Dermocosmetics and cosmetics: is it worth buying?

January 12 2023
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In this article you will learn:

    Dermocosmetics - what is it one and how they differ from others cosmetics? Whether cosmeceuticals mean to itself, co dermocosmeticsor is it another product category that has something to do with pharmaceuticals? What are the opinion specialists on dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals? Do what they declare producers of dermocosmetics about their operation, can you verify? What criteria should they meet dermocosmetics for children and pregnant women? Read what you should know about these types of products. 

    We have been seeing a real boom on the market for several years now dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals, which - unlike "ordinary" care products - are to be a response to the needs of more demanding, problematic skin. This also applies to preparations for children or pregnant women. No wonder, since baby skin is thinner and more delicate than that of an adult, and hormonal changes during pregnancy can result in various skin problems (such as erythema, stretch marks or discoloration). Are dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals really more specialized, better preparations, or is it just another marketing ploy?

    Dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals: what's that?

    Both terms suggest that we are dealing with a specific category of products that are closer to medicines and exhibit medical properties. Both dermocosmetics, How and cosmeceuticals They are supposed to be better than "ordinary" cosmetics, but we have mainly declarations of them to support this argument manufacturers. You can of course find it on the web opinion about specific products, including dermocosmeticsbut it is often difficult to assess their credibility and objectivity.  

    Although the terms dermocosmetic and cosmeceutical have been known for at least 2 decades, there are no legal regulations regarding their use so far. From a formal point of view, in accordance with EU law, dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals are subject to cosmetic legislation, as they are not drugs.

    Dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals

    Dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals are often described as specialized preparations, intended for use in specific skin problems (dry, atopic, prone to irritation, capillaries, etc.), during the development of which the knowledge of cosmetology, dermatology and chemistry was used. 

    • Regarding dermocosmetics, the added element in the name comes from the Greek and Latin words dermatologists at dermawhich just means skin. Dermocosmetics also referred to as cosmetics dermatological or pharmacy, which evokes associations with medicine and treatment. 
    • In turn, the term "cosmeceutical"Was created from the combination of the words" cosmetic "and" pharmaceutical ", which also suggests a healing, not only care effect.

    What they promise dermocosmetics producers?

    In order to ensure the consumer of the unique, healing properties, dermocosmetics are sometimes available mainly in pharmacies or specialized points of sale. However, these are mainly marketing procedures that should be approached with some caution and reserve. 

    Expert advises

    Manufacturers declare that the careful selection of active substances (active ingredients) and their higher concentration in dermocosmetics or cosmeceutics increase the effectiveness, while the lack of preservatives, dyes and fragrances reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Unfortunately, it is difficult to reconcile, because many active substances may have an allergenic effect - and with their above-average concentration in the product, the likelihood of such a reaction increases. 

    Ewa Kaminska
    Pharmacologist, Chief expert in the field of opinions on cosmetics, medical devices, washing and rinsing agents and biocides, Institute of Mother and Child

    Dermocosmetics and cosmeceuticals: how to choose?

    Popularity dermocosmetics i cosmeceuticals makes them work on the market Forged specializing in this type of products, while other cosmetic companies are increasingly introducing them to their offer. However, since the naming depends only on the will and decision of the manufacturer, when choosing dermocosmetics, let's not be guided only by the name.

    Well, if the company declaring itself as manufacturer of dermocosmetics, or cosmeceuticals can boast the results of independent studies confirming safety and effectiveness of the given preparation.

    Dermocosmetics for children and pregnant women

    The skin of young children is thinner and more delicate than that of adults, so it is worth taking care of its proper care. There are products with emollients on the market (you can find more about emollients themselves here), advertised as dermocosmetics for children, helpful in the care of children suffering from AD or with skin prone to irritation. Bath creams or emulsions intended for them should primarily have a simple composition and a delicate formula, without fragrances. When buying dermocosmetics for children, as well as any other care products, let's also pay attention to children's age indicationfor which they are intended. 

    In the case of preparations for pregnant women - whether or not they are dermocosmetics, cosmeceuticalsor "ordinary" cosmetics - let's be careful not only of the fragrances, but also of the active ingredients - there should be as few of them as possible. More effective preparations, like cosmetic treatments with their use, are not recommended during pregnancy.

    Author

    Ewa Kaminska
    Pharmacologist, Chief expert in the field of opinions on cosmetics, medical devices, washing and rinsing agents and biocides, Institute of Mother and Child

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