THE 80/20 SKINCARE RULE
With Medical Spa treatments and Injectables becoming increasingly popular, it is important to remember that 80% of achieving healthy, radiant skin is a result of consistent home care, while 20% is a result of professional treatments. This is known as the 80/20 Skincare Rule. This concept was not created by skincare providers to take your money! It is simply what is necessary to improve skin concerns and to maintain results long-term.
While in-office treatments can be transformative, it is imperative to use clinically-proven products at home that are carefully selected to fit your specific skin type and concerns, which is why guidance from a skincare provider is vital!
You would not expect your teeth to be clean and healthy from solely visiting your dentist every 6 months without brushing your teeth regularly at home. This concept should be applied to skin care!
Here are 3 reasons why you should follow the 80/20 Skincare Rule:
1 - Prepare your skin for professional treatments
A classic example involves preparing the skin with the proper home care so it can safely respond to in-office chemical peels. Your skin should be in a healthy state from using high-quality skincare products for multiple weeks under close monitoring of your skincare provider. This will lead to a strong, hydrated, and moisturized skin barrier. To achieve this, your skin must be consistently exposed to brightening agents and chemical exfoliants to increase its tolerance to these ingredients. Otherwise, you will experience adverse effects, such as hyperpigmentation and burns, especially when treating darker skin tones.
These products should be chosen by a trusted professional and the skin response should be monitored closely. Unfortunately, there are some providers in the industry who will take anyone off of the street, without any prep or knowledge of their skin history and perform a chemical peel. If you see this, run the other way.
2 - Maintain your results
It is a common misconception that skin conditions, such as acne, can be permanently cured. Once you achieve your desired skin results, it is vital to continue following your at home care regimen. If you stop using your products or switch to low-quality products, your skin will eventually return to its previous state. Don’t let all that hard work and money go to waste!
3 - Protect and heal your skin after professional treatments
Most in-office treatments can leave the skin irritated, exposed, and fragile. Consult with your skincare professional on the correct post-procedure products to use at home. It is essential to use proper home care while your skin is healing from these treatments to avoid skin damage. You don’t want to leave your skin worse than it was before.
PRO-TIP: Invest in daily skin care!
The 80/20 Skincare Rule is a reminder to invest in your daily at home skin care. Professional treatments are exciting to receive and give you that "quick-fix" feeling, but treatments alone will not provide long-lasting results without proper, daily skincare.
By Lauren Miehl, RN, LE, SLP
ATA Preferred Provider