Important Cosmeceuticals: Part 1

Our patients are interested in establishing a skincare routine with cosmeceutical products recommended by their dermatologists in Florida. In this series, I will present a detailed survey of those cosmeceutical active ingredients that are most important in the current marketplace.  

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is made from organic apples through fermentation. Acetic acid is the main ingredient, but it also contains other acids and vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, biotin, folic acid, and niacin). It can be used as a home remedy to remove dead skin and prevent bacterial infection.

Ascorbic acid

This is found in antioxidant and anti-aging products such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, increases collagen products and reduces oxidation. It also improves sun protection when combined with sunscreen.

Ceramides 

Ceramides are found in moisturizers, including SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 anti-aging cream. They are one of the main components of the skin. Ceramides can help stimulate new lipid formation and increase production of ceramide in the skin when applied topically. 

Ferulic acid

This is found in anti-aging products. It is a potent antioxidant also found ubiquitously in plants such as wheat, rice, and corn. The incorporation of ferulic acid into the topical solution of ascorbic acid and tocopherol greatly increases its protective effect against solar radiation (as in SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic). 

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide is found in acne/rosacea medications, sunscreen (such as EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46), and antiaging and skin brightening products. It is a derivative of vitamin B3 and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Topical application may help increase ceramide and free fatty acids in the skin, thereby decreasing water loss. It also protects the skin from infrared heat. When taken orally, it may prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. 

Silymarin 

It is commonly found in anti-aging products and antioxidant products such as SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF. It is a flavonoid extracted from the seeds of milk thistle or artichoke with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or our medical aesthetician at Skin Wellness Physicians if you are interested in these products. You can also call us at (239) 732-0044.

by Dr. Vivian Wong

Dr. Vivian Wong

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