How are cosmeceuticals and cosmetic chemistry different? Are pharmaceutical cosmetics safe?
Cosmetic medicine – a term that is gradually becoming familiar in our daily lives, but not everyone understands it clearly. In particular, the confusion between cosmetic pharmaceuticals and cosmetic chemicals makes the problem even more complicated. So really, what is cosmeceuticals? How to distinguish between them and cosmetic chemicals? Join us to explore in the following article, thereby helping you have a clearer view of the world of cosmetics, and choose the most suitable and safe products for your skin.
What is cosmetic medicine?
Is an increasingly popular term in the field of beauty care. It is not only limited to beautifying appearance but also refers to improving and restoring skin health. Not only does it contain common beauty ingredients, but it also includes ingredients of medicinal origin, or other bioactive substances that have special treatment effects for the skin.
Distinguish between cosmetic pharmaceuticals and cosmetic chemicals.
Before getting to the difference, let’s find out “What is cosmetic chemistry”. Cosmetics are products that contain chemical ingredients to create color, scent, preserve or provide short-term effects for the skin such as masks, lotions, lipsticks…
The difference between them mainly lies in their ingredients and uses. Cosmeceuticals often contain ingredients of natural origin, do not cause skin irritation, have gentle but lasting effects, and help improve skin health. On the contrary, cosmetic chemicals may contain chemicals that can cause irritation or adverse effects on the skin when used long-term.
Types of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
There are many different types on the market, from creams, serums, essences, to skin care pills. Each type has specific and different uses:
- Skin cosmetics: May include lotions, serums, sunscreens, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, toners, and products for skin cleansing. These products may contain ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C, E, peptides, and sunscreens such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Hair cosmetics: May include shampoos, conditioners, hair steamers, and other hair care products. Pharmaceutical ingredients commonly found in hair products include minoxidil (used to treat hair loss), ketoconazole (used to treat dandruff), and natural vitamins and oils such as vitamin E, coconut oil, argan oil.
- Lip cosmetics: May include lip balm, sunscreen, lipstick containing moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba oil, almond oil, beeswax, and vitamins such as vitamin E.
- Eye cosmetics: May include creams to nourish the skin around the eyes, helping to reduce dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. Common ingredients include retinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides.
- Body cosmetics: May include body lotions, body sunscreens, exfoliants, and massage oils.
- Nail cosmetics: Includes products such as nail conditioner, hand cream, and anti-cracking nail products.
Safety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Safety is one of the top concerns. According to many studies, pharmaceutical cosmetics are often safer than chemical cosmetics because they contain fewer toxic chemicals. However, this does not mean that they do not cause side effects at all. Some people may be allergic to some natural ingredients.
Therefore, before using you should test the product on a small portion of skin to ensure that you do not experience unwanted reactions. At the same time, it is also important to carefully learn about the product’s ingredients:
- Read the ingredients carefully: Make sure you know what you’re putting on your skin. For some people, certain ingredients may cause irritation or allergies. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, do some research or even look for another product that doesn’t contain that ingredient.
- Product testing: Before using a new product on your entire face or body, test it on a small section of skin to see how your skin reacts. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
- Pay attention to packaging: Some products can be affected by sunlight or temperature, so storing them properly is important.
- Check expiration dates: Cosmeceutical products, like all products, can expire. Using expired products may no longer be effective and in some cases may cause skin irritation.
- Look for information from reliable sources: There is a lot of information online about cosmeceuticals, but not all of it is accurate or trustworthy. Make sure you seek information from reputable sources, such as medical agencies, reputable scientific journals, or dermatologists.
Reasons to use cosmetic medicine.
Using cosmetics not only helps improve appearance but also supports skin health. Has a deep skin nourishing effect, making the skin soft, smooth, bright and minimizing signs of aging. In addition, many products also have the ability to treat skin problems such as acne, melasma, freckles…
How to choose good products.
To choose the right cosmetics, you need to determine your skin type and specific needs. Learn about the product’s ingredients, its uses, and read reviews from people who have used it before. For people with sensitive skin, choose products that are free of fragrances and preservatives.
Used correctly.
Cosmeceuticals, although safe and effective, also need to be used properly. Usually it should be used after cleansing the skin and before using moisturizer. Using too much product is also not good because it can cause clogged pores.
Through the article, we hope you have a better understanding of the concept of cosmetics, as well as how to distinguish them from cosmetics. Choosing cosmetics is not only based on beauty effects but also must consider skin safety and health. Choose products that suit your skin type and specific needs, thereby helping your skin not only beautiful but also healthy. Remember, any cosmetic needs to be used properly to achieve the best results. Take care of your skin meticulously and scientifically, because it is the only ‘clothes’ you have to wear for the rest of your life.
