Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1537409
78 ASCP Skin Deep Summer 2025 and heat. Research shows that adding just 0.5 percent ferulic acid can double the skin's photoprotection and dramatically improve stability. Formulated at a specific pH, these serums ensure optimal bioavailability, meaning the vitamin C remains stable and can pass through the skin barrier to target the dermis for true correction to begin. 2 Meanwhile, a typical drugstore "brightening" serum may include only 1–3 percent of a vitamin C derivative (versus 10–20 percent in professional-grade products), offering minimal surface-level antioxidant benefits without deep penetration or collagen stimulation. Professional skin care isn't just better; it's biologically smarter. Another layer of risk is homemade or DIY skin care products. While appealing for their natural or artisanal claims, these formulations are often unregulated, untested, and inconsistent. DIY products may lack proper pH balance, contain unstable ingredient combinations, or harbor microbial contamination, which can disrupt the skin barrier, trigger irritation, and cause more harm than benefit. Without clinical oversight, DIY products cannot guarantee potency, stability, or performance, making them risky for clients seeking corrective skin care solutions. Unlike drugstore or DIY products, professional- grade skin care is backed by research. Guiding clients to these solutions elevates their outcomes and reinforces your expertise. BEYOND PERCENTAGE: POTENCY, STABILITY, AND PERFORMANCE True transformation begins beneath the surface. Let's explore how professional-grade actives are designed to work in harmony with skin biology—delivering potency, stability, and lasting renewal where cosmetic promises fall short. The distinction between professional-grade and mass-market skin care extends beyond the percentage of active ingredients listed on a label. Professional- grade formulations are characterized by the synergy of