Member Blog Submitted by Christine Lewy of Divine Complexions Spa

Did you know that only 20% of skin aging is due to your age? That’s good news for you because a lot of the reasons why we end up not liking our complexion we now know are preventable or correctable. What you put on your skin ideally morning and night 365 days a year, adds up to a lot of either preventative care or correctable opportunities. You have the power to make a big difference in the radiance of your complexion. How? By using a professionally recommended skincare routine for your skin type and concerns, morning and night.

There are so many products out there today and lots of conflicting information, so I know it can be overwhelming and downright confusing on what you should be doing to get the skin you desire.

Where to begin? Start with Medical Grade skincare products, because if you’re going to be spending money on skincare, you want it to be doing what it’s claiming to do for you. Am I right? Unfortunately, a lot of the skincare products on the market today can’t back up their claims on the bottle. As consumers, we would never truly know unless if a product will work unless they can prove it with the correct type of clinical studies. Cosmeceutical skin care products or “over the counter” are those that you can find at retailers such as Nordstrom, Sephora, Target, Ulta, etc. These categories of products are not legally allowed by the FDA to penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin to cause change. The deeper layers are where we want ingredients penetrating to, to be able to make the changes. What kind of change am I talking about? The fewer wrinkles, less dark spots, smoother skin, less acne that you’re hoping for. Now don’t get me wrong there are some good over the counter product lines out there, but they aren’t going to be working as hard to give you results because they are sitting on the top layers of the skin. They may not be as safe either. Over the counter, products do not have to go through the same efficacy and safety trials that medical or “pharmaceutical grade” products do. Pharmaceutical or Medical Grade Skincare products are sold by licensed professionals who can correctly recommend products for you. Most lines will require a Doctor on to be on staff as well and ensure providers have had accurate training. These products can be found at spas, medspas, dermatologists, and plastic surgeon offices. These products tend to be more expensive than over the counter lines, but you know you’re getting what you pay for.

Let me add a quick note about buying online, especially from Amazon. Most, if not all, of the professional lines I have worked with, have lawsuits against online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart because they are not allowed to be selling these medical-grade lines. Somehow, they are obtaining products, selling expired products, or selling false products that look just like the real thing. So beware, even if it seems like a better deal. When it comes to skincare & even makeup, order online through an authorized retailer such as the company itself or go into your local spa/medspa/dermatologist to purchase authentic products.

Now, what should you start with for a skincare routine? The basics are based on your skin type, a cleanser that will effectively yet gently cleanse your skin, a moisturizer, and a good sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Those three things you should have in your skincare arsenal to apply every single morning and night (minus the SPF in the evening).

When we are correctly informed, we can make better decisions on skincare, and get the results we truly desire! 

For more detailed information on a personalized skincare routine or have questions about products you have at home email Info@DivineComplexions.com | Christine Lewy, Licensed Esthetician, Owner of Divine Complexions Spa, West Coast Regional GloSkinBeauty Makeup Artist | Address: 8755 SW Citizens Dr, Wilsonville, OR 97070