Over-the-Counter vs. Professional-Grade Skincare: What’s the Difference?

Jennifer & JoAnna
Apr 4
4 min read

Updated: Apr 21

By Jennifer & JoAnna: Owners, NYS L.E., NYS N.T

When it comes to skincare, there are plenty of options out there—over-the-counter products that you can find in any drugstore, and professional-grade treatments and products that you’ll only find at spas, dermatologists’ offices, or through licensed professionals. But what’s the difference between the two? And why should you invest in professional-grade skincare like Sanitas Skincare, Glo2Facial, JetPeel, or Crystal Peel? Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your skin.

Over-the-Counter Skincare: Convenient but Limited

Over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products are easily accessible and often come with a lower price tag. You’ll find everything from cleansers to moisturizers and serums at your local drugstore, big box retailer, or online. While OTC products are convenient and offer a variety of choices, they often come with some limitations:

Lower Concentrations of Active Ingredients: OTC products typically use lower concentrations of active ingredients to ensure they’re safe for mass use. This can mean that while they may offer gentle benefits, they often won’t deliver the more targeted, noticeable results that professional-grade products can provide.
General Formulas: OTC skincare is typically designed to address general skincare concerns (like dryness or acne) rather than specific issues. While this works for many, it doesn’t always address the underlying causes of your skin concerns, and it can be difficult to find the right fit for your unique skin type.
Potential for Sensitivities: Some OTC products can contain fragrances, alcohols, or fillers that may irritate sensitive skin or make conditions like acne or rosacea worse.

While OTC products are good for basic skincare, they often won’t bring the long-term, transformative results that professional-grade products can deliver.

Professional-Grade Skincare: Powerful, Targeted, and Customizable

On the other hand, professional-grade skincare products and treatments are designed with higher concentrations of active ingredients and offer more powerful, targeted results. These products are only available through licensed professionals like aestheticians, dermatologists, or nurse practitioners and are formulated to address specific skin concerns at a much deeper level.

Let’s dive into a few of our favorite professional-grade treatments and products available at Derma Glow:

Sanitas Skincare: Clean, Active, and Effective

Sanitas Skincare offers professional-grade skincare products formulated with active ingredients that target skin issues from the inside out. These products are crafted to support the skin’s natural function and deliver real results—from brightening and hydrating to reducing the appearance of fine lines and acne. Unlike many OTC products, Sanitas uses scientifically-backed ingredients and higher concentrations that can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, making them more effective at addressing skin concerns like aging, pigmentation, and texture.

Glo2Facial: Oxygen Infusion for Radiant Skin

The Glo2Facial is a professional treatment that uses a unique oxygen infusion technology to deliver active ingredients into your skin while improving circulation and boosting overall skin health. This treatment combines hydration, exfoliation, and antioxidant protection in a way that over-the-counter products can’t replicate. Clients often leave with immediate results—skin that’s visibly glowing, smoother, and more even-toned. It’s a perfect solution for those looking for a fast, no-downtime facial that addresses multiple concerns at once.

JetPeel: Non-Invasive Hydration and Skin Rejuvenation

JetPeel is a high-tech, non-invasive treatment that uses pressurized oxygen and specialized serums to deeply hydrate and exfoliate your skin. The treatment can address everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne and pigmentation. JetPeel delivers results that you just won’t see from OTC products. It’s one of our favorite ways to give clients that immediate glow while improving overall skin health over time. It’s gentle but effective, with no downtime and long-lasting results.

Crystal Peel: Deep Exfoliation for Smoother Skin

The Crystal Peel treatment uses a professional-grade microdermabrasion technique that gently exfoliates the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and impurities. This results in smooth, even skin that feels fresh and looks radiant. While there are at-home scrubs and exfoliators, they can’t provide the same level of exfoliation and refinement that a Crystal Peel can, which means your skin is left clearer, softer, and more rejuvenated.

Why Clients Choose Professional-Grade Treatments

Clients love professional-grade skincare because it delivers more personalized, visible results than OTC products can. These treatments and products are designed to address specific skin concerns and are much more potent. Here’s why our clients choose to invest in professional treatments like Sanitas Skincare, Glo2Facial, JetPeel, and Crystal Peel:

Personalized Care: We take the time to understand your skin and create a customized plan tailored to your needs, whether it's tackling fine lines, acne, pigmentation, or overall skin texture.
Immediate & Long-Term Results: Professional treatments like JetPeel and Glo2Facial provide instant gratification, with glowing skin right after your treatment. But it doesn’t stop there—these treatments work over time to improve skin health and provide lasting results that OTC products can’t match.
Access to Expert Knowledge: When you choose professional-grade skincare, you're benefiting from expert knowledge. Our team is trained to understand the science behind each product and treatment, ensuring you get the best care possible.

The Bottom Line: Professional-Grade Skincare Delivers Real Results

While over-the-counter skincare can provide some benefits, professional-grade products like Sanitas Skincare, Glo2Facial, JetPeel, and Crystal Peel take your skincare routine to the next level. They’re scientifically formulated to deliver real, lasting results, and when combined with professional care and expertise, they can transform your skin.