Medical Grade Skincare
Medical grade skincare refers to topical products formulated at active concentrations sufficient to produce measurable changes in skin structure and function. Used consistently, they form an essential foundation for long-term skin health and prepare the skin to respond better to clinical treatments.
How this fits into facial rejuvenation
No injectable or device-based treatment can substitute for the daily work of a well-considered skincare routine. In-clinic treatments produce change; skincare consolidates and maintains it. They work on different timescales and through different mechanisms, and they are most effective when used together.
Medical grade formulations differ from retail products primarily in their active concentrations and the evidence base behind their use. Ingredients such as retinoids, antioxidants, growth factors, and prescription-strength actives can genuinely alter the behaviour of ageing skin, increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, reducing pigmentation, and improving barrier function. When prescribed appropriately, they extend the benefit of clinical treatments and slow the rate of further skin deterioration.
What the assessment evaluates
Skin type, current condition, and the presence of any sensitivities or contraindications determine which actives are appropriate. Dr. Berns assesses the skin as part of every full-face evaluation, and where medical grade skincare forms part of a treatment plan, specific product recommendations are based on that assessment.
No prescription skincare protocol is generic. Products are recommended in response to what the skin actually needs, not as an add-on to any clinical treatment, but as a clinically considered component of the overall plan. Factors including Fitzpatrick skin type, sun exposure history, prior skincare use, and concurrent treatments all inform the recommendation.
Who may be suitable
Medical grade skincare is relevant to virtually all patients undergoing facial rejuvenation. It is most important for patients with visible photodamage, uneven skin tone, reduced skin thickness, or a history of poor skincare habits. It is also an essential maintenance tool for patients who have completed a course of injectable or device treatments.
Patients who are not yet ready for injectable treatments, or who prefer to address skin quality first, often begin with a prescribed skincare regimen as a meaningful first step.
Important considerations
Some active ingredients, particularly retinoids and high-concentration acids, require a period of introduction and adjustment. Initial sensitivity or mild skin reactions are common and usually temporary. The prescription of medical grade skincare by a doctor ensures that products are appropriate for the individual patient and that potential interactions with other treatments are considered.
As with all treatment components, skincare recommendations are discussed and confirmed during the consultation. Ongoing support and adjustment of the regimen is provided as the skin responds over time.