Cosmetic Composition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cosmetic Composition - Essay Example A brief introduction of some of the frequently used chemicals is given below and their effects on the skin are also discussed. Tretinoin also commonly known as Retin-A is a chemical derived form vitamins and is usually used for the treatment of acne. Later it was discovered that it can also be used for the elimination of small wrinkles. After this discovery, cosmetic companies ritually started including vitamin A in their cosmetics claiming it to be highly beneficial, others disagreed and stated that Retin A actually irritates and puffs up the skin which gives it a smooth wrinkle free look. Secondly fruit acids generally popular as Alpha Hyroxy Acids (AHA) claimed to gently remove the dead skin cells revealing softer and smoother inner layer. Later on studies revealed that AHA’s should not be used very frequently since they can serve to be drugs rather than cosmetic and it was also prohibited since it is very frequently used by non trained beauticians which can bring about ver y serious damages to the skin. The very popularly used exfoliants can also be very damaging and hazardous to the skin since they serve to remove the dead and mature skin cells revealing and exposing the premature skin cells to dust and ultraviolet rays. In the absence of the adult skin cells, the premature ones have a tendency to age and dry out rapidly. (Leslie, 100) Use of Masks and Serums and its Impact on the Beauty Industry The basic concerns of individuals, as far as skin is concerned is aging spots and areas affected by the ultraviolet rays. Skin specialists have been focusing their concentration on these problems so that they can be easily tackled and taken care of. The extract of Magnolia Sieboldii is used to address the problem of photoaging and also for the prevention of wrinkles. Its extract has the ability to protect the skin cells from the sun rays and ensures minimum skin damage by suppressing the damage of the skin cells and DNA. It also contains within itself the pr operty of reducing the wrinkles that appear on the skin with time, it does so by providing growth to the synthesis of collagen simultaneously retarding the growth of collagenases. Hence it is widely used in sunblocks, and also in anti ageing masks and serums. Other natural active ingredients used in cosmetics are alcohol, aloe vera, amino acids, avocado oil, beeswax, cucumber extract etc. Their useful affects on skin cells and body are as discussed. Alcohol is used in a lot of cosmetics for the purpose of skin firming and disinfecting it. Aloe vera is considered to be very effective in treating damaged and dry skin, providing it moisture and a soothing effect. It regenerates the dead and mature skin cells. Beeswax is simply the wax produced by the bees and is known to be effective for the protection and moisture locking in the cells. Avocado is a multipurpose fruit which is used for eating as well as in the cosmetic industry. Its extracts are immediately absorbed by the skin making it supple without a fatty appearance to it. It maintains and revitalizes the working of the lipid barrier making lamellar coverings which give the skin a unitone complexion along with flexibility. (Valerie, 219) Benefits of Cosmetic Composition Cosmetics may have hazardous effects on the skin but if used wisely and in the right proportion can make the skin