Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals are skin care products designed to go beyond strictly coloring and adorning the skin. These products may improve the functioning of the skin and be helpful in preventing premature aging.

Examples are alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid, and beta-hydroxy-acids (BHA) such as salicylic acid. These hydroxy acids, increase skin exfoliation (the removal of dead skin cells) making aging skin appear smoother and feel softer.

Tretinoin and vitamins like vitamin A (retinol) improve the appearance by making the skin function better, but may be drying or irritating as well, so they must be used appropriately.

Sunblocks prevent photo-aging and photo-carcinogenesis (cancer from the sun) and should be the cornerstone of any skin care regimen. In order to tan with safety there are new ways like airbrash tanning using DHA.