Skin Care
The In’s and Out’s of a Cosmeceutical
The term “cosmeceutical” was introduced by dermatologist Dr Albert Kligman in 1984 and is a hybrid of the two words ‘cosmetic’ and ‘pharmaceutical’.
The active ingredient in a Cosmeceutical has the potential to bring about visible changes to the skin, and these changes will be backed by clinical evidence. When applied topically, a Cosmeceutical can penetrate deeper layers of the Epidermis if the upper layers have been properly prepped. It is here that collagen, elastin and cellular activity takes place within the skin which is why we want Cosmeceuticals working hard at this level. You might think that lavender extract in your skincare is just there to make it smell nice, but the manufacturer might have included it for some of its active chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties.
Most moisturisers restore barrier function and water content to the skin, improving the appearance of aged or dry skin. Cosmeceuticals should ideally deliver the active ingredient into the skin and reach the target site. Sufficient quantity of the active ingredient is needed in order to have an effect.
What is the Difference Between Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals?
Cosmetics is a term that describes all things skincare and makeup. While cosmetics can have beneficial ingredients (think nourishing beeswax in lipstick or a hydrating cleanser), they generally don’t contain active ingredients.
Cosmeceutical means there is a scientific and medical origin and is often backed by science and research, so you can be more confident the products are going to do what they say they will do.
What are the Benefits of Cosmeceutical Skincare?
The active ingredients in cosmeceuticals are chosen to target specific skincare concerns, such as:
- Fine lines
- Dryness and dehydration
- Dullness
- Acne
- Scarring
- Pigmentation
- Sun damage
Even if you do not have specific issues with your skin, you can still use cosmeceuticals to give you brighter and more vibrant skin
Cosmeceutical Active Ingredients you need to look for?
It is easy to tell if a product could be classified as a cosmeceutical skincare product by reading what it contains.
- Sunscreens – These are probably the most important ingredient in cosmeceuticals because they protect against sun damage, photo-ageing and skin cancers.
- Glycolic Acid: This chemical exfoliant gently removes the dead layers of skin. It can be used on most skin types and is especially good for blackhead and acne-prone skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This wonder ingredient binds to water molecules, helping to maintain moisture and hydrate the skin.
- Alpha-lipoic acid: Has anti-inflammatory and exfoliating effects
- Retinol: Perhaps the most-hyped cosmeceutical ingredient, retinol has been clinically proven to improve skin cell turnover and minimise the breakdown of collagen (and therefore prevent wrinkles).
Fun fact: Retinol is a super-concentrated version of Vitamin A.
- Vitamin B: improves skin tone.
- Vitamin C: (L-ascorbic acid): Stimulates collagen repair and can improve fine lines, reduce inflammation and pigmentation.
- Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol): Another antioxidant that reduces UV damage and skin cancer. It also works synergistically with vitamin C in reducing collagen breakdown.
- Niacinamide: Also known as B3, niacinamide has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce redness and moisture loss.
- Antioxidants: This is a catch-all term for vitamins and minerals that protect your skin from free radicals. Antioxidants are like little warriors going into battle for your complexion.
- Salicylic Acid: Is an acne-fighting ingredient used to cleanse pore-clogging oil and debris and clear up breakouts faster.
- Lactic Acid: This is a sensitive-skin friendly ingredient that gives gentle exfoliation and hydration.
- Peptides: Think of these as tiny building blocks for the skin, helping to repair and enhance the skin’s appearance and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Ubiquinone (CoQ10): A naturally occurring antioxidant that reduces collagen breakdown due to sun exposure.
- Hydroxy acids: These can be classified according to their molecular structure into alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), poly hydroxy acids (PHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Hydroxy acids improve skin texture and reduce the skin signs of ageing by hydrating and promoting the shedding of dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
- Botanicals: These include plant extracts from leaves, roots, fruits, berries, stems, bark and flowers. Botanicals may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and/or skin soothing properties.
- Growth factors: These proteins help control chemical signals between and within cells. They are important in wound healing and repair of damaged tissue and may help to repair skin damage from sun exposure.
ANESI AGE CORRECTION: Epigenesse
Combines the latest research and scientific developments in skin ageing to create an advanced treatment range that targets ‘gene expression’ that has become weakened as we age and by external aggressors.
Rejuvenate and replenish your skin with clinically proven actives and deeply nourishing and moisturising plant oils to bring new life to ageing skin.
ANESI AGE CONTROL: Cellular 3
Cellular 3 is the first cosmeceutical line that provides an efficient, visible and long-lasting response to the 3 proven causes of skin aging (glycation, oxidative stress and DNA damage), offering an integral solution. Cellular 3 fights wrinkles, blurs blemishes, brightens the complexion, firms the tissues, redefines the oval shape of the face and refines the texture, minimising pores, to recover the youthfulness of your skin.
Combines the latest research and scientific developments in skin ageing to create an advanced treatment range that targets ‘gene expression’ that has become weakened as we age and by external aggressors.
Rejuvenate and replenish your skin with clinically proven actives and deeply nourishing and moisturising plant oils to bring new life to ageing skin.
ANESI MALE REJUVENATION: Man Secret
A serum with a refreshing effect and light texture, based for the first time on METEORITE EXTRACT, which reinforces and seals the skin barrier, combats flaccidity, redensified the skin and repairs it deep down.
Its formula also contains 2 plant extracts and 3 extracts of precious stones, which minimise the harmful effects of UV rays and offer energising effects.
The result: the skin appears firmer, fresher and more youthful
ANESI PIGMENT CONTROL: Luminosity
The treatment of skin blemishes so far has been limited by the belief that they formed only on the skin surface.
New research has demonstrated the important function of fibroblasts in hyperpigmentation.
This is why ANESI LAB INSTITUTE has created LUMINOSITY, the first sophisticated line to tackle the dermal and epidermal causes of hypochromia to achieve visible and long-lasting results.
ANESI PROTECTION: Urban BlueDefense
URBAN BlueDefense is the new cosmeceutical line by ANESI LAB INSTITUTE.
Created to neutralize, protect, detoxify and repair skin damage caused by both UVA and UVB rays and new forms of light pollution from digital screens (blue light), as well as environmental pollution in cities.
Discover protected, luminous, radiant, oxygenated and revitalized skin, with reduced signs of aging.
ANESI REJUVENATION: Celestial Secret
The complete elixir for youthful skin, Celestial Secret, is formulated for the first time ever with an exclusive active ingredient from outer space and over 4,500 years old: Meteorite dust extract.
Its formula has also been complemented with extracts of 3 precious stones, plus 2 plant extracts that reinforce its effectiveness.
The result: the complexion regains its elasticity and firmness, its function as a protective barrier is restored and its youthfulness is ensured.
LYCON Radiance Lime Caviar AHA Mask
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, dull, unevenly toned or blemish-prone skin.
With exotic Australian Lime Caviar extract, AHA Fruit Acids and extra plumping Hyaluronic Acid, this multi action treatment mask can be used all over the face to rapidly lift layers of dull lifeless skin cells to reveal a fresher, smoother, more evenly toned and radiant looking complexion, after just one use.
With regular use, fine lines and wrinkles visibly diminish, while the skin’s texture becomes softer and brighter.
LYCON Deep Hydration Hyaluronic Mask
Suitable for dry to normal, mature and combination skins
A supercharged rejuvenating and nutritive infusion mask that deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles, whilst providing long lasting results that improve over time.
It contains dual action Hyaluronic Acid concentrate, Australian Kakadu Plum, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Olive Squalane and Vitamin E.
Perfect for weekly use or to apply nightly as a sleeping mask for more intense
LYCON Revitalising Hyaluronic + B5 Booster Serum
Suitable for all skin types
This intensive lightweight serum provides an instant moisture surge to plump skin from deep within.
With Pro-Vitamin B5 and Yeast Beta-Glucan, it effectively strengthens and helps protect the skin against environmental damage, helping to delay the visible signs of ageing.
LYCON Superfruits 3 Minute Detox Mask
Suitable for normal to oily or blemish prone skin
This gentle high performance, multi-action purifying clay mask contains antioxidant-rich Australian botanicals to beautify and detox the skin by absorbing impurities, without drying the skin’s surface.
It helps brighten the complexion, reduces a muddy appearance, visibly tightens pores and smooths surface lines.
NATURAL LOOK Immaculate Biodefense
With Creatine and Vitamin E Immaculate Biodefense Anti-Ageing Day Cream contains 1% zinc oxide to reflect harmful UV rays and reduce the possibility of sun spots and uneven skin pigmentation.
Formulated with vitamins E and F to improve skin texture and tone while cleansing pores. Daily use will hydrate, firm, tone and brighten the skin leaving it more supple.
NATURAL LOOK Immaculate Biovitality
with Creatine and Aloe Vera Daily use will hydrate, firm, tone and brighten the skin leaving it more supple.
Formulated with creatine – a natural amino acid derivative that aids in the revitalisation of the skin’s cellular energy metabolism and protects from premature aging caused by stress and environmental influences.
NATURAL LOOK Immaculate Biorenew
with Creatine and Marine Collagen Formulated with collagen, vitamins E and C as well as creatine to hydrate and deeply revitalise skin cell energy – assisting the absorption of collagen to deeply hydrate and protect from premature aging caused by stress and environmental influences, leaving skin visibly more supple, smoother and toned.
NATURAL LOOK Immaculate Bioactive Serum
A powerful anti-oxidant skin firming serum formulated to target wrinkles and slackened skin.
Immaculate Bioactive Serum with concentrated Papaya Leaf Extract to help soften and re-hydrate very dry, damaged skin while also helping to reduce freckles or brown spots due to over exposure to sunlight or natural ageing.
Highly effective Creatine, well known to stimulate collagen, elastin and keratin production, a cell building ingredient that will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles for a smoother and younger looking skin.
Centella Asiatica strengthens the capillaries in the skin and is useful in slowing free radical mediated degenerative changes in the skin. Immaculate Bioactive Serum will help in the reduction and prevention of stretch marks, reduce the visibility of old and new scars, promote even skin pigmentation (fading freckles) and help soften ageing or wrinkled skin.
