If high performance anti-ageing skincare is a priority and you’re looking for real results, you need to understand the difference between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals – and why nor sken’s bioactive skincare has the capacity to change the way skin ages.
What is the difference between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals?
A cosmeceutical is a hybrid between a cosmetic and a pharmaceutical: as a topical product, it offers the benefits of both improving the appearance of the skin, while delivering therapeutic benefits.
To be considered a cosmeceutical, it is crucial that the product penetrate the outer layer of the skin and act deep within the layer of skin known as the dermis – this is where the skin’s structural and repair mechanisms exist and do their work. The largest component of the dermis is the extracellular matrix (ECM), the network of cells that generate your skin’s properties, from its structure to its appearance and capacity to heal itself. Elastin, collagen and fibronectin are proteins that exist within the ECM, and are crucial elements in creating the resilience, plumpness and structure behind the youthful appearance of skin.
If a face cream or skincare product only works on the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, any effects are temporary and – well – just 'cosmetic'.
Equally, the product must not penetrate deeper than the dermis, into the underlying layer called the subcutis or hypodermis. This deeper layer contains subcutaneous fat and blood vessels and connects the skin to the muscles and tissue below it.
Of course, cosmetics can greatly improve the appearance of the skin – smoothing and brightening the complexion. But this effect disappears the moment the cosmetic is washed off.
To illustrate the difference, Lars Brittsjo, co-founder of nor sken, offers this analogy: "Cosmetics simply paint the surface to cover up imperfections; cosmeceuticals repair the wall."
Cosmetics simply paint the surface to cover up imperfections; cosmeceuticals repair the wall.
The secret to bioactive skincare
Cosmeceuticals are also described as ‘bioactive’ – these are formulations that are clinically proven to deliver a restorative or therapeutic effect, such as lowering inflammation or working with the skin’s healing mechanisms.
When it comes to high-performance, anti-ageing products, skincare enthusiasts with a particular goal of maintaining a youthful complexion often ask how to stimulate collagen production in skin.
To achieve real and lasting results, nor sken skincare works at a cellular level to impact how skin ages – and effectively reverse ageing. Its exclusive formula of bioactive ingredients triggers the skin to produce collagen in synergy with elastin and fibronectin – the building blocks that alter the very structure of the skin.
Skincare that works
Globally, cosmetics can still go to market unregulated and without deep scientific and clinical research. As cosmeceuticals affect the way the skin works, they must be rigorously tested and undergo clinical trials.
From treating skin redness to lightening pigmentation and reducing redness, the clinical results for nor sken restore crt facial cream have been impressive. Its breakthrough formula is the result of long-term scientific research and trials in Sweden and Singapore, following Good Clinical Practice guidelines considered the global gold standard to guarantee both its efficacy and safety.
An international authority in the field of dermatology and a specialist in clinical trials, Prof Jan Faegermann of the University of Gothenburg played a key role in the research and development behind nor sken skincare. As scientific advisor, he believes its signature product – nor sken restore crt facial cream – is a “genuine global breakthrough” in the field of anti-ageing cosmeceuticals.
"The innovative Cellular Rejuvenation Technology that delivers nor sken’s exclusive formula works within the deeper cellular levels of the dermis," explains Prof Faegarmann.
"It stimulates the production of elastin, collagen and fibronectin to rebuild and rejuvenate the skin from within – as a result, mature skin is capable of renewing itself in the way younger skin does."
"Over my many years as a clinical dermatologist, I have encountered many products making extravagant and even exaggerated claims, based often on very thin and questionable evidence. This stands out as something completely different – it is a true cosmeceutical, founded on rigorous clinical science and trials – that lives up to its very significant claims."
