What's a cosmeceutical and do I need one?

If your beauty vocab has been limited to words like simple, fuss-free and all-in-one, it’s time for an update on what’s new in skin care. Far from basic, the cosmeceutical market has opened the doors to a whole world of effective, scientifically developed products that are the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Cosmeceuticals are applied topically and contain biologically active ingredients that are said to have medical or drug-like benefits that work on the deeper layers of the skin. So if you’re looking to make a difference as well as see a difference in your appearance, take our master class on the brands that are bringing out the big guns in skin care.

DMK

The DMK skin care system works with the skin and uses amino acids, other proteins, enzymes and fractioned oils from plants to create an environment in which skin can thrive. The company’s beta gel solution is an immuno-boosting serum formulated to treat everything from acne to burns to premature ageing and helps with healing and skin regeneration. 

Environ Skincare

Environ creates products with the highest permissible levels of vitamin A in cosmetics. While vitamin A is found in many creams, Environ uses the derivitive of Retinyl in the ester form called Retinyl palmitate and Retinyl acetate. The skin cells easily convert Retinyl palmitate into retinoic acid, which then expresses all its benefits on the DNA of the cells. Even better, vitamin A helps prevent and reverse established photo-ageing and improves hydration. In particular, the brand's AVST range is very active with high levels of vitamin A.

John Plunkett

John Plunkett Cosmeceuticals use combinations of proven active ingredients to produce results. The company’s Eventone Fine Line Eraser uses active ingredient Snowflake to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in a similar way to injected botox. Studies have even found that Snowflake helps block the contractions that cause skin creases, resulting in fewer lines and a reduction in the appearance of existing lines. So it’s botox-worthy results without the botox – hallelujah!

PRIORI

PRIORI’s Cellular Recovery Serum, $199, spauniverse.com.au, includes the ingredient DNA Enzyme Complex that works by mimicking the body’s DNA repair enzymes to boost their effect and help reverse the damage to DNA caused by free radicals. This in turn leads to diminished fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. And anything that helps repair cellular damage is something we’d be happy to use.

Ultraceuticals

The brand’s new Ultra Calming Treatment Cream contains a soothing blend of ingredients to actively calm irritated or inflamed skin and for post-treatment care. Key ingredients include Allantoin for potent healing and soothing of irritated skin, as well as helping it stimulate cell regeneration, Panthenol for its moisturising qualities and Vital ET for rapid reduction of redness and inflammation. 
 

What skin care range gives you the best results?