Active Agents in Common Skin Care Products : Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (original) (raw)

COSMETIC: SPECIAL TOPICS

High Point, N.C.

From Dermatology Consulting Services.

Received for publication June 29, 2009; accepted August 3, 2009.

Disclosure:The author has no financial interest in any of the material presented in this article.

Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., 2444 North Main Street, High Point, N.C. 27262, [email protected]

Abstract

Background:

Skin care products are numerous and perplexing, yet the majority fall into the moisturizer category. Moisturizers are substances designed to improve and maintain the skin barrier. They serve as a vehicle for the delivery of active ingredients that minimize facial lines of dehydration, deliver photoprotection, and provide antioxidant properties.

Methods:

Moisturizers are based on occlusive substances, such as petrolatum and dimethicone, and humectant substances, such as glycerin, with a variety of sunscreens and botanicals for added functionality and marketing impact. This article reviews these common active agents.

Results:

The plethora of over-the-counter skin care products available for patient purchase is overwhelming, yet there is certain commonality among 80 percent of the formulations. The majority of the products are moisturizers with added ingredients to support marketing claims. Whether the product is a facial foundation, an antiaging night cream, a sunscreen, a topical antioxidant, or a skin-lightening serum, the formulation is basically a moisturizer.

Conclusion:

Sunscreen is the most biologically active antiaging ingredient in skin care products, but the antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects of botanicals possess tremendous marketing appeal.