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MEDICAL GRADE SKINCARE - before we proceed!
Medical grade skincare is an exciting topic (for me it is, anyway!). But before we delve into the wonders of how medical grade skincare can help you, I’m going to start with the NUMBER ONE product you need to invest in.
SUNSCREEN
If you’re not using a sunscreen, there’s there’s literally no point in investing in medical grade skincare products. Watch my video to learn more.
What is medical grade skincare?
Medical grade skincare differs from the type of skincare you’ll find in shops, online and even in beauty salons.
The difference with medical grade brand such as AlumierMD, is that they contain high quality active ingredients, that can make a difference to the condition and quality of your skin. An example of these are vitamin C serums, retinol and AHA’s (I’ll cover my top 5 ingredients for anti ageing, later in this post).
The quality of ingredients in medical grade skincare is much higher, and they are delivered in a highly effective way, that creates changes to your skin. They are fantastic for targeting those pesky signs of ageing, but also to treat concerns such as rosacea, acne, pigmentation – and sensitive skin.
For many clients, they find that using Alumier products, means they are using LESS products than they did before, and less of the product – as a little goes a long way.
Don't take my word for it!
Don’t just take my word for it, here’s what one of my skincare clients had to say.
“I have struggled with eczema and sensitive skin for as long as I can remember and then entering the peri menopause began to get rosacea acne. Needless to say, I was miserable and lost a lot of confidence. I had various strong medications from the GP but they didn’t seem to understand. Then I discovered Nikki. Firstly, her kindness and understanding immediately made me feel better. By changing my skin care and introducing probiotics the rosacea has cleared up, the sensitivity has calmed and I’ve even been out of the house without make up, for the first time in 20 years. ” cannot recommend her enough!
Which products are right for me?
There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ for medical grade skincare. It will really depend on y our skin type, skin concern and skin goals. It will also depend on your health and lifestyle. So many things influence the condition of your skin.
A practitioner that is qualified to prescribe medical grade skincare should take all of these factors into account, when putting together your bespoke skincare routine. And, those products may change over time. The beauty of the Alumier range, is that it’s progressive and adaptable, which mean you can build it up slowly, but also adapt your routine when your skin goes through changes (and it will!).
This is me, by the way. I’m 46 at the time of taking this picture, and this is what my skin looks like with Alumier medical grade skincare products. It’s worth sharing with you that I have melasma, a hormone related pigmentation condition. I do have a BB cream on here, but as you can see – no sign of pigmentation – and I think my skin is doing pretty well for 46!
Key ingredients in medical grade skincare
The key ingredients that you need, will be individual to you. But, I will share my top 5 anti ageing skincare ingredients below.
Some things to remember:
- Not all ingredients are created equal. Medical grades skincare ranges such as Alumier & Obagi, have quality ACTIVE ingredients. High street and beauty brands do not contain the same levels of these ingredients, or the same high quality, as they are mass produced.
- The products I’ve mentioned are for anti-ageing, if you have specific skin concerns such as rosacea, acne or pigmentation, targeted serums would be needed.
- The order that you use the products in matters. Always follow the correct order of products (see my cheat sheet as a rough guide). Ask your skin specialist which order to use them).
My top 5 anti ageing skincare ingredients
VITAMIN C: This little superhero is a powerful antioxidant. Serums containing vitamin C help to fight free radical damage, caused by UV rays and pollution. Vitamin C is also ESSENTIAL to the formation and production of healthy collagen within your skin. So, including a serum with vitamin C improves the quality and quantity of the collagen your skin produces. It has also been clinically proven to reduce lines & wrinkles, even out skin tone and give a clearer complexion.
NIACINAMIDE: Niacinamide is B3 vitamin and is an antioxidant that helps to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier function, support elasticity and repair damage caused by environmental pollution. It also helps your skin produce strengthening ceramides, which restore natural moisture in your skin. You can use it both in the AM and PM, and it’s compatible with the other ingredients mentioned here.
RETINOL: Please don’t fear retinol, it really is as magical as they say it is – when it’s used correctly, and if it’s a good quality product. This is great for strengthening your skin, improving collagen production, and the quality of collagen in your skin, and helps to boost cell turnover. It’s a superhero for targeting lines & wrinkles, improving tone and texture, and improving the overall quality of your skin. If you’re considering aesthetic procedures, always tell your practitioner, as often you will need to stop using it before/after treatments.
TOP TIP: Use in the PM only. Vitamin A can be broken down by sunlight, so do not use this in the AM. It can also make your skin sensitive, so sunscreen is a must.
AHA’s: Short for Alpha Hydroxy Acids. They are water soluble and come from sugary fruits. Both glycolic and lactic acids are AHA’s, and they are exfoliators. These little wondrous acids dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells, and the fresh, healthy skin that sits beneath. AHA’s are great for dull looking skin, skin with a rough, uneven texture and dark spots. They can cause sensitivity, so use with caution. I recommend using medical grade AHA serum in the PM, on nights when you’re not using retinol. Introduce them slowly.
HYALURONIC ACID: This is your ULTIMATE hydrating, moisture boosting ingredient. Do not be afraid of the fact it’s called ‘acid’, it’s a sugar molecule that is naturally present in your skin. It can hold 1000 times its weight in water, and draws moisture to the surface. You can also buy spritz’s with HA, to boost your hydration levels during the day, this is a great little tip, if you are a frequent flyer. It’s amazing for lines & wrinkles, hydration, skin tone and overall skin health. Apply in the AM and PM.
Is medical grade skincare worth it?
In my opinion, absolutely. I don’t know about you, but I have wasted a LOT of money on products that haven’t worked. Medical grade skincare is so targeted, and the active ingredients are high quality, and actually do make a difference to your skin.
Serums are where to invest your money, such as vitamin C and retinol, cleaners and moisturisers are not your ‘priority’ products, they can be added later.
I’d love to be able to help you introduce AlumierMD into your skincare. I also include my Top 5 Tips for Your Best Skin Ever Guide with my online prescription service. Helping you achieve amazing skin from the outside in, and inside out.
You can book your appointment via the button below. If there are no slots available, then please add yourself to the waiting list, or use the contact form. I look forward to hearing from you. Nikki
