. This allows the active ingredient to target the underlying causes of facial redness and reduce the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles and sagging skin.
Gentle and Non-Irritating
The most noticeable difference between medical-grade skincare vs. over-the-counter brands is the look and smell of the products. Medical grade brands are careful to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the epidermal barrier and cause skin hypersensitivity, and premature skin aging.
Medical-grade skincare brands like Senté develop their products with gentle, non-irritating ingredients to support skin health. Our solutions are formulated with soap-free cleansers, mineral UV filters, and are free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, and other harsh ingredients that weaken the skin barrier. Senté products are ideal for and can soothe sensitive skin.
Clinically Proven to Work
A major distinction between over-the-counter vs. medical-grade skincare products is that medical skin care brands conduct rigorous clinical trials working with independent investigators. Products are tested by dermatologists who place a high bar on products they may ultimately recommend to their patients. Senté is dispensed by more than 500 dermatologists in the United States that have chosen Senté because of its investment in clinical trials.
Medical-grade brands like Senté offer independent clinical studies to show that their solutions work. In a joint study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, San Diego, our topical low molecular weight heparan sulfate formulation was shown to boost skin hydration, help increase skin firmness and elasticity, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within eight weeks of use.
A Long-Term Investment
Many people avoid medical-grade skincare brands, because they consider them to be expensive. Yet Americans spend up to $2,000 a year on skincare products.
Why choose medical-grade skincare vs. over-the-counter products? Medical-grade solutions can help you save money in the long term. Although they may cost more upfront, you’re buying an effective product that does not waste your money in the long run. Senté products are scientifically proven to enhance skin quality within weeks.
Invest in Your Skin With Senté Medical-Grade Products
When it comes to skincare, you get what you pay for. Medical-grade skincare products have better quality ingredients, support skin health, and are clinically proven to work. If you want to upgrade your skincare products, our patented formulations may be just what you need. Shop Senté revolutionary solutions to see why medical-grade skincare is the better choice.
