In today’s modern world of skincare products, there are a wide range of terms being thrown around that could leave consumers confused. From organically derived botanicals and retinol blends, to advanced deep-cell hydration components, we might begin to think that manufacturers are simply making up new terms for basic skincare products to make them seem more effective while increasing the prices. This is where a boutique salon such as Glow West comes in. With experts technicians who can explain the latest innovations in skin and beauty care, Glow West will help you understand today’s skincare terminology and help you choose the products that are right for your skin.
With that being said, there are two skincare terms that are very real, and very important if you are to give your skin the proper nourishment it needs. These are ‘cosmeceuticals’ and ‘pharmaceuticals’.
Any time you are choosing premium skincare products, you should always choose the best, most effective ingredients the industry has to offer. To do this, you have to know the difference between cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Let’s take a look:
What Are Cosmeceuticals?
Cosmeceuticals can be categorised as cosmetic products that contain active ingredients that are ‘known to be beneficial in some way’. Certain ingredients which contain antioxidants, marine extracts or peptides, for example, would make a skin cream or lotion a cosmeceutical. In fact, if the skin care product contains specialised ingredients including vitamin C or retinol and these ingredients are known to cause changes in your skin such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, hyperpigmentation or sagging skin, they would be considered cosmeceuticals. What is the difference between cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals then?
What Are Pharmaceuticals?
A very small percentage of skin care products available today, approximately 5%, are considered pharmaceutical-grade. These are products which are typically available in prescription-only form from a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or licensed skin professional. These products are much more effective than over the counter brands and cosmeceuticals because they work with the subcutaneous tissue layer in the skin. They are regulated, backed by scientific studies and must contain 99.9% pure active ingredients.
What Products Are Right For Your Skin?
Deciding which products, cosmeceuticals or pharmaceuticals, are right for your skin can be difficult and you should consult a licenced skincare professional.
Contact Glow West
To learn more about the difference between cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals in skincare, contact the skin rejuvenation experts at Glow West today!
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