The term “Cosmeceutical” describes a non prescription product containing high grade/percentage of active ingredients that penetrate into your skin and so offer actual improved results in skin health.
These professional grade products have been scientifically researched and tested to prove they actually have an effect on the skin.
What are Cosmeceuticals?
Cosmeceuticals are the midrange of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, using bioactive ingredients that have benefits beyond the traditional over the counter products.
They address skin concerns at a deeper level and protecting your skin from external forces, such as the sun and pollution, which cause premature ageing.
High street cosmetic brands selling anti-ageing products containing antioxidants, peptides and retinols, don’t contain high enough percentages of these active ingredients to make any real difference to the skin.
Also they are often full of chemicals, parabens, fillers and preservatives, which irritate the skin and block penetration of the more beneficial ingredients.
How Do Cosmeceuticals Work?
By diffusing deep into the skin cosmeceuticals work by delivering their ingredients where your skin needs them most. Active ingredients vary from product to product depending on individual concerns, some of the most popular ingredients include:
AHA’S/BHA’s -Exfoliate
Products which contain AHA’S (alpha hydroxyl acids), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and BHA’s (beta hydroxyl acid) such as salicylic acid, increase skin exfoliation by shedding the top layer’s dull, dead cells, helping the skin to appear smoother and feel softer. Research also shows that it can improve collagen production by stimulating cell turnover and improve hydration by enhanced moisture intake. They must be used with an antioxidant and a sunscreen to protect the skin. Great for acne, pigmentation/sun-damage, fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamins C and E /Antioxidants
Superior antioxidants that protect your skin against UV damage and other environmental factors that cause aging. Also stimulates collagen production, brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation and it is anti-inflammatory. Great for all skin types.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance already present in the body, the water of the skin. Once in the skin, it works by creating volume attracting 1000 times its own weight in water. It gives natural volume in your skin to lift and produce new firmness, resulting in a healthier, more youthful appearance. This product is an effective hydrating agent that can be used under any moisturiser, helping the skin to retain water. Great for all skin types to hydrate and plump out lines and wrinkles.
Retinols
A potent and effective tool for clearing and maintaining problem skin.
Pure vitamin A works continually increasing new cell regrowth and rapid exfoliation of the skin. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and used for the treatment of age related skin changes. Sun block must be used every day. It can cause skin irritation if used too often and not recommended for use if pregnant. Great for anti-aging, acne, sun damage, lines/wrinkles and texture.
Peptides
Peptides are one of the hottest advances in skincare today and with good reason. Composed of long-chain amino acids, peptides are the building blocks of proteins used to aid and create healthy new skin tissue. When applied to the skin, they’re believed to support collagen and elastin production. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process. Some well known peptides include matrixyl and argireline used in the several DQ products including peptide mob and advanced B5.
What Results Should I Expect?
The results from using cosmeceuticals will become apparent only after a few weeks, obviously the longer you use them the greater the accumulative effect will be.
The key ingredients are used in amounts that penetrate the skins surface and perform at the cellular level. Their function is to activate, wake up and regulate the functions of the cells and make them behave as they normally did in baby skin creating deeper collagen and elastin production, a higher cellular turn over revealing healthier, more youthful vibrant skin. Remember healthy skin reflects light and appears more radiant and luminous so that you don’t need to fake it with make up!
They also prolong the effects of Cosmetic / Aesthetic clinical treatments.