Ageing is a complex inevitable biological process that covers all skin layers. The structure of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue changes. These changes are a combination of genetically determined intrinsic (chronological) ageing and extrinsic ageing or photoaging, which is a result of cumulative exposure to external factors. Due to the desire to maintain young looking skin, many cosmetic products with various active substances are being developed in the field of cosmetology in order to prevent or reduce the effects of ageing.
In the diploma thesis we will analyse cosmetic products and their cosmetic active substances for active care of ageing skin. We searched for cosmetic products in pharmacies across Slovenia, excluding products made in galenic laboratories. We obtained information about cosmetic active substances on their websites and divided them according to the mechanism of action and the effect they give on ageing skin.
We found out that many cosmetic products for active care of ageing skin are available in pharmacies in Slovenia. The most commonly present cosmetic active substances are antioxidants, followed by cosmeceutical moisturizers, peptides and proteins, retinoids and whitening agents. The antioxidant vitamin E and its derivates are successful radical scavengers that are found in more than half of the review cosmetic products. The most common moisturizer is hyaluronic acid, which binds many water molecules into its structure and consequently tightens the skin. Collagen, which frequently occurs among proteins, also has a good moisturizing role. On the contrary, peptides are present in large numbers, due to their popular use lately as they effectively smooth wrinkles. Golden standard in care of ageing skin are certainly retinoids, especially retinol,), which stimulate proliferation of viable epidermis and improve the appearance of the skin. Whitening agents such as azelaic acid, vitamin C and E, niacinamide, licorice extract, isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol and hydroxy acids are used in order to combat hyperpigmentation.
The findings of the diploma thesis are in accordance with professional literature, which states that the key cosmetic active substances for active care of older skin are antioxidants. Their amount in selected cosmetic products is significantly higher than other cosmetic active substances (retinoids, cosmeceutical moisturizers, peptides and proteins and whitening agents).
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