The Cosmetic-holic takes on the Cosmetics Cop

I admit it: I’m a cosmetic-holic. I love cosmetics and always have. I love to buy them; I love to try them. I love how they make me feel; and now, with the advent of cosmeceuticals, I love their anti-aging effects. Unlike Cosmetics Cop Paula Begoun, my mind is open to new developments in skin antiaging ingredients.



Paula’s favorite phrase seems to be, “There is no published research that the same effect is achieved when ‘x’ is applied topically.” Variations of this phrase appear no less than 14 times in her review of 26 ingredients commonly used in cellulite creams.



In my opinion, the question of topical effectiveness is becoming less and less of an issue because of nanosphere technology and penetration enhancers used to deliver ingredients below the skin’s surface. As well, the new cosmeceutical peptides are small enough to penetrate the skin’s surface. Interestingly, Paula doesn’t even include peptides in her cellulite ingredient list, though many cellulite creams contain them.



I think the bigger issue today is whether topical products absorbed through the skin penetrate to other organs of the body and have unintended systemic effects. Paula mentions this risk with respect to: the oral bronchodilator, aminophylline; and guarana (paullinia cupana seed extract) and khelia which have several noxious side effects when taken orally.



Next time I’ll share my thoughts on the perfect cellulite cream.



Tags: Cosmetics Cop Paula Begoun, cellulite, peptides