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Cosmeceuticals

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Evidence-Based Procedural Dermatology

Abstract

The terms cosmeceutical and evidence-based may not belong in the same phrase. Cosmeceu­ticals are considered by many scientists to ­represent fluff without stuff and indeed the reader may come to a similar conclusion at the end of this chapter. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to examine the state of the science for cosmeceuticals as they represent an ever-expanding field in dermatology with perhaps much yet unrealized promise. Cosmeceuticals extend beyond cosmetics to enhance skin functioning, usually aiming to return the skin to a more youthful state. For example, wrinkle-reducing moisturizers, antioxidant serums, and skin-lightening salves all fall into this category. Cosmeceuticals are somewhat confusing, however, as both prescription and OTC products have been labeled by this term. Drug cosmeceuticals include topical retinoids for improving dermal collagen production, topical minoxidil for enhanced scalp hair growth, and eflornithine for facial hair growth reduction. These products will not be discussed, as they are not available to the consumer except by prescription. The second category of cosmeceuticals includes OTC drugs, such as sunscreens and antiperspirants. These also are outside the realm of this chapter. The discussion will focus on ­cosmeceuticals that are topically applied for the purpose of improving skin appearance.

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  1. Department of Dermatology, Duke University School of Medicine, 2444 North Main Street, High Point, NC, 27262, USA

    Zoe Diana Draelos

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  1. Zoe Diana Draelos
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Correspondence to Zoe Diana Draelos .

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  1. Aesthetic Surgery, Professor, Departments of Dermatology,, Chief, Section of Cutaneous and, Feinberg School of Med, Northwestern Univ, Chicago, 60611, Illinois, USA

    Murad Alam

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Draelos, Z.D. (2012). Cosmeceuticals. In: Alam, M. (eds) Evidence-Based Procedural Dermatology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09424-3_18

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