Cosmeceuticals is an amalgam of two words "cosmetics and pharmaceuticals". The word or the concept has not been recognized by any governing bodies such as the "Food and Drug Administration" (FDA) or the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act" (FFD&C Act) hence the word's use remains limited to mainly in the cosmetic industry. The term was initially used by Albert Klingman, a dermatologist from the University of Pennsylvania when the research group led by him discovered that "vitamin A derivatives" were capable of reducing the wrinkles on aged skin when superficially applied.

The biologically active ingredients contained in the derivatives are compounds that are able to penetrate the upper layers of the skin called "epidermis". Natural or synthetic retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A are now used as cosmeceuticals due to its ability to renew epidermal cells, capability of filtering UV light, prevention of the formation of bacteria and due to its ability to be tolerated without irritation to the skin.

Cosmeceuticals are cosmetics formulated to apply topically to enhance skin transformation and regeneration, wound healing and anti-aging of the skin such as treatments and prevention of wrinkles. The markets for cosmecuticals have grown exponentially over the years and have become a feasible substitute to cosmetic or non-surgical procedures and surgeries. Suffice to say, that as long as there is a desire to maintain a young-looking appearance there will be a business surge in cosmetics market.

Why do we age?

The Paradox of Life: Why We Age?

Ageing and stress

Its growth has been simultaneous or even in association with the increasing demand for plastic, cosmetic surgery and dermatological measures. Other measures, all part of the treatments, prevention and facial rejuvenation for the ageing skin includes chemical peels, laser rejuvenation, and microdermabrasion.

Cosmeceuticals is a fast rising industry area. Cosmeceuticals products are currently offered for sale as a revolutionary and forward-looking phenomenon of skin care technology. It is a fairly new but rapidly budding sector within the cosmetics bazaar. However, many outside the industry believe that it is part of the lure of the anti-ageing cosmetics market with scientific trickery and gloss. This is because marketing strategy uses dermatologists for promotions of anti-aging "cosmeceuticals" to influence and persuade the consumers.

Most Cosmeceuticals have not been properly tested as most FDA-regulated drugs are. Although it may be applied on the surface and superficially on the skin, they contain ingredients that go beyond simple moisturizers and have the capacity to influence the biological function of the skin. Therefore cosmeceuticals is another buzz word in the world of multi-billion anti-ageing industry taking advantage of society's desire to live longer.

According to the "Food and Drug Administration" cosmetics are things that can be applied to the body, make it clean or more attractive and even change the way it looks. They include; makeup, hair dyes, fragrances and skin care creams.

Some products are both cosmetics and drugs. The most common ones include; lipsticks, nail polishes, fluoride toothpaste, teeth whitening toothpaste, dandruff shampoo, and antiperspirant deodorant. A way to know what you are buying is to see if they have an "active ingredient" and the maker are required to list them and should show some proof of its safety.

© All rights reserved, Rudra.