Ever wonder what a cosmeceutical is?
If you’re interested in the appearance of your skin, then you may know something about cosmeceutical skincare and some of the brands making this claim. But, as it’s a made-up word, it may be new to you.
Unfortunately, the word cosmeceutical has been overused by marketing departments the world over, so much so that it’s hard to sort fact from fiction.
So, to clear things up for you, and in my opinion, a ‘true’ cosmeceutical should contain active ingredients that are clinically proven to work on correcting the skin. Sometimes referred to as medical-grade skincare, usually indicating an endorsement by cosmetic physicians.
You’re buying a product supported with active ingredients at significant concentrations to make a difference.
Does all this matter?
Maybe not; call it what you like. What matters is whether the product does what it says it will do. Is it going to deliver? If you’ve ever aimlessly wandered around a department store hoping and praying for a bit of honest advice, then you know what I mean.
What’s right for you may not be so good for me.
Knowing a brand’s reputation is one thing, but liking and trusting is quite another. We’re all different and unique, and you and your skin have your own set of circumstances, problems, concerns and issues.
You’ll have reasons why you gravitate to one product over another, sometimes, it’s advice from a friend, or it’s the packaging that clinches the deal. Other times it’s the scent of a product, or (if you’re lucky) you’ll stumble upon something that seems to work.
After so many years of experience, it’s often intuitive for me, but of course, an understanding of the science and sophistication behind the brand helps.
No matter what idiosyncracies, beliefs or celebrity endorsements bring you to your decisions, what’s truly important is the workout your skin’s going to get with a true cosmeceutical skincare brand.
Your skin, like your body, will benefit from a regular workout.
If your products are going to perform, they need to 1) correct the errors of the past, 2) bring your skin back to a state of normality and then, when you’re ready, 3) get your skin working as nature intended. Efficiently and effortlessly.
But, of course, as time goes by, the everyday activities of the skin begin to slow down, which is why you’ll need the powerhouse active ingredients of the cosmeceutical regimen to give your skin a great workout.
Like all good workouts, it’s going to hurt, well, no, not really, it’s more like a gentle tingle, and occasionally (especially in the beginning), you may experience some redness, but this shouldn’t last for long. If you’re concerned, you must ask for a review of your routine by your skincare professional.
It’s normal and part of the restorative powers of products that contain highly active ingredients. Just take it easy, follow the advice of your skincare professional and start your cosmeceutical skincare regimen slowly.
5 Cosmeceutical skincare brands keeping their promise.
So today, I’d like to present you with five cosmeceutical skincare brands that indeed live up to their reputations in delivering results.
Of course, as good as these five stars are, they’re only as good as your commitment to them. I’ve said it before, and it’s worth repeating. Stick with it!
For a brand to deliver results, you’ll need to commit and follow the advice given to you by your skincare professional. If not, then what’s the point? Why spend your hard-earned money?
But, if you are ready to commit, these five cosmeceutical brands are worth a closer look. There is no need to mix and match; each of these brands will have a unique system to deliver what they promise.
Environ
Environ, founded by plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes over 25 years ago, is a pioneer in the industry of cosmeceutical skincare.
Although Dr Des would never call it a cosmeceutical, we’ll stick with the commonly used term to differentiate this brand from other cosmetic brands.
The cornerstone of this brand is Vitamin A.
Dr Fernandes came to understand exposure to the sun led to a skin deficiency in vitamin A.
Left untreated, it leads to skin conditions such as premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, dehydration and acne.
Environ’s unique step-up system allows your skin to build a natural tolerance to vitamin A and minimise the usual reactions associated with too much vitamin A too soon.
Your skin will slowly normalise and perform as it should.
Environ is an excellent skincare product range that continues to lead the way in skin health.
Obagi
With 30 years of legacy, Obagi is an early innovator of medical-grade skincare founded by dermatologist Dr Suzan Obagi.
Obagi has two key ranges with many products within each category. Within Obagi, you’ll find a range of skincare systems that make selecting the products for your specific concerns easier.
Obagi Medical transforms the skin with a range of skin care products formulated to minimise signs of skin ageing, address dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and protect and enhance skin tone and texture.
Obagi Clinical is a rejuvenating range of skin care products designed to address the early signs of skin ageing to maintain healthy, more youthful-looking skin.
If you’re wondering which products from Obagi are right for you, they have a skin quiz on their website that will lead you in the right direction to get started.
Ultraceuticals
This product was my first real foray into cosmeceutical skincare brands. I worked with Ultraceuticals for five years and, during that time, trained many beauty therapists in this fantastic product.
Developed by cosmetic physician Dr Geoffrey Heber, this brand was born in Australia to protect and rejuvenate the skin in a harsh climate.
I’ve always been impressed with Dr Heber’s insistence on clinical and scientific research to back up the brand.
Collaborating with renowned universities and leading researchers, Ultraceuticals remains at the forefront of innovation with sophisticated, patented delivery systems.
Potent anti-ageing ingredients form a simple regimen that delivers impressive results. I particularly love their exceptional range of Vitamin C products. Worth a look.
Synergie Skin
This Australian brand, founded in 2005, is the new kid on the block but by no means a novice.
Terri Vinson is the founder and creator of this brand and puts all her knowledge into protecting, creating change and nurturing the skin. I’ve tried the basic daily regimen in this range and liked it.
If you want a brand that prides itself on great skincare with high-quality ingredients and a particular interest in what Terri likes to call “Clean Science”, then you’ll love it.
You’ll find a great library of educational video’s over at the Synergie Skin website, which will help you get a better feel for the brand. An impressive range, and if you decide to try it, you’ll be happy with the results.
Alpha H
Another great Australian success story. Alpha-H takes the skin out of its comfort zone to make an evident and genuine difference.
Michelle Doherty founded this Australian brand on the promise of replenishing and rejuvenating the skin, and Alpha-H celebrated 25 years in 2020.
It’s a cosmeceutical skincare brand that delivers fast & meaningful results. Predictable, scientifically proven active ingredients give you the best outcome possible for your skin.
An impressive range you can find here if you live in Australia or here for everywhere else.
Where to next?
If you are wondering about the fundamentals of a good skin care regimen, you may like to read these articles.
The six daily essentials for great skin.
Making the right choice in skincare.
25,000 Skincare products worldwide
Contacting the brand is another way to get the advice you need. Most good cosmeceutical skincare brands will have a customer service contact page on their website where you can reach them with your questions.
I’ve included links to all the brand’s websites or affiliated sites.
And now you.
If you’re intrigued or have more questions and would like to get in touch with me, fantastic, you can shoot me an email. I respond to all questions, usually within 24 hours. Did you find this article helpful? Why not share it with your friends using the social media links below?
See you next time,
