There are those who prefer to purchase all of their cosmetic needs exclusively from dermatologists and renown aestheticians. Then there are some who would prefer to purchase what they need at drug or department stores at a fraction of the price. Whatever you may prefer, there is a broad difference between what standard cosmetics brands offer and what is deemed professional grade.

Wherever you shop, one can find an endless array of cosmetics to meet whatever need there is. Whether you are seeking a quick fix or something more beneficial for the skin, you can become a more savvy shopper by knowing these key differences in professional grade cosmetics and their standard counterparts so that you can look and feel your best.

Professional Grade Higher Standards

When it comes to seeking out the best skincare or makeup, ingredients reign supreme to give your skin the best. Since most skincare is worn all day long and night, it only makes sense that healthy, beneficial ingredients that feed the skin will provide vitality and nourish.  Professional grade products typically mean that the products are held to a higher standard and are typically found in your dermatologist office or spas. professional grade is unbeatable as more money is spent on research of ingredients, rather than marketing a name.

Natural ingredients, such as jojoba oils, vitamin C and minerals help to feed the skin while enabling it to breathe, unlike some products that are full of fillers that block pores and cause skin conditions such as blackheads and acne, as found in many standard products.. This is not to say that every professional grade skin care line out there is natural, as some only boast their name and won’t necessarily deliver as promised, but a good quality brand, such as our Janssen Cosmetics line, speaks for itself- sleek and simple, yet big on natural and dermatologically-tested ingredients that impart very effective results.

Pros and Cons of Standard Brands

Although professional grade cosmetics containing naturally-derived ingredients with scientifically backed research has its merits, there is something to be said about drugstore brands, especially for those on a budget or who don’t necessarily care for the  latest and greatest thing on the market. However, drugstore and department store  brands don’t always live up to their promise. For one, standard brands are typically market driven and will constantly change, depending on the latest and greatest trend.

While standard brands may look beautiful  in their packaging and smell wonderful, the benefits are sometimes few, lending very little results. These products also tend to contain ingredients that do not feed the skin, but are filled with artificial ingredients that act as fillers that may harm the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may notice that standard products may irritate the skin.

Another drawback to standard cosmetics is their one-size-fits-all approach. Unlike a dermatologist or med spa esthetician who may examine your skin and make recommendations based on your needs, standard brands aren’t customizable. Asking a skincare consultant at a department store for advice, while useful, is not always as in-depth as something who can take a closer glance and offer products that will help with their own specific needs.

While professional grade cosmetics are typically pricier, the money goes further than with standard cosmetics. Not only are you paying for something that will help your skin further down  the road, but money well spent on professional grade products will actually spread further than paying for product after product, seeking out the one thing that will improve your skin. While both have their merits, it’s important to think long term if you want the skin of your dreams.