11/14(화)-Cosmeceuticals Tempt Female Heart Over the Counter

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11/14(화)-

Cosmeceuticals Tempt Female Heart Over the Counter

By Han Eun-jung Staff Reporter Nutrix Royal by Lancome is a lipidenriched essence that was recently launched exclusively for South Korean women. Rejuvenating and preserving youthful skin has been the holy grail of beauty since ancient times. Two thousand years ago Cleopatra stepped into a bath of milk and the Romans used a cream composed of refined animal fat, starch and tin. However, in an age when plastic surgery and Botox are household names, women are more demanding of their beauty-enhancing products. ``I know people who have gone under the knife. I want the results, only I don't want to take such drastic measures,'' Lim Ji-hyun, a 29-year-old office worker says as she prowls the cosmetic counters at Hyundai Department Store in Seoul. After some consultation, Park is ready to go with a bottle of lipid-enriched essence. It is women like Park, consumers in search of non-invasive alternatives to cosmetic surgical procedures, that beauty brands are after when they market ``cosmeceuticals.’’ ``Cosmeceutical,’’ a portmanteau of the words ``cosmetic'' and ``pharmaceutical,'' refers to over-the-counter products that promise dramatic results with vitamin, protein, collagen or retinol components. These non-surgical anti-aging products also have other names, such as functional cosmetics or performance cosmetics. Promaxyl Intensive Deep Wrinkle Cream’s protein polypeptide compound helps reduce and improve the appearance of wrinkles without painful injections, peels or surgery. Cosmeceuticals claim to work on the dermis, the layer of skin between the epidermis and the hypodermis. The blood vessels of the dermis nourish the skin, and proteins called elastin and collagen keep the skin firm. However, our levels of these substances drop as we age, giving many people reason to turn to cosmetic procedures and now the more affordable alternative _ cosmeceuticals. It is the world’s fastest growing sector of the health and beauty aids business. According to a 2005 report issued by the Freedonia Group, a U.S. research firm, the market will grow to be worth $5.1 billion by next year. While the size of the cosmeceutical market has not yet been measured, the number of products on the market today is an indicator of its potential. Estee Lauder DayWear Plus is a protective moisturizer with an anti-oxidant system that helps delay appearance of aging signs. Cosmeceuticals can be divided into four categories _ moisturizers, retinoids, hydroxy acids and antioxidants. Moisturizers contain lipids like cholesterol and fatty acids. These act on keratinocyte, leaving the skin’s top layer softer and less vulnerable of sun damage. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and, as antioxidants, protect cells from oxidative damage, help reduce wrinkles and bleach dark spots. Hydroxy acids are more commonly known as fruit acids. These acids help the shedding of old cells. However, there is a drawback _ they raise the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. Antioxidants refer to the natural and synthetic vitamins and enzymes that aid cells fight harmful pro-oxidants. High-end brands like Lancome, Estee Lauder, Chanel and local Amore Pacific are continuing to put out cosmeceuticals, while labels like domestic TheFaceShop and Missha are delivering a slew of products at more affordable prices. Lancome’s Nutrix Royal, the essence that Lim purchased, is a product that was recently launched especially for South Korean women. Doctor brands, skincare lines launched by dermatologists, are growing in number. In the U.S. there are products Neutrogena Skin Cleaning Spot Control with salicylic acid treats dark pigmented spots. created by Fredric Brandt (or Dr. Brandt as he is better known to consumers) and in Seoul retailers carry LJH Cosmetics, a line of functional beauty products created by LJH Clinics, a nationwide chain of dermatological practices. While the cosmetic industry uses the term ``cosmeceutical’’ regularly, the Korean Food & Drug Administration has yet to recognize the segment, making it difficult for outside researchers to test the effects of the products. In other words, the degree or duration of effects has yet to be proven by anyone other than in-house researchers. Therefore, there is still a buyer beware element to purchasing cosmeceuticals. ejh09@koreatimes.co.kr       10-22     <Q> 1. How often do you buy cosmetic product? 2. how much do you spend when tou buy cosmetic product? 3. which cosmetic brand do you like? 4. which funtion of comestic product are you interestied in? 5. Are You satisefy with your funtional cosmetic products? 6. Do you think their price is reasonable?