SkinMedica
Dr. Ricks decided to start carrying SkinMedica products at Radiance Medical spa, because the research and development that goes into their products is staggering and impressive. SkinMedica has dedicated years of research to formulate advanced skin care products to deliver optimal results for patients. Their skin biologists and formulation scientists are constantly innovating to deliver remarkable results for all skin types and skin concerns.
What is the difference between medical-grade skincare and over-the-counter skincare?
SkinMedica is a medical-grade skincare line. Medical-Grade Skincare is superior to over-the-counter skincare (purchased through a retail or drug store), because these products have much higher concentrations of active ingredients, and are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin to stimulate cell turnover and production of collagen and elastin. Many years of clinical research are invested into medical-grade skincare lines to scientifically prove that they get results treating many different skin concerns from skins of aging (lines, wrinkles, age spots, discoloration), to acne, scarring, etc. These products must be purchased from a medical professional to ensure that you are using the appropriate product for your skin. Over-the-counter skincare can be purchased from and used by anyone because they have a low level of active ingredients (they are often made up mostly of water and fillers with very small percentages of active ingredients). Over-the-counter products can have attractive price tags, but rather than having to purchase multiple products that don’t work, we recommend investing in a medical-grade product that can more effectively treat your skin concerns. And just because a product is expensive does not mean that it will be effective: don’t be deceived by elegant packaging at a high-end retail store!
What is the go-to SkinMedica product for Dr. Ricks?
TNS Essential Serum is ESSENTIAL! This all-in-one skin rejuvenating serum improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and texture. It combines multiple products into one, including growth factors and peptides (anti-aging ingredients), brightening and hydrating ingredients, and antioxidants. If you only want to use one skincare product, this is the one to use!
Other Favorites:
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: Hyaluronic acid is the body’s natural hydrator. It is capable of holding 1,000 times its own weight in water. This serum supports the skin’s ability to replenish its own hyaluronic acid (HA) for overall skin health. It provides immediate smoothing in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and supports the skin's natural ability to retain moisture resulting in radiant, rejuvenated tone and texture.
Lytera 2.0: This product is an advanced pigment correcting serum, formulated to address the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration. It is our go-to (in combination with in-office treatments) for lightening dark pigmentation.
Lumivive System: Get ready to start receiving compliments after you start using this system, because many patients see visible improvement in skin radiance after only 14 days using it! The daytime serum gives your skin more power to resist the environment's attack during the day with full atmospheric protection against damage caused by UV exposure, blue light, and pollution. The nighttime serum recharges the skin overnight and improves the skin’s ability to repair itself. Patients see improvement in skin radiance, skin tone, skin texture, and visible redness when using Lumivive.
Instant Bright Eye Cream: We love this comprehensive eye cream, because it targets so many concerns in the eye area at once! It re-energizes and rejuvenates to help eyes look brighter and more youthful, instantly improves eye appearance, including dark circles, sagging, puffiness, and lines, and works over time to continue reducing the visible signs of aging and fatigue. And the best part is that you can apply it to your eyelids in addition to under your eyes!
Retinol Complex: Retinol is a traditional hero product for enhancing skin tone, texture, and resiliency, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and coarse wrinkles, and enhancing skin tone and texture. We love the SkinMedica Retinol Complex (which is available in multiple strengths: 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0), because it is encapsulated with an antioxidant complex to enhance skin texture and minimize irritation.
Total Defense & Repair: At Radiance Medical Spa, we love a good sunscreen, but this one takes the cake! Total Defense & Repair is known as a superscreen, which goes beyond UV protection to defend against harmful infrared rays while supporting the skin’s ability to restore itself. In addition to the UV protection it provides, this product also has anti-aging benefits; helping to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of sun damaged skin. We also love that it comes in two different versions; sheer and tinted!