Buyers beware of cosmeceuticals!

Consumers are spending big bucks on a new category of anti-wrinkle creams and lotions - cosmeceuticals.

These over-the-counter products include active ingredients that can affect the appearance of skin.

However, buyers should beware before investing too much money or hope in cosmeceuticals, advises the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

Considered cosmetics rather than medications, cosmeceuticals aren't subject to rigorous testing for safety or effectiveness.

While there are no guarantees, the active ingredients in cosmeceuticals can affect biological processes such as the production or breakdown of skin cells, which can affect the surface appearance of skin. Popular active ingredients include:

  • Retinal, a form of vitamin A and the first antioxidant widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause signs of aging.
  • Hydroxy acids that act as exfoliants, removing the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulating the growth of new skin.
  • Coenzyme Q10, a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells and may help protect the skin from sun damage.
  • Copper peptides, which can stimulate collagen that helps keep skin taut.

Some nonprescription creams may slightly improve the appearance of skin over time or protect it from further damage. But nothing - including cosmetics that have druglike properties - works anti-aging magic.

Consumers should keep in mind that over-the-counter products may not have a high enough concentration of active ingredients to have a noticeable effect. Expensive creams may produce no better results than inexpensive ones. And improvement takes time. Even prescription products known to enhance skin appearance take time to produce results.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Breakthrough metabolomic aging score that predicts mortality better than traditional methods