During a recent shopping trip, I couldn't help but notice the crowds gathered around the skincare aisles in a high-end department store. I understand how the eye-catching packaging and the tempting scents of the testers could draw people in. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a bit concerned—not just for their wallets, but for the potential damage these products could do to their skin.
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and serves as our primary barrier to the outside world. It is constantly exposed to pollutants, environmental stressors, and the effects of daily wear and tear. Beyond its protective role, our skin has a range of vital functions: it regulates body temperature, provides insulation, and houses nerve endings that allow us to experience sensations like touch and pain. These are just a few of its many complex roles, underscoring how crucial it is to our overall health and well-being.
Because of its complexity, the products we use on our skin matter immensely. Using the wrong products can lead to conditions like irritant dermatitis, acne, and other skin issues. In some cases, skin problems can even be a signal of underlying systemic health conditions.
Given this complexity, I firmly believe that skincare should be rooted in science. This is why I created Villa Skincare—to offer people the peace of mind that the products they purchase are not only pure and potent but also supported by clinical trials and backed by scientific research.
Many over-the-counter cosmetic and beauty products contain only 1-10% active ingredients, which means they often sit on the surface of your skin rather than penetrating deeply and delivering real benefits. While they might offer temporary relief, these products can also cause more harm over time, particularly because of the additives, fragrances, and preservatives commonly used in their formulations. These preservatives are designed to extend shelf life and make products more economical for retailers—but they come at a cost. Many of these preservatives are harmful to the skin, potentially causing long-term damage.
In contrast, medical-grade skincare products contain far higher concentrations of active ingredients—often as much as 99% pure. These products are designed to be more effective and contain little to no fragrance or harmful additives. They also typically have fewer preservatives than beauty-grade products, which is why you won’t find them on store shelves. Medical-grade products are produced in smaller quantities, with a focus on quality rather than mass production. Because of their higher potency and shorter shelf life, they are typically only available through licensed skin care professionals and clinics.
At Villa Skincare, my goal is to make it easier for people to access the best, science-backed skincare options, so they can feel confident knowing their skin is receiving the highest quality care.
Dr S Ahmed