There are so many fallacies in the ever changing world of skincare. Below are three terms that have become fundamentals in this advancing industry. Understanding what they are and what they do will help you make the right choice when it comes to the products you use.

1. What is a cosmeceutical?

The term “Cosmeceuticals” was first used in the 1980s by Dr. Al Kligman, about the same time AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) were first launched. AHAs were actually part of the cosmeceutical revolution; for the first time ever, consumers had access to cosmetic products that actually left a visible difference in the appearance of skin, products that did not “go down the drain” at night with your cleanser – products that would later become known as cosmeceuticals – skincare that offers visible results without being classified as a ‘drugs’.

2. What are AHAs and how do they work?

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) help to normalize skin that has become moisture deficient with an impeded exfoliation rate because of many common skin conditions including aging. Normalized skin function leads to a more youthful, radiant, and revitalized appearance. Commonly used AHAs are lactic & glycolic acids.

AHAs have a dual purpose. First, AHAs are moisturizers. Unlike typical moisturizers that act by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin to prevent excessive skin moisture evaporation, AHAs moisturize by “signaling” the skin cells to increase the natural ground substance found in the extra cellular matrix, otherwise known as Hyaluronic Acid or HA (not to be confused with AHA). Lactic Acid is the skin’s natural cell signal AHA, 70-95% more efficient than glycolic acid at inducing HA deposition in the skin. HA is the substance found in skin that binds a 1000 times its molecular weight in water. HA is the skin’s natural moisture retention substance. AHAs moisturize the skin from the inside out!

Secondly, AHAs are natural skin exfoliators. Our skin is constantly renewing itself by a natural process of new cell division, migration of cells to the skins surface, and ultimately the skin sheds layers of dead cells. As we age this process slows down causing dead cells to back up in our outer skin layer, the skin then becomes dull, sallow, coarse, and is prime residence for fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tones. AHAs exfoliate the skin because they have the unique ability to dissolve the cellular cement that holds dead skin cells together. AHAs return skin cell exfoliation to its natural youthful rate resulting in improved appearance in fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and restoring a more youthful radiant glow to the skin.

 3. Is using SPF enough to protect my skin from aging?

Simply put, no: SPF is not enough! SPF does not protect your skin against free radicals from oxidative stress caused by infrared radiation, ozone, air pollution, cigarette smoke, stress, and diet only antioxidants can protect against that. However, because no SPF or antioxidant is 100% efficient, damage to our cells still occurs, which leads to premature skin aging, and that is why we now also have products with DNA repair enzymes, which to acts like a backstop to mop up any existing damage and also protect against new damage. DNA enzyme products are the third line of defense. So, SPF+ANTIOXIDANTS+DNA ENZYMES are the must have ingredients for topical skin protection.