The Skincare Evolution: From Drugstore to Medical Grade to Cosmeceuticals – The Skincare Journey: From Drugstore to Dermatologist
As a self-proclaimed “one bar of soap girl” and a tomboy at heart, I’ve always been fascinated by the skincare journeys of others. Many of my friends and colleagues have shared their experiences, and it’s quite a tale. They tell me about standing in front of the mirror, tracing fine lines, finding blemishes, and wondering if their skincare routine is truly effective. As they age, many find that the simple drugstore products they relied on in their youth no longer cut it. This realization, they say, often marks the beginning of a skincare journey that takes them from drugstore aisles to dermatologist offices and finally to the world of cosmeceuticals. (which is where I enter the skincare journey too.)
For most, their skincare journey began in the local drugstore. They describe being lured in by colorful packaging and promises of a “youthful glow”—all at budget-friendly prices. What they didn’t realize at the time was that these products often contained ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that could potentially cause serious health issues down the line. After months of religious application, many report that the results were underwhelming at best.
No one was paying attention at that time to the connection between our skin and our health issues. Being our largest organ, the skin acts as both a protective barrier and a gateway to our body. Unlike our digestive system, our skin lacks a filtering mechanism. What we apply to our skin can be absorbed directly into our bloodstream. This awareness didn’t really come into play until around 2001.
Frustrated by the lack of visible improvement, many of my friends decided to step up their game. They booked appointments with dermatologists, who introduced them to medical-grade skincare products. “These are more potent than what you’ll find over the counter,” the dermatologists explained, handing them sleek tubes of retinol creams and potent serums.
At first, they were impressed. The medical-grade products felt good on their skin, and they noticed some improvement in their fine lines and overall skin texture. However, they soon discovered these products came with a hefty price tag and some side effects. These potent ingredients could make their skin flaky, sensitive, and more reactive to the sun. Many found themselves taking breaks from using them due to redness, burning, or stinging.
It’s been eye-opening to hear about these experiences, and I’m intrigued by the lengths people go to for healthy, youthful-looking skin.
As the new millennium dawned, my life took an unexpected turn. In 2000, I found myself diving headfirst into the world of health and wellness. As I learned more about holistic approaches to well-being, I realized that skincare was an integral part of overall health, and my newfound interest in wellness naturally led me to explore skincare options beyond the basic bar of soap. I began experimenting with various “non-toxic” or “healthy” products, eager to find something that aligned with my evolving philosophy on health. However, despite trying numerous options, I found myself unsatisfied. Something was missing, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was.
Then a breakthrough came. I was introduced to Riman Korean skincare, and it was like a lightbulb moment. Unlike other brands that focus on specific issues like acne or wrinkles, Riman takes a holistic approach to skincare. Their philosophy resonated deeply with me – instead of just treating symptoms, why not focus on overall skin health?
Riman’s products are designed with proactive protection in mind. They use ingredients known for their soothing and calming properties, perfect for sometimes irritated skin. The products promise to aid in skin regeneration, provide intense hydration, and improve the skin barrier—all things our skin desperately needs as we age. Importantly, they prioritize safe, gentle ingredients, recognizing the skin’s role as both a barrier and a gateway to our overall health.
What really piqued my interest was Riman’s use of nano-liposome technology. This innovative approach ensures that active ingredients are absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, maximizing their effectiveness. It’s like sending tiny skincare soldiers directly to where they’re needed most! This targeted delivery system also means that beneficial ingredients can work more effectively without overwhelming or irritating the skin.
Many of my colleagues in the healthcare industry, excited by the prospect of a skincare routine that could work on multiple levels while prioritizing safety, decided to give Riman a try. Its dual cleansing process, hydrating serums, and creams are applied in a layered approach, creating a special glowing appearance even after the first application. And it was true—we had the Riman glow!
Within weeks, we noticed that our skin felt more balanced—not too dry, not too oily. The redness some had always struggled with began to subside, and complexions took on a healthy glow. For me personally, my wrinkles and fine lines were all but gone. More importantly, we felt confident that we were nurturing our skin—and, by extension, our overall health—with safe, effective ingredients.
But the changes weren’t just skin-deep. Even I had started looking forward to my skincare routines. It wasn’t just about applying products; it felt like nurturing my skin, giving it what it needed to thrive. I noticed I wasn’t concerned anymore about targeting this wrinkle or that blemish—instead, I knew that this was overall skin health and that my complexion would improve as a result. This aligned so well with the functional wellness approaches to a healthy body that these rituals just felt like a natural part of self-care.
As I look in the mirror now, I’m amazed at the transformation. In a relatively short time, my skin (and that of my colleagues as well) looks remarkably better—healthier, more vibrant, with a certain glow that wasn’t there before. The fine lines seem softer, my complexion is more even, and there’s a radiance that catches the light just so. But it’s not just about appearance. This visible improvement in my skin has translated into newfound confidence that permeates every aspect of my life. I stand a little taller, smile a little brighter, and face the world with renewed self-assurance. Being 72 has never looked and felt so good!
I’ve realized that great skincare isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, inside and out. And that feeling? It’s absolutely priceless.
For more information about Riman, click the link and check out the two rituals that I am obsessed with—I use the Expert Riman Ritual in the morning and the Advanced Riman Ritual at night.
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