It’s a beauty buzz word you will see and read about often, however for some people the difference between a cosmetic product and a cosmeceutical is confusing.

The term cosmeceutical was coined in 1990s and is a derivative blend of the words cosmetic and pharmaceutical.

Cosmeceuticals are products that can be used to improve the function of the skin as well as being advantageous in preventing premature aging.

Understanding the difference between a cosmetic product and a cosmeceutical

The best way to understand the difference between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals is to understand the purpose of each category.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics products are namely for the purpose of beauty or style, such products merely cover the skin, (in some case skincare products hydrate the skin and keep it moisturised or clean the skin, but do little else). Cosmetic products also apply to hair, and nails. Examples of cosmetics include makeup and hair dye.

Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals, are different to cosmetics they are used to actually improve and enhance the skin’s appearance, by using biologically active ingredients such as ALA, and DMAE, (which I will explain the meaning of a little later). Cosmeceutical products may include many non-prescription anti-ageing products.

Nutriceuticals

A Cosmeceutical usually refers to a topically applied treatment or product, whereas the terms nutricosmetic or nutraceutical refer to products with similar benefits but are usually taken orally.

Thinking of buying Cosmeceuticals?

Are you looking to buy Cosmeceuticals? Even though some Cosmeceuticals have drug-like benefits, they are not regulated by the (FDA) United States Food and Drug Administration. This makes it difficult to know what products actually contain effective ingredients. My advice is to look for products with proven clinical results and evidence based research, many products will make ridiculous claims, of which I am quick to admonish often on Twitter, especially products that ‘claim’ to be a ‘facelift in a bottle’ or ‘BOTOX in a bottle, tube or jar’.

Beware of marketing hype, come a savvy smart shopper and learn to ask questions and investigate into the true efficacy of a product you are about to invest in, just because a celebrity has purchased a particular product don’t be sucked in to think automatically that ‘it must be good’, many celebrities are gifted ‘freebies’ so the clever marketing and PR machine is doing it work. If you are really serious about your skin care, invest in advice from an experienced aesthetic practitioner, skin specialist or dermatologist (as they are medically qualified), and they will be able to assess your skin needs and evaluate what will work for your individual requirements.

Effective ingredients to look for include:

• Antioxidants protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, molecules, free radicals break down and damage skin cells. Antioxidants include Vitamins C and E, these are powerful ingredients in the combat against anti ageing.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): Termed by some experts as ‘The ultimate antioxidant’, (ALA) is located in nearly every cell of the body, this super ingredient is very effective against free radical damage.
• DMAE: Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) it is not easy to pronounce, but it is an ingredient that involves itself with muscle activity; this super charged age buster helps firm the skin by working to stimulate increased tone in the muscles behind the face.
• Hydroxy Acids: These hard working natural acids exfoliate the skin, removing the dead skin cells that can often cause the skin to look rough, haggard and lack lustre, the results? skin is left smoother and softer.
• Retinoids: These are forms of Vitamin A. Using Vitamin A through a topical treatment enables skin cells to grow and die more quickly and effectively in turn you have a more productive and rapid turnover of cells.

Allergic Reactions

Be aware that some cosmeceuticals contain active ingredients that are added topically to the skin, as a result of this your skin could react negatively if not the product is not properly applied. It is best you seek proper advice and instructions form a skin specialist (medically qualified always!)

Reactions from cosmeceuticals can range from simple skin irritation to more serious allergies that involve the immune system.

Professional advice is imperative always.

Stay Beautiful!