It has happened to many of us before. We see our favorite celebrity or a beautiful model endorsing a pill that promises to help us lose those last five pounds, or makeup that will make you look camera ready, and we are convinced it will work for us. In our everyday life, we are intelligent, critical-thinking individuals but once we see how flawless their skin looks, all logic goes out the window. We know that hours in the makeup chair and professional air brushing are what really should be credited for their look but we buy the product anyway. Maybe this time, it will work for me.
Next comes the inevitable disappointment. Your eyelashes don’t look five times longer and you can still see your pores.
It doesn’t have to be that way though. With the right guidance, you can skip the pitfalls of realizing you’ve been tricked again and finally be able throw away your drawer full of failed makeup and skin cream purchases that have accumulated over the years.
Monica Gavin, M.D., owner of the Azani Medical Spa and a diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, says that instead of scouring the aisles of your local drug store head to your local doctor, medical spa or dermatologist where they will be stocked with high-grade products that aren’t sold anywhere else. As an added bonus, you know you can trust their suggestions because they have no “Hollywood tricks,” just the facts.
Neutraceuticals: Dr. Gavin explains that the “ceutical” suffix in neutraceuticals refers to physician-grade products and “neutral” means nutrients, therefore making neutraceuticals pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements that you don’t need a prescription for. By choosing to buy the supplements from a doctor versus a local store, you can feel more assured that the results have been well-researched, proven and that you are getting the best product possible. The products sold in the offices will also be the most advanced, up to date and from a reputable manufacturer.
Cosmeceuticals: Similarly, cosmeceuticals refers to pharmaceutical grade cosmetic products. The number of cosmetic products available to the public is dizzying. Chances are when you go in to your local supermarket there is a whole aisle, or maybe even two or three, that carry only cosmetic products. The labels come in varying shapes and colors, promising you firm skin, smaller pores, less wrinkles and so on. It can be hard to know which ones work and which don’t and there aren’t enough days in the year to try every single one and decide for yourself.
At med spas like Dr. Gavin’s, however, powerful creams and serums are sold at prices far less than injections. Although you may not see the toughest lines disappear like you may from getting Botox injections, you will see noticeably firmer, smoother skin.
Your doctor can also provide you with the names of the best cosmetics for your specific skin type. If you have oily skin, you will need a different product than someone with sensitive skin. But you can rest assured that the products have been tested and won’t clog your pores, which can end up causing more damage to your skin.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
