Why Medical-Grade Skincare Actually Matters
New skincare brands pop up on social media every day but most don’t disclose clinical testing, ingredient concentrations, or how their formulas actually work. If you don’t know what’s in it—or how it affects your skin—you’re just guessing. We don’t guess here. We use what’s proven.
And why it’s not “just expensive lotion”
Skincare is one of the most confusing parts of the aesthetics world. There are entire aisles, influencer videos, subscription boxes, and celebrity brands claiming to give you glow, bounce, clarity, and “that look.”
But there’s a reason why medical-grade skincare is the only kind we use before, during, and after treatments at Core Aesthetic.
It’s not because it’s trendy. It’s because it’s clinically formulated to actually change your skin… not just sit on top of it.
Let’s walk through what makes medical-grade skincare different, what makes it worth the investment, and the exact products we use and recommend most often.
What Is Medical-Grade Skincare?
Medical-grade skincare is formulated with active ingredients at concentrations backed by clinical studies and typically only available through licensed medical providers.
This means:
Higher-quality ingredients
Proven penetration into the deeper layers of the skin (dermis)
Published clinical results (not just marketing promises)
Stability and consistency in formulation
Products designed to work with your skin’s physiology not against it
These products don’t just moisturize or smell nice. They trigger cell turnover, collagen production, melanin regulation, and inflammation control which are the core mechanisms of lasting skin health.
Why It Costs More (But Lasts Longer)
Yes, medical-grade skincare costs more than your average Sephora serum. But here’s what people miss:
It’s more concentrated, so you use less per application
It’s more stable, so the ingredients don’t degrade over time
You don’t need a 10-step routine, you need the right 3 to 5 products
Most medical products last 3 to 4 months with daily use
You actually see a change in your skin and save money on covering up what isn’t improving
If you calculate the cost per day, most products come out to $1–$2/day less than a coffee and actually improving your skin at a cellular level.
Why We Use It at Core: Pre-Treatment, Post-Treatment, and Maintenance
Your skin barrier and cellular function determine how well your treatments work. If you’re using poor-quality skincare, you risk:
Slower healing
More irritation
Less collagen production
Wasted results
That’s why we use medical-grade skincare at every phase of your journey:Before treatment
Strengthen the barrier
Suppress pigment if needed
Reduce inflammation
Prep for laser, RF, or injectables
During treatment
Support healing
Hydrate + protect
Minimize PIH or breakouts
After treatment
Calm the skin
Accelerate recovery
Prevent long-term damage
Maintain and extend results
This isn’t product pushing… it’s protocol support.
iS Clinical Active Serum is one of our most-recommended products for a reason: it targets texture, breakouts, fine lines, and dullness all in one. Fast-acting, tingles on contact, and delivers visible clarity without irritation. A true multitasker that actually does what it claims.
Our Favorite Products (And Why They Work)
We only carry lines we trust clinically, use personally, and recommend based on actual patient outcomes. These are our go-tos:
iS Clinical Active Serum A cult-favorite for a reason. This multi-tasking serum helps with texture, congestion, fine lines, and breakouts—without stripping the skin.
Why we love it:
Immediate tingling effect that tells you it’s working
Good for almost every skin type
One of the most reliable "all-in-one" serums for visible clarity
iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum High-potency Vitamin C paired with Vitamin E and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Why we love it:
Amazing for post-procedure redness
Helps with rosacea, breakouts, and reactive skin
A true “healing” serum that also brightens
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream A clinically advanced retinoid + lactic acid blend with less irritation.
Why we love it:
Incredible for fine lines and pores
Retinol results without flaking
Supports long-term skin turnover and brightness
Great starter retinoid for those scared of dryness
Skinbetter InterFuse Lines & Eye Creams Targeted peptide and neuro-calming creams designed to soften expression lines and hydrate deeply.
Why we love them:
Work beautifully alongside Botox or filler
Help smooth lines that neuromodulators can’t fully treat
Elegant texture, backed by clinical studies
Ourself Lip Filler is the perfect way to maintain and enhance your lips between appointments. It smooths, hydrates, and supports volume with medical-grade peptides making it a smart post-filler add-on or a great option for clients who want visible results without injections.
Ourself Lip Filler A breakthrough topical with medical-grade peptides and HA that improves lip volume over time—no injections needed.
Why we love it:
Actually works (unlike most lip products)
Perfect for maintenance between lip filler or for clients not ready for injectables
Elegant packaging, but real results
Obagi Fx-C Clarifying Serum A hydroquinone-free pigment corrector with 10% Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Arbutin—designed for safe, long-term melanin regulation.
Why we love it:
Targets hyperpigmentation without harsh side effects
Perfect for pre-treatment pigment suppression
Pairs well with lasers or microneedling for faster brightening
Obagi’s Vitamin C is stabilized and proven for deep penetration
Pavise SPF A scientifically advanced sunscreen that uses DiamondCore® zinc oxide, making it both ultra-effective and cosmetically elegant.
Why we love it:
Broad-spectrum physical protection without a white cast
Loaded with antioxidants for DNA repair support
Reef-safe, fragrance-free, and designed for post-treatment use
It actually makes you want to wear SPF—every single day
Why It’s Better Than IG Brands or Celebrity Lines
You might see a celebrity line or influencer brand claiming:
“Medical-grade results”
“Clinically tested”
“Glow in 7 days”
But what they don’t have:
Published clinical trials in medical journals
FDA-grade manufacturing standards
True ingredient stability and penetration data
Protocol design for pre- and post-procedure use
These brands focus on packaging and marketing. Medical-grade skincare is built for results. You’re not buying a vibe. You’re investing in cellular change.
If Your Skincare Isn’t Backed by Science, You’re Just Guessing
Your skin deserves more than soft marketing. It deserves products that are:
Proven
Potent
Professionally guided
Integrated into your actual treatment plan
Medical-grade skincare is not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, with the right support, at the right time.
And that’s exactly what we help you figure out—step by step.
