Cosmeceutical Skincare vs. Cosmetic Skincare
The correct skincare routine is essential for preserving the integrity and health of your skin as well as preventing premature ageing.
What distinguishes skincare products bought from a dermal therapist from products purchased at a retail store? Is there a difference between cosmetic skincare and cosmeceutical skincare products?
The answer is yes! Here are a few key points that you need to be aware of so that you can be savvy with your selection and purchase the products that will do the most for your skin.
Regular Cosmetic Skincare Products
Cosmetic skincare products can be purchased without a recommendation or advice from a professional therapist from any retailer. These products are typically applied to the skin's surface and are unable to penetrate the epidermis and dermis layers. These deeper layers, where structural changes take place, are crucial to preserving the skin's overall health and aesthetic appeal.
These products work to mask the signs of aging through exfoliation and hydration of the surface layer. As we become older, they are often ineffective at repairing damage and maintaining the integrity of the skin.
While some of these "celebrity" products may include active ingredients, their potency is usually low. Therefore, these products often contain preservatives and chemicals as "filler" compounds.
Professional Skincare Clinic Products
Cosmeceutical products are often found inside licensed practitioners' clinics. They typically require a consultation with a professional prior to purchasing, to ensure the correct routine is selected, changes can be made where necessary, and that results are long-term.
Cosmeceutical brands contain active ingredients. These ingredients are able to penetrate the epidermis, creating changes to the structure, texture, tone, and overall appearance of the skin.
The key difference between the products that can be bought from a retailer and those that require professional advice is the potency and molecular weight of the active ingredients used, which influence the way they are delivered into the skin.
Cosmeceutical skincare products contain a higher percentage of active ingredients with a smaller molecule size. This allows the product to work within the deeper layers of the dermis where new skin cells are formed. In comparison, regular store-bought cosmetic products are unlikely to penetrate any lower than the epidermis, meaning they are unable to reach the cellular level, leaving the skin with poor long-term results.
Celebrity brands are marketed by the fame of their owners, who 'claim' to only use these products, and that they achieve the results on their own skin. This is unbelievable and likely unattainable, and therefore misleading to the consumer. While the product packaging is attractive and the aspiration to look as good as the celebrities is desirable to the naive consumer, it can also be deceptive.
Effective skin care products should be prescribed by a qualified therapist such as those at Erin Aesthetics, who has knowledge of the skin and can therefore correctly consult, diagnose, and recommend products that will suit the individual's specific needs depending on a range of factors.
At Erin Aesthetics we stock a range of cosmeceutical skincare ranges such as Mesoaesthetic, Medik8, O'Cosmedics and Cosmedix to help you achieve real skin results. We also offer an extensive range of skincare treatments to kick start your skin rejuvenation, each one tailored to each individual and carried out by our experienced team, including facials, hydrafacials, chemical peels, skin needling and more. Book your next appointment at Erin Aesthetics Cosmetic Skin Clinic today.