05 May 2025 | by Dr. Melissa Michelon
As a Board-Certified Dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, skin is my focus. I love helping my Boston area patients to develop the right skincare regime for their individual needs, lifestyle and budget. As a busy mom, I understand first hand how important it is to get results without having to invest unnecessary money or time in some 10 step routine. With all of the great products available today, both over-the-counter (OTC) and medical grade, it’s not necessary to make things so complicated. But how do you decide if professional skincare products are worth the money? Here are some guidelines.
Schedule a Skincare Consultation
The internet has radically changed the skincare landscape. For the most part, it’s a positive change as the web allows you to educate yourself on the latest products and trends. However, as you may have already discovered, just because something is popular online does not mean that it is the right product for you. This is why I always encourage patients to schedule an in-person consultation with a board- certified dermatologist. During our meeting, I will listen to what bothers you about your appearance before conducting a thorough physical exam. Everyone’s skin is unique. You may be struggling with one or more of the following:
- Acne
- Redness
- Sun spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Uneven “crepey” skin texture
Once I figure out the underlying issues at the root of your dissatisfaction, I can start to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your needs and budget, this may include OTC and professional skincare products.
OTC vs. Medical Grade Skincare
The biggest difference between OTC products found at your local drugstore and medical grade professional skincare products sold at a doctors office is the strength of the ingredients. A retinol that you buy at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery (BCFPS), like AlphaRet by SkinBetter Science®, is going to have a higher
concentration of active properties. For this reason, professional skincare products tend to be more expensive. Are they worth the money? It’s going to depend on the individual product and your budget. Typically, for the basics like soap, facial cleanser and moisturizer, I think there are some very nice OTC products. But with something like:
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Sunscreen
I may recommend splurging on medical grade. With the first two, the higher concentration of active ingredients means that you are going to get more bang for your buck per use. And with sunscreen, the professional grade products typically have a nicer feeling, lighter consistency that makes them easier to use.
Basic Treatment Plan
During our initial consultation, I will review your current skincare regime. Most patients use products that are redundant. Not only is this a waste of money, but it may also be putting undo stress on your skin. The key to an effective skincare regime is using the right products. However, here are the basics:
AM
- Cleanser that suits your skin type (oily, dry, combination)
- Antioxidant serum such as Vitamin C
- Sunscreen
PM
- Gentle cleanser
- Retinol
- Moisturizer if needed
Skin is your body’s largest organ so investing the time and money to treat it right may have an enormous payoff in not just how you look, but also how you feel. To find out more about skincare, or any other aesthetic treatment with Dr. Melissa Michelon at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450- 0070 to schedule a consultation.
