The quality and effectiveness of cosmetics determine its composition. The chemical composition of cosmetic products plays a major role, because it is thanks to it that creams, lotions, balms and masks acquire and retain their properties. They become moisturizing, nourishing, effective against wrinkles or acne only because of the special components contained in the composition. Always pay attention to them, choosing for yourself a particular cosmetic.
Sometimes, buying cosmetics, we trust only advertising. We do not delve into the essence of what is stated on the package, and then lament that they did not get the desired effect. But you always need to carefully read information about the ingredients contained in cosmetics. Some of them can be found in most cosmetics, while others can only be found in separate series. There is also such a thing as the fashion for certain substances - this is also worth considering. Now let's try to understand the variety of components used in cosmetics.
"Carriers" of nutrients
These are the so-called liposomes and lipids. In the early 60-ies English biologist Alek Bankham found that some lipids (fatty substances) in the contact with water take the form of bubbles - small transparent balls. Their walls create a double layer, identical to the cell membrane, containing a small amount of aqueous solution. Through such a wall, substances pass faster, stay in cells and are easily digested. Thus, a kind of conductor of nutrients to tissues is created.
Liposomes are used in cosmetics because they carry active ingredients in the epidermis and promote their spread. They are well combined with the surface layer of the skin (ie the stratum corneum), strengthening it and restoring its compactness. With liposomes, active substances can be introduced into the epidermis, such as vitamins, proteins, moisturizing components. Their use allows direct delivery of water and fatty substances to the stratum corneum, which in turn affects the regulation of water and fat in the skin itself. Liposomes are mainly used in creams to care for dry, wrinkle-prone skin.
"Building cement" for skin cells
These ceramides are also fatty substances, akin to those of which all our organs and tissues are composed. Along with fatty acids and cholesterol, this is the so-called form of intercellular cement, which is a hydro-lipid barrier of the epidermis. Ceramides help regulate percutaneous penetration of nutritional and active substances of various cosmetics, and also support intercellular cohesion.
As a result of the natural process of aging, fatigue or illness, our body (skin and hair) loses ceramides. The epidermis, in which there are no ceramides, becomes thinner, the elasticity is lost, the processes of cell regeneration are disrupted. As a result, the skin ages faster, wrinkles appear. Suffer from the lack of ceramides and hair - become brittle, thin, begin to drop hard.
In its chemical composition, cosmetic products often contain ceramides, especially hair care products and anti-wrinkle creams. Ceramides easily penetrate the structure of the skin, protecting it from the effects of unfavorable external factors and preventing it from drying out and wrinkling. They are used in preparations for the care of sensitive skin, since they act gently, without irritating the surface of tissues and without causing allergies. Ceramides are also widely used in shampoos and hair conditioners.
Youth elixir
So experts call a unique substance - coenzyme Q-10, which is available in every living cell in our body. It provides cells with energy, affects the acceleration of cellular metabolism, improves oxygenation of tissues, regenerates the skin, neutralizes free radicals. The highest concentration of coenzyme in the liver, kidneys and heart. By the age of 25, the body produces coenzyme in sufficient quantities, but over the years its productivity declines. Cells begin to age and gradually die off. With a lack of coenzyme, new cells can not simply form - as the process of tissue regeneration is disrupted and the body ages faster.
The use of cosmetic products containing Q-10 has a very positive effect on the skin. Its application helps to achieve the disappearance of fine lines and fine wrinkles, contributes to increased hydration and elasticity of the skin. There is hyperpigmentation (skin color improves), skin elasticity increases, the skin acquires a youthful appearance. Coenzyme Q-10 in the chemical composition of cosmetics is a guaranteed improvement in the condition of your skin.
Extracts of plants
They have won great popularity in cosmetics. Algae are especially often used. This is a group of plants capable of quickly building a system of single or multicellular organisms. They do not have roots, leaves and stems. They consist of amino acids, proteins, lipids, vitamins (A, B and C, E) and trace elements (calcium, iodine, cobalt, zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, bromine, iron).
Algae can be found in the seas and oceans, in fresh water (rivers, lakes), in the icy waters of the Arctic, in hot springs. They "live" in the coastal areas of the oceans, they can swim on the surface of the water, they are even included in the plankton. Algae is used in medicine, in dietetics, in some countries (for example, in Japan) they are used for food. They are also used in cosmetics - mostly seaweed.
In the chemical composition of cosmetic products, it is possible to find various components taken from algae such as protein, carrageenan, alginates (salts of alginic acid), agar (used as a thickener in cosmetics), sugar alcohols - sorbitol and mannitol. Algae is used in cosmetics in the form of powder (dried), and extracts are available as a gel or liquid.
The beneficial effect of algae on the skin and hair, the effect is associated with their nutrition and hydration. Extracts of algae improve the circulation of blood, restore the natural pH, regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. Algae is used in preparations for the prevention and treatment of cellulite, stretch marks, acne. Dry algae is used in beauty salons for compresses, wraps, regenerating baths. They are also found in soap and hair care masks. Extracts of algae are used in shampoos and hair conditioners (they have a regenerating effect), in creams and shaving lotions (to protect against skin irritation). They are used in cosmetics for the care of oily skin, acne prone skin (creams, lotions), for massage, as part of the care of the breast and decollete, in bath products. Algae also act positively on dry skin, slowing down the aging process in it.
Vitamin C in the lead role
Ascorbic acid or vitamin C has a refreshing effect on the skin - smoothes, improves its color, slows down the aging process, restores collagen fibers. In a series of cosmetics for all skin types, vitamin C is always present. It is part of lotions, tonics, refreshing milk 2 in 1 (for all skin types), moisturizing creams and gels.
Vitamin C is characterized by its high degree of digestibility, mild action, absence of side effects and contraindications. It is indicated for use even in children's cosmetics.
Cosmetics for weight loss
Cosmetics for weight loss and figure modeling should be used systematically to get the result of reducing body fat and preventing cellulite and moisturizing the skin. It can also be used for skin with dilated capillaries. Such cosmetics is divided into two types: XL - for people with excess weight and XXL - for people who are obese. We often do not pay much attention to this. But the composition of these funds is radically different and, if not properly used, they can harm the body. Thanks to active substances, these agents accelerate fat metabolism. In overdose or prolonged use, they can even disrupt the metabolism and lead to irreversible effects. Always need to use caution with such cosmetics.