As a medical provider specializing in skin health and aesthetics, I have a professional, ethical responsibility to get you results not just temporary improvements, but sustainable changes that support your skin long-term. That’s why I often say: I do not work with patients who choose not to follow my product recommendations when it comes to conditions like acne, melasma, and hyperpigmentation
This isn’t about product loyalty or pushing a brand. It’s about making sure you get the outcome you came to me for.
It’s Not About the Ingredients—It’s About the Formula
Many people believe that if a product has the same ingredients as something I recommend, say, 10% vitamin C or 2% mandelic acid, they can use a more affordable dupe and get the same results. Unfortunately, this is one of the most misleading assumptions in skincare.
Here's why ingredient lists don’t tell the whole story:
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One ingredient name can refer to hundreds of variations with different molecular structures, purities, and effectiveness.
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Formulation determines how an ingredient behaves in a product. Two serums can list the same actives, but if one has the wrong pH, poor penetration, or no stability, it won’t do anything for your skin.
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The ingredient delivery system matters. If the product doesn’t penetrate to the layer of skin where the condition exists, it’s essentially just sitting on the surface.
As explained by cosmetic chemist Jen Novakovich of The Eco Well, “Ingredient lists don’t really tell consumers that much, outside of allergen disclosure. How an ingredient performs is formulation specific, something ingredient disclosure won’t tell you” (Novakovich, 2023).
This is why two products with the exact same ingredient list can perform completely differently.
Why Dupes Don’t Work the Same
Dupes are often marketed to mimic more advanced or higher grade products. But in clinical experience, they’re almost always:
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Lacking in stability or therapeutic concentration
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Missing a proven delivery system
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Not tested in the full formula, only referencing supplier data for individual ingredients
These types of products may “check the box” on the surface, but in real-world skin physiology, they fail to deliver meaningful results, especially when treating chronic conditions like melasma, acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or rosacea.
My Commitment to You Requires Structure and Boundaries
When I take you on as a patient, I am committing to more than just a single appointment. I’m entering into a therapeutic relationship that is:
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Evidence-based
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Results-focused
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Rooted in ethical care
This means I don’t recommend random products you find online or on social media. I’ve already done the research and clinical work to find what performs best for your condition, skin type, and treatment plan.
I understand that switching to new skincare, especially when it feels like you’re buying a new wardrobe, can be overwhelming. If that’s where you are, we can talk through a phased approach. But I need you to understand: Results require compliance, with both treatments and your homecare routine.
What If We Don’t Get It Right the First Time?
Skincare is a process. We may need to tweak or adjust things based on how your skin responds. But the goal isn’t just to fix something quickly, it’s to build a healthy, sustainable foundation that we can maintain. Once we reach your goal, there’s space to experiment with new products, if you choose to. But by then, we’ve established a baseline of skin health, and the products I’ve recommended should remain your anchor.
I can’t ethically promise you results if you’re not using the protocols and formulations that I know work. If you're not ready to invest in your skincare and follow my recommendations, I may not be the right provider for you. And that's okay. But if you're here for meaningful, lasting skin transformation, I'm here for you, fully. Let’s do it right from the start.
Reference:
Novakovich, J. (2025, March). A 101 guide to skincare claims. The Eco Well. https://www.theecowell.com/podcast/raniaandomer