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Have you tried cosmeceutical skin care products yet? Chances are that you have–but maybe without even realizing it at the time. The term “cosmeceutical” is trendier than ever, but it first gained popularity in the late 1990s after a boom in the cosmetics industry encouraged a crossover between health products and cosmetics. That’s exactly what a cosmeceutical is: a product that provides health benefits while also improving beauty or appearance, too. If you haven’t yet tried them, we’d like to share five why cosmeceutical skin care products may be the right choice for you.
What’s Are Cosmeceutical Skin Care Products?
Despite the fact that the term cosmeceutical is relatively new, as far as trends go, these revolutionary products date back to as early as the 18th Century. Originally, they came in the form of tonics or topical salves that boasted an ability to improve skin, brighten the cheeks, or even give the wearer a rush of energy.
Much as with any other medical product, the 18th Century’s cosmeceuticals were often dangerous and loaded with toxic chemicals.
Today, the news is much brighter: through research, cosmeceuticals that improve health and beauty at the same time are safe, reliable, and widely accepted by members of either sex. By far, the most common category is anti-aging products, but you can find a product to do just about everything from reducing dry skin to alleviating the symptoms of acne.
Not sure where to start, or why you should give them a try? While you should always speak with your pharmacist before using a medicated product, it’s important to know where to start. Let’s take a look at how and why cosmeceutical skin care products help.
1. Fewer Signs of Aging
Scientists have worked since the dawn of time itself to reduce the signs of aging. From powder to lead-containing face paint in the 18th Century, the human race has always attempted to fool the biological clock at a surface level. Today’s cosmeceuticals contain research-backed substances that may reduce the signs of aging at a cellular level.
Products that contain alphahydroxy acid (AHA) work by encouraging cell shedding, increasing the rate at which old skin cells die off and replicate themselves. Vitamin C also works in a similar fashion, and may also help your skin to detoxify itself, too. Cosmeceuticals that contain licorice extract may also lighten sunspots and even out skin tone, though the effect is often mild and it takes time to see results.
Above all else, anti-aging products should contain a skin-specific moisturizer. Your skin begins to become increasingly dry as you age, and constant dehydration is a significant contributor to wrinkles.
2. Alleviated Skin Conditions
If you struggle with conditions like allergic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, you may struggle with finding the right cosmetics to suit your skin. The wrong product can exacerbate symptoms and may cause irritation or a worsening of symptoms, but cosmeceutical skin care products can sometimes reduce them when used correctly.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is notoriously difficult to treat because of the way it occurs. Rather than degeneration of the skin, it is a symptom of skin that regenerates much too quickly. Thus, using standard moisturizers or life cycle boosters alone isn’t appropriate. Instead, doctors recommend products that contain a Vitamin D analogue called calcitriol. This substance reduces the rate at which the skin regenerates slightly, balancing out skin shedding and reducing localized inflammation. When added to medicated cosmetics, it may reduce the exterior symptoms experienced during a psoriasis breakout.
Eczema
For eczema, some cosmeceutical companies are encouraging products containing dimethicone. When applied to the skin (or anything else, for that matter), dimethicone creates a waterproof barrier and can effectively reduce environmental irritation. It won’t cure your eczema, but it could very well reduce the length of breakouts and prevent cracking or chapping–a sure benefit.
Allergies
For people with allergies, adding a topical antihistamine may be all that’s required for you to enjoy your favorite cosmetic products. Some contain a tiny amount of topical diphenhydramine, while others are simply made using hypoallergenic cosmetic materials with a proven history for being gentle. Be cautious with products containing herbal substances if you have a history of allergies; some can exacerbate more than they help. When in doubt, try a small dab on the inside of your wrist first.
3. Reduced Blemishes and Acne
Aside from anti-aging products, cosmeceuticals that heal and reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes just might make up the second-largest portion of the industry. With good reason, too: the American Academy of Dermatology claims that up to 50 million patients struggle with acne every day.
Treating acne can be a bit of a struggle because it comes in many forms, including:
- Acne vulgaris
- Cystic acne
- Comedones
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Pustules
- Papules
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Nodulocystic Acne
- Acne Conglobata
Because each of these acne types can require an individualized approach, you should see a dermatologist to verify which type of acne you struggle with.
For normal, everyday acne, certain cosmeceuticals may help. Look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, charcoal, and alphahydroxy acid (AHA) have the most research behind them. Non-comedogenic moisturizers, creams, and foundations are a must to prevent pore clogging that leads to further infection.
Because most acne products can cause excessive drying and irritation if overused, too. If you see any signs of irritation, stop the treatment immediately and seek medical advice.
4. Reduced Appearance of Scars
For new mothers and those who have gained and lost a great deal of weight, stretch marks are just a fact of life. But they can be unsightly and begin to impact your confidence, especially when it’s time to enjoy warmer weather. Likewise, anyone who becomes the proud owner of a large wound or acne scars knows that hiding scar tissue is often no easy task.
Surgical intervention and/or laser treatments can reduce the appearance of scars. But cosmeceuticals containing vitamin E could possibly produce the same results with less intervention, saving you time, pain, and money along the way.
Vitamin E doesn’t cure scars, but it does support the skin by providing it with the nutrients it needs to heal. It encourages skin to regenerate at a faster rate while moisturizing the derma, preventing excessive redness and irritation. Over time, it may help to fade scars from deep red to silvery-white.
Be cautious of quick scar fixes; scarring severity is usually dictated by genetics. While you can support the skin, you can’t make the scar disappear with cosmeceuticals alone.
5. Rejuvenated, Brightened, and Toned Skin
You don’t experience acne, and you’re still under 35–but cosmeceutical skin care products may still be beneficial to you, too. Cleansing products, moisturizers, and cosmetics that contain certain vitamins and minerals can brighten, tone, and rejuvenate your skin whether you’re 18 or 81. Best of all, many of them come in products you’re already using anyway–including moisturizers, face washes, serums, and foundations.
As we age, we lose our ability to produce collagen, and that results in fine lines and wrinkles. The book, “Straight Talk About Cosmetic Surgery,” mentions the use of copper peptides (known scientifically as glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu) as one potential cosmeceutical early intervention.
The book mentions that copper peptide is “actually a protein growth factor that has been isolated from human plasma. In 1994 it was shown to improve wound healing.” The author later clarifies that,”It increases collagen formation better than tretinoin, melatonin, and vitamin C.” Used early and reliably, it may help to ward off fine lines until much later in life.
Several other chemicals may help you to achieve that bright, youthful and dewy glow. These include:
- Niacinamide – increases localized circulation
- Mimosa bark – reduces inflammation
- Pomegranate extract – reduces inflammation
- Stinging nettle extract – an antiseptic
- Theophylline – similar to caffeine; increases circulation
- Tyrosine peptides – reduce age spots and discoloration
- Yeast extract – may balance sebum production
- Zinc oxide – acts as a sunblock against UVA/UVB rays
- Tea tree oil – antibacterial and antiseptic properties
- Menthol – feels invigorating; may have slight antiseptic properties
- MDI complex – inhibits collagen breakdown to reduce fine lines
- Hydroquinone – reduces red and brown pigmentation
All-told, there are hundreds of chemicals, extracts, and supplements that directly or indirectly benefit the skin. When used correctly, cosmeceutical skin care products can achieve results for you where other treatments have failed, but they can be strong and even dangerous if used incorrectly. If you’re considering cosmeceuticals for a skin problem or even everyday maintenance, ask your pharmacist to explain each product to you and learn how to use it correctly. You won’t just keep yourself safe; you’ll maximize your chances of success, too.