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According to Elle MacLeman, “Medical-grade skincare is a little bit of a misnomer. The term isn’t regulated, and despite claims that medical-grade skincare comes under a different regulatory structure with the FDA than conventional skincare isn’t true.”

“While it is sometimes true that more research is invested in medical-grade skincare than department skincare, this isn’t always the case. Some department store brands will actually conduct a similar level of clinical testing to the testing that medical-grade skincare undertakes,” Elle goes on to explain.

“As a generality, medical-grade skincare is usually more focused on barrier protection and less focused on hyped active ingredients. This can be great for skin that is experiencing irritation, sensitivity, or breakouts, but you can often find department store equivalent products that do the same thing.”

When it comes to medical-grade skincare versus mainstream products, there are a few key differences.

• Limited Purchasing Power: Back in the day, you could only buy medical-grade skincare in a doctor’s office, but now, you can find it online sold by authorized retailers specializing in this level of product. The advantage of visiting a medical spa or dermatologist’s office is that you’ll also receive personalized guidance and specific product recommendations.
  

• Stability: The best medical-grade skincare is formulated with more highly stabilized ingredients — meaning they take longer to deteriorate — than mainstream products. They also have greater absorption, meaning these results-driven ingredients are delivered deeper into the skin. However, buyer beware: While it’s a small number, some companies only use trace amounts of active ingredients coupled with synthetic additives that aren’t effective and false claims.
  

• FDA Regulation: Since the FDA doesn’t regulate over-the-counter products, they can’t penetrate beyond the top layer of skin. OTC formulas also can’t make any medical claims, such as treating a particular skin condition. Since medical-grade skincare is regulated, it can provide claims and safely penetrate the skin on a deeper level.

As consumers, we frequently pursue that elusive miracle product promising an instant transformation of our skin. This unrealistic anticipation can lead to a cycle of continuous product purchases, ultimately resulting in disappointment when immediate results are not achieved.

While it's true that certain medical-grade skincare products may deliver initial improvements in as little as two weeks, it's important to understand that it typically takes approximately two months for the skin to fully cycle and adapt to a new skincare regimen. This is the timeframe during which you can reasonably anticipate genuine and lasting results, with continuous use of the product leading to further improvements in the appearance and health of your skin. Patience and consistency in skincare are often the keys to achieving the desired outcomes. You may experience skin purging. Skin purging is a temporary process that occurs

when you start using certain skincare products, particularly those containing active

ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or

vitamin C. During purging, the skin may experience an initial worsening of acne or

breakouts, increased redness, or flakiness. This happens because these active ingredients accelerate the skins natural exfoliation process, causing clogged pores to come to the surface more quickly. As a result, existing acne lesions may become more inflamed or new breakouts may appear.

However, this process is often necessary for the skin to clear out impurities and

congestion, leading to clearer, healthier skin in the long run.

Skin purging typically occurs within the first few weeks of using a new skincare product

or treatment and should resolve within a month or so. It's important to distinguish

between purging and a negative reaction to a product. If the symptoms persist or

worsen over time, it may indicate an adverse reaction, and you should discontinue use

and consult a dermatologist.

When using medical-grade skincare, which often contains potent concentrations of

active ingredients, the likelihood of experiencing purging may be higher. However, purging is generally considered a normal part of the skins adjustment period to new

products and should subside with continued use.

No. SkinSynergy has never and will never test on animals at any stage of product development. We also do not contract with any third parties to conduct animal testing on our behalf. We pride ourselves in being cruelty free and vegan.

Cosmetic and skincare products typically do not have a fixed expiration date. The longevity of a product depends on various factors, including when it is first opened and how it is used and stored. However, there is an important exception - over-the-counter drugs, like SPF products and acne treatments, are mandated by the government to display clear expiration dates. In the absence of specific expiration dates, skincare products often feature a "PAO" (Period After Opening) symbol, which indicates the recommended timeframe for safe use after opening.

You can conveniently find our PAO labels on the back side of each product's packaging, near its barcode. This number represents for how many months a product is viable after it has been opened. After its stated PAO, a product will begin to degrade and lose its potency. We recommend trying to use your products up before this point has been reached. Leaving the plastic cover on your products will keep your skincare fresh longer.

We regret any inconvenience caused by certain products being out of stock. However,

we do accept pre-orders! Please note that pre-orders may require 2-3 weeks for

delivery. Subscribing to restock notifications is a quick and effortless procedure, taking

just a few moments. To get started, visit the product page, and click on Email me when

available. You''ll be prompted to enter your email address, and with a simple click of the

Notify Me button, you'll be signed up to receive an automated email notification the

moment your desired products are back in stock.

During pregnancy and while nursing, it's essential to be cautious about the skincare products you use. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on your skincare routine. In general, most skincare products, such as cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens that do not contain specific over-the-counter ingredients, are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, there are certain ingredients you should avoid:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an effective ingredient for controlling acne and is considered safe in low concentrations (5% or less) during pregnancy.

2. Salicylic Acid (BHA): Salicylic acid, a potent exfoliant, is safe for use during pregnancy in small percentages (2% or lower) found in skincare products.

3. Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone has not been extensively studied in pregnant individuals, so it's best to avoid products containing this ingredient during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The same precaution applies to brightening ingredients like arbutin and its derivatives, which can convert to hydroquinone on the skin. Instead, opt for brightening products that contain 5% or higher concentrations of niacinamide and various forms of vitamin C.

4. Retinol: Over-the-counter products containing retinol should be avoided during pregnancy due to their relation to prescription retinoids.

5. Sunscreens with Oxybenzone: Sunscreens that contain Oxybenzone should be avoided due to concerns about a potential link to a congenital disorder known as Hirschsprung’s Disease.
   

Always prioritize the health and well-being of you and your baby. When in doubt, seek guidance from your healthcare provider to ensure you are making safe and informed choices for your skincare routine during pregnancy and nursing.

While curbside recycling may not always be an option due to considerations such as size, format, colour, or material composition, we encourage you to inquire with your local recycling facility regarding their specific guidelines for curbside recycling in your area.