A cosmeceutical is defined as the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in a topical product. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with bioactive ingredients purported to have medical like benefits. They generally are sold in salons or clinics and occasionally pharmacies where there is a skincare expert on hand to advise you. It is important to know that these are only topical products. In an era where there are skincare experts popping up everywhere it is easy to get confused about product hype versus effect. One of the first things you will notice about this type of skincare is the packaging is almost always plain but effective, companies rarely have movie stars or models as brand ambassadors, but I would encourage you to look at the effect of these products.
Retinol:
Dermatologists consider retinol the holy grail of non-invasive wrinkle-prevention. When applied topically, this vitamin A derivative stimulates collagen production and cell turnover, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens out complexion, and unclogs pores.
Neo Strata Retinol NAG Complex €69.00
Formulated to lift and firm, and diminish the appearance of age spots, and smooth lines and wrinkles from the inside out. Formulated with 0.5% pure, stabilised Retinol for great resurfacing
AHA Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of natural acids found in foods. Alpha hydroxy acids include citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid . Various alpha hydroxy acids are applied to the skin (used topically) for moisturising and removing dead skin cells, for treating acne and improving the appearance of acne scars, for refining the appearance of photo-aged skin, and firming and smoothing skin.
Achieve smoother, brighter skin with the NeoStrata Resurface Smooth Surface Daily Peel.
Using Glycolic Acid to remove dead cells and correct uneven tone alongside patented wrinkle-filling ingredient Aminofil®, this potent solution has been expertly formulated to offer the impressive results of a professional skin peel in a convenient at-home delivery system. Used daily, it visibly smoothes, plumps and refreshes lacklustre skin in one easy step.
Suitable for most skin types, especially sun damaged and mature skins, pour the entire bottle of the AHA solution into the jar of pads before the first use. Then take one pad saturated with the solution and wipe over cleansed skin every evening for best results. €55.00
PHAS- Polyhydroxy acids are ingredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. They’re supposed to be as effective as AHAs but cause less sensitivity. Gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are chemically and functionally like AHAs. The significant difference between them and AHAs is that gluconolactone and lactobionic acid have larger molecular structures, which limits their ability to penetrate the skin, resulting in less potential for sensitising side-effects, this reduced absorption however is not thought to hamper their effectiveness. Every sensitive skin type can tolerate PHAs even atopic and those prone to rosacea.
Neo Strata – Ultra Day Cream
This antioxidant moisturiser is formulated to gently exfoliate, moisturise, and restore the skin, reducing the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. It helps calm and strengthen the protective barrier of dry, stressed and sensitive skin. As part of a daily PHA regimen, this formula has been shown to reduce skin vulnerability and redness over time, and to significantly improve texture, firmness, lines, and overall skin clarity. €45.00