If you’ve found yourself confused by the different types of skincare available and wonder what the difference is between Cosmeceuticals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics then this blog is for you. We got the low-down from Laura Townsend, Ultra Coach NZ, for our favourite brand of cosmeceuticals, Ultraceuticals, you can try and buy Ultraceuticals at our Day Spa in Nelson.

Take it away Laura…

Skin care comes in a variety of types, prices and formulations. This can be confusing for many people as not all skin care is created equal! Here is an overview of what you should look for when you choose your skincare products, as the price is not always an indicator of how effective they will be.

Cosmetics

Cosmetic skin care products usually contain very few active ingredients (around 2%), this is because the products need to be suitable for all types of skin, all skin concerns and all conditions, without any consultation from a trained professional. You can usually buy these from the supermarket, pharmacy or online. Cosmetic skin care products work by sitting on the very surface of the skin; they can temporarily make your skin look nice and feel comforted, they may be heavily perfumed and will often come in a luxurious looking bottle. Often cosmetic skin care products contain a lot of filler ingredients; these have no benefit to the skin and often cause irritation and aggravation to the skin. Skin care results from using these products are often minimal as the main ingredient is water. Using these products will often result in an artificial barrier being created on the surface of the skin to trick the skin into thinking that it feels okay. As skin therapists, we often see long term damage done to the skin as a result of using the wrong cosmetic ingredients and the lack of the important lipid barrier, which helps to keep nasties out and prevent water loss within the skin is impaired.

Remember if anyone can buy it, it’s probably okay for your skin, but you won’t necessarily see great results.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical skin care contains the highest percentage of active ingredients. These products need to be prescribed by a Doctor as the effects on the skin are very active and can cause havoc if placed in the wrong hands. They are prescription only products, and therefore don’t usually contain any nice ingredients that help to maintain a healthy skin barrier. They can have an adverse effect if used incorrectly or for a long period of time.

Think about using these products if you have an ongoing, stubborn concern with your skin.

Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals sit in the middle of Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals. They have enough active ingredients (10%- 25%) to make actual changes in the second layer of the skin and work by getting the skin to function and perform as it should. The ingredients in cosmeceuticals also help to look after and protect the important lipid barrier of the skin, allowing for better penetration of the active ingredients. These products need to come via the recommendation of a qualified skin therapist, after a thorough consultation and assessment of your skin. The formulations of this type of skin care include important delivery systems to allow the active ingredients to penetrate into the working layers of the skin, often in-house trials are carried out to ensure the efficiency of a product, with out Photoshop or touch-ups. Cosmeceuticals ensure that your skin feels the best it ever has and works to keep it that way for the long term.

Choose cosmeceuticals if you want your friends and family to comment on how clear and luminous your skin is looking!

Discover Ultraceuticals cosmeceuticals at Woman Beauty Day Spa in Nelson.