Not all products are created equal

Over The Counter/MLM vs. Professional

Made in large batches and mass produced <----------->Made in small batches; much higher quality

Low percentage of active ingredients <--------->High percentage of active ingredients

Contains fillers <------------->Clinically corrective with no fillers

Usually has a high ph level<--------------->Ph level adjusted

Products are made up of large molecules <------------->Product molecules are small

Sits on top of the skin <---------->Penetrates skin; treats skin condition

Purchased at drug stores/department stores/multi-level marketing lines <-------------->Purchased from professionals

High prices<-------------->Reasonably priced

Since many consumers “self-diagnose” when choosing a skin care product from a department or drug store, these products must be made safely. Meaning, big cosmetic companies cannot afford to have a huge number of consumers with issues from using very active products — so, that skin care product may feel and smell good, but, most likely won’t have a lot of active ingredients in its formulation.

Also, since cosmetic companies really don’t have to prove efficacy, the special active ingredient listed in the formula only has to appear somewhere on the ingredient list – ingredients are listed in content order, from most to least, so if you see that ”active” on the last half of the list (usually alphabetically) you can bet you are getting a tiny percentage ( not enough to be effective in the formulation ) of that specific ingredient.

OTC products are also manufactured and distributed in very large batches, and are packed with almost as many preservatives and fillers as “active” ingredients. Many over-the-counter products simply do not penetrate the skin barrier, where the ingredient formula would have a therapeutic benefit to the skin. 

Multi level marketing lines very often contain the same ingredients and strengths as department and drugstore lines.  Rodan & Fields, Arbonne, Nerium, Avon and Mary Kay are some examples of multi level marketing products. 

Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus,  Saks and Macy's products (to name a few ) are all OTC! Just because they are expensive does not mean they are effective.

Professional skin care is made from much higher quality ingredients, at higher concentrations and higher strengths. The companies that create professional products want them to be used by people who know how to use and recommend these products correctly. These products are only sold to licensed professionals because their misuse can create a higher risk of adverse reactions.

The products Farah can use and sell are professional strength and cannot be purchased from anyone who is not a licensed professional. She does not believe that any product allowed to be sold by untrained/unlicensed individuals is beneficial to the skin with long term results. The company has to include too many types of fillers to decrease the potency of the product to allow for non professionals with no skincare background to sell the product and not cause damage to the consumer’s skin. She also believes that anyone wanting to correct, control, or maintain the skin's appearance must have a professional consultation with someone who is qualified to do so.   

Why A Proper Skin Analysis Is Crucial:

Accurate Analysis -

Licensed professionals spend a long time in school studying the health, anatomy, physiology, diseases and care of the skin. Passing a State Board exam and practical is required to obtain a license. Most states require continued education to maintain this license. This knowledge and experience is crucial to knowing which products and treatments to recommend and to whom.

Dry vs. Dehydrated -

There's a huge difference between dry skin, which lacks oil, and dehydrated skin, which lacks water. It takes a proper skin analysis to tell the difference.

Clog Prone and Acneic -

Not all acne is created equal. Recognizing the difference between pustular acne, cystic acne, and comedonal acne is crucial in recommending treatment and product options. The wrong kind of acne treatment can make existing acne far worse and can cause permanent scarring and discoloration. Knowing when to choose salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, when to choose between chemical and physical exfoliation, when to use anti-inflammatories and how to hydrate the skin without causing further clogging is essential.

Sensitive, Reactive and Rosacea Skin -

Delicate skin needs delicate care. Knowing specific ingredients and how they affect sensitive skin is crucial. The phrase "safe for sensitive skin" has no legal requirements. Just because it's fragrance free (which is literally the only difference between a bar of Dove soap and a bar of sensitive Dove soap) does not mean it's proper skin care for sensitive or reactive skin. Knowing the difference between sensitive, reactive, rosacea, and couperous skin will drastically change the ideal treatment options.

Pregnancy -

Pregnant women's skin requires very specific attention. Using certain ingredients, for example peppermint, sage, or salicylic acid, are dangerous for pregnant women. Dealing with melasma also known as the pregnancy mask, requires special training and knowledge. Melasma is caused by hormones not by the sun. If not treated correctly, it can get darker.

Contraindications and Allergies -

Dealing with contraindications and ingredient allergies, especially with reactive skin, is essential to being an effective skin care specialist. Knowing that an aspirin allergy contraindicates salicylic acid is just one example of crucial knowledge.