The Skin Workout: Know Everything About Cosmeceuticals

The skincare and beauty industry has a new favorite term: cosmeceuticals. As the name suggests, cosmeceuticals are a unique combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (medicinal drugs). Simply put, Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that contain biologically active ingredients that work to improve and enhance the health of your skin. Here’s everything you need to know about cosmeceuticals.

1. What are cosmeceuticals?

Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that contain active ingredients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, etc. that have been clinically proven to visibly enhance the texture and health of the skin. Unlike regular cosmetics, these products penetrate the skin deeply and offer your skin a ‘workout’ while you wear them. Good-quality cosmeceuticals help affect the collagen levels and cellular activity of the skin, thereby offering visible results.

2. What advantage do cosmeceuticals offer over regular cosmetics?

   Unlike regular cosmetics, cosmeceuticals are potent enough to bring about a marked improvement in the case of many skincare concerns. Ingredients such as retinol are scientifically proven to have anti-aging effects on the skin. The following are some of the ways in which cosmeceuticals score over regular cosmetic products:

   • Provide deep and restorative hydration
   • Stimulate collagen production for youthful skin
   • Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
   • Repair sun damage
   • Treat acne and diminish scars

3. What are some common ingredients in cosmeceuticals?

Although the FDA does not recognize cosmeceuticals as a separate category (there is a provision only drugs, cosmetics, and soaps), you can identify a cosmeceutical by reading the list of ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, retinol, antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E, green tea and coenzyme Q10, and AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids are common ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are widely available across cosmetic and drug stores and can be purchased and used safely without a prescription. If you’re on the lookout for some beauty products that can improve your skin while making you look good, cosmeceuticals are the way to go.

Reference links:

1. Cosmeceutical –

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/labeling/claims/ucm127064.htm

2.A critical look at the term cosmeceutical: Descriptive or deceptive? –

http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatology-times/content/tags/cosmeceutical-products/critical-look-term-cosmeceutical-descriptive-o