As the seasons shift and our skin faces the challenges of cooler, drier air, it’s the perfect time to reassess your skincare routine – and cosmedical skincare may offer the targeted results your skin is craving. But what exactly is cosmedical skincare, and how does it differ from the luxurious products lining department store shelves?
In this expert Q&A, Kate Sowden, nurse and co-founder of BeautyFULL, breaks down everything you need to know about cosmedical skincare – from what ingredients to look for, to how it supports clinical treatments, to why a personalised consultation makes all the difference. Whether you’re navigating ageing, acne, pigmentation, or simply looking for serious results, this guide will help you find your best winter skin yet.
A Q&A with Kate Sowden, nurse and co-founder of BeautyFULL cosmetic medical clinic.
What exactly is Cosmedical skincare, and how does it differ from over-the-counter or luxury skincare products?
Cosmedical skincare is where cosmetic beauty meets medical science. The products, such as O Cosmedics which we sell in-clinic, are all formulated with clinically active ingredients. These concentrations are high enough to create change within the skin, not just on the surface. Unlike over-the-counter or luxury products, these often feel beautiful but don’t do much beyond hydration or scent, whereas cosmedical skincare works at a cellular level to target real skin concerns like ageing, pigmentation acne and inflammation. These products are recommended in skin and beauty clinics, not department stores.
Who is Cosmedical skincare best suited to? Is it only for people undergoing cosmetic procedures, or can anyone benefit?
Everyone is able to benefit from using cosmedical skincare, not just those having treatments. No matter your skin concern, the range of products available offers a targeted approach to deliver corrective results. At BeautyFULL we help to discuss skin concerns with our patients in-clinic to offer the best plan, as many of our clients are no longer seeing results with their standard skincare routine so want to explore our O Cosmedics range to get incredible skin at home.
What ingredients or formulations typically make Cosmedical products more effective, and are there any to be cautious with?
The use of clinically proven active ingredients, such as retinoids, vitamin C, niacinimide, peptides, hyaluronic acid and AHA/BHA exfoliants. The range are delivered in stable, potent formulations designed to penetrate deeper into the skin and trigger real change. However, along with higher potency comes the need for guidance. We always offer our clients a professional skin consultation with Dr Margaret (co-founder of BeautyFULL), to discuss best products and practice for each individual client.
With so many brands claiming to be ‘medical grade’ or ‘clinically proven’, how can someone tell what’s really legit?
It is a bit of a minefield out there! The term ‘medical grade’ is not actually regulated in Australia, so it can often be used in marketing without much substance behind it. True cosmedical products will always be clinically backed, with published trials or clinical studies accessible to the public. They will always be sold in professional settings, such as clinics and they will always disclose active ingredient percentages. This is why we stock O Cosmedics at BeautyFULL, as they meet the strict criteria for efficacy and safety.
How important is it to have a skin consultation before starting Cosmedical skincare — and what should a good consultation include?
Having a skin consultation is absolutely essential. A good skin consultation is like getting a roadmap for your journey, outlining where you currently are and where you are hoping to end up. We will always offer our clients an in-clinic consultation, with a review of current products and a discussion of skin goals as well as lifestyle. Based on this we will create a personalised prescription as well as an educational setting on how to use the products safely and effectively.
Are there any risks involved with using Cosmedical skincare without professional guidance?
Yes – this is something I am passionate about educating people on. These products are powerful, and using them incorrectly can further lead to barrier damage, inflammation, purging or even long-term sensitivity. No one wants to end up with red, reactive skin simply from doing too much too soon.
How does Cosmedical skincare support or enhance the results of treatments like microneedling, lasers or injectables?
I like to think of cosmedical skincare as the preparation and aftercare that helps to make in-clinic treatments more effective and longer-lasting. For example, after a skin needling treatment we often would recommend using O Cosmedics Medi-Soothe – A calming lotion designed to reduce inflammation and support skin barrier repair, combined with Hydra Plus Sleep In Mask – An overnight mask that delivers intense hydration and aids in skin recovery whilst maximising collagen production.
What are some signs that your skin needs a more active Cosmedical approach, rather than a standard skincare routine?
If you are finding you are consistent with your current skincare routine, with no real changes or improvements, we would recommend a change to a Cosmedical approach.
Can you give a guide to what is best for various skin concerns? How do you choose?
Absolutely! Here’s a general guide we use in clinic:
- Acne/Oily Skin: Look for salicylic acid, niacinamide, and clearing serums. Our go-to is the O COSMEDICS Potent Clearing Serum paired with Blue LED light.
- Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rich moisturisers like the Immortal Cream or Comfort Cream.
- Ageing/Mature Skin: O COSMEDICS Retinol Concentrate (Vitamin A), 3D Hyaluronic Serum, O-Biotics B3 Plus (Niacinamide). In-clinic: skin needling, PRP, LED Red Light.
- Pigmentation: Highly concentrated Vitamin C, and tyrosinase inhibitors, incorporating O COSMEDICS Brightening Serum. Pair with SPF always. And for quick impact weekly use of 3-in-1 Fruit Peel Mask
- Sensitive/Reactive Skin: Avoid too many actives. Use barrier-repairing serums like Repair Serum It can be used alone or layered with B3 Plus Serum if redness or barrier support is needed, combining with a calming moisturiser like Comfort Cream.
Every skin is different, so the best plan comes from a tailored consult, which is what we offer all new clients at BeautyFULL.
Are there any trends or shifts you’re seeing in the Cosmedical skincare space — ingredients, technology or consumer behaviour?
I am noticing a big shift towards skin barrier repair and strengthening, people are finally realising that healthy skin is resilient skin. We are also having an increase in demand for LED Light Therapy as a non-invasive treatment with long-term benefits, and a trend toward multi-functional serums that do more with fewer steps.
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