What are cosmeceuticals?
Retinoids
Alpha-hydroxy acids
Beta-hydroxy acids
Anti-oxidants
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Coenzyme Q10
Alpha-lipoic acid
DMAE (NTP complex)
Cosmetics + pharmaceuticals = younger looking skin. Are part pharmaceutical and part cosmetic skin preparations designed to make aged and sun damaged skin look younger. First created in the 1980s when it was noted that patients using Vitamin A derivatives for acne treatment had decreased wrinkles. Examples of cosmeceuticals are given below.
In many forms include Retin A creams available by prescription only. Retinol creams (available over the counter) are variably effective. They can be irritating and drying.
Are natural fruit acids including glycolic, lactic, citric and tartaric acids. Work by exfoliating dead skin cells and decrease acne by clearing clogged pores. Help reduce sun damage and lighten pigment and spots.
e.g. Salicylic acid. Also remove dead skin cells and are anti-inflammatory. Help to calm and prevent acne.
Vitamin C reduces fine lines and wrinkles and helps heal sunburn faster. Ascorbic acid is the natural form of Vitamin C and is water soluble. It can be irritating to the skin. It is very unstable. However, Vitamin C ester is non-irritating and non-stinging. It is fat soluble and absorbed by the skin. It helps prevent free radical damage to the skin in all environments. Can be used with sensitive skin.
Vitamin E: anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory on the skin. It improves moisture, smoothness and softness of the skin. Includes tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are a new super form of Vitamin E, faster and more effective anti-oxidants than tocopherols. Make hair shinier and prevent nails from cracking.
Co-enzyme Q10: Naturally occurring anti-oxidant in the skin. Helps firm up skin and may retard aging process.
Alpha-lipoic acid: is both fat and water soluble anti-oxidant. It is a gentle yet powerful product and a universal anti-oxidant. It protects the skin from depletion of other anti-oxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
DMAE (NTP complex): Helps maintain tone and firmness of face and neck by keeping adequate levels of neurotransmitters and access to Vitamin C ester and alpha lipoic acid for the skin. DMAE is your magic bullet for great skin tone. It prevents and reverses skin sagging.
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Eat fish, the only significant dietary source of DMAE |
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Take DMAE as a nutritional supplement |
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Apply a high potency penetrating DMAE lotion to face and body |
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Keep muscles toned with exercise |