Let’s talk regimen and product quality, shall we?
It is important to me to use medical grade products, simply because they are the most result driven in terms of both prevention and correction. These products are not just created with more scientific research, higher quality and more potent ingredients- some of them can actually reach your dermis which is where so much cell communication and important skin processes happen- the production of collagen and elastin for example, it’s key to their regeneration, and products chilling at the surface of your skin ain’t doing squat in that department.
Here at Exhibit Medical Aesthetics and Skincare, all of our treatments are done using ZO Skin Health. I was drawn to ZO for a number of reasons but to put it simply because they have comprehensive, customizable solutions and part of their statement is “creating and maintaining healthy skin for anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, unique skin condition or skin type”. They aren’t just about your skin looking good at the surface (which is wonderful, I know) but repairing your skin at the molecular level and ensuring it’s healthy is going to provide the most long term results. As well as combat inflammation which is the root to most skin issues. That being said, there is truly something for everyone in this line. ZO also instantly resonated with me because their approach seemed to have a very similar sentiment to my favorite celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas, whose book “Glow from Within” has inspired and taught me so much. I always remember a line from her book’s introduction “to consistently achieve that clear, bright, moisturized look that so many celebrities enjoy, all that’s required is a solid skincare routine.” Bingo. I LOVE these kinds of approaches to skincare, as I couldn’t agree more and I believe they go hand in hand- use the products that are right FOR YOU and use them consistently, it really is that simple.
While I want clients to recognize that there is simplicity in caring for their skin, I also want them to be serious and thoughtful about their skincare… it’s all relative and essential to building a better relationship with your skin. My biggest pet peeve is people coming for a facial once a month, thinking that’s enough, then using drugstore products on their face at home. Coming through the door is just half the work. Yes, it’s important to get treatments every 4-6 weeks, it is way more important to maintain it at home with quality products.
Think about it like food, if you eat one fabulous fresh and healthy meal once a month, but have processed fast food every other day, that one good meal isn’t overriding poor daily habits. Even from a financial standpoint, it protects your investment: why spend money on a facial once a month but never exfoliate, splash your face with water in the morning and buy poor quality skincare? Trust me, I know it can be expensive and I am totally understanding and sensitive to that. I am always willing to work with people and their budget, whether they need to purchase their regimen two pieces a visit, or slowly incorporate one product at a time, we can figure out based on your current regimen what makes most sense for you. Though I will say, ZO in particular, all work together to enhance one another’s results. I have seen the results first hand, with myself, coworkers, and have already gotten countless testimonials from happy clients. And admittedly, yeah, I am biased and I have my own beliefs and products I trust.
So definitely do your research and visit a professional to get some opinions, but if I could make one generalization for why you should seek medical grade skincare and have a consistent routine it would simply be this: science. Now that I explained my beliefs in consistency and science, I’m going to go on a brief tangent about what I DESPISE about skincare: trends. Remember these influencers are usually getting paid to advertise for these products so always take what they say with a grain of salt. Also, these trendy products typically have a one-size fits all approach, cheap ingredients, etc., which all goes against the science we love and need in our skincare.
For example, let me share a personal experience… a friend of mine, fabulous skin, and mind you she used a lot of professional grade products but purchased a trendy exfoliating serum… I gotta admit, I noticed a change in her skin and it prompted me to buy it (yes I know I said I hate trends but I’m human and have gotten suckered in the past, especially during Covid times!)… well my skin HATED it and it had the opposite effect on me. Which goes back to my point being, these brands you can buy at the mall or drugstore, are marketed to be one-size fits all and that’s never the case with skincare. Talking to someone about your skin type, conditions, your lifestyle, things you wish to prevent or correct are so important in terms of building the right plan for you. Plus, we tend to forget that our skin is our largest organ, our first line of defense against bacteria and environmental stressors. It’s so important that we maintain its health, again at the molecular level- keeping it glowing and aging gracefully, that my friends, is the added bonus.