Is Medical-Grade Skincare Worth It? Vitamin C, Retinol & What Actually Works | EP 11

Is medical-grade skincare really worth the money, or is it just marketing? In this episode of Scalpel and Skin, Mistica is joined by Skin Lab esthetician and fan-favorite co-host Melissa Janoski to break down what medical-grade skincare means, how to think about product claims, and which skincare products may be worth prioritizing. They discuss vitamin C, retinol, ingredient formulations, clinical studies, and the difference between building a skincare routine around your goals versus buying every product trending on social media. They also get into Sephora skincare culture, why teens don’t need complicated anti-aging routines, and how at-home skincare supports—but doesn’t replace—in-office treatments. Then it’s time for rapid fire: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, pimple patches, pore strips, peptides, double cleansing, sheet masks, eye creams, collagen creams, expensive moisturizers, and the skincare trends they’d love to see disappear. In this episode: What does “medical-grade skincare” actually mean? Medical-grade skincare vs. drugstore and Sephora products Vitamin C and retinol: what are they used for? How to prioritize skincare when you’re on a budget Skincare for tweens and teens Can skincare replace lasers and other in-office procedures? Why skin preparation matters before certain treatments Double cleansing, eye cream, sheet masks, and more: worth it or skip it? Salmon sperm skincare and the importance of looking at the evidence As always, Mistica and Melissa bring their honest opinions, professional perspectives, and plenty of sibling-style teasing to the conversation. Scalpel and Skin is all about talking honestly about aesthetic treatments, skincare, and what may actually be worth your time and money. Subscribe for more conversations about skincare, cosmetic treatments, and the science behind the beauty trends. This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Skincare needs and treatment suitability vary from person to person. #ScalpelAndSkin #MedicalGradeSkincare #SkincareRoutine #VitaminC #Retinol Follow Melissa: @melissa.the.aesti Follow Scalpel and Skin Instagram: @scalpelandskinpodcast TikTok: @scalpelandskinpodcast Facebook: Scalpel and Skin Podcast Send us the treatments, trends, or questions you want Dr. Algie and Mistica to break down next. This is Scalpel and Skin. Let’s go!