Cosmeceuticals are a compromise between cosmetics and prescibed pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceutical products are not to be confused with ordinary cosmetics.

The one major difference being that Cosmeceutical products are known to contain ingredients of a biological nature that have an active effect on the user. Examples of cosmeceuticals are…

- Baldness treatments
- Moisturisers
- Sun cream
- Anti-wrinkle cream

Note: A cosmetic is a product that cleanses and beautifies the skin. The main difference to cosmeceutcials being cosmetics are NOT intended on treating problems related to stress, environmental damage, ageing, diet or disease. Cosmetics will not combat skin disorders or have any change on the physical structure of the skin.

The most profitable and popular section of the cosmeceutical market is Photodamage, where the skin has deteriorated due to sun exposure and ageing. The cosmeceutical industry is growing and there is a wealth of products on the market. Some of the more popular cosmeceuticals availible are:

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) Otherwise known as Fruit Acids
These are ingredients within many common foods such as grapes, citrus fruit and sour milk. Lactic and Glycolic acids are the most popular types of AHAs and the properties of AHAs help support the skin's colour, tone and texture as well as having anti-ageing effects reducing the appearence of pores, lines and wrinkles. It can also have positive effects on aged, sun-damaged or dry skin, as well as acne.
In essence AHAs work to reduce dead cells and moisturise and rejuvinate the skin.
Note: Studies show that a low percentage AHA used over a longer period of time will have the same effect as a stronger, more expensive alternative.

Antioxidants
The basic premise of antioxidants is to fight against the inevitable oxidising of our skin through contact with the air all around us. Antioxidants provide a protective layer defending the skin from environmental damage. The result of this is a rejuvinating effect that falls under the anti-ageing umbrella.

Photo Therapeutics
This cosmeceutical consists entirely of using light to treat the skin. A blue light is used to combat acne. A red light is used to rejuvinate the skin.

Red light - The red light treatment has a positive affect not only your skin but also on your mood, proving to be relaxing and helping you unwind. The effect on the skin is one of rejuvination, hydrating and stimulating the skin complementing the texture and pigmentation.

Blue light - The blue light treatment is effective in the treatment of acne. The reason for the success of the treatment is due to the blue light that stimulates chemiicals within the skin that neutralise the bacteria responsible for acne.

Another popular cosmeceutical product is Botox.

Visit:  MD Formulations

Visit:  Cosmeceuticals

Visit:  Transform Cosmetic Surgery Group

Visit:  Jan Marini

If you'd like to link to us simple email
web@nouveaubeautygroup.co.uk

Medina says:

Monday 21st, April 2008 at 11:59pm

I've been using cosmeceuticals for the last 4 years and I have to say they have completely pushed the regular lotions and potions out of my routine. This is because they work and they work fast. I use some of the usual suspects like Skinceuticals and some really niche stuff like Mene & Moy. I get most of my products on-line at www.beautyisskindeep.com, they have a great range.

---

Leave a Reply

Name (required) Email (required) Website
To help us fight spam, please repeat the characters in
the box below: