Whether prescription skincare products work better than over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products depends on the product.
As you know, some OTC products work better than others. And the same holds true for prescription skin care products.
But why is that, exactly?
Ingredients Make All the Difference
For example, when it comes to acne, a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide OTC product can often work better than a prescription topical antibiotic simply because some types of acne are resistant to antibiotics but will respond to benzoyl peroxide.
On the other hand, prescription tretinoin is usually more effective than OTC retinol creams when it comes to stimulating collagen formation – the bedrock of anti-aging benefits.
Another example of ingredient variability is hydroquinone, which is used to lighten hyperpigmentation. When it appears in OTC products, it is in a 2 percent strength, while the prescription strength is 4 percent or higher. We know the higher strength works better for hyperpigmentation.
Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) are another ingredient that appears in both prescription skin care products as well as OTC products. When it first came on the market in the 1980s, you could only get AHA as a prescription, with the strength of 12 percent lactic acid. But today, that same 12 percent strength is available OTC.
Overall, the strength and quality of the ingredients will ultimately determine the potential effectiveness of the product.
But there is one more variable:
Your Skin’s Physiology
Whether or not a prescription skincare product will work better than an OTC skin care product will ultimately rest on your skin’s individual characteristics—is it oily, dry, or combination? Also, consider your skin issues and concerns.
Building a complete skincare routine that addresses today’s issues and forms a foundation for healthy and beautiful skin in the future can be confusing because it depends on many different factors. So before you spend a lot on any skin care product, it’s always better to first consult a reputable dermatologist with whom you can establish a relationship and who can advise you on matters of the skin.
We at Dermatology Associates have tested a lot of different products over the decades and have found Skinceuticals® and Revision Skincare® products to be some of our favorites, not only because of their quality but also because their different lines cover a broad range of issues and skin types. However, our mission is to help you reach your goals with products tailored to meet your individual needs and fit within your budget.
If you’d like to learn more about your skincare, visit our website or click here to schedule an appointment.
Dermatology Associates offers a full spectrum of leading-edge medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services from offices in Savannah and Vidalia.
