BEAUTY
Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
Close up on cosmeceuticals
Skincare can be tricky to choose, especially with little guidance. Packaging and promises all mean consumers are drawn in, but how much long-term affect can these products have? Jacqui Casey of Epsom Skin Clinics introduces essence readers to cosmecueticals and why we should be excited about them.
Photo copyright: Tannjuska | Dreamstime.com
It’s possible to separate skincare products into four different categories: high street, luxury, cosmeceutical and medical. Everyone is familiar with high street products and it is known that high street brands can barely penetrate the top layer of epidermis. This means they will provide a surface improvement and will smell and feel nice, but why treat the already dead layers of skin?
A cosmeceutical will work to penetrate newer skin cells lower down in the epidermis. These are products only found in selected clinics and can be bought once recommended by, or after a visit to, a therapist. Cosmeceuticals have more pharmaceutical grade ingredients with a cosmetic benefit and have to have evidence of their efficacy.
Ingredients contained within cosmeceuticals will vary to assist all different skin types and concerns, but they will be clinically proven to have a biological result within the skin. They will target the underlying structures to stimulate, improve and make the skin healthier long-term. Here are some ingredients to look out for:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential ingredient for supporting healthy bodily functions, but it offers amazing results when applied topically to the skin. It works as a resurfacer, gently sloughing the top layer of skin, which evens out tone and helps to thicken layers underneath, making wrinkles and fine lines appear diminished. It also aids in collagen production by halting the sugars that break it down.
A cosmeceutical will work to penetrate newer skin cells lower down in the epidermis. These are products only found in selected clinics and can be bought once recommended by, or after a visit to, a therapist. Cosmeceuticals have more pharmaceutical grade ingredients with a cosmetic benefit and have to have evidence of their efficacy.
Ingredients contained within cosmeceuticals will vary to assist all different skin types and concerns, but they will be clinically proven to have a biological result within the skin. They will target the underlying structures to stimulate, improve and make the skin healthier long-term. Here are some ingredients to look out for:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential ingredient for supporting healthy bodily functions, but it offers amazing results when applied topically to the skin. It works as a resurfacer, gently sloughing the top layer of skin, which evens out tone and helps to thicken layers underneath, making wrinkles and fine lines appear diminished. It also aids in collagen production by halting the sugars that break it down.
Retinol
Now is the perfect time of year to start using a retinol as care needs to be taken when using it in sunlight. Retriderm is a serum that contains retinol amongst other things such as hyaluronic acid known for its hydrating properties. It makes an incredible addition to any skincare routine.
Vitamin C
Our favourite antioxidant is Vitamin C, and not the type in a berroca. This Vitamin C is a crime-fighting ingredient which prevents free radical damage to the skin that causes premature ageing. It protects the cells lower down whilst also helping with inflammation and boosting radiance. Obagi Professional-C serums are available in three different percentages, 10%, 15%, and 20%, so there is something for everyone.
Stem cells
Stem cells are a buzzword at the moment as they can help regenerate and reform skin cells. They are made of growth factors which help with the division of cells, therefore helping new skin cells to form as well as targeting collagen and elastin production which firms the skin and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. So book with us for a consultation to find out how to get the best out of skincare and work
on treating newer skin cells, not resurrecting dead ones!
Now is the perfect time of year to start using a retinol as care needs to be taken when using it in sunlight. Retriderm is a serum that contains retinol amongst other things such as hyaluronic acid known for its hydrating properties. It makes an incredible addition to any skincare routine.
Vitamin C
Our favourite antioxidant is Vitamin C, and not the type in a berroca. This Vitamin C is a crime-fighting ingredient which prevents free radical damage to the skin that causes premature ageing. It protects the cells lower down whilst also helping with inflammation and boosting radiance. Obagi Professional-C serums are available in three different percentages, 10%, 15%, and 20%, so there is something for everyone.
Stem cells
Stem cells are a buzzword at the moment as they can help regenerate and reform skin cells. They are made of growth factors which help with the division of cells, therefore helping new skin cells to form as well as targeting collagen and elastin production which firms the skin and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. So book with us for a consultation to find out how to get the best out of skincare and work
on treating newer skin cells, not resurrecting dead ones!
essence info
Epsom Skin ClinicsWebsite: www.epsomskinclinics.com
Telephone: 01372 737280 (Epsom) or 020 8399 5996 (Surbiton)