If you are wanting to up your skincare routine or perhaps have found that your current products just don’t produce the results you want, you may have come across products known as cosmeceuticals. A play on the words pharmaceutical and cosmetics, these products can help to manage troublesome skincare concerns with less stress and in the comfort of your own home. As skin care specialists, it is our job to stay up-to-date on new trends so that you can achieve healthier, glowing skin.
What are Cosmeceuticals?
Cosmeceuticals are medical-grade skincare products that can offer both medicinal and cosmetic benefits, allowing you to treat unwanted blemishes and concerns while refreshing your appearance without a prescription or procedure. Cosmeceutical skincare products are products formulated using medical-grade ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin and deliver stronger, better results compared to over-the-counter products. They are popular choices in targeting common skincare concerns such as fine lines, dryness, dull texture, acne, scarring, pigmentation, sun damage, and minor signs of aging.
What is an Active Ingredient?
Active ingredients are ingredients added to a product with a specific purpose and have the strength to change the physical structure and workings of your skin. These ingredients are backed by scientific evidence and are proven to have beneficial effects on your skin. Active ingredients in cosmeceuticals are considered the “heavy hitters” for treating your skin concerns.
Common active ingredients used in skincare include:
- Antioxidants
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Glycolic Acid
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Lactic Acid
- Peptides
- Retinol
- Salicylic Acid
- Vitamins
It is important to note that though cosmeceuticals do contain a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to over-the-counter products, they do not contain the same amount as prescription medication and cannot cure skin conditions.
Benefits of Using Cosmeceuticals
One of the biggest benefits is that cosmeceutical products can significantly improve your skin’s appearance and behavior of your skin cells without a trip to the doctor for a prescription. They contain stronger concentrations of medical-grade ingredients that have been tried and tested by science allowing for higher-quality results. Though they can be more expensive, many clients consider them to be a better value. With higher quality ingredients, you can expect better results that last longer than over-the-counter products. However, it is important to note that they will not produce results similar to that of cosmetic procedures such as botox or injectable fillers.
Are Cosmeceuticals Better Than Over-The-Counter Products?
The biggest difference between over-the-counter (OTC) products and cosmeceuticals is that over-the-counter products do not penetrate deeply or contain the necessary amount of active ingredients to treat concerns. Instead, they work on the surface and remove superficial blemishes. Cosmeceuticals contain the right amount of active ingredients to change your skin from deep within and produce better, healthier skin cells.
Does this mean we shouldn’t use over-the-counter products? No! Over-the-counter products can be convenient, cheaper, and ideal for those who do not struggle day to day with unwanted skin concerns. They are designed to suit anyone within a general skin type (oily, dry, or combination) and are more easily available compared to cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals can only be purchased through licensed skincare professionals to ensure that the products you select are right for your needs and skin.
If you are wanting to upgrade your skincare routine or are unsure about which products to try, come into our office so that we can discuss your skincare needs and what will be right for you. Understanding skincare can be difficult, but we are here to help. During your consultation, we will conduct a thorough examination to determine your skin type and discuss your concerns and desires for treatment. Afterward, we can decide together what products are right for you. For more information on cosmeceuticals and our services or to schedule an appointment, contact The MedSpa @50th today.
