Cosmeceuticals, a subset of skin care products, contain active chemicals with the potential to affect the skin’s physiology positively. As such, cosmeceutical skincare products can cause changes in your skin rather than merely and momentarily improving its appearance.
Making the Most of Your Cosmeceutical Ingredients
- If a product claims to be a cosmeceutical, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is effective. Picking a cosmeceutical with components supported by research is the surest method to obtain what it claims to do: improve your skin. Some chemicals have been investigated more extensively than others, and these compounds have been found to have real, biological impacts on the skin.
- Academic research on cosmeceutical skincare compounds is limited; therefore, what is known about them comes from studies conducted by the industry. So, not all components are indeed created equal when it comes to their effects on the skin, but there is solid data that shows some compounds do have noticeable advantages. Look for these substances to ensure you obtain a high-performance, effective cosmeceutical.
- Research on alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) is extensive. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, and benzilic acid are among the most helpful. Exfoliation is boosted by alpha hydroxy acids, leaving skin feeling silkier and looking more radiant. Sun damage and moderate hyperpigmentation is also lightened with AHAs.
- When applied topically, the potent antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) helps shield skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. And because of its potential to diminish dark circles, it is frequently used in eye lotions and serums. ALA has been shown to decrease pore size and promote skin firmness.
- Ceramides are essential components of the skin, and their main selling point is that they prevent dry skin. Transepidermal water loss is slowed by ceramides (or TEWL), which means it prevents moisture from leaving your skin rather than leaving it there. And as it hydrates and firms the skin, it also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- The catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate and other polyphenols in green tea have been shown to have health benefits (EGCG). It has been shown that EGCG can inhibit inflammation, increase collagen formation, and provide protection from UV radiation. This, however, does not imply that green tea may be used as a place of sunscreen. However, green tea extract-containing sunscreens could provide even more defence against the sun’s ageing effects.
- Natural hyaluronic acid in the skin declines with ageing. Hydrating and firming the skin are two of hyaluronic acid’s many benefits. And hyaluronic acid, like ceramides, helps skin appear full and smooth.
- Another powerful antioxidant is niacinamide (vitamin B3). Skin moisture is improved by niacinamide, and it helps diminish redness, blotchiness, and hyperpigmentation, all of which contribute to an overall more even skin tone. Being anti-ageing and skin-brightening, this substance shields against the inevitable greying of old age.
- Peptides are naturally occurring short-chain amino acids that may be discovered in human skin. Collagen synthesis can be boosted with peptides, leading to plumper, smoother skin with fewer wrinkles. However, peptides may be absorbed when applied topically.
- Retinol and retinaldehyde are used topically to reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Their use results in softer skin and may even prevent collagen breakdown. In particular, retinaldehyde has been proven to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
- Researchers have shown that a diet high in soy can slow the thinning of the skin and the loss of collagen that comes with advancing age. Collagen synthesis may also be boosted, according to some research.
- It has been suggested that the popular antioxidant vitamin C may also encourage collagen production (specifically L-ascorbic acid). However, once the substance is opened and exposed to air, its efficacy rapidly declines and eventually disappears. As such, Vitamin C supplements work best when packaged in airtight pumps (which prevent air from entering the bottle) or single-serving capsules.
Cosmeceuticals are more than just cosmetic products – they are products that are designed to both enhance appearances, while also providing skin health benefits because they contain specific and active ingredients that are derived from pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and other special fields of skin care and science. With recent advances in skin care technology, cosmeceuticals offer a wide range of advantages that vary from proving extraordinary benefits such as reducing wrinkles and fine lines to providing nutritional benefits that can improve skin tone, hydration and firmness.
It is important for consumers to understand what cosmeceutical products are in order to know which ones to buy. Cosmeceutical products are not just general skin care items, but are specifically formulated to provide clinical results that can help improve the look and feel of the skin. When searching for cosmeceutical products, consumers should be aware of the ingredients that are found in the particular item, such as alpha hydroxyl acids, beta hydroxyl acids, resveratrol, green tea, cytokines and growth factors. These active ingredients can increase cell turnover, restore moisture levels and reduce inflammation, as well as providing more beneficial skin health effects.
When purchasing cosmeceutical products, always work with a skin care professional to ensure that the appropriate products are chosen. Knowing individual skin needs and what ingredients should be used will guarantee the best results. It is also important that certain products may be too strong for some skin types, so opting for mild cosmeceutical forms, such as lotions or creams, is essential to get the maximum benefit from the product.
When used properly, cosmeceuticals can provide long-term skin enhancements and help enhance one’s skin appearance. These products can also help protect against sun damage and other environmental aggressors, and provide the necessary nutrients to increase skin resilience. If you are looking to improve the condition of your skin, then investing in cosmeceutical products is a great option.
