Using Medical grade skincare over mainstream skin care may help you achieve glowing and younger looking skin.
Medical grade skin care, whilst on the pricier side, provides targeted skincare results for varying concerns like ageing, dehydration and blemish control.
Where mainstream skincare products sugar coat a lot of issues, medical grade skin care products target these concerns and help to resolve them for clearer, more youthful and glowing results for the skin.
What is the difference between medical grade skin care and mainstream skin care?
Medical grade skincare experts discuss the key differences, and say using medical grade products might be what’s missing from your skincare routine.
1. Absorption
APT medical aesthetics in the US claim medical grade skin care has more advanced ingredients such as:
- Niacinamide – targets the reduction of inflammation and improves the skin barrier.
- Retinoids – derived from Vitamin A, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, acne and hyperpigmentation.
- Benzoyl Peroxide – an acne treatment that helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
These ingredients have been especially formulated to allow for optimum absorption in the deeper layers of the skin, meaning your skin has a greater chance of staying clear and looking more youthful in appearance, due to hydration.
Many mainstream brands contain synthetic additives that do not reach below the surface layer of the skin. This may be the reason why you experience breakouts, dry skin and no reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Formulation
The formulation of medical grade skin care products plays a significant part in these products targeting skin concerns. As mentioned, they are made with a higher concentration of active ingredients, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin to target dryness, acne and create that natural glow.
This differs from mainstream skincare due to the level at which these ingredients are used.
For example, a mainstream face wash may contain a concentration of around 0.5%-2% of salicylic acid, a common acne fighting ingredient, whilst a medical grade one may contain 2% or higher, whilst being paired with other stronger, less common ingredients, such as niacinamide.
Mainstream products also typically have water based systems, meaning they are easy to wash off but do not allow for that deep cleanse of the skin. Medical grade products on the other hand use more advanced systems such as liposomes and nanotechnology, which carry these important active ingredients deeper into the skin, ensuring better and healthier long term skin care results.
How Medical grade skin care improves skin tone and texture:
Due to the active ingredients, which are mentioned above, medical grade skincare products target specific concerns. It’s always recommended you seek professional advice to help guide you in choosing the right product to help you achieve your skin goals.
For example, if you have combination skin with occasional breakouts, a simple skin care routine consisting of a face wash, exfoliator and moisturiser would be beneficial.
You can start with the Ultraceuticals Clear Foaming Cleanser which is designed for skin prone to breakouts. It is a gentle product that will meek well in clearing blemishes without drying the skin.
Is Medical grade skin care suitable for all skin types?
Many believe medical grade skincare is a lot harsher on the skin than mainstream skin care products – this is a myth.
Whilst the ingredients in medical grade skin care are much more active and concentrated, this does not mean it is detrimental to the skin. Instead, the products are designed to help balance the skin to avoid dryness, acne and to remove existing blemishes.
For accessible medical grade skin care to help start you on your journey, try one of these safe over the counter brands:
1. Ultraceuticals
An Australian medical grade skincare brand, founded by Dr. Geoffrey Heber, a cosmetic physician, Ultraceuticals is known for creating high-performance skincare that’s backed by science, designed for real, visible results. The products are also formulated to suit Australian climates and skin concerns, like sun damage, pigmentation, and ageing, without the use of harsh chemicals.
Why use Ultraceuticals?
- Clinically proven ingredients – uses potent actives like retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, and AHAs.
- Advanced delivery systems – ensures ingredients actually reach the skin’s deeper layers.
- Tailored treatment plans – their range is often used in professional skin treatments (like peels).
- Australian made – designed specifically to combat UV-related ageing and pigmentation, common in Australia.
Popular Ultraceuticals products:
1. Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50+
– Broad spectrum SPF
– Tinted and untinted versions
– Non-comedogenic, perfect for daily wear
2. Ultra Brightening Serum
– Great for pigmentation, uneven skin tone
– Includes bearberry extract, vitamin C, and AHAs
3. Ultra Balancing Gel Cleanser
– Lightweight, soap-free gel
– Gently removes makeup and dirt without stripping
– Great for normal to oily or combination skin
2. Skinceuticals:
Skinceuticals is a US based cosmeceutical brand founded by Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, a dermatologist and scientist. Known for scientifically backed, high-potency skincare, their products focus on anti-ageing, antioxidants, and correcting skin concerns whilst being partnered with dermatologists and skin clinics – often recommended post-treatments (like lasers and peels).
The brand is extremely popular in skin clinics due to the products proven results and their being designed to complement in-clinic treatments such as prepping the skin before treatments and support healing after them.
Why use Skinceuticals?
- Clinically proven formulations – pioneered the use of pure L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in stable, effective concentrations.
- Triple focus – targets environmental damage, ageing, and discoloration.
- Medical-grade potency – higher concentrations of active ingredients than most mainstream brands.
- Loved by dermatologists globally – it’s a top-tier brand used both at home and in clinics.
Popular Skinceuticals products:
1. Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel
– A daily exfoliating cleanser that combines 8% glycolic acid with 2% phytic acid, aloe leaf extract, and glycerin.
– Designed to gently remove impurities, dead skin cells, and makeup while refining skin texture and boosting radiance.
– Helps to brighten, smooth, and clear pores
– Suitable for ALL skin types
2. Hydrating B5 Gel
– Lightweight serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5
– Perfect everyday hydration booster for all skin types
3. Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+
– Lightweight, broad spectrum daily SPF
– Hydrating, non-greasy formula – works well under makeup
3. Dermalogica:
Dermalogica was founded in 1986 by skin therapist Jane Wurwand and is a US based skincare brand built on the principle of skin health over beauty. It was developed for skin therapists, by skin therapists which is why it’s so deeply rooted in the professional skincare world.
Sold widely through clinics, salons, and professional skin centers around the globe, Dermalogica is another trustworthy, results proven skincare brand.
Why use Dermalogica?
- Professional grade formulas – created with clean, effective ingredients that prioritize skin barrier health.
- Often free from common irritants – no artificial fragrances or colors, no lanolin, no mineral oil.
- Skin first – The brand does not follow any trends but instead focus on skin health overall and stick to their brand image of upholding healthy skin in the long term.
- In-clinic experience – Dermalogica is known for Face Mapping skin analysis, where skin therapists create customised skincare regimens.
Popular Dermalogica products:
1. Special Cleansing Gel
– Iconic sulfate-free gel cleanser
– Works for all skin types, non-stripping, gentle yet effective
2. Active Moist
– Lightweight oil-free moisturiser
– Hydrates without clogging pores – loved by oily/combination skin types
3. Daily Microfoliant
– Best-selling rice-based powder exfoliant
– Gently polishes skin with enzymes and salicylic acid – gentle enough for daily use
4. Aspect Skincare:
An Australian medical-grade skincare brand that focuses on advanced skin solutions for a range of concerns, from ageing to acne and pigmentation.
Aspect Skincare was founded with a commitment to science-based skincare combined with luxury feel and is designed for those who want professional, clinical-level results at home.
Their products are formulated to help improve skin texture, balance, and address specific concerns without harsh irritants. They are also cruelty-free, paraben-free, and focus on clean beauty.
Why use Aspect Skincare?
- Professional-Grade Ingredients – Known for potent active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, peptides, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
- Customizable Solutions – Targeted treatment options address concerns like acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.
- Skin Health Focused – combines clinical skincare with spa-level luxury, making products that are effective yet gentle.
- Simplicity with Results – has a simple yet effective approach to skincare, focusing on products that work synergistically and provide long-term results without being overly complicated.
Popular Aspect Skincare products:
1. Aspect Dr. Brightening Serum
– Packed with vitamin C, niacinamide, and salicylic acid.
– Targets dullness, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone, brightening the complexion.
2. Aspect Dr. Exfoliating Cleanser
– AHA-based exfoliating cleanser that gently removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and fresh.
– Contains glycolic acid to refine texture and enhance cell turnover.
3. Aspect Dr. Rejuvenate Night Cream
– A rich night cream that works while you sleep to regenerate and hydrate skin.
– Uses a combination of peptides, vitamin E, and retinol to smooth and restore skin.
