Skin care packaging in a product line can be lovely, especially when everything matches with soothing colors and bright metallic lining that catches the eye. However, is it always necessary to purchase all of the spa’s skin care items from the same line to get an effective result? The answer is no. It is all relative to what clients’ expectations are from the products.
The scientists behind the production of many product lines usually do formulate skin care lines to work cohesively in creating specific changes within the skin. Often, lines are based on a main ingredient, such as glycolic acid, vitamin C, or retinol, which helps define what the products are intended to do within the skin. The catch happens to be the quality and purity of the ingredients and how those molecular structures are created in the lab. In short, the size of the molecule determines whether the ingredient will sit on top of the skin or absorb into the skin.

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One chemical element can cause the price of a product to go up as it can be more difficult to create products with smaller stable molecules, which takes added time and special formulations. On the other hand, a product might say it includes vitamin C, but there is little to no benefit from the ingredient because the formulation includes such a small amount, an unstable formula, or even a derivative of the ingredient that has no beneficial effect on the skin whatsoever. In that case, one could substitute another line’s vitamin C product made from high quality ingredients to ensure the efficacy desired is obtained.1
It is a fact that many lines are formulated with specific ingredients and delivery systems for efficacy and to ensure that the skin’s barrier remains intact and healthy.2 However, it is false that only products from one line must be used or nothing will work. Still, if a client loves a skin care line that offers high-quality ingredients and commits to use it daily as directed, their skin will benefit. It is always important, however, to be aware that it can be effective to choose any product from any line and mix it with other products from various product lines without first being aware of how the products work together. In addition to using high-quality skin care products, clients must also include proper nutrition, plenty of water daily, moderate exercise, and good quality sleep into their routine for best skin health.
Overall, the best advice is to research. First, know clients’ skin types and recommend products accordingly. Compare product line regimens according to skin type and desired skin changes. Review the scientific research presented by the company to ensure the marketing claims made by the product line are backed up by science. Last, and perhaps most important, educate clients on committing to comply in order to obtain great results.

References
1 Pinnell, Sheldon R., Huanshu Yang, Mostafa Omar, Nancy Monteiro Riviere, Holly V. Debuys, Linda C. Walker, Yaohui Wang, and Mark Levine. “Topical L-Ascorbic Acid: Percutaneous Absorption Studies.” Dermatologic Surgery 27, no. 2 (2001): 137-42. doi:10.1097/00042728-200102000-00008.
2 Eberting, Cheryl Lee, Garrett Coman, and Nicholas Blickenstaff. “Repairing a Compromised Skin Barrier in Dermatitis: Leveraging the Skin's Ability to Heal Itself.” OMICS International. August 18,,2014. https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/repairing-a-compromised-skin-barrier-in-dermatitis-2155-6121.1000187.php?aid=29958.