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What are Regular Cosmetics and What is Their Purpose?
When you think of cosmetics, you usually think of products that aim to improve your external appearance immediately. These are regular cosmetics, which include a wide range of products such as makeup (foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick), basic skincare products (daily moisturizer, gentle facial cleanser), and hair and body care products. Their main purpose is to provide basic hydration, cleanse the skin, improve aesthetics, and provide a pleasant feeling. These products mainly act on the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, and are intended for daily use as part of your basic skincare routine. They help maintain hygiene and overall aesthetic appearance, but usually do not contain high concentrations of active ingredients designed to treat specific skin problems in depth.
What Makes Regular Cosmetics Unique?
Regular cosmetics are distinguished by several key aspects. First, their composition usually includes lower concentrations of active ingredients compared to products intended for specific treatment. The emphasis is often on aesthetics and sensory experience – the scent, pleasant texture, and attractive packaging.
Secondly, their mechanism of action focuses mainly on acting on the surface of the skin. They provide moisture to the outer layer (the epidermis), cleanse, smooth, and improve the immediate appearance. They are not intended to penetrate deeper layers of the skin or affect significant cellular processes.
A prominent advantage of regular cosmetics is their wide availability. You can easily find them in pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores, and dedicated cosmetics stores. This accessibility makes them an integral part of the daily skincare routine of many of you.
In terms of regulation, the supervision of regular cosmetics tends to be less stringent compared to paramedical products or drugs. The requirements mainly focus on the safety of using the product, and not on proving specific therapeutic efficacy in depth.
Their main purpose, as mentioned, is daily maintenance of the skin and hair, improving aesthetic appearance, and treating minor problems such as superficial dryness. They are not intended to treat complex, chronic, or persistent skin conditions that require deeper intervention. Their use is pleasant and simple, and they form the basis for a proper skincare routine.
What is Paramedical Cosmetics and Who is it For?
[Paramedical cosmetics](#קוסמטיקה פרא-רפואית) is a unique category in the world of skincare, bridging the gap between the traditional world of cosmetics and the world of medicine. These products are not drugs, but they contain higher concentrations of active ingredients with a proven effect on the skin, compared to regular cosmetics.
The uniqueness of paramedical cosmetics lies in its composition of ingredients. It makes extensive use of active ingredients with significant therapeutic potential, such as retinoids (derivatives of vitamin A known for their ability to renew cells and treat wrinkles and acne), alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA/BHA) that help with gentle peeling and skin renewal, peptides that contribute to firming and elasticity, strong antioxidants (such as vitamin C and E) that protect against environmental damage, and additional vitamins and hyaluronic acid in high concentrations that provide deep hydration and contribute to a full and radiant skin appearance.
The mechanism of action of paramedical products is designed to allow penetration into deeper layers of the skin – not only to the epidermis, but also to the dermis, where many cellular processes occur that affect skin health and appearance in the long term. This penetration allows the active ingredients to act more effectively on various skin problems.
Who is paramedical cosmetics for? It is intended for those of you who are interested in focused and effective treatment of specific skin problems, such as:
- Skin aging: Treatment of wrinkles and fine lines, skin laxity, loss of elasticity and firmness.
- Hyperpigmentation: Treatment of sun spots, age spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH), and melasma.
- Acne and problematic skin: Treatment of pimples, comedones, oily skin, and acne scars.
- Rosacea and redness: Helping to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
- Extreme dryness: Providing deep hydration and restoring the skin’s protective barrier.
- Scars: Improving the appearance of various scars.
It is important to note that many paramedical cosmetics are backed by clinical studies and efficacy tests that prove their effect. Due to the high concentration of active ingredients and their potential effect on the skin, it is usually recommended to purchase them on the recommendation of a skincare professional – a paramedical aesthetician or a dermatologist. These professionals can diagnose your skin condition and recommend the most suitable products for your specific needs, taking into account possible sensitivities and correct usage instructions. Often, these products are sold in specialized clinics.
What are the Main Differences Between Regular and Paramedical Cosmetics?
To make things clear for you, we will present the main differences between regular cosmetics and paramedical products, which will help you better understand which type of product to turn to according to your needs:
Concentration of active ingredients: This is perhaps the most significant difference. While regular cosmetics usually contain low concentrations of active ingredients that are mainly intended for general maintenance, paramedical products are characterized by significantly higher concentrations of ingredients with a proven effect on the skin.
Depth of penetration: Regular cosmetics mainly act on the outer epidermal layer. In contrast, paramedical products are specifically designed to penetrate deeper layers of the skin (the dermis), in order to affect cellular processes and bring about long-term structural changes in the skin.
Focused action: Regular cosmetics provide general treatment and are intended to improve daily appearance and feeling. Paramedical products, on the other hand, are intended to treat specific skin problems in a focused manner, and often in situations that require more in-depth attention than superficial care.
Scientific backing and claims: Paramedical products often have more research backing that proves their effectiveness in treating specific problems. They can make stronger claims about their therapeutic effect, of course within the framework of the regulations applicable to cosmetics.
Cost: Due to the quality of the ingredients, their high concentration, and the research invested in their development, paramedical products are usually more expensive than regular cosmetics.
Points of sale and recommendation: While regular cosmetics are widely available, paramedical products are often sold through skincare professionals (aestheticians, dermatologists), who provide advice and guidance for proper use.
How to Choose Between Regular and Paramedical Cosmetics for Skincare?
The choice between regular and paramedical cosmetics depends first and foremost on the specific needs of your skin and the treatment goals you set for yourself. If you are interested in daily maintenance, general improvement of skin appearance, and providing basic hydration, regular cosmetics can certainly be suitable. They are accessible, pleasant to use, and provide a response to basic needs.
However, if you are dealing with more significant skin problems such as persistent acne, prominent pigmentation, noticeable signs of aging, or extreme dryness, paramedical products may be more effective for you. In these cases, it is highly recommended to consult with a professional – a paramedical aesthetician or a dermatologist. They will be able to accurately diagnose your skin condition and recommend the most suitable solutions, while personally tailoring the skincare routine and the right products. Remember that you can also combine the two types of products in your skincare routine, according to the recommendations of experts.
