Sabine Zenker discusses the best topical cosmeceuticals to use in order to complement and enhance treatment results.

Finding your way through the myriad of skincare options often requires professional advice. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions where adjunctive topical skincare could effectively complement prescribed treatments. The question is, which adjunctive topical skincare to choose?

Cosmeceuticals

A mix between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals contain biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug-like benefits1,2. These topical creams, ointments and lotions are designed to enhance the way the skin works to reduce the signs of ageing. Cosmeceuticals are not tested or approved drugs, but rather appear in the consumer arena. However, in recent years, dermatological research suggests that the bioactive ingredients used have benefits beyond those of traditional moisturizers1,3.

New trend in cosmeceuticals

The new trend in cosmeceuticals is combination products, which contain multiple ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides and UV filters. On the one hand, there is no one-and-only ingredient; on the other hand, customers and patients are reluctant to perform complex daily routines. For example, BB Cream provides an all-in-one facial cosmetic product that acts as a moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock.

Indication–specific strategy

To treat the common problems associated with ageing skin, such as dull complexions and pigmentary changes, regeneration is used, based on the three-pillar regeneration, regulation, and reshaping principle.

Regeneration by topicals

Antioxidants

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C/E/A derivatives and polyphenols can neutralise and reduce the
harmful effects of free radicals.
Topical antioxidants in skincare products aim to prevent the signs of photoageing4.

Hyaluronic acid

Alpinia Galanga leaf extract stimulates the natural synthesis of hyaluronic acid5, which improves skin acid’s viscoelastic properties6. Pluryal® Skincare products use a unique complex combining hydrolysed hyaluronic acid with (Hyalufix®) and Alpinia Galanga leaf extract (Hyacare 50®).

Plant stem cells

Derived from plants such as argan trees, delivery growth factors improve the regenerative capacity of dermal stem cells7 to achieve deep-seated skin rejuvenation.

Peptides

Peptides, such as Matrikine, are small-sequence amino-acid chains that stimulate the synthesis of new collagen synthesis8. Pluryal® Skincare, by MD Skin Solutions, provides these peptides in their cosmeceutical products.

UV filters

It is difficult to find a daily skincare cream with both anti-ageing properties and a high SPF. Advanced skincare ranges, such as Pluryal® Skincare, include safe and efficient UV filters such as Tinosorb Aqua and Uvinul A Plus Granular for high protection (SP 50+/UVB and SPF 40/UVA) BB creams.

Conclusion

Providing optimised skin regeneration and protection, cosmeceuticals are an important part of your daily skin care. Dermatologists are often the most knowledgeable source of information, however, a combination of innovative ingredients and advanced working agents compatible with UV filters make life easier for end-consumers. BB creams provide you with effective and holistic daily skincare.