There is a lot of skin care products on the market, with several ranges referring to their lines as ‘cosmeceutical’.

So, what exactly is cosmeceutical skin care and how is it superior to other products?

The low-down

Essentially, unlike their cheaper priced and easily available counterpart, cosmecutical grade skincare has a host of active ingredients to make noticeable changes to the skin and improve its elasticity, hyrdation, appearance, texture and more.

Additionally, cosmeceutical grade skin care is backed by science and actively designed to do what they say they will, with the evidence and results to back it up.

Cosmeceutical grade skin care can contain a range of active ingredients, including:

Glycolic Acid - A chemical exfoliant that gently removes dead layers of skin.

Hyaluronic Acid - Helps to maintain skin moisture and hydration.

Idebenone - Aids in preventing skin damage.

Retinol - A concentrated version of Vitamin A, Retinol is proven to aid in the prevention of wrinkles by reducing cell turnover and minimising the breakdown of collagen.

Vitamins - A vast array of vitamins that aid in returning nutrients to the skin to assist with various complaints such skin tone and brightness.

Niacinamide - Commonly known as B3, Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce redness and hydration loss.

Antioxidants - Aims to protect the skin from free radicals such as environmental pollution and chemicals that can weaken collagen.

Saliclyic Acid - Used to aid in clearing breakouts by clearing clogged pores.

Lactic Acid - A gentle chemical exfoliant that offers hydration

Peptides - Helps to repair the skin and improve its appearance as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

When should you start using cosmeceutical skin care?

There is no definitive age that you should start using quality skin care, however it ideally should be considered at least by your twenties. As we age, our skin can become damaged by our lifestyle, hormone changes and sun exposure.

What are the benefits of a cosmeceutical skin care routine?

By implementing a skin care routine using a cosmeceutical product you can target concerns such as:

• Fine Lines

• Dryness

• Dehydration

• Wrinkles

• Dullness

• Sun Damage

• Acne

• Scarring

• Pigmentation

Does that mean that general store bought skin care is no good?

Not necessarily. Many general skin care products that can be purchased may contain certain nourishing ingredients and some may even contain some cosmeceutical ingredients. Importantly, you should find a routine and a product that works for you, and avoid layering up your skin care until you know how your skin will react. In our Ultraceuticals range, we recommend adding a new product every alternate day (or longer if directed) for 30 days before adding the product in daily, if designed for daily use.

What is the best skin care?

There is no hard and fast answer and everyone and their skin are unique. If you are considering beginning a cosmeceutical routine, it is best to seek advice from a skin professional and do your own research about the various brands.

At CQ Skin, we use and recommend the Ultra range from Ultraceuticals to the vast majority of our clients. This is because there is a baseline application for all skin types, it is not too expensive and we have had genuine results from clients who have committed to maintain a 90 day program. Additionally, Ultraceuticals is an Australian brand and is easily accessible in clinics, David Jones stores and online.

We offer free skin care consultations for clients who are seeking product advice for their specific skin care concerns. Pop in to the clinic or book an appointment using the button below.

Our favourite products from the range include: