

A question we are commonly asked is: "What is the difference between medical-grade professional skincare products and those you can purchase over the counter at department stores or drugstores?"
You have probably seen advertisements claiming that some over-the-counter products works better than thoseyou find at a medical spa. While these claims may catch your attention, are they truly substantiated? Typically, the answer is no. At Ageless Aesthetics in Santa Fe, we view your home care products as a critical extension of your in-spa treatments, and we believe in using clinically proven essentials to build the right skincare routine for your individual skin type.
The first distinction to understand is that when a product has a high enough concentration to actually alter a cell, it must be sold under a physician's license. Many over-the-counter products may claim significant results, but often lack the necessary quality and quantity of certain active ingredients to truly deliver on those promises. When you choose a medical-grade serum or moisturizer, you are choosing superior clinical efficacy.
One of the main differences between medical-grade professional products and those found over the counter is the quality and quantity of active ingredients used in each formula. With medical-grade products, the active ingredient concentration is allowed to be much higher, providing the power to address difficult skin concerns.
Consider Vitamin C serums. The product brand Obagi, for example, offers a variety of Vitamin C Serums in 10%, 15%, and 20% strengths. While some department store Vitamin C products may claim a high percentage, chances are, it is not in a stable form, meaning the strength may be lost before it even penetrates the skin. A more stable form and a higher concentration will deliver the best results, helping you discover and maintain smoother skin and a radiant skin tone. This can only be achieved with medical-grade professional products.
When you choose a medical-grade product, you are choosing superior clinical efficacy, saving you from spending more in the long run on ineffective solutions.

Some of the Medical-Grade Professional Skincare Products we are proud to offer at Ageless Aesthetics MediSpa in Santa Fe, NM include:

Obagi is a leader in medical-grade skincare, known for its powerful prescription-strength formulations designed to transform the skin at a cellular level. Obagi systems specifically target common concerns like sun damage, discoloration, aging skin, and acne, offering visible correction and long-term health.

SkinMedica is renowned for its proprietary blends that utilize advanced ingredients, most notably TNS (Tissue Nutrient Solution), a blend of growth factors, soluble collagen, antioxidants, and matrix proteins. This approach helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and overall photodamage.

Revision Skincare emphasizes a research-backed approach, focusing on products that achieve real results without compromising the skin's natural barrier. They are leaders in utilizing the skin's microbiome and introducing powerhouse ingredients like peptides for lifting and firming.

Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment to grow eyelashes longer, fuller, and darker. This product helps you achieve a naturally dramatic look, enhancing your eyes without the need for makeup or false lashes.
























Choosing medical-grade products is an act of intentional self-care. Your skin is your largest organ, and treating it with high-potency, stable ingredients ensures that your internal health and external radiance are aligned. These skincare products offer more than just aesthetic improvements; they provide the foundation for sustained skin health, giving you the confidence that is truly rooted in care.
Professional skincare achieves:
One of the great advantages of professional skincare is the lack of downtime. These products seamlessly integrate into your daily routine.

If you’re ready to move past guesswork and start a skincare journey based on knowledge and clinical science, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation. We’ll perform a thorough assessment, which may include our VISIA® Skin Analysis, to create a regimen tailored to your unique needs.
Call us today at (505) 225-1801 to begin your return to calm and confident skin.
Medical-grade products contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, requiring extensive clinical testing and formulation to ensure safety and efficacy. You are paying for proven research and ingredients that can actually reach and change cell function, leading to better, faster, and more lasting results than general cosmetic products.
Most of the products we carry, like our Obagi and SkinMedica lines, do not require a traditional prescription. However, they must be dispensed under a physician's license. This allows us to ensure you are using the correct product for your specific skin type and condition, maximizing your safety and results.
While prices are higher, the products are designed to be used sparingly due to their potency. Most products are formulated to last between 10 and 16 weeks with consistent daily use. This makes the cost per application comparable to, or even lower than, many lower-potency, mass-market products you might repurchase more frequently.
We highly recommend using a complete professional regimen for the best outcomes, as products from the same line are designed to work synergistically. However, if you need to incorporate an existing item, always consult with your Ageless Aesthetics specialist first. Certain active ingredients should not be mixed with others.
Absolutely not. Our specialists are trained to customize your plan and will often start you on lower concentrations or transition you slowly. Lines like Revision Skincare are specifically formulated with attention to the skin's barrier and can be highly effective for even the most sensitive or compromised complexions.