Let’s Get Topical
By Anna Soref
Botanicals and vitamins power antioxidant skin care formulas.
Walk into any naturals store, and skin creams fortified with botanicals and vitamins abound. Known as cosmeceuticals, these products have a metabolic or chemical effect on the skin but are not classified as nutritional supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They can make the cash register ring with high-margin sales, but retailers may wonder if there is any credible science to back up manufacturer claims of “diminished crow’s-feet” and “firmer skin” for these products. The answer, in many cases, is yes. Although many of the studies are preliminary, they do show promise for the burgeoning group of vitamins and botanicals being used in skin care products.
The bulk of cosmeceuticals are topically applied and are formulated with vitamins and botanicals that function as antioxidants, combating free radicals. Free radicals can weaken and destroy cells, making the skin more susceptible to wrinkles, age spots and cancer. Other botanical and vitamin ingredients work to promote collagen production and other key compounds essential to skin health. Still others work to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Following is a look at some popular cosmetic ingredients along with some of the science that supports their use in skin care. Full Article >>
Soref, Anna. "Let’s Get Topical." Natural Foods Merchandiser 01 04. 2004. 14 04. 2004 [http://www.naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/ASP/articleDisplay.asp?strArticleId=961&strSite=NFMSITE&Screen=CURRENTISSUE]
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